CRACKING START FOR CROOK

Crook B are the early leaders in Division 2 of the Kendal and District League, as a crushing 9-1 victory at Grayrigg A made it two wins from two games for the table topping side.

Crook were hardly troubled in a routine night, although Brian Tigg was given a scare by Jon Cooper, who narrowly lost out to the Crook defensive maestro 11-5 in a pulsating final set. Grayrigg’s persistence finally paid dividends when Cooper eclipsed Ed Lister 11-5, 11-1, 11-5 to earn his side a solitary point. Colin Pratt and Tigg looked solid throughout for Crook, as both players recorded three triumphs apiece.

The only other side to maintain a one hundred percent record in Division 2 is second placed Burton D, who defeated Kirkby Stephen A 8-2. Dave White battled valiantly for Kirkby, recording straight sets victories against Shelley Rhodes and George Pickering. White was finally defeated 11-9 in the fourth set by an impressive Brian Rhodes bringing an end to the Eden Valley side’s night as Burton took the remaining points.

Dallam C gained their first win of the season, as they defeated Dent A 7-3. Dent gave a good account of themselves early on, with Dallam edging in front 3-2, thanks to Phil Hyman’s triumphs against Eddie Smith and Wayne Gardner. Steve Hawley’s two wins kept Dent in the tie; this included a tense 11-7 success in the deciding set against the experienced Norman Philbey. However, the Milnthorpe side were too strong for Dent, as Phil Hyman secured three victories, adding to Philbey’s brace and a three set victory for Sam Horrocks against Gardner.

Natland E are the early pacesetters in Division 3, as a 26-10 victory against Burton E helped them make it two wins from as many games. Burton made a bright opening when Mark Stitch overpowered Gavin Lowe 11-8, 11-4, 11-6, although Burton’s charge for victory lost steam when Natland’s Rinaldo Colombi recorded three successes. Stitch once again proved awkward to beat, as he edged out Tim Marris 11-7 in a nerve wracking final set. Burton’s hopes of victory were eventually put to bed when Marris and Lowe completed two wins apiece, in addition to a narrow five set win in the doubles for Natland.

Crook C have shot up into second position, following a 25-14 triumph over Natland F. Glen Allen got Natland off to a flying start, edging out Chris Mowat 11-6 in a final set showdown. Crook moved through the gears though as the match progressed, as each of their players scored two wins apiece. Allen was outstanding once again for Natland, as he overhauled Paul Metsers, adding to George Pickthall’s four set defeat of Ben Metsers.

Meanwhile, in Division 1, Glaxo A and B are first and second respectively, with Natland B and Burton A following close behind.