"THE WIZARD OF OZ" STEERS EDGEFOLD TO OPENING WIN

FAIR DINKUM as MARTYN TAYLOR tops the breaks chart.

THE opening week's fixtures of the newly sponsored Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division saw the highest handicapped players confirm their class as they already hold first and second positions in the highest break chart.
Globe-trotting cueist Martyn Taylor returned as good as ever from a year away in Australia with a contribution of 40 as Edgefold Club saw off visitors Bolehill Institute No 2 3-2, supplemented by wins from Robert Muxlow and Neil Parkinson.

STEVEN MELLOR returned to the baize with a narrow win.

Bolehill were game in defeat however, and Steven Mellor, putting in a rare appearance, took the fourth frame on the black before Mick Bunting and Martin Forster (23 break) scored a century points haul in the concluding doubles.

Chris Parker notched a run of 35 as Matlock Conservative Club celebrated their return to league action with a 4-1 success over Matlock Club for whom Keith Manlove was on target.

In the other match, Bolehill No 1 edged a 3-2 scoreline at Belper Strutt No 2.

Chris Stubbs put the hosts ahead before a trio of wins from Ricki Slack, Colin Marchington and Ian Birks put the game to bed. Dave Needham produced an impressive potting performance in the doubles frame to reduce the arrears.

League week 1 results: Edgefold Matlock 3, Bolehill Institute No 2 2; Belper Strutt No 2 2, Bolehill Institute No 1 3; Matlock Cons 4, Matlock Club 1.
Breaks: M Taylor 40; C Parker 35; M Forster 23; R Slack 23; N Kay 22;
C Marchington 21.