IBIS HIT TABLE SUMMIT
Last season’s Division 1 runners up Ibis look favourites to go one better this season, after a 10-0 thrashing of Natland C has seen the in form Kendal side reach the table summit.
The Ibis trio of Steve Dixon, Peter Rushton and James McGrath were hardly troubled in a one sided affair, while Natland C’s Mick Taylor, Louisa Bevan and Howard Pimblett find themselves second from bottom in the table, 18 points from safety.
At the opposite end of the table, Crook B remain third from bottom one place above the relegation zone following an 8-2 defeat at the hands of Burton B. Stephen and Peter Baxendale’s early two victories against John Wood and Tony Couins eased Burton into a commanding 4-1 lead. Bob Bagot fought back tirelessly for Crook, as he edged out an unfortunate Brotherton 14-12 in a dramatic fifth set showdown and then went on to conquer Stephen Baxendale 11-5 in four routine sets. Burton’s emphatic 8-2 success was completed when Peter Baxendale scored a shock 11-7 victory in another pulsating fifth set showdown against Bagot.
A relegation dogfight is emerging in Division 2, as second from bottom Grayrigg A lost 7-3 to Kirkby Stephen, leaving them five points from safety. Kirkby had Dave White and Peter George to thank for their latest victory, as both players scooped three wins. Grayrigg’s points came courtesy of three walk over points. The result leaves Kirkby Stephen A in third place, one point off a coveted promotion position.
Dent A will be contented after coming away with 4 points in a narrow 6-4 defeat at the hands of high flying Dallam C. Norman Philbey and Matt Neal’s five set successes against Steve Hawley and Eddie Smith respectively got Dallam off to a 2-0 lead. Pete, Steve Hawley and team mate Eddie Smith fought back though with triumphs against James Neal and looked like winning this epic encounter until Philbey and Neal completed a hat-trick of victories, including a four set success in the doubles to ensure the Milnthorpe side’s eleventh win of the season. The result leaves Dallam in second place, five points ahead of chasing Kirkby Stephen A.
Burton E’s status as a Division 2 side looks to be coming to an end as they find themselves rock bottom, eight points from safety.
In Division 3, leaders Dallam E’s latest triumph came courtesy of an 25-10 drubbing of Crrok D. Sam Horrocks remained unbeaten for Dallam, while team mates Elliot and Max Webster chipped in with two successes apiece, while Ben Metsers earned Crook’s vital two points with victories against the Webster brothers.
Second placed Dent B scored a commanding 27-8 victory against Natland D, leaving them still 39-points from top spot. Dent’s trio of Danny and Ben Smith and team mate Wayne Garnder won three games apiece, with Fiona Thompson and John Quinne’s three set success in the doubles being the only blip in a brilliant night for Dent.
