L&L Property Contractors Snooker League fixtures took time out for cup action this week as the Eric McMullen Memorial TKO Handicap Trophy semi-finals took place.
With home advantage playing a massive part due to group winning privileges it was Group One victors, Workington United Club A, and Group Two winners Flimby Social who progressed to the May 6 showpiece.
In the first of the semi-finals United Club A were in imperious form as they defeated fellow club mates United Club B, 3-0.
The first frame saw Clive Lister (+20 handicap) brush aside the 24 points he was giving away to put his team 1-0 up.
In the next game Dave Chapman (+29) made light work of his 15 point deficit with some superb potting and with a classy display the United A cueist soon made it 2-0.
Frame three started with Peter O’Hagan (+5) giving his opponent 33 start, however this wasn’t to faze the United A talisman and in digging deep O’Hagan eventually guided his team over the winning line for that all-important final spot.
In the second semi-final Flimby Social struck revenge, with their recent league defeat in mind, as they defeated current Division One champions Workington Golf Club A, 3-1.
Geoff Banton (+39) opened up superbly as a close win from the Flimby captain put his team 1-0 up. An impressive second frame victory for Ryan Ismay (+15) got the Golf A side back into it but it was a win with room to spare from Richard Kirkham (+30) that put the Social outfit in front again at 2-1.
In what turned out to be the decisive blow, Michael ‘Sid’ Walker (+30) turned the form book on its head to upset the Golf A team with one of the performances of the season to steer his team into the final.
The TKO plate semi-finals saw Workington Veterans Club A win 3-2 away at Workington Golf Club B and Maryport Social prove victorious with a 3-1 scoreline at home to Workington’s Station Club.
In the first plate semi, wins for Vets A’s Craig Davies (+32) and Kevin Basnett (Scr) were pegged back with victories from Golf B’s Paul Brown (+45) and Ryan Pearson (+45). However the resurgence was halted as Paul Smith (+38) pinched it in the decider for Vets A triumph.
Finally, the remaining plate semi saw Maryport Social’s Andrew Scott (+34) and Ben Scott (+37) make it 2-0. John Teasdale (+25) did give Station Road Club some hope in making it 2-1 but it was Gary Miller (+40) who ensured Maryport made the final with a victory in frame four.
Eric McMullen Memorial TKO Handicap Trophy semi-final results
W’ton United A 3 v 0 W’ton United B; Flimby Social 3 v 1 W’ton Golf A.
TKO Plate Semis: W’ton Golf B 2 v 3 W’ton Vets A; M’port Social 3 v 1 W’ton Station Road.
