DENT SNATCH GLORY IN KO CUP

The curtain came down on the 2011/2012 Kendal and District League season, as Dent A beat Natland E 6-2 in the final of the Knockout Cup at Burton Memorial Hall.

Steve Hawley got Dent off to a flying start, edging the opening encounter against Glen Allen 11-5 in a dramatic five set triumph. Pete Hawley doubled Dent’s advantage to 2-0, sweeping aside Edward Pickthall 13-10, 2-13, 13-9, 14-12. Things got even worse for Natland when Steve Hawley and Ross Sedgwick eclipsed George and Edward Pickthall in straight sets, setting up a 4-0 scoreline.

In the second period, Natland looked to be finally getting a foothold in the match after Allen defeated Sedgwick in four sets, in addition to Pete Hawley’s 12-10, 8-11, 11-8, 11-2 victory against George Pickthall. With the scoreline at 4-2, leaders Dent went further in front and effectively sealed the victory when Sedgwick netted an 11-6, 11- 7, 11-8 triumph over Edward Pickthall. Steve Hawley capped a marvellous display and ensured Dent were crowned Knock Out cup champions as he beat George Pickthall in the final encounter of the night 11-6, 11-5, 12-10.

Kirkby Stephen A were promoted to Division 1 after snatching second place in Division 2 in a nail-biting finish to the season. Coming into their final league match with Dallam D, Kirkby required a 7-3 victory or better to ensure promotion to the top flight and that’s just what they got.

The Eden Valley side flew out of the starting blocks, snatching a gaping 5-0 advantage, courtesy of Dave White and Peter George’s two victories. Mick Jackson was determined to spoil Kirkby’s promotion party, as he defeated Tom Walton in straight sets, then beat White 11-7 in a narrow five setter. Kirkby, helped by George’s three wins and White’s brace, set up a breathtaking finish. Going into the doubles and the last action of the night, Kirkby Stephen only needed one more point for a promotion place. After going down 2-1 in sets, White and George fought back gallantly in the next set to triumph 12-10 and then unbelievably snatched the 7-3 win and promotion with a last gasp 11-9 success in the dramatic fifth set.