The First Division clash in the Carlisle and District Billiards League between Annan Blue Bell and Rock was a high quality affair as predicted.
An entertaining opener saw Paul Cowing take a slender early lead before John Glendinning battled back with a fine break of 36 to take the advantage. However, the Rock player’s consistency took him over the line.
The No 1 game featured Paul Whelan and Mally Lancaster in a 120-up contest. Good opening play from Mally (28, 19) gave the Rock a healthy lead (47-26) soon extending to 63-39 before a comeback from Paul (21 break) saw the match virtually level at 91-90.
In the final furlong the home player had the better scoring to clinch the game; a good match enjoyed by players and spectators alike.
Bell debutant, Chris Sharkey, played Tony Armstrong in a relatively close exchange, although the visitor always had the edge, eventually taking a 78-64 lead before running out 100-77. Not a bad start for the newcomer to the 1st Division.
The visitors then extended their lead to 3-1 after a solid performance from Steve Little which saw a one-sided affair against Jack Carlisle; not a good night for the home player.
Lindsay Currie brought up the rear against visitor Neil Armstrong. After a relatively slow start, the Bell player took a good lead only to see Neil come back well to make the last few minutes tense for both players. Currie managed to squeeze over the line with a 100-94 scoreline.
That made it 3-2 to the visitors which together with the away bonus points resulted in a final scoreline of 5-2 to the Rock
Other scores: Rock A 1, Inter Qzone 6; Qzone 4 Southend A 2; Buffs A 4, Longtown 2.
There were some notable breaks in the other matches, including a 52 for Rock A’s Dave Currie and a 43 for Longtown’s Tony Steele.
The Q Zone Originals hosted Carlisle Ex C in a clash of the top teams in Division Two as the season approached the halfway stage.
First up was Chris Errington v Peter Marsden and the home player got off to a fast start including 12 off the break. His opponent has been in excellent form in the individual competitions and the Ex man was unfazed rallying with a well taken break to draw level at the halfway mark.
The Q Zone Originals player edged ahead again as the game progressed with some excellent visits while Peter was left with few opportunities as Chris sealed the win.
In a close contest Stuart Burgess emerged victorious over Dan Sanderson to level the match after a see saw battle with the Ex Man edging it with two crucial late scoring visits.
The visitors took the lead with Stuart Styth notching a couple of teen breaks, leading all the way against Originals captain Gordon Berry.
In the battle of the number one players David Sanderson got off to a strong start with some excellent billiards before Matt Lowrie pulled back the deficit with some precision potting.
David reasserted with some inspired cannons and at the crucial stage the Ex-Club man ran out with five consecutive red ball strikes to seal the frame and match.
The final game left the Originals playing for pride only as Davie Edgar faced off against David Turley.
The visitor notched a 21 break to put clear water between him and his rival. This proved crucial and the final game went to the Ex who won 4-1 on the night. With the addition of two bonus points for an away win the leaders cemented their position and
Other Scores: Cons 0, Buffs B 7; Southend 6, Ex B 0; Southend C 4, Eastriggs 2.
