Sun Inn Sharks moved another step closer to the Maryport Pool League title after being awarded a 7-0 walkover victory against Butchers A, who once again failed to field a team.
The result leaves the Sharks sitting comfortably at the top of the table on 63 points, holding a commanding nine-point lead with five league matches remaining.
The match of the night was at the Bowling Club, where the Sun Inn Ballers produced one of the comebacks of the season.
Trailing 3-1 after the singles, the Ballers showed tremendous character to grab all three doubles and snatch a dramatic 4-3 victory.
Ben Scott was the standout performer, earning Man of the Match honours after winning his singles before teaming up with Gary Miller to claim both doubles, completing a memorable turnaround and keeping the Ballers firmly in the race for a top-eight finish.
There was more late drama at Sun Dearham, where the home side raced into a 3-0 lead against Sun Inn Cannons.
Refusing to give in, the Cannons battled back superbly to level the match at 3-3, forcing the final doubles match to decide the outcome.
In the decider, Danny Dryden and Adam Short held their nerve to secure the winning frame and a 4-3 victory for Sun Dearham.
Elbra Club B continued their impressive campaign with a 5-2 victory over Elbra Club C, with Ian Frizzle, Roger Rivers, and Graham Mattinson all picking up excellent singles wins to help keep the pressure on the teams above them.
Elsewhere, Maryport RL Club A were convincing 6-1 winners over Elbra A; Swan Inn eased to a 6-1 victory at Glasson RL Club; Maryport Social Club defeated Grasslot WMC 5-2, while Maryport RL Club B edged out Butchers B 4-3.
There was at least a bright spark for Glasson Rangers, with Grant Murdy ending the club’s barren run by claiming their first individual frame victory in three weeks, providing something to celebrate despite another difficult night for the side.
With five league fixtures remaining, every frame could prove crucial.
After 30 league matches, the competition will split into a Top 8 and Bottom 8, with both sections competing in separate knockout competitions.
At the top, the Sun Inn Sharks remain firmly in control of the title race, while the battle for a coveted top-eight finish is set to go right down to the wire.
