St Andrews B established themselves as firm title favourites this week with their fourth successive 5-1 win. Their opponents this time around were bottom dwellers, Princeville. Good wins from Dave Smith, John Bedford and Steve Clark set them on their way to 5 more points. Princeville's only winner was seasonal debutant, Peter Turner. So, although they sit next Thursday out, they will still top the league table, even if nearest rivals Pudsey Congs B are able to take all 6 points. 

At the Deaf Centre, Pudsey Congs B kept up what pressure they could, in their quest for the title, with a 4-2 win against the hit and miss home team. Captain, Mick Hirst led the way with a 43 point win, but their other 2 winners look to have had nail-biters with Trevor Smith winning by 4 and Sid Ash by just 3. Brian Robinson's 44 point win over Roy Denson was enough to ensure that Bradford Deaf held onto the bonus point from their previous encounter last month. 

St Andrews A's strong start to the season took a slight downturn last week and the week before with a defeat and a 3-3 the week before. They brought with them a slender 8 point advantage from their corresponding match last month. Littlemoor's John Allan and Graham Tudor got the home team off to a great start... John had a close encounter with Graham Pearson, which finished 190-168 to John. Graham spent most of his game with Neil Lee in deficit (at one stage by 50). However, a very good and determined late run carried him to a 200-195 win. Dave Howarth and Gary Rogers then fought out a very tight and nervy end-game with the home man coming out on top 181-179. On the other table, the visitors Nigel Brayshaw streaked ahead of opponent Ralph Allan and was close to finishing when Ralph was a long way adrift. However, a spirited fight back brought Ralph to 165 when Nigel crept to the 200. That 35 point win not only secured the aggregate point for St Andrews B, but claimed them the bonus point as well. Although I'm biased, I think Littlemoor can consider themselves a bit unlucky to not register an overall win.

This coming Thursday, Littlemoor will be visiting second placed Congs B, St Andrews A will host Bradford Deaf and Pudsey Congs A will be on the road to Princeville. I am advised that the one outstanding Individual Merit match is in hand as is the Pairs Preliminary match between the main St Andrews A foursome. Please also note that we will be drawing the next rounds of the Individuals and Pairs at the League Meeting on Friday the 19th December at St Andrews with a 7:30pm start. 

Also, for those who are interested, our pre-Christmas get-together will be at Wetherspoons in Pudsey from 4pm on Wednesday the 17th December. All welcome.

By Dave Howarth

League Secretary