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Week 26 (14th March 2006)

Three 7 - Nil's this week shows the pressure brings the quality out, Leaders United Services (124 Pts) whitewashed Brooklands helped by a Keith Aldred 65, to maintain an 8 point lead, however Didsbury (116), who have a game in hand, matched them like for like thrashing Partington 7-0 with a Steve Roberts 53, their recent stumble a now a distant memory. Flixton Cons A (113) in 3rd place despatched visitors Woodheys 6-1, to keep in the running, however they need a little outside help I fear. Timperley Cons (110) could only grab 5 points against strugglers Flixton Cons B, including an impressive 72 from Interleaguer Colin Hamer which means, in my opinion the current champions have fallen into the also-ran bracket, however they have a strong say in who wins the league with a trip to the Services in the penultimate week of the season. Urmston Cons A (109) beat Stretford 5-2 but barring a miracle top Hitman & Captain Mark Miller can only expect a bronze medal at best. Whilst the Editor & Captain of the Excel was on the piste in Kitzbuhel with one eye on the (Franz) Klammer for points at the bottom, he saw his side record their first 7-0 win of the season over fellow strugglers Urmston Cons B and rise from the nervous pack (I get the message lads…and thanks for reminding me Joe Bayley!) With Rail not playing and 8 points adrift the other 3 are all stuck on 53 points. See the run-in. This week services have a week off, will the others capitalise?

In Division 2, 2nd placed Stretford stumbled 3-4 at the hands of Services B inspired by M. Horner (32) whilst Flixton only won 4-3.

Week 25 (7th March 2006)

5 weeks to go boys!, United Services (117 Pts) are 8 points clear, they destroyed Urmston Cons B 6-1 that's all I got….? And breathing down their necks Didsbury (109), who have not won since 7th of Feb, must have had the hair dryer treatment from Captain Clive, they took no prisoners thrashing bottom side Rail 7-0 who's last win was early November, in week 5. I greeted a buoyant third place Flixton (107) after a 5-2 win at Stretford, cheeky grins on their faces, as if a spanner would be thrown in the works, Seven-Nils is what's needed? Champions Timperley (105) slid up to 4th with a 7-0 whitewash of Mens B, trailing top spot by only 12 points, Timpers play the Services soon, and may have a say in this tight league? Urmston Cons A (104) drifted into 5th with a 5-2 win at Partington helped by a Mark Miller 56 & Steve Groves 39, down but not out, they wont finish 5th….? Now for the bottom, what a great week for the Excel, well a win, all the other peasants floundered, Rail's cause looks grim, and Flixton & Urmston's remaining fixtures look bleak, this is all written in hope of course. Check out the potential champions & duck eggs.. In Division Two, Flixton are 11 points clear beating 3rd place Rail 5-2 and Stretford won 7-0.

Week 24 (1st March 2006)

With only 6 weeks to go, United Services (111 Pts) extend their lead at the summit to a healthy 9 points giving strugglers Flixton Cons B a 6-1 thrashing, they have played a game more than the other 4 title hunters, however the crown is now theirs to lose. Have Joe Blessyn's mob got what it takes? While 2nd place Didsbury (102) were resting, reflecting on their back-2-back losses and licking their wounds, I could go on…., it was Flixton Cons A (102) in 3rd who drew level on points with a solid 5-2 win against visitors Partington helped by a Barry Carmody 40 and in response, Partington's top marksman Lee Patterson (40) held up his end. In 4th Urmston Cons A (99) get performance of the week and produced some awesome snooker, against wooden spoon contenders Rail, an excellent 52 from Johnny Hawken was followed up by the 2nd highest break of the season, a classy 90 by Steve Groves. Only the last tricky red stopped him possibly from going on to surpass the 119 set by his captain Mark Miller against the same team back in November, (he was seen hovering in the background shivering & biting his nails). His heart wanted him to do it, but his head???? Mark registered a 39 to complete a 254 point 6-1 pasting. 5th place Champions Timperley (98) could only scratch together 4 points at home to Woodheys, is it time to relinquish the crown? A cracking 63 by Pete Unsworth was the highlight of the Mens A's 6-1 whooping of Stretford Cons. In the scrappy dog fight at the bottom, no surprises, "we're all down there 'cos we're crap", simple as, only 6 points divide the bottom 5 teams! This coming week, I will be wearing the colours of the Services & Didsbury, I wonder why? See the run-in.

