By Stuart O’Dell
Stanhope Grey Bull (A) Dominate as Stanhope Grey Bull (B) Also Secure Convincing Victory
Stanhope Grey Bull (A) 9–0 Stanhope Curious Grouse
Stanhope Grey Bull (A) produced a dominant performance against Stanhope Curious Grouse, taking control of the match from the outset with three consecutive singles victories from Carl Tunstall, Steve Sewell and Stu Brown.
The home side showed no signs of slowing down, with Johnny Emerson, Paul Heppel and Chris Woodruff all winning their respective singles matches to complete a clean sweep of the opening six games and secure victory before the doubles began.
Hoping to salvage some consolation points, Curious Grouse turned their attention to the doubles. However, there was to be no reprieve for the visitors, as Grey Bull (A) continued their impressive form by winning all three doubles games to complete a comprehensive 9–0 victory.
Stanhope Pack Horse 4–5 St Johns Chapel Blue Bell
St Johns Chapel Blue Bell travelled to Stanhope for their encounter with Pack Horse, and it was the visitors who made the brighter start, with Simon Aldred claiming the opening point.
Will Giles responded for the home side to level the match, but Blue Bell regained the advantage through Mike Moore and Colin Hodgson. Ken Roper pulled a point back for Pack Horse, but Derek Iddon won the final singles game to give the visitors a 4–2 lead heading into the doubles.
With everything still to play for, Pack Horse mounted an impressive fightback, winning the first two doubles games to draw level at 4–4 and set up a tense finale.
However, it was St Johns Chapel Blue Bell who held their nerve in the deciding doubles game, securing a hard-fought 5–4 victory in a closely contested encounter.
Stanhope Club (B) 1–8 Stanhope Grey Bull (B)
The battle of the B teams saw Stanhope Grey Bull (B) make a flying start against Stanhope Club (B), with Chris Henderson and Richard James winning the opening two singles matches for the visitors.
Lewis Featherstone pulled a point back for the home side, offering a glimmer of hope, but Grey Bull (B) quickly regained control. Jack Tinkler, Rob Graham and David Sheppard all claimed singles victories to put the visitors firmly in command and secure the overall match win before the doubles got underway.
The visitors continued their dominance in the doubles, winning all three games to complete an emphatic 8–1 victory. It was an outstanding all-round team performance from Grey Bull (B), who proved too strong for their opponents on the night.
Wolsingham Black Lion 3–6 Stanhope Club (A)
Stanhope Club (A) made an excellent start away to Wolsingham Black Lion, with Adam Dobson, Frank Stephenson and Shaun Emerson winning their opening singles matches to establish an early three-point advantage.
James Everitt got the home side on the scoreboard, but Stanhope Club (A) responded positively, with Stu O’Dell and Adam Robinson winning the remaining singles games to give the visitors a commanding 5–1 lead heading into the doubles.
Stanhope Club (A) carried their momentum into the doubles, winning the opening game to extend their advantage. However, Black Lion refused to give up and fought back strongly, claiming the final two doubles games to reduce the margin of defeat.
Despite the late rally from the home side, Stanhope Club (A) had done enough to secure a 6–3 away victory.
