The L&L Property Contractors Snooker League stood aside again as cup action featured in the latest round of matches.
The Derwent Valley Asbestos Removal and Demolition sponsored Eric McMullen Memorial TKO Handicap Trophy Round 2 Qualifying took centre stage.
In group A, Division One’s Workington Veterans Club claimed their first win with a narrow 3-2 away victory over fellow Division One side Workington Conservative Club.
Alan Moore (+8) got the hosts off to a strong start, holding off Mark Tunstall (+24) 79-63 thanks to a handy snooker on the blue to put Cons 1-0 up.
The Veterans hit back though through Paul Johnston (+50), who capitalised on his start to defeat Richard McCarthy (+5) 74-34.
Frame three saw Kevin Basnett (Scratch) compile a classy 31 break in a 79-52 win over Julian Plaza (+26), putting the visitors 2-1 ahead.
Mark Tatton (+26) then secured the match for the Vets, staying steady under pressure in the latter part of his frame to beat Brian Kendall (+48) 67-37.
Ryan Barker (+30) responded with a strong 64-8 victory over Stephen O’Hagan (+19) to make the final score 3-2.
In the second Group A match, Workington Golf Club were narrowly beaten at home by fellow Division Two side Workington Legion as the away team came from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Mark Brasted (+15) looked sharp in the opener, defeating Craig Burdon (+50) 81–44 with a confident scoring display. Phil Sorfleet (+19) then made it 2-0 to the hosts, overcoming Dan Hallam (+50) 67-51 with some balanced play.
However the Legion weren’t done as Simon Tootle (+43) hit back strongly, beating Mark Cowan (+23) 59-25, before Adam Hodgson (+44) edged a nervy fourth 54-50 against Lewis Tilley (+40) to level the match at 2-2.
It was Jordan Ferguson (+50) who then sealed a memorable comeback with a composed 61-32 win over Simon Fraser (+32) to nick the tie by the odd frame.
In the first of the two group B matches Division Two’s Rack Shack picked up a crucial 3-2 home win over Workington’s United Club B, keeping the Whitehaven side’s qualification hopes in a good place.
The opening frame was a dramatic black-ball battle, with Adam Morilla (+44) edging out Stephen Jackson (+33) 56-55 to get the Rack Shack off the mark.
United B struck back, however as Richard Kirkham (+28) beat Peter McAvoy (+32) 55-28, but it was Neil Dougherty who ran away 70-10 in a victory over Stephen Harrison (+34) to put the home side 2-1 up.
Shane Tallentire (+44) levelled the scores with a dominant 70-23 win over Phil Denvir (+32), setting up a tense finale. In the decider, Chris McKelvey (+37) held his nerve to defeat Adam Sowden (+46) 70-43 and hand the Rack Shack a vital win.
United Club A dominated the first half of their match against Maryport Social in spells that ultimately secured a 3-2 win in the final Group B fixture of the night.
Tony Hindmoor (+50) opened well for the Division One outfit, defeating Ryan Ismay (+15) 59-41 and Darryl Walters doubled the lead for United A with a 49-20 win over Sal Cakmak (+25).
Clive Lister (+19) then ensured United A couldn’t be beaten with a 64-22 victory over Stuart Shepherd for 3-0.
Maryport were determined to end the match with as little damage as possible and with a 66-17 win for Andrew Skidmore over Mark Suitor and a 67-45 win for Andrew Scott over last week’s star performer Andrew Mitchelhill they finished one behind at 3-2.