In Division 2, the top 3 all had a bit of a stagger, but the bookies have still closed the betting…!

Week 23 (21st February 2006)

Oh how the mighty fall….!...But for how long….? Has Bird Flu reached Didsbury ? Urmston Cons A have knocked the long time leaders of their perch, and its United Services who have fluttered in. The impressive Didsbury lead 3-1 with a masterful 72 from Steve Roberts and a comprehensive win by Clive Garlick, only to be pegged back & overhauled by the Urmston Rearguard, in a precious and thrilling 4-3 win. New leaders Services thrashed Mens B 6-1 with contributions from M Lawton (Mens B) 35 & J Price (Services) 32. In 3rd, Flixton Cons A beat Rail 5-2 away, as James Leadbetter makes it 16 out of 16, not bad 'ft youngster. After hastily writing Timperley off, they are still prowling with a fine 5-2 win at Stretford Cons. In the scrap at the bottom, there are 5 worried captains with 5 points between them, I'm one of them. Flixton Cons B had the best week winning 5-2 against Brooklands, Partington had the worst, 3 points they gained on Tuesday were taken away the night before at the League Meeting for wagging it! Good on yer...And the Excel had a shocker. This week Didsbury have no game and no doubt regrouping, a chance for the others to take advantage?

In Division 2, Flixton, 12 points clear help Rail (2nd), by beating Stretford Cons (3rd) 5-2, helped by D Hope with 30 & 22 breaks, however the Railwaymen could only muster 4 points at Linden

Week 22 (14th February 2006)

The last time Didsbury lost a match was the 18th of October 2005, the opposition was Flixton Cons A, its happened again! Didsbury's impressive run came to an end helped by a James Leadbetter 48, then 66 clearance, some resistance came from Ash Alarji with a 38 but lost, however Flixton did the double over the leaders in a tight match 5-2 to move up to third place with a game in hand. Second place Services had a solid 5-2 win at home to Woodheys helped by Steve Doherty (34), Services are now level on points at the top. Urmston Cons A had the week off no doubt in training for their trip to Didsbury this week. Timperley Cons had a convincing home 6-1 win against the unpredictable Partington, too little, too late to retain the title???, maybe not, they still have a game in hand. The scrap to avoid the drop saw Rail thrashed 7-0 by Mens A to earn bottom spot. Urmston Cons B dragged themselves off the bottom with a gutsy 4-3 win over neighbours Flixton Cons B. Excel could only muster 2 points against a solid Stretford team.

Division 2 saw runaway leaders Flixton Cons C fall to Flixton Ex's helped by the Bandit Brothers, one of them, Steve Urbaniak with a break of 27. They ran out 4-3 winners, see match report , however the Cons are still 10 points clear. Closest rivals Stretford Con & Rail both had no game. Mr Horner had a 36 break to help Services B win 5-2 at Linden A

Week 21 (7th February 2006)

Its Didsbury who just maintain a 3 point lead this week with a narrow 4-3 victory at home to Mens A, with a quality Steve Roberts 53, and a solid 41 from Captain Clive Garlick. Now what did I tell you last week! Urmston Cons thrashed Flixton Cons A 6-1 , saved only by James Leadbetter who took the scalp of Captain Miller, but Urmston rise to 3rd Place, they are right back in contention now. The Services won 5-2 to remain in second spot as did Timperley, however, are the Champions just also rans now? At the bottom, the Excel continued to climb out of danger with an excellent 4-3 win away at Partington, inspired by a simply stunning clearance by their top marksman Dexter Cook. He is peaches, he is cream, he is the best player in our team…! Licking their wounds, Flixton Cons A host Didsbury in what will be the tie of the week…….!

