Crowland A clinch third tier title with away win

 

Needing just a couple of points to be sure of the title, the long-term leaders were made to work very hard by their hosts – but ultimately wrapped up the title with win number 21 from 27 games.

Black-ball victories from Arthur Coleman (R28), Ian Smith (R7) and Neil Burton (O14) proved key for the new champions, while Kevin Robbs (R14) collected the other frame success.

Behind them, a massive points swing saw Donington B move into pole position for second place.

Dave Banister (scr) pocketed a 24 break for them in a timely 6-0 whitewash win over Consti A, which leaves them needing four points to be sure of the second promotion place.

That’s because Long Sutton C, who have been in the promotion places for most of the season, went down 6-0 at home to Pyramid E to fall to fourth place.

Services D also moved above them with a 5-1 win over Consti D in their final game, with Jack Chilvers (O28) sinking a 27 clearance.

The highest they can finish is third, with Sutton C needing to pick up four more points than Donington B to leapfrog them into second.

Services B have an outside chance of second too, but their 4-2 loss at Consti E leaves them needing favours.

Lindsay Porter (R14) settled that clash in the final frame with a 60-50 triumph over Alan Hansard (R7).

Up in Division One, Tulips B are almost home and hosed after beating title rivals Donington C 4-2.

Only Pyramid B, who defeated hosts Whittlesey A 4-2 with Spencer Dawkins (O49) making a 38 break, can catch them – but they need a big points swing.

Regardless, a win in their final game against Gosberton B will see Tulips B crowned as champions.

Away from the race for the title, a fine 52 break from Mark Gray (O105) helped Bourne SC A win 5-1 at Services E too all but secure their top flight status for next season.

Boundary A also secured Division One snooker next season by seeing off stable-mates Boundary B 4-2, despite a 22 break from Dan Smith (O14).

Basement boys Services C look in trouble after a 4-2 loss against Services A, however.

Fellow relegation rivals Donington A also went down 4-2 at home to Tulips A as Bren Bowman (O56) pocketed a 33 break.

Both sides are on 76 points and are three points from safety.

In Division Two, Holbeach C all but secured second place behind champions Long Sutton A after beating Consti G 5-1.

Consti B can still overhaul them after their 5-1 success against basement side Crowland C, but they need to win 6-0 and hope Holbeach C lose by the same score.

Jim Howe (O28) racked up a 32 break in vain for Crowland, who must win on the final day to have any chance of staying afloat.

Also in the race for survival, Gosberton D can still beat the drop after edging out Pyramid C. Simon Slinger (scr) grabbed a vital final frame win for them.

Whittlesey C are still looking over their shoulders going into the final game after a 4-2 home reverse against Consti H.
A 32 break from Seb Grimston (O14) lit up that showdown.

Meanwhile, Boundary C rounded off their campaign with a 4-2 away triumph at Holbeach B.

Phil Coaten (O14) did hit a 22 break for the home side.