Con's Scramble Back To Top
By Graham Clark

In last weeks games of the Formby & District Snooker League Con Club B struggled to a 4-2 away win at Legion C which was just enough to see them regain the lead in the title race. This season’s League Championship is turning out to be the closest and most dramatic in living memory with Con Club B, Crosby Comrades and Les Dodd’s A & B teams all fancying their chances. What price a four way playoff was the question being asked following the latest matches.

The Con Club went 2 down at Legion C with George Howells and Colin Bennett securing Black Ball victories, the latter producing excellent pots under pressure to outpoint Graham Clark. The Con’s recovered to win through some hard fought wins from Tony and Mark Bellas, Peter Brown and Ritchie Bell.

Les Dodd’s B lost their brief position at the top after losing 4-2 at home to their A team. The opening frames were shared as Gavin Douglas won a high scoring encounter against Paddy Tyndall 72-56 and Frank Bradley comfortably beat Dave Quinn 60-8. Two close frames followed with A team players Trevor Ford and Dave Mills both winning, the latter beating Peter Tomlin despite Peter notching up a 29 break. Andy Rae then hit a 46 break in defeating Mark Hopgood 80-24, not taking the chance to take on his son Jamie who duly scored for the home side in the final frame.

Crosby Comrades are still relentlessly making progress towards the top after a 6-0 away win at Les Dodd’s C and are now just 2 points off the leaders. Robbie Wilson (23 break), Ian Murray, Andy Entwistle and Robbie Radford all won well with Robbie Radford gaining the scalp of Les Dodd’s dangerman Stephen Metcalf.

Our Lady’s B are back in pole position for the handicap League after a useful 3-3 home draw with Holy Trinity. Roger Wilkins and Colin Watterson both won well but the star for the Gild Hall men was Jason Francis who beat Luke Palethorpe 67-39. Paul Formby was the pick for the visitors, clearing from the Brown in his 73-34 defeat of Andy Hesketh.

Con Club A are making fifth place their own after a 5-1 home defeat of Ince. Allan Parker and Adam Maylor impressed for the Con’s who continue their excellent post Christmas form.

Our Lady’s A won 4-2 away to Legion D through strong performances from Billy Clare, Frank Houghton and Jimmy Tristram. Billy beat Jimmy McLintock 63-30 despite Jimmy following last weeks win with a break of 21 this time.

The final match saw Legion B battle to a 4-2 win at the Brook. The frame of the match went to the Brook’s Phil Harbon who hit a 33 break to outgun Gary Rimmer 71-33 with Gary having chipped in with a 26 break himself.