IBIS CONTINUE TO HEAD TOP FLIGHT

Ibis have become firm favourites for the Division 1 title in the Kendal and District League, after a comprehensive 8-2 triumph against Dallam A, has seen the Kendal side forge a 13- point advantage at the summit of the table.

Ibis got off to a dream 4-0 start, but Dallam’s Jonathan Hyman was very unfortunate to lose out 11-6 and 11-5 both in thrilling five set defeats to Steve Dixon and James McGrath respectively. Dallam’s effort finally paid off when Craig James beat Peter Rushton in four sets, adding to Hyman’s more comprehensive three set success also against Rushton. Ibis claimed their fifteenth win of the season when Dixon and McGrath completed three victories apiece.

Glaxo A remain Ibis’ main rivals, as they lie in third place, 13 points behind, but with one game in hand over the leaders. Glaxo’s title aspirations were dealt a major boost this week, after they eclipsed second from bottom side Natland C. Glaxo’s Callum and Keith Dymond and Les Shaw’s superior performance ensured a comfortable path to victory. Natland’s Howard Pimblett came closest to hauling his side onto the scoresheet, as he narrowly lost out 11-8 in a dramatic fifth set to Shaw.

Dallam B will almost certainly be crowned Division 2 champions, as they swept aside second placed rivals Dallam C 7-3. The B team forged a 4-1 lead after James Parkinson edged out Phil Hyman 12-10 in a drama filled fifth set, adding to his brother Thomas’ 11-8 fifth set success against Philbey. Hyman recovered from his earlier set back to defeat George Pearson 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 and then disposed of Thomas Parkinson in similar three set fashion. A win in the doubles could not revive Dallam C though, as the B team earned victory thanks to James Parkinson’s three wins. The result leaves Dallam B top of the table nine points ahead of their C team.

At the other end of the table, Crook C, Dent A and Grayrigg A are involved in an epic survival battle, with Crook C being five points ahead of their rivals, having played more games.

In Division 3, Dallam E  are on the verge of being crowned champions, following a marvellous 9-1 triumph against Storth. Max and Elliot Webster proved to be unbeatable, while Storth’s solitary point came courtesy of Denise Brown’s 11-8, 11-3, 11-2 victory against Sam Horrocks.

Dent B occupy the other promotion place, after comprehensive 9-1 and 6-4 wins against Natland D and Storth respectively, while at the opposite end of the table, Grayrigg B and Natland D prop up the rest of the pack.