GRAEME MAKES HIS MARK ON CRICH COMRADES DEBUT

GRAEME WOOD ... successful debut

THE new season of the T & M Motors Snooker League was ushered in with the group stages of the Bob McCartin Six Red Cup taking centre stage with three of the four scheduled matches taking place.

With Matock Golf Club and Alfreton PM No 2 postponing their opening fixture in Group A, the way was open for Crich Comrades No 2 or Whitworth to steal a march on those two rivals and it was the Tramwaymen who delivered, courtesy of a 6-1 scoreline.

Graeme Wood, having made the switch from Matlock Club (who are not competing this season) took the opener 29-4 and then the two Lowes, Jack and Ady with breaks of 22 and 25 respectively, put the hosts in a commanding position.

This was brought to fruition by Dale Shaw with his 37-13 verdict ensuring victory before Peter Lee and Mark Gwynne-Jones pulled one back for the Darley Dale cueists in the opening doubles leg.

But further pairs wins for Ady Lowe and Wood and then finally the two Lowes made it a memorable return to action for the victors.

Elsewhere, Edgefold defeated Crich No 1 5-2 in Group B with Duncan Harwood winning all three frames he contested in singles and doubles after Dan Gould had put the visitors in front.

And holders Belper Strutt Club started their Group C campaign in scintillating fashion as they defeated Bolehill Institute No 2 6-1.

Paul Jarrett and Justin Weller edged tight frames for the Strutt cuemen as they raced into a big lead before Mick and Darren Bunting offered some late doubles resistance for the hosts.

Bob McCartin Six Red Cup, Group A: Crich Comrades No 2 6, Whitworth Institute 1; Group B: Edgefold Matlock 5, Crich Comrades No 1 2; Group C: Bolehill Institute No 2 1, Belper Stutt Club 6.
Breaks: A Lowe 25; J Lowe 22; D Gould 22.