PAUL HOLMES (left) and GRAEME WOOD's victories ensured Matlock Club's qualification. |
Bolehill No 2 entertained Jaxx Q Club of Belper knowing a win was the minimum pre-requisite so falling 3-0 behind was not really on the agenda as Tim Maslin top scored for the visitors.
However, a spirited fight-back initiated by Keith Robertson saw them pull level before Paul Ogden and Kevin Holmes delivered the final nail in the coffin in the concluding scotch doubles frame.
Belper Strutt No 1 faced a tough task at current holders Marehay Miners Welfare and despite a plucky battle were defeated 5-2 as Ben Monk won all three frames he was involved in.
This left Matlock Club requiring two points from their remaining game at Matlock Golf Club, and this was achieved thanks to a fine win for Paul Holmes over twice Derbyshire champion Graham Jones and a black ball success for Graeme Wood.
This put them 2-1 ahead but the hosts rallied strongly thereafter to take the remaining frames with Ian McKay victorious in both his singles and two doubles matches.
The other game saw Gladiators Social Club edge out Bolehill Institute No 1 4-3 as Troy Brett and Vinnie Dennis took the deciding doubles match after remarkably all four singles matches had earlier been settled on the final black.
Bob McCartin 6-Red Cup group stages: Matlock Golf Club 5, Matlock Club 2; Gladiators SC 4, Bolehill Inst No 1 3; Bolehill Inst No 2 3, Jaxx Q Club Belper 4; Marehay MW / PJ'z 5, Belper Strutt No 1 2.
Breaks: R Slack / I Birks 25.