The new team to the League, Pudsey Congs B, got off to a perfect start with a comprehensive win over Princeville. I'm unaware of the playing order, but their captain Mick Hirst had a 165-104 win over League Chairman , James Butcher. Newbie players to Congs, Roy Denson and Sid Ash had wins over Brian Haigh and Graham Bentley respectively; and to complete the rout, Colin Nelthorpe, who hasn't played for at least a couple of years, had a 200-167 win over, the equally infrequent player for Princeville, Ian Tomlinson. So, the 5-0 clean sweep makes them the early league leaders.

At Littlemoor, last season's champions, on the other hand, had a real struggle... suffering a 4-1 defeat to St Andrews B. Steve Clark, as he often does, whizzed around the table and inflicted a 200-155 over the home team's Graham Tudor. On the other table, John Bedford beat Littlemoor's John Allan (167-138). Then, Ralph Allan was ahead of St Andrews B's Dave Smith by 40 at one stage, and included a 27 break in the process. However, Dave fought back well and was just 5 behind at the 50 minute bell (189-184). In my game, I was simply never at the races, and as a result,  suffered a 200-131 trouncing by St Andrews captain, Steve Boocock. 

At Bradford Deaf Centre, it was a much closer affair. It finished 3-2 to Pudsey Congs A, who took the aggregate point by just 11 (the totals on the scoresheet have been incorrectly added!). It probably looked like The Deaf Centre could win quite comfortably after Ihjaz Hussain beat Dave Hirst 181-166 and Brian Robinson beat Phil Hirst 199-171. However, reserve player, John Rider beat Ian Ford 200-191. Richard Bowes Facebook comment reads "With John's game finished we were 18 behind, so my final visit (29 unfinished) proved vital. I had no idea at the time though, sometimes ignorance is bliss". So, Richard's 147-102 win over Jeremy Dixon won Congs A the aggregate point. The scoresheet also shows that Richard had breaks of 33, 41 and 35.

An interesting start to the season then with the new boys setting the pace... This coming week, St Andrews A start their season with an away fixture at Princeville. Littlemoor will host Congs A and St Andrews B will be at home to the Deaf Centre. Leaders Congs B have a bye... I can imagine there will be some practicing going on though...

Dave Howarth

League Secretary