A winning billiards return for Sharks

Stoke Sharks have returned to the Portsmouth Billiards League scene in style.

On the opening day of the season, Sharks defeated Cowplain Misfits 6-1 - winning 1,191-1,035 on aggregate.

Sharks skipper Mike Hart got his team off to a flyer with a 200-147 win against Ted Dowse before Dave Weedon (200-191) levelled. That was Misfits’ sole highlight as the Sharks bit back with Chris Roebuck, Brian Dobson, Phil Ledington and Ian Lewis all winning close games.

Portchester X led Copnor A& E 2-0 through Matt James and Mark Kingswell. Though Copnor skipper Scott Compton (200-172) levelled, Andy Macey (200-158) restored Portchester’s two-game lead.

Copnor saved their best until last as Kev Harding (200-171) and Marki Tillison (200-144) helping their side to a two-shot overall win - 1,0891,087.

Bellair X took the first three games en route to a 4-3 victory at Pompey Royals. Gary Linter, Bill Parsons (200-197) and Andy Howell (200-195) all won before Royals hit back through Jason Orchard (200-164) and Paul Chivers (200-138).

Bellair had the final say as the ever-reliable Steve Scott triumphed 200-168, though the Royals won 1,117-1,102 overall to take the bonus point..

Another tight contest saw Waterlooville C won 4-3 at Cowplain B. A win for Cowplain’s James Curtis (200-168) was cancelled out by Richie Burnett (200-164), before Will Garrett (200-199) edged Cowplain back in front.

Gary Wilton (47 break) levelled before Bill Phillips (Ville) and Gary Curtis (Cowplain, 200-196) both won. Ville took the bonus point 1,163-1,058.