CHAMPIONS KIRKBY SIGN OFF WITH 18TH STRAIGHT VICTORY


Division Two champions Kirkby Stephen A rounded off their league winning season by beating second placed rivals Crook B 6-4 in their final action of the season. Remarkably, this preserved the Eden Valley side’s one hundred percent winning record, which has seen them triumph in eighteen matches in succession.

Second placed Crook B were Kirkby’s opponents in the final encounter in division two and the underdogs got off to a flying start when Bog Bagot beat Pete George and Dave White in three sets. The division two champions then fought back as Francesca Currie and George defeated Ed Lister, while White made amends for his previous defeat by beating Tony Cousins 11-9, 11-4, 11-7. With the tie at 3-2 in Kirkby’s favour, the Eden Valley side pulled further ahead when Currie and George swept aside Cousins in straight sets. White then beat Lister to leave Kirkby 6-2 in front and certain of victory once again. Crook rallied late on as the implacable Bagot finished off Currie 0-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-7 and then won the doubles in five sets to complete a score-line of 6-4 to champions Kirkby Stephen A.

Natland D and Dallam C played out a 5-5 draw to end their seasons in fourth and fifth place respectively. Natland’s Liam Hogan was in excellent form, winning all three matches including a sensational 12-10, 11-7, 11-13, 10-12, 11-4 success against Mike Jackson. An ever-improving Rinaldo Colombi provided able support as he defeated Peter Duxbury and Stuart Allan in four sets. Dallam salvaged a draw in the doubles when Phil Hyman and Jackson teamed up to win 11-9 in a tense fifth set. 

Meanwhile, the Knock Out cup final will be played on Wednesday 23rd April at Burton Memorial Hall. Natland D were the first side to book their place in the final courtesy of their win against Burton E, although Natland must await the result of the other semi-final to determine who they will face.