With the top two slots in Division One of the Carlisle and District Billiards League already settled, attention turned to the relegation battle.
Two from Annan, Denton Holme or Buffs A would be going down, and in a twist of fate, Buffs A were at home to Denton Holme on the final match.
Bob Sewell beat Nigel Lewthwaite by 120-108 in the number one slot, and Brian Armstrong won the number three match 100-88 to put Buffs A 2-0 up.
Tony Desborough (100-92) and Scott Davidson (100-25) got the match back on parity, before Steve Walker wrapped the victory and bonus point up for Buffs A with a 100-47 win.
Final score, Buffs A 4, Denton Holme 2.
This left Annan needing any win against their visitors, Longtown, to stay up.
Paul Whelan and Mike Clarke won for the Scots 120-79 and 80-44.
It was not enough to save Annan however, as wins for Willie Cairns (100-83), Tony Steele (100-46) and finally Dave Story (100-75) gave Longtown the victory and a superb third place finish.
OTHER SCORES: Qzone 2, Rock 5; Rock A 4, Southend A 2.
In the Second Division, Ex C had already secured the title, but the battle for second place and the final promotion slot went down to the wire.
Second placed Qzone Originals had finished their matches two points ahead of Southend.
However Southend didn’t have an easy task, a home game against the champions Ex C no less!
Andy Foster (80-53) and Harry Ruddick (80-48) got Southend two up, but Ex C weren’t going to roll over, and wins for Stuart Burgess (80-68) and Peter Marsden (80-52) got the match back to level.
League legend and hall of famer Stuart Telford secured Southend’s place in the first division, and qualification for the champions league with a 80-64 win. Congratulations Southend! Final Score Southend 4, Ex C 2.
OTHER SCORES: Southend C 5, Ex B 1; St Margaret Mary’s 4, Buffs B 2.
