HOME TEAMS TAKE THE SPOILS IN OPENING CUP JOUSTS

PAUL HOLMES, undefeated in three frames

THE new season sprung back into life with two matches from Group A of the Bob McCartin Six Red Cup and it was the home teams who took the spoils in each case, defeating last seasons holders and the play off winners respectively.
Bolehill No 1 began their defence of the trophy at Matlock Club and things looked rosy as Colin Marchington and Ricki Slack (24 break) saw them surge 2-0 ahead.

Paul Holmes struck back for the home side with a convincing verdict in frame three but Ian Birks took the remaining singles leg for the visitors.

However, the tide well and truly turned in the three scotch doubles legs with Holmes remaining undefeated on the night. Paul Bryan sank the winning pink from close range to get the hosts off to a more than satisfactory start.

Meanwhile successive play off winners Alfreton Palmer Morewood No 1 came from 3-0 down to level matters at Edgefold No 2 before eventually succumbing in the final scotch doubles.

Rob Dicken, Sam Lavelle (22 break) and Tom Chambers had the hosts in a commanding position before Jamie Rowland turned on the style for the Amber Valley cuemen, firstly in his singles match and then partnered by Simon Mayes and his father Kevin Rowland.

It fell to Dicken and Chambers to settle the issue for a 4-3 win and halt the valiant comeback but still leaves everything to play for in the group.

Bob McCartin Six Red Cup Group A: Matlock Club 4, Bolehill Institute No 1 3; Edgefold Matlock No 2 4, Alfreton Palmer Morewood No 1 3.
Breaks: R Slack 24; S Lavelle 22.