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| WAYNE SHOOTER was quickly into his stride |
Wayne Shooter was first into his stride for the visitors as he took the opener 40-15 and when Mark Newby and Steve Bullock added the next two frames 32-22 and 42-32 respectively, the Legionnaires were already standing on the cusp of a memorable victory.
A black ball verdict for Justin Weller provided the decisive blow, and keen to rack up the points, Newby and Shooter combined soon afterwards to make it an incredible lead of 5-0.
Ben Monk and Jamie Rowland's run of 33 in the scotch doubles earned a much needed first win on the night for the Amber Valley cuemen and in a ding-dong battle in the final frame, the home team secured a 39-38 verdict through Kyle Ryde and Andrew Beardsley to earn what could yet be a crucial second point in the qualification stages.
Another team off to a flyer were Tansley Potters, last season's league runners-up, who stormed 4-1 ahead in their home group match with Alfreton No3.
Steve Hawkins was first on the board before newcomer Carlos Zaragoza equalised but with Joe Neville and Gray Astle each successful, the home side were well in the ascendancy.
The two Nevilles added the next before the Jack Lowe / Alex Fisher and Ady Lowe / Zaragoza combinations fought back strongly to reduce the final score to 4-3.
There was success for Alfreton No1 however as they took a 5-2 win from Crich Comrades. Andrew Haggarty and Phil Longden were undefeated in their singles and doubles legs whilst Rob Mulliss achieved the same feat for the Tramwaymen. Des Smith's black ball success in frame two was also pivotal.
Bob McCartin Six Red Cup Group A: Tansley Potters 4, Alfreton Palmer Morewood No3 3; Group B: Alfreton Palmer Morewood No2 2, Belper Royal British Legion 5; Group C: Crich Comrades 2, Alfreton Palmer Morewood No1 5.
Breaks: Ben Monk / Jamie Rowland 33 (scotch doubles).