The Second division still looks a one horse race, Flixton Cons C won 6-1, and Stretford Cons are just ahead in the clamour for promotion with a slender 1 point lead and a game in hand over Rail B. Must mention the Excel, a comprehensive 7-0 win versus Partington B, I might have to borrow some players!

Week 20 (31st January 2006)

Top dogs Didsbury hounded Timperley this week, the travellers cruised to a 5-2 victory with an impressive display. A 72 from Steve Roberts helped them open up a 4 point lead at the top, and the champions now trail top spot by 15 points, Timperley Gons….are the whispers? Flixton Cons A had a well earned break, as the Services snook into 2nd spot with a tight 4-3 win over Partington helped by a Phil Wood 38. Write Urmston Cons A off at your peril, 6-1 win at Mens A, top hitman Mark Miller helped himself to a 55 are they too late to challenge? The relegation battle at the bottom saw the Excel win 5-2 over a jaded Rail A, should have been 6-1 if it wasn't for the charity of the Excel captain. Watch this space! Looking forward, Urmston Cons A host Flixton Cons A will windy-Miller do the crushing or will they be Lead-better by example?

In Division Two, Stretford Cons B (5-2) & Rail B (6-1) closed the gap on Flixton Cons C (no game) to 7 points.

Week 19 (24th January 2006)

Rooted at the bottom, the Excel Captain travelled to High Flyers Didsbury for some Garlick bread, and he came home with two pieces! However with a 'Hurricane Higgins' esque 62 from Austin Whelan, a steady Steve Roberts 61, and a solid 31 From Captain Clive 5 home points were secure. Elsewhere, Urmston Cons A, leap frogged visitors Timperley by 5-2 with a Steve Groves 52, and Mark Miller 36. Flixton Cons A thrashed Mens A 6-1 to close the gap at the top to 2 points with a 76 from James Leadbetter & Paul Keeling 51. United Services had a good win at Rail 5-2 to keep them in the hunt. Looking forward, Timperley entertain Didsbury this week its now or never for Starkies men, and the bottom two clash, c'mon Excel dig deep….!. In Division Two, Flixton Cons C won 5-2 and their lead cut by 2 points, Stretford Cons B whitewashed Linden away 7-0 and Rail B won 6-1 in the race for second place.

Week 18 (17th January 2006)

Blimey Charlie!...what a week….it's the not so Diddy men who eeked out an impressive 4-3 win at the Services (inc. Steve Roberts 63) to increase their lead at the top to 3 points over Flixton Cons A. And it was Flixton who played into the pockets, or not so, of fellow Con Men & Champions Timperley, the visitors, could only muster 2 points. Mr Starkies back yard is not the easiest place to visit!. Urmston Cons were down in the basement, and with a fine display of precision safety & point scoring by Captain Miller, his boys grabbed 5 vital points, however the Excel may fade, but will never die!. A very impressive 53 by Steve Luxon of Brooklands on those dark wooly tables helped secure a vital 4-3 home win against Rail A. (Can you tell I lost there earlier this week?) Again some interesting fixtures this week, Top v Bottom is one to watch! In Division Two, Flixton Cons C won 5-2 at home and extended their lead to 14 points, the bookies have stopped taking bets, however snooker is a funny game. C'mon Rail & Flixton, pull your finger out…!

Week 17 (10th January 2006)

Leaders Didsbury enjoyed a tight win at home to Brooklands 4-3 to maintain top spot, Flixton Cons A dropped 2 points at home to the resilient Excel (Down, but not out) including a cheeky 32 from Barry Carmody against the travelling captain. Services beat Urmston Cons A 4-3 to remain 3rd in a tight one and both captains lead by example Joe Blessyn (48) & Mark Miller (65) also for the Cons a healthy 52 by Steve Groves. Mens A gave champions Timperley a thrashing 5-2 to leapfrog them in the table Timperley now in 5th spot and 10 points off the leaders! There are some juicy fixtures to look forward to next week.

In Division Two, Flixton Cons C won 5-2 and extended the lead to 13 points, can they be caught or will the Con men from Flixton have 3 teams in the big league next season?

