The top of the table clash between Shottery A and B proved to be an anti-climax as the senior side inflicted a heavy defeat upon their colleagues. B's captain Tim Fell tried every trick in the book to gain the upper hand but to little avail. However he did have the consolation of notching his team's solitary success by imposing only the second defeat of the season upon Graham Poole. Dave Milton took an early lead before his opponent Stephen Foster got into his stride as he went on to record a treble. Gary Stewart was also untroubled for the league leaders winning his three singles without the loss of a game. Fell's ploy of calling the doubles before the break initially looked as if it might bring some reward, but the Foster - Stewart combination then raised their performance to claim the match and ensure a 9 - 1 final scoreline. Shottery A now look firm favourites to retain their title, thereby leaving only the runners-up spot to be seriously contested.


It also finished 9 - 1 after another meeting of A and B teams as Henley's seniors were entertained by their second string. Stuart Ayres and Geoff Shephard both gained maximums, as well as overturning an opening setback to claim the doubles. Peter Quince and Robert McCluskey, both of whom were suffering from flu, fought out the only match to go the distance which McCluskey claimed 11 - 9 to ensure the whitewash was avoided.
It was honours even after a fiercely contested encounter between Royal Mail and West Warwicks. The in-form Nello Mauri finished with a treble for the Postmen, although he was taken to the wire by opposing captain Andy Rowland. In what was the highlight of the evening Rowland fought back from 10 - 6 down to claim their fourth game. At 9 -9 in the fifth Mauri unleashed a couple of vicious forehand shots to ensure victory. In the only other match to be settled in the decider Malcolm Heritage, despite gaining only a single point in the first game, emerged victorious over Alison Stewart but he was subsequently unable to get the better of Peter Rodwell. However Wilf Chan did manage to overcome Rodwell, although he lost out to both Rowland and Stewart who also paired up to secure the doubles.


Ashorne booked the last semi-final place in the knockout cup after defeating Shottery C. John Hunt led the way gaining 70 of the 115 points with which his team finished ahead before this was reduced to 96 after application of the handicap adjustments. He was well supported by George Mudie and Mark Kingham, and they will now take on Shottery B for a place in the final where they will meet either Henley A or Royal Mail.

Last Updated:
Share This Page