By Stuart O’Dell
Week 14 Report
Stanhope Grey Bull (B) vs St John’s Chapel Blue Bell
Stanhope Grey Bull (B) hosted the rearranged Week 10 league fixture against St John’s Chapel Blue Bell.
The visitors struck first through Peter Liddle, before Julie Scott quickly levelled for the home side. Simon Aldred restored Blue Bell’s lead, but Chris Henderson responded to make it 2–2.
Terry Wood edged the visitors back in front, only for David Sheppard to once again equalise, leaving the scores locked at 3–3 after the singles.
Stanhope Grey Bull (B) then took control in the doubles, winning all three matches to seal a 6–3 victory.
Team Knockout Cup Semi-Finals – Second Leg
Frosterley Inn vs Stanhope Grey Bull (A)
Holding a 6–3 advantage from the first leg, Stanhope Grey Bull (A) started strongly, taking the opening three singles through Stu Brown, Paul Coombs, and Johnny Emerson, leaving them just one point from the final.
Ethan Coates gave Frosterley Inn brief hope, but wins from David Craggs and Carl Tunstall secured Grey Bull (A)’s place in the final before the doubles began.
Stanhope Grey Bull (A) went on to win two of the three doubles matches, claiming a 7–2 win on the night and a 13–5 aggregate victory.
Wolsingham Black Lion vs Stanhope Club
Wolsingham Black Lion also carried a 6–3 lead into the second leg. Chris Pybourne extended that advantage early on, before Alan Barker replied for Stanhope Club.
A win from James Everitt maintained Black Lion’s cushion, but Stanhope Club mounted a strong comeback with singles victories from Adam Robinson, Stu O’Dell, and Adam Dobson, reducing the night’s score to 4–2 and leaving the tie finely balanced at 8–7 on aggregate.
With everything to play for in the doubles, Black Lion took the first match, meaning Stanhope Club needed to win the remaining two to force a playoff — which they did.
In a tense decider, James Everitt (Wolsingham Black Lion) defeated Adam Robinson (Stanhope Club) to secure Black Lion’s place in the final after an outstanding two-leg contest.
Cup Final Details
The Team Knockout Cup Final between Wolsingham Black Lion and Stanhope Grey Bull (A) will be played over two legs:
- 1st Leg: Wolsingham Black Lion – 4th March
- 2nd Leg: Stanhope Grey Bull – 11th March
