WHITWORTH SEE OFF CHAMPIONS FOR WIN NUMBER TWO

MARK GWYNNE-JONES secured a Whitworth win

WHITWORTH INSTITUTE earned their second 3-2 victory in as many games with a superb defeat of Matlock Golf Club on their travels in the T & M Motors Snooker League.

Ian McKay opened proceedings for the hosts and it appeared to be a case of business as normal as he took a 75-34 verdict but a black ball win for Peter Lee in the next proved pivotal for the Darley Dale cuemen.

Geoff Brailsford edged a low scoring third frame 44-36 and then Mark Gwynne-Jones delivered a 79-47 scoreline to secure the success before Graham Jones and Les Mooney restored some pride for the golfers.

Edgefold took on Alfreton Palmer Morewood No 2 at Matlock and an entertaining fixture ensued in keeping with both teams' form in the previous week.

Ben Monk's run of 49 tipped the scales firmly in his favour in the opener whilst Gavin Shirley notched breaks of 48 and 34 as he scored heftily in both singles and doubles, where Monk again partnered to good effect. James Travis was on target for the hosts but the Amber Valley cuemen took away a 4-1 decision.

The battle of the Tramwaymen went narrowly to the Crich No 2 outfit 3-2 with Ady Lowe top scoring for the victors after Nick Berry had kept the No 1 Comrades in with a shout with a third frame success.

Elsewhere, the Bolehill teams experienced conflicting fortunes with the No 1 line-up going under 4-1 at Belper Strutt Club. Andrew Brough set them off on the right footing but the home side took control thereafter, with Paul Jarrett top scoring.

But there was joy for Bolehill No 2 as they saw off Alfreton Palmer Morewood No 1 3-2 with Joe Neville registering a comeback league victory after a hiatus from competitive snooker of at least 30 years but it was very clear his appearances in the billiards league in the meantime had not detracted from his potting ability. Des Smith continued his good form for the season for the visitors.

League week 2: Matlock Golf Club 2, Whitworth Institute 3; Edgefold Matlock 1, Alfreton Palmer Morewood No 2 4; Crich Comrades No 1 2, Crich Comrades No 2 3; Belper Strutt Club 4, Bolehill Institute No 1 1; Bolehill Institute No 2 3, Alfreton Palmer Morewood No 1 2.

Breaks: B Monk 49; G Shirley 48,34; J Weller 20.