Top of the table clash all square

Published on 26th July 2007 in Sport

The top-of-the-table clash between Buchanan Badstars and Bottom House Vagabonds ended all square in the recent set of matches in the Goole Pool Summer League.

In a thrilling game, the Badstars led 4-1 at the interval and it required some of the Vagabonds' famous fighting qualities to come back and level the scores. Each frame was highly contested, and full of incident but two players who stood out from the rest were Anthony Raspin and Natalie Merril. The Vagabonds are having difficulty fielding their best side sue to work commitments, but are second to none in terms of consistency and are still worthy favourites in this fascinating premier Division title race.

Elsewhere, bottom side The Verm were the latest to experience the battling qualities of Marshland Menaces, who are in their debut season in the top flight.

Their signing of the excellent and highly respected Wayne Vause has consolidated their position and he won one of his two frames with support from Steggson Walker, Chris Brown and Ricky Harrison in a 6-4 win with Jason Raspin, Jason Pettican and Dean Preece in good form for the Verm.

NUR Neanderthals did well to overcome Middle House Mavericks 6-4 in another close contest with good play from both sides. Adam Walsh, in good form for his side this season, won both his frames with Dean Johnson the top performer for Middle House.

Finally, Creykes Tigers travelled to Shipmates and it was the narrowest of winning margins once more. Man of the Match was Pip Schofield, with good wins over Anthony Myers and Roley Curley, with other players to shine Scott Walker and Ronnie Crossley.

In Division One, Peacock Pirates still dominate despite being held to a draw at home to Marshland Wanderers,

The Peacock side started well in winning four of the first five frames, Rob Westerman the only one to suffer in losing his frame, but he made amends in being the only winner in the second half. Steve Purvis was the best player for the Old Goole side, who now join two other sides in joint second place so everything to play for with only two promotion spots available.

Middle House Massive are one of those, and they did their cause no harm with a comfortable 7-3 win over the Half Moon, who are struggling for consistency. Nik Mulley was the star man with two wins.

A big win for the Vermuyden Vultures in thrashing Victoria Marksmen 9-1 led by the Skinners, Jason and Graham, Damian Theaker and Adam Cawkwell. Mark Hones was the only winner for the Marksmen in a one-sided game.

There were no results received, at the time of going to press, from North Eastern Tigers against NUR Clubbers and Old Goole Club versus pounda Packet.

Shipwrecks still lead Division Two, but struggled to field a full side in a battling 6-4 win over Packet Panthers. Claire Lloyd and the evergreen Frank Hoodless were outstanding for the Swinefleet side and the former should perform well in the Ladies' individuals later in the season.

The Aire Street 'derby' between the two Royal sides, Flush and Wraiths, had everything you would expect from a game of so much importance. The Flush eventually won 7-3 thanks to the good work of Chris Lloyd and Graham Glenwright.

North Eastern Belles are celebrating their first victory of the season against the Bottom House Brigade, a 7-3 win which may suggest more wins this term from anyone prepared to underestimate them.

Jeff Hayes and Steve Oliver got the Big Mack off to a flying start by winning the two opening frames and the team held on to overcome Middle House Lasses in a tense game that could have gone either way.

And finally the Woodland Wombles recorded a big scoring victory in overcoming North Eastern Front 8-2, with Wayne Jackson and Steve Cawthorne both at their best and supported by sterling displays from Jemma Hindle and Chris Thorpe.