CROOK’S TITLE HOPES TAKE A DENTING
Mid table Dent A produced a major shock in Division 2 of the Kendal and District League, when they held leaders Crook B to an epic 5-5 draw.
Dent came into the tie having only won one of their last six games, yet despite this started off the better of the two sides after racing into a 3-1 lead. Brian Tigg fought back valiantly for Crook, defeating Eddie Smith and Steve Hawley to bring Crook back within one point at 3-2. Dent went further ahead when Pete and Steve Hawley completed two victories apiece, adding to Smith’s three set demolition of Paul Metsers. Crook however were not to be outdone and demonstrated their table topping credentials as Cousins beat Pete Hawley and Smith in four sets, adding to a win in the doubles, to scrape a 5-5 draw.
Burton C remained in third place despite a 6-4 defeat at the hands of Kirkby Stephen B. Kirkby raced into a 3-1 advantage, only for Tony March to haul Burton back to 3-2 with victories over Gerry Baines and Chris Horn. Despite James Burton and March’s 11-9 and 11-4 victories both in five set thrillers against Horn and Eric Robinson respectively, Kirkby snatched their third win of the season when Robinson and Baines completed two wins apiece.
Natland D are only one point away from a promotion place in fourth position, as they scored a 7-3 triumph against Grayrigg A. Natland’s trio of Mick Taylor, Richard San Jose and Liam Hogan each won two matches apiece to seal a comprehensive victory. The man of the match award was reserved for Jon Cooper, who netted all three wins, including an exhausting 11-13, 11-6, 11-6, 11-13, 11-6 success against an unfortunate Taylor.
At the opposite end of the table, Dallam C moved themselves further away from the relegation zone with a narrow 6-4 triumph against fellow strugglers Dent B. Sam Horrocks earned a hat-trick of wins, with each of his games going the full distance. Team mate Paul Capstick-Newell provided a further two points for the Milnthorpe side with four and three set victories respectively against Ross Sedgwick and Ben Smith. The defeat leaves Dent B in tenth place, six points from safety.
Burton A and Natland B played out an epic 5-5 draw in Division 1, lifting Natland up to third in the table. Luke Biggins got Natland off to a flyer with a pulsating 11-7 victory in the fifth set against Julie Stitch. Biggins and Roger Pimblett helped Natland edge in front to 3-1 following their victories against Martin Wakelin. Burton responded in determined fashion as Stitch defeated Pickthall, with Wakelin also getting in on the act with a nerve-wracking 11-9 victory in the fifth set against Pickthall. Although Pimblett edged out Stitch 11-9 in a tense final set showdown, Burton clawed their way back for a draw when Chris Knowles beat Biggins in straight sets and then teamed up with Stitch to take a win in the doubles 11-9, 11-8, 11-6.
Natland A scored their third win from five games, as they swept aside Dallam A 7-3. Luke Biggins and Harry Carter proved too good for their opponents, both winning their three matches. Dallam’s points came courtesy of Craig James and Paul Gosling’s four and five set victories respectively against Mark Ashburn.
Natland E head the Division 3 table by 19 points following a 30-0 whitewash over Dallam F. Natland’s Gavin Lowe, Rinaldo Colombi and Anthea Bevan cruised through the tie with ease, making it five wins from six games for the table toppers. Crook C lie in second place after demolishing Grayrigg B 30-3, while Burton E remain in third position and hold a game in hand over their rivals.
