TOP SEEDS ARE TOPPLED IN A DIVISION PLAY OFFS

NUMBER 4 seeds Edgefold Club of Matlock shocked top seeds Marehay Miners Welfare with a 3-2 success in the opening round of matches in the Champion of Champions play offs for the prestigious Jaeger Trophy.
Marehay, with home advantage due to finishing top of the table in the regular season, edged the opener with Ben Monk delivering a black ball verdict over Richard Ferguson.

ROB MUXLOW helped Edgefold Club to success at Marehay Miners Welfare.

But the visitors hit back with three frames without reply to secure home advantage in the next stages, firstly Duncan Harwood equalising with a win over Andrew Gratton before Rob Muxlow and Neil Parkinson sealed the deal.

Not to be deterred, Ben Monk notched a fine 53 break in the concluding doubles frame but not enough to stop the holders from bowing out.

The other A Division play off saw Bolehill Institute No 1 defeat Matlock Golf Club 4-1 with Ricki Slack and Ian Birks joint top scoring before Chris Parker and Charlie Hodgkinson replied with a comfortable success in the doubles frame.

The B Division top seeds Belper Strutt Club No 1 also came through 4-1 over Bolehill Institute No 2, this time taking the first three frames to progress.

Paul Jarrett's black ball win over Ian Peacock in the second frame was supplemented by successes from Mark Newby and Steve Bullock whilst Keith Robertson was on the mark for the away team.

Gladiators Social Club received a bye with Belper Strutt Club No 2 unable to raise a team with no suitable alternative dates free at this late stage of the season.

Jaeger Trophy Champion of Champions 1st round results: Marehay MW / PJ'z 2, Edgefold Matlock 3; Bolehill Inst No 1 4, Matlock Golf Club 1; Belper Strutt No 1 4, Bolehill Inst No 1; Gladiators SC Matlock w/o Belper Strutt No 2 scr.
Breaks: B Monk 53; C Parker 24.

TRIBUTE TO LEAGUE PATRON GRAHAM BOND

PLAYERS and officials were saddened to hear the news that Graham Bond, long time player and patron of the League, passed away last week.
Graham was a very successful local player through the 60s, 70s and 80s playing from various clubs between Bakewell and Matlock amongst them being the Haig House, Working Mens Club, Whitworth Institute and Matlock Cons Club.

He took the highest aggregate points prize in A Division in 1966, 1975 and 1988 as well as highest break in 1967 and also did the individual scratch and handicap double in 1981, a year in which he also won the pairs handicap event with Jim McCann.

He also tasted further success with Jim in the same event in 1985 and previously took the trophy partnered by David Beattie in 1976 and 1977.

Not to mention being part of many team successes in both League and Cup during the same period.

Graham had one of the best tactical brains around yet could still score well given the opportunity and you always knew you were in for a tough match if you ever drew him in League or competition.

Father of local professional player Nigel, who also excelled in the League prior to moving up to a higher level, he was a much respected figure both on the local circuit and supporting Nigel on the professional tour, always having time for a friendly chat and will be sadly missed by all.
Commiserations go out to his family and many friends.