Week 6 report – 9 November 2019
The title races in both divisions could end up being tighter than in recent years. In division 1 only 11 points separate Smugglers in first place from Spin Doctors in sixth. Division 2 sees Littleham on top with 43 points from 6 games, but Paddlers have 39 from 5. In the meantime, Holsworthy B who started the season slowly are certainly in the mix now after an impressive win at Despicables.
Smugglers halted Bridgerule's charge up the table. Martin Babulik with 3 and two from Matthew Thomas saw the home team inflict the first defeat of the season on Bridgerule. Steve Cragg offered the main resistance with two good wins.
Elsewhere, father and son, Dave and Owen Salisbury, had plenty to chat about on the way home from Chulmleigh. Holsworthy A were down to two players but still came up with a fabulous 7-3 win over Chulmleigh A. Well done to them!. The other Holsworthy team in div 1 had a fairly torrid time against Misfits. The trio of Keith le Milliere, Martyn Beer and Kevin Nicholls dominated proceedings and ran out 10-0 winners, dropping only a couple of games.
Tim Strand for Balls of Fury has hit a good run of form. His three victories (along with three from Wim Faassen and a good win from Thomas Venn) propelled his team to a 7-3 win over Herons. Meanwhile, Blazing Paddles and Spin Doctors shared the points in a fine evening's entertainment. Kevin Taylor won his three, but not without being pushed, Michael Sussex picked up two wins as did Dave Morgan for the Doctors. Tim Cooke had an excellent win, and the points were shared through a Blazing Paddles doubles victory.
Dolphins have come into this season determined to improve on last year. Mike Fawcett has been in good form and notched three points against Holsworthy C. Derek Preston – not to be outdone – did the same as Dolpins ran out 8-2 winners. Ike Aviston pitched in with two wins as well.
Holsworthy B have settled in now and are pulling out some good results. None better than a 9-1 win at Despicables. Jill Knightly and Doug Genini were undefeated, while Barry Stearman chipped in with two points. Richard Nicholls won the consolation point, and had a cracking contest against Doug Genini, with little in any of the five games.
Finally, Mike Ware is proving to be a tricky customer for West Buckland, with a knack of winning the tight games. He won three of his sides four points in a close encounter with Littleham. Alan Pomeroy and Dave Stone won two each to keep Littleham top of the table.
Steve Richardson 9 Nov 2019
