16/12/2021
DIVISION 1
Hesketh Fleetwood A overcame stubborn resistance from Kingfisher A to narrowly win 14-10. Their ladies won 5 games but Kingfisher kept in touch by winning 4 mens. Kingfisher won the first mixed set through Alex Mackie and Adrian Greenwood to equalise the match at 7-7 then HF won 3 of the next 4 games to nudge ahead 10-8. Alex and Adrian kept their team in the match by winning set 10 to tie the match again at 10-10. HF's greater strength in depth proved decisive though as they comfortably won the final 4 games. Adrian won an excellent 7 games as did Cath Bagley for HF. Kingfisher pick up a bonus point and look likely to finish 3rd again. The champions in pole position with 4 wins from 4 though I suspect they have even tougher matches to come in the second half of the season.
Just a mention that despite being in the same team for over 30 years it was the first time that Caroline Andrew and Ant Cross,unbelievably, had ever played mixed together!
DIVISION 2
It's a shock result when a team that had lost its last 3 matches wins against a team who had won all their opening 4 matches. This is what happened as Kirkham Charter A entertained Project 12 on Monday night. Kirkham's ladies 5 wins were enough to give them a slender 7-5 lead after the levels. The first 2 mixed sets went to either team which maintained Kirkham's lead at 9-7. Kirkham the. powered ahead and won sets 9 & 10 to win the match 13-7. Project won 3 of the final 4 games for a consolation point. Kirkham's Amelia Parker was undoubtedly the star of the night winning all her 8 games. Paul Whitehouse was Projects best player winning 6.
Stanley B had a comfortable 19-5 home win against winless Lids. Playing consistently throughout the match, Stanley won 5 ladies 4 mens and 10 mixed and didn't lose any sets. Kathy Howard, Gill Brook, Steve Whyatt and Ross Adams all won 7 for the victors but it was Kathy who easily had the best points score to win POTM. Stanley now comfortable in mid table but Lids struggling at the foot of the table.
LEVELS
In the final match of the year Hesketh Fleetwood A beat their B team 13-3 to maintain their 100% record and consolidate their pole position in the division. However, there were some close games as the B team fought hard throughout. Richard Percival won all his games and Phil Fylles had a successful match as he was involved in all 3 wins for the B.
