24/02/2023
DIVISION 1
Stanley A won their first point of the season as they won 9 games against Kingfisher B. Stanley won 4 ladies but could only manage 1 mens as they trailed their rivals 7-5 after the levels. The first mixed was split followed by a set win for Kingfisher which extended their lead to 10-6. In the 3rd mixed set, Stanley's Kathy Howard and Steve Canavan easily won to earn the team a bonus point and keep them in the match. In the final half of the mixed however, Kingfisher managed to take 5 of the 6 games to run out 15-9 winners. Kathy Howard won 5 for Stanley but Kingfisher's Michael Hutchinson was the most successful player on the night as he won 7.
In the battle for 3rd place Kingfisher A were deserved 15-9 winners against Lightning A.
Despite losing the first 2 sets, Kingfisher dominated the other level sets to lead 8-4. Kingfisher then won 3 sets in the mixed to consolidate their advantage. Rachel Dewhurst and Tom Lowe had a great match as they both won 8 games. Natalie Appleyard, Emily Broadbent and Lee Williams won 4 games for Lightning. Kingfisher up to third with one match to play.
DIVISION 2
In the battle for top spot, Lightning B overcame some tough resistance from Kirkham Charter A and eventually came away with a 15-9 victory. Kirkham actually led 4-0 after the first ladies and mens but then Lightning won 3 of the next 4 ladies together with the next 4 mens to lead 7-5 after the levels. After the first mixed set was split, Lightning’s Ling Fang and Rob Cockerill won both games in the second set 21-19. In the middle 2 sets, Polly Logan and Nathan Bunting won all 4 games to win the match at 14-6. Kirkham fought hard to the end, winning 3 of the last 4 games to earn themselves a bonus point. Amelia and Verity Parker won 4 as did Ian Chase for Kirkham. Nathan was the hero for Lightning as he won all 8 games helped by partner Polly who won 7. The victory should ensure the title for Lightning whilst Kirkham are still favourites for runners up despite the loss.
Lids continue their recent good form with a solid defeat of Hesketh Fleetwood C. Lids took a slender lead into the mixed which was extended by winning 6 of the next 8 games before HF struck back to win set 11. Lids won the final set to complete a good 15-9 win. Linda Settle won 7 with Ant Cross and Mike Percy winning 4 each for HF.
Project 12 were back on winning ways as they overcame Stanley B by 17-7. Although the mixed was close and only ended 7-5 in their favour, Project forged ahead in the mixed, winning 4 sets and splitting 2. Clare Doherty won a creditable 4 games for Stanley but Mark Pickles won 7 for his second successive POTM award! The 3 points keeps Project well ahead of the bottom 2 places.
LEVELS
After a surprise defeat last week, Lightning A responded with a satisfying victory over Lids. After losing the very first game, Lightning then won the next 9 to lead 9-1 ! The final 3 sets were split and were all very closely contested. The last 2 sets in particular, included 2 settings and games that went to 18 and 19. Graham Cooper was POTM for winning 7 games with James Leigh winning 3 for Lids. The 3 points keeps Lightning in pole position to win the league. They are only 1 point ahead of last seasons champions Hesketh Fleetwood A but have a much better games total and have a game in hand.
Lids B easily beat Bloomfield B, dropping only 1 game to Phil,Hoiugh and Steve Brown. Gregor Creelman and Tony Hayward won 8.
As expected, title challengers Hesketh Fleetwood A thrashed bottom club Kirkham 16-0 with only 1 game going to the wire. Minoj Manandhar had the best scores, conceding just a few points less than Derek Hill.
