Snooker round-up: Three-horse Division One title race as Services E stun leaders

Services E threw their hat into the Spalding and District Snooker League Division One title race by beating leaders Bourne SA A 4-2 on Thursday night.

A frame win from Martin Spencer (O14) – who made a 30 break en-route to seeing off Mark Gray (O105) – and a double from Chris Dunmore (O7) got the third-placed Spalding side over the line.

Bourne remain top with second-placed Holbeach A not having a game, but Services are now just six points behind them too.

At the other end of the table, the big match of the week pitted struggling Tulips A against new basement boys Boundary B.

It proved to be a close contest, but Tulips – aided by a 23 break and frame win from talisman Bren Bowman (O49) – took the spoils 4-2.

That result allowed Long Sutton A jump off the bottom with a 4-2 success at Consti B. A 22 clearance from Mat Smith (O42) helped them on their way, as did black-ball frame wins from Smith and Steve Dent (scr).

The score was also 4-2 as another lowly side, Pyramid B, were edged out by high-flying Holbeach D.

This one went all the way to the final frame, with Ian Woodberry (O7) beating Dave Pearson (O14) in the final frame.

The 4-2 theme continued a Tulips B shaded a tight tussle at Boundary A, Ady Sibley (O14) and Darren Woodberry (O42) made breaks of 24 and 20 respectively, while Consti F eased their relegation fears with a 5-1 win at Holbeach C.

In Division Two, rock-bottom Consti G pushed Services C all the way before eventually succumbing 4-2.

A 22 clearance from Andy Grimwood (O14) was Consti’s highlight, but they lost when Kevin Fitter (O14) defeated Josh Barnes (O14) in the final frame of the night.

Boundary C are five points behind the table-toppers after they picked up a 5-1 home triumph over Long Sutton C.

Promotion hopefuls Donington A also picked up a victory, as Tony Scully’s (O28) black-ball success over Jon Bettinson (scr) in the final frame secured them a 4-2 win at Services A.

It was also close as Gosberton A knocked off hosts Pyramid C by the same 4-2 scoreline. John Twell (O14) and Jamie Mumby (R14) made breaks of 28 and 26 respectively in that one.

The popular 4-2 score also saw Long Sutton B defeat Pyramid D, with Carn Parnell (O28) taking centre stage thanks to a 25 clearance.

That break was bettered by Seb Grimston (O21), but his fine 33 couldn’t stop Consti H from losing 4-2 at home to Whittlesey C.

Down in Division Three, leaders Crowland C made it ten wins from as many matches with a 4-2 victory at Consti C. Jim Howe (O35) made a 20 break in the opening frame to kick things off in style for the league’s only unbeaten side.

Elsewhere, a 34 break from the talented Craig Fitter (O56) helped one of Crowland’s challengers – Services B – pick up a 5-1 success over Gosberton C.

Also collecting five points were Pyramid C, who handed Consti A a 5-1 reverse.

Dave Horsewood (21) starred for the Bourne side with a 22 clearance.