Hesketh hit form with double cup triumph
HESKETH Bank made it a week to remember as they were winners in two of the seven team Cup finals on offer this week. Both of their first and second teams secured narrow 5-3 wins to make it a Cup double for the club.
With both of their first and second teams reaching the finals, hopes were high for some team silverware.
However with both sides playing against higher ranked opponents, they were going into their respective finals as the under-dog.
It was the St. Pauls Cup that the first team claimed after an impressive 5-3 win over Formby.
With both sides jostling for position in the third division promotion race, it was looking to be a tight contest.
But it was Hesketh Bank who not only won the Cup, but avenged their 8-0 defeat to Formby in the league earlier in the season.
In the St. Simon & St. Judes Cup, Hesketh Bank’s second team matched their first teams’ efforts with a 5-3 win of their own against Ormskirk III.
Despite Ormskirk looking slight favourites due to their performance in the semis and in the league, Hesketh Bank upset the form book to take the plaudits.
It was a surprise victory for Victoria Hall, as they defeated division leaders Churchtown in the final of the Hudson Cup.
Seen as the Premier Cup final, Churchtown were looking certain favourites to match their efforts in the first division.
However, Victoria Hall came and spoiled the party.
So much so, that they prevented Churchtown from winning it outright.
The match ended 4-4, and with both sides winning the same amount of sets, it went down to points.
Victoria Hall were announced the winners by 16 points.
This result could see them as a big threat in the league after the Christmas break.
Churchtown II came through a thrilling Hackney Cup final and defeated second division rivals Woodvale II by a points tie-breaker.
After avoiding a semi-final slip-up against Tarleton, Woodvale II were aiming to make it a tough contest. They came as close as they possibly could. With both sides level at 4-4, and tied on sets won, it was down to who won the most points in the final.
The Cup eventually went to Churchtown who were announced the winners by eight points.
With nine wins out of nine in the league, and a cup victory to their name, they will certainly be tough to beat in the second half of the season.
The fourth division has been all about Woodvale IV, and their performance in the West End Cup was no different.
After a comfortable 6-2 semi-final victory over Southport V, they produced a near-perfect team performance to win 7-1 against a Tarleton III side that did well to reach the final.
After what has been a memorable first half of the season, Woodvale IV look to mirror their efforts after Christmas to make a 100% winning season.
Another team in red-hot form, is Tarleton IV, who continue their dominance within the sixth division after winning the Frank Simpson Cup.
After both finalists preventing an all Woodvale final, Tarleton matched their efforts in the league with another dominant 7-1 win over runners-up Crosby II.
In the Pioneers Cup, it was not a happy hunting ground for the in-form teams.
In the end, it was Formby III who came out victorious against St. Cuthberts V in the final.
Despite only recording one win in the league, Formby’s third team claimed multiple shock results to secure some much needed team silverware.
Next week sees the final round of league matches before the Christmas break.
If you want to keep up to date with the latest news, results and league tables, then be sure to check out the league’s official website, www. southportbadminton.com. Also, make sure you like the league’s official Facebook page.