Just the two matches were played last Thursday... the Bradford Deaf v Princeville match was postponed, due to a number of players being unavailable. We have known about this problem for sometime and so James Butcher and I have been working on re-arrangements to get the match completed as soon as possible. I have been advised that two legs from the match are being played this evening (Tuesday). The other two will be played soon.

The top two teams were both in action though on Thursday... Leaders St Andrews B were at Congs A and second placed Congs B were at St Andrews A. With Littlemoor taking their turn to sit out, I went along to School Street, by which time St Andrews B were already 1 up. Dave Smith had beaten Richard Bowes 156-132. On my arrival Dave Hirst and St Andrews' John Bedford were about half way through. John was about 40 or more in front and looked like being a comfortable winner. However, Dave fought back very well as the time ticked away... but fortunately for John, he just hung on to win 185-182. Congs Phil Hirst then took on Steve Boocock. It was Steve who dominated in this one, taking full advantage of some good running, plus showing why he has been close to the top of the Players Table for most of the season. A comfortable 200-152 to Steve was the result in that one. So, with John Hirst to play, Congs A were facing at a whitewash. John's opponent was Steve Clark, who has done well so far this season, getting himself in the top 10 of the Players Table. John fought hard though and despite Clarky speeding round the table as usual, John held his nerve to secure a point for Congs A with a 200-170 win. St Andrews B would surely have settled for the 5-1 win though, if offered it before the match.

At St Andrews, their A team faced Congs B, who are contesting hard for the title with St Andrews B. I still don't have the official scoresheet from that one, but thanks to Mick Hirst, I now have a copy of individual scores. It shows that St Andrews Neil Lee had a close one with Roy Denson, who won 188-180.Trevor Smith made it 2 points for Congs B defeating Graham Pearson 175-161. Sid Ash made it three for the visitors with a 42 point win over Nigel Brayshaw (200-148). John Rider though slightly bettered that for St Andrews A with a 200-145 win over Colin Nelthorpe. St Andrews A had a 37 point lead from their corresponding match in October, and so John's big win over Colin ensured the bonus point stayed with the home team. 4-2 to Congs B looks a good result for the visitors.

So, that leaves St Andrews B now three and a half points clear at the top, with Congs B their nearest pursuers and the remaining five trailing by 11 points and more... As we are approach the half-way point, it's now looking like a 2 horse race... Can anyone make a serious challenge to the top two?

This Thursday, will see the them face each other at St Andrews... Could it be the defining match of the season? St Andrews B won their previous encounter at the end of October, but have only a slender 15 point lead for the bonus point. Littlemoor travel to Princeville and St Andrews A will be visiting Pudsey Congs A.

If you're reading this on Wednesday, and will be at a loose end this tea-time, why not call to Wetherspoons in Pudsey? There'll be a good few of us there for our pre-Christmas get-together from 4pm. There'll be plenty of the usual banter over a few drinks and possibly some grub from the bar,

In a busy week for a lot of us, the next League Meeting will also be at St Andrews on Friday the 19th December 2025 with a 7:30pm start.

By Dave Howarth

League Secretary