CUP HOLDERS START THEIR DEFENCE WITH APLOMB

PAUL JARRETT took a high quality second frame for BELPER STRUTT CLUB

THE first round of the Captains Cup Team Aggregate competition took place recently and last season's winners Belper Strutt Club negotiated their opening hurdle with a hard fought 312-289 victory at Bolehill Institute No 1.
Mark Newby took pink and black to take the opener 82-59 and in a high quality second frame, Paul Jarrett scored a 64-50 verdict to put his team 37 ahead.
Wayne Shooter then soon shot fifty ahead in the next but a 24 break from home team captain Ricki Slack brought him back into the contest and he eventually took the black to prevail 75-63 then Ian Birks also triumphed on the final ball 48-43 to leave the hosts just 20 behind on the doubles leg.
But Newby teamed up with Steve Bullock to batten down the hatches and sneak a 60-57 verdict to ensure the success.
Elsewhere Crich Comrades continued their recent good form with a 284-253 win over Edgefold Club with John Smith top scoring whilst Sean Dobney took each of his singles and doubles legs for the hosts.
Matlock Golf Club also progressed 354-258 against Matlock Club after the latter's Dave Benson had scored a 75-55 verdict in the opener, the golfers reeled off the remaining frames with Graham Jones top scoring.
Captains Cup first round: Bolehill Institute No 1 289, Belper Strutt Club 312; Edgefold Matlock 253, Crich Comrades 284; Matlock Golf Club 354, Matlock Club 258.
Breaks: G Jones 25; R Slack 24.