Legion Take League Form into Cup
By Graham Clark

In this weeks matches of the Formby & District Snooker League attention has moved away from the League to Cup action in the form of the Allan Parker Knockout Cup, with its new format in use.

Legion D followed up last weeks impressive league form by defeating highflying Les Dodd’s B by 5 frames to 1. Messrs Rooney, Swift, Kirby Snr & Oliver sent the home side 4-0 up to clinch the tie rendering Peter Tomlin’s 32 break in frame 6 worthless. Steve Kirby, assisted by being in receipt of a 25 point start, inflicted the first defeat of the season on B team skipper Mark Hopgood, by an emphatic 91-42 margin. Dean Oliver also impressed, a 24 break en route to a convincing win over Frank Bradley.

Les Dodd’s C won what was on paper the tie of the Round, 4-2 against Our Lady’s A. The first four frames were shared as Andy O’Hara (63 break) starred for the home side and Our Lady’s John Mycek made the most of his 31 start to ensure Phil Fitzgerald had his first taste of defeat this season. However the Southport based side dominated the deciding frames as Kev Smith (20 & 21) and Tim Nelson (21 & 23) both hit the breaks trail.

Holy Trinity seemed undeterred by the fact the majority of their players were conceding handicap starts by beating the Brook 6-0. James Holman impressed with his 69-47 defeat of Reg Paton, despite conceding 16 points to the Brook player. James hit breaks of 20 & 22 for good measure.

Legion B secured their Quarter Final place with a 4-2 away win at Ince. The opening frames were shared as Mark Pope secured the narrowest of victories against Carl Finlayson 64-63, even though Carl had notched up a fine 32 break, while Gordon Dale won for the Legion. Chris Howard and Dave Rimmer swung the match the Legions way with strong performances leaving Harry Boydell to clinch the victory by beating Andy Pope 78-43.

The only game to be decided on the aggregate points following a 3-3 draw was Con Club A’s away win at Legion C. Terry Barlow won well for the Legion but it was Tommy Tickle’s 99-15 defeat of Colin Bennett that, once the 3-3 was determined, ultimately decided the tie by 401-335.