Not to be for Toby as The Village edge a thrilling Griffin Cup Final

THE final cup competition of the season in the Widnes Domino League was hosted by sponsors Griffin which featured The Village playing against the Toby Diner.

The Toby Diner won the drop and put Diane McCormick and Dennis Horrocks against The Village pairing of Ken Swindley and Tom Welding.

It was the latter pair who came out on top two legs to one giving them the ideal start to the game.

Next to the table came Billy Durbin and Jim Nolan from The Village trying to keep the momentum going. They were paired against Eric Hartles and George Hollins.

This time fortune smiled on the Toby’s pairing as they won their game without losing a single leg.

With the match evenly poised, The Village sent out the Grady brothers Peter and Alan to try and swing the game back in their favour going against the Toby duo of Alan Headen and Bill Oldfield.

Try as hard as they could, the Toby Diner duo could not overcome their opponents losing their game 2-0.

After a short break for refreshments and team talks by the captains it was time to resume with Toby sending in the ladies – Lily Harrison and Gill Bamber – to try to complete the match in style.

However, The Village had other ideas. After a tough game and a drawn leg The Village pairing came out on top winning 2-1.

With the exciting match all square, it was down to another Grady brother, John, playing alongside Jim Brennan from The Village in their quest to claim the silvereware.

And The Village pair did just that winning their game by beating Toby Diner duo Gordon Moffatt and Dennis Hunt without losing a leg.

A jubilant Village captain Billy Durbin collected the trophy from the League’s secretary Bill Housley.

Congratulations to them and commiserations to gallant runners-up in the competition, Toby Diner. Many thanks too must go to the Griffin for the buffet and sponsorship, and appreciation to League referees Andy and Tony. ● Please note dates for your diary. The annual presentation this year is a week tomorrow – Friday, June 22 – at the RAOB club and the pairs competition is on this evening at Millbrow with an 8pm start. ● ●

Finalists The Village and Toby Diner pictured ahead of the Griffin Cup Final which was won by the former 3-2 in an exciting encounter.

Tim Furfie Halton Spartans defensive back Charlie Nash looks to advance with the ball after picking off a pass in the game against the Phantoms.