IBIS SITTING PRETTY AT TABLE SUMMIIT

Defending champions Ibis have stormed into a massive 21-point lead at the top of Division 1 in the Kendal and District League, with main rivals Glaxo A lying in third having only played four matches.

The table topping Kendal side built this lead courtesy of recent 9-1 and 10-0 drubbings of Crook A and Dallam A respectively. Ibis’s Steve Dixon and James McGrath were unbeaten in both matches. Mike Taylor scored a solitary point in Ibis’s game against Crook, earning an impressive 11-8 victory in the fourth set against Nicholson. The defeat leaves Crook in eighth place, while Dallam look in all kinds of trouble, lying two points above the relegation zone.

Natland A rose to second in the table following an impressive 7-3 success against Crook A. Harry Carter was the man of the match, winning all three matches, which added to Mark Ashburn’s victories against Chris Knowles and Martin Wakelin and John Fearon’s three set success also against Wakelin. Burton’s point came courtesy of Stitch’s two wins, including a fabulous 11-9 win in the fourth set against Fearon. Knowles also got in on the act for Burton, disposing of Fearon 11-9 in an exhausting final set showdown. The defeat leaves Burton in sixth place.

Division 3 is being dominated by two teams: Natland E and Crook C. Burton E caused the major upset this week by beating leaders Natland E 25-12. Brian Gourlay was impressive winning a hat-trick of wins, though he was ably supported by team mates Mark Stitch and Aidan Branch who won two matches apiece. Natland’s points came from Anthea Bevan and Tim Marris’s victories against Stitch and Branch respectively.

Crook C are yet to be beaten and recorded their seventh win in as many games by dispatching Natland F 21-13. Natland battled valiantly, although Crook’s quality shone through, as Ben Metsers scored a hat-trick of routine victories. Ben was supported by two wins from Paul Metsers, who was unfortunate not to come away with three wins, as he was defeated by Glen Allen 11-7 in a dramatic final set showdown.

Dallam E scraped past their F team 19-16, making it their first win of the season. James Neal impressed with three wins for Dallam, while Nina Duxbury chipped in with two victories.