There were three convincing wins to begin the second quarter of matches this week. The most decisive win was the first 6-0 of the season and was inflicted by Pudsey Congs B over their hosts, Princeville. Mick Hirst's Rochdale contingent (this week) were, the ever present Sid Ash, Roy Denson and making just his second appearance, Paul Holt. Mick had a 15 point win, Roy won by 13 and Sid won by just 4. However, in what was probably the game of the evening, Paul Holt made four breaks of 33, 29, 23 and 31 to give him an excellent 27 point win over Graham Bentley who also knocked in a 20  in response. The 33 by Paul gets him onto the highest breaks page in category two. Gareth Kershaw's latest Facebook comment, concerning Princeville's exploits, reads "The march is off!" 

At Pudsey Congs, which is undoubtedly Richard Bowes's favourite venue/table, Pudsey Congs A showed they have no intention of finishing bottom, with a 5-1 hammering of the Deaf Centre. The reason I mention Richard is that he was "at it" again, with three breaks of 50, 70 and a massive 125. The 70 would have beaten his previous best this season which was a 62 last week; but that pales into insignificance after this week's efforts, Receiving congratulatory comments on the Facebook page, Richard's response was quite simply... "Finally found some form and focus, all done in 35 minutes". His long suffering opponent. Jeremy Dixon, at a guess, maybe only had five or six visits to score his 32 (including his 5 handicap). Congs A's other winners were Phil Hirst and John Hirst. Ian Ford saved Bradford Deaf's blushes, getting them a much needed point. The 5-1 win did indeed lift Congs A up to sixth. 

At St Andrews, their B team inflicted the other convincing win of the night with a 5-1 win over Littlemoor. Dave Smith was always able to maintain his handicap advantage over John Allan. Some good fortune close to the end ensured a 186-146 win. Graham Tudor was last week's Players Table topper, but he was knocked off that particular perch by St Andrews B's John Bedford, who beat him 171-159. I then managed to pull one back for Littlemoor, with a hard fought win over Steve Clark 196-186 after Steve was leading by over 40 at one stage. Skipper, Steve Boocock then sealed the win for the home team, beating Ralph Allan 196-179. That 5-1 win for St Andrews B puts them top by 2 points. 

There were two Individual's matches at St Andrews this week. Graham Pearson is a big improver this season and is one of the reasons St Andrews A are doing so well. He sent a clear message to the rest of the league, when knocking out last season's winner, Dave Hirst, with a thumping 200-157 win. Dave's twin brother, John then had a much closer 200-199 nail biting victory over John Rider.

This coming week will see St Andrews A back in action at home to Princeville. Littlemoor will be visiting resurgent Congs A and leaders St Andrews B will visit Bradford Deaf. Congs B will be having a week off.

Please see the Individual Merit and Pairs page and make efforts to arrange play dates for your outstanding matches in those competitions.

By Dave Howarth

League Secretary