IBIS ON THE EDGE OF GLORY
Ibis have almost certainly wrapped up the Division 1 title in the Kendal and District League, after a tense 5-5 stalemate against second placed rivals Glaxo A has seen them go five points clear at the top of the table with only one match to play.
Glaxo came into the match knowing only a heavy victory against their table topping rivals would be good enough, which in the end proved a bridge too far.
Glaxo started off the brighter of the two sides, as Gareth Brunton and Callum Dymond’s four set victories against Trevor Nicholson, in addition to Dymond’s impressive straight sets demolition of McGrath, edged Glaxo into a 3-2 lead. Ibis had Steve Dixon once again to thank for keeping them in the tie, as he netted all three victories with relative ease. Glaxo made a mini comeback at the end, when Keith Dymond and Brunton defeated McGrath and Nicholson respectively, but the 5-4 lead soon transformed into a final 5-5 result, following Dixon and McGrath’s triumph in the doubles. Glaxo now need to win their final match by six points more than Ibis to defend their title.
Burton A confirmed a fourth placed finish behind third placed Natland A, after sweeping aside their C team 10-0 in their final match of the season. The A team’s Ian Brotherton, Julie Stitch and Martin Wakelin were hardly troubled in a routine night.
In Division 2, after Dallam B won the title, Dallam C must await Kirkby Stephen’s last result of the season to see whether they are promoted in second place. The Eden Valley side currently sit in third position and require an 8-2 victory to secure second place and promotion to the top flight.
At the opposite end of the table, Dent A’s narrow 6-4 triumph against Crook C, has condemned the latter to relegation. Steve Hawley’s three wins for Dent proved crucial, while Peter Hawley also chipped in with a brace.
Grayrigg A are the other side looking favourites for the drop, as they sit rooted to the foot of the table with two games still to play.
Meanwhile, in Division 3, Dallam E were crowned champions, with Dent B in second place.
In the Knockout Cup, Natland E progressed through to the semi-finals with a 5-3 success against Crook B, while top flight club mates Natland A will play second division Grayrigg or Dent A in the last four, after sweeping aside Dallam C 5-1.