Week 16 (3rd January 2006)

Happy New Year to all…! Didsbury reclaimed top spot to start the new year in fine fettle with a 5-2 win, Ex leaders Flixton Cons A were reminded that it aint over with a 2-5 defeat at the Services. Urmston Cons A had an impressive away victory at the tricky Brooklands, helped by the highest break of the year so far from Steve Groves (48). The New Year welcomed an old pro and old foe, Joe Bayley complete with bad back (It's a committee thing?) learnt a harsh snooker lesson at the hands of Mr Shelmerdene (83-6) more practice Joe and the Excel captain remains unbeaten this year! In Division Two, Flixton Cons C won 5-2 and are still romping away with a 10 point cushion

Week 15 (13th December 2005)

Its Flixton Cons A who are the top of the tree at Christmas with an impressive 6-1 victory away at Brooklands. Second placed Didsbury guided by skipper Clive Garlick who knocked in a 46, match Flixton frame for frame to keep the pressure on, away against the leaders 'B' team. The long time leaders Services, swagger turns to a festive stagger at home to Mens A, with a narrow victory 4-3 despite a 43 from Phil Wood. The champions Timpers, cruise to a 6-1 thrashing at the Excel with their injured captain Steve Starkie (bad back) leading by example with a masterful 53 (should have been more!) Urmston Cons A get back in gear with an impressive 6-1 away win including a 78 from captain Mark Miller.

In Division 2, runaway leaders Flixton Cons C have the week off, however not much ground made up from their nearest challengers Stretford Cons B (4-3) and Rail B (2-5).

Week 14 (6th December 2005)

ALL CHANGE…..Flixton Cons A snook into top spot in the penultimate week before Christmas with a comprehensive 7-0 white-wash of Urmston Cons B who only could scrape together 145 points in total. Timperley Cons showed why they are current champions toppling week 13 Leaders United Services 5-2 helped by a healthy 56 by Colin Hamer. Didsbury maintained 2nd spot and continued to keep the pressure on with a 5-2 victory over Mens B, pushing United Services out to 3rd. Who will be top when the Turkey is served, and who will be the Turkeys when we resume in 2006?. Its tight at the top, and not much different at the bottom. In Division 2, the Flixton Cons C steam train rumbled on with a solid 5-2 win away at the Cricketer's, they now lead by an impressive 12 points. The battle for second place and with an eye on promotion Stretford Cons B and Rail B share it with 54 points

Week 13 (29th November 2005)

United Services were back in form after they had a week off, leading by example an impressive display from Captain Joe Blessyn with a 53 and a 37 clearance (Thanx Joe) to ensure a 6-1 win. They have now opened up a 3 point lead as we approach half way. Didsbury could only claim 4 points against an ever resilient Woodheys despite a formidable 88 by Steve Roberts, Second highest break of the season. Hats off to Mens B with a superb win over title contenders Urmston Cons A. Current champions, Timperley Cons were left wanting as they fell down on the road at Brooklands 3-4. In Division Two Flixton Cons C increased their lead to 11 points with an impressive 6-1 win against Linden A

Week 12 (22nd November 2005)

Table toppers United Services had the week off as Didsbury failed to capitalise fully collecting only 5 points at home to Stretford Cons including a 75 Break from Steve Roberts. All round it was a good week for the "Con-Men" in this league with a James Leadbetter 71, (Flixton Cons), Mark Miller 52 (Urmston Cons) and Colin Hamer 46 & Steve Starkie 40 (both Timperley Cons) Come-back of the week goes to gritty Martin Jeffries from Brooklands after trailing 44-0 only to squeeze a 47-49 victory (Thanx Martin) In Division Two Flixton Cons C are maintaining the impressive 10 point lead at the top.

Week 11 (15th November 2005)

United Services increase the slender lead that they have at the top of Division One to 6 points, however the ever impressive Didsbury are still in the hunt and Timperley Cons are snapping at their heels. Excel again dig deep for a much needed win to drag themselves off the bottom of the table after a gutsy win over fellow strugglers Urmston Cons B possibly inspired by their out of form captain. In Division Two Flixton Cons C are romping away with an impressive 10 point lead.