Stokesley Pool League – Week 8 Round-Up

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Week 8 delivered three competitive fixtures, standout moments, and a new shared lead at the top of the table as Kirkby B and Nunthorpe Rec continue to set the pace.

Kirkby B 7–2 Sports A

DBL: 3–0, SNG: 4–2

Kirkby B produced one of their strongest team performances of the season, taking a convincing 7–2 win over Sports A at the Black Swan.

There were plenty of talking points:

• • In the doubles, Graham Bland announced he “doesn’t do screwbacks”, to the amusement of both teams.
  • Matthew Brown had a rough spell, giving away three fouls after the cue ball was potted multiple times. Ian got his eye in and got over the line.
  • Graham Bird looked set for a classy finish, but while trying to develop the black for the final shot, it rolled straight in early,  a costly moment that summed up Sports A’s luck on the night.

Kirkby B were clinical throughout, with singles wins from Ian McGreevy, John Corner, Brian Dea and Lee Murphy, and a dominant 3–0 sweep in the doubles.

Sports A battled hard and picked up singles wins through Jordan Phillips, Graham Bird and Leon Jones, but the home side’s early control proved too much to overcome.

Nunthorpe Rec 5–4 Ayton

DBL: 1–2, SNG: 4–2

At Nunthorpe & Marton Recreation Club, the home side edged a close 5–4 victory over Ayton in a match that swung back and forth.

Ayton’s doubles pairing of Philip Mcgreevy & Alan Jackson and Peter Stones & Simon Parker gave the away side a 2–1 advantage early on, but Nunthorpe Rec were stronger in the singles.

Wins from Mike Bringlow, Peter Fields, James Hartley and Gary Fields swung the match their way, with the result once again coming down to the final frame. James Jarley also continued his excellent form, maintaining his 100% record in the singles.

Ayton pushed them all the way with singles success from Stuart Watson and Peter Stones, but Nunthorpe held their nerve to remain joint top.

Sports B 3–6 Kirkby A

DBL: 0–3, SNG: 3–3

Sports B 3–6 Kirkby A

DBL: 0–3, SNG: 3–3

Kirkby A produced an excellent away performance to defeat Sports B 6–3 and stay in touch with the mid-table pack.

Kirkby A started strong, dominating all three doubles games and storming to a 5–0 lead, shocking the home team. The momentum was finally stopped when Stephen Belton beat Dave Chow, punishing a couple of costly mistakes. Andy Hutchinson then extended the lead to 6–1 before Sports B claimed the last two singles. Both Tony Smith and Rachel Muscat missed clear chances that could have made the scoreline even more convincing for the visitors.

The difference came in the doubles, where Kirkby A swept all three frames thanks to partnerships of:

• Rachel Muscat & Dave Chow
• Andrew Hutchinson & Tony Smith
• Tony Smith & Dave Chow

In the singles, Sports B posted wins through Stephen Belton, Shane Pratt and Arfan Asif, but Kirkby A matched them with victories from Rachel Muscat, Andrew Hutchinson and Tony Smith.

It was a composed, well-managed performance from Kirkby A, who secured an important six points on the road.

Week 8 Summary

Kirkby B and Nunthorpe Rec remain tied at the top after another strong week, but the table behind them has tightened again. Ayton, Sports B and Sports A are still well within striking distance, while Kirkby A’s impressive away win keeps the entire middle pack squeezed together. With only a handful of points separating most of the league, nothing is settled as the season approaches its halfway stage.