By Stuart O’Dell
Week 6 Cup Action Produces Tight Contests
THE first leg of the Team Knock-Out Cup served up a night of close battles, comeback swings, and commanding performances across the Weardale Pool League. With Frosterley Inn receiving a bye into the next round, the remaining teams fought to gain crucial first-leg advantages ahead of the return fixtures.
Stanhope Grey Bull (A) Edge Pack Horse in 5–4 Thriller
Stanhope Grey Bull (A) hosted Stanhope Pack Horse in what proved to be a tense, seesaw encounter.
The home side opened the scoring through John Anderson, but Pack Horse hit back with an impressive run of three straight wins from David Nicholson, Ian Dowson, and Louise Fletcher.
Refusing to let the match slip away, Grey Bull (A) responded strongly. Singles victories from Paul Hepple and Chris Woodruff saw the hosts level the contest at 3–3 heading into the doubles.
With everything to play for, Grey Bull (A) held their nerve, taking two of the three doubles to claim a narrow 5–4 victory and a slim one-point advantage ahead of the second leg.
Stanhope Club Take Command With 7–2 Win at Blue Bell
St Johns Chapel Blue Bell made a positive start in their home tie against Stanhope Club, with Peter Liddle putting them in front. The visitors quickly responded through Stu O’Dell, but Simon Jones restored Blue Bell’s lead as they aimed to build early momentum.
That momentum was short-lived, however, as Stanhope Club took control of the match from that point onward. Singles wins from Adam Dobson, Adam Robinson, and Gary Stubbs turned the contest on its head, and a clean sweep of all three doubles games cemented a dominant 7–2 away victory.
Stanhope Club head into the second leg with a commanding cushion and one foot firmly in the next round.
Black Lion Claim Tight 5–4 Victory Over Grey Bull (B)
The clash between Wolsingham Black Lion and Stanhope Grey Bull (B) proved another closely fought affair.
Grey Bull (B) made the brighter start through Jake Crawford, but the home side hit back via James Everitt before Jack Tinkler restored the visitors’ lead.
Black Lion rallied again, with wins from Jonathan Elliott and Doug Mill swinging the match 3–2 in their favour. Richard James ensured the singles finished level at 3–3, keeping the tie finely poised.
The doubles proved decisive, and it was the home side who secured two of the three, earning a narrow 5–4 win and a valuable one-point lead heading into the return leg.
With only one fixture showing a sizeable gap, the second legs promise plenty of drama as teams compete for a place in the next round of the Team Knock-Out Cup.
