Southport B pegged back by Carlton’s surprise
BEFORE we start the semi final roundup, there was the matter of those deferred Round One ties, and what a surprise Carlton managed to pull off in their home tie versus Southport B in the Division 3 Comp.
Two wins from the visitors – first from Matt Bishop and then Andy Bush – gave them the perfect start, before two wins from home captain Kris Cooper either side of a Carl Mulligan success turned it completely around.
Dai Davies then made it all square, only for the Carlton ‘upstarts’ to rattle off three victories on the trot, one from Mick Walsh and then both doubles to progress 6-3, a surprise win, but so well deserved.
In the other 1st round tie, Division 2 winners Rainford were just too strong for Argyle D, going through with a comfortable 6-0 margin.
Finally, that Crosby ‘Derby’ in the Premier Division Cup between their C and B teams did turn out to be the tie of the round.
A sensational tussle produced a last contest finish, with the ‘Young Guns’ of the B team going through 4-6.
B team captain Ciaran Lynch with a full quota of wins was the star turn on the night, along with Charlie Williams and Jack Savage, who won that last gasp point.
Tony Dixon was the C team’s stand out performer, which included a three straight win over Charlie, you win some ,you lose some, great match though!
PREMIER DIVISION
UNFORTUNATELY Crosby A with player shortages, conceded their Semi against Princes St A, whilst that other semi between Crosby B and Argyle A has been deferred till next week?
DIVISION 1
PRINCES St B had it all to do in facing a home tie against a very strong Formby Village A team, which is how it turned out with the visitors comfortably going through 1-6. Barry Davis and Colin Mitchell did most of the damage before Susie Venner and Janette Hutchings completed the job in their doubles encounter.
It was also plain sailing for Southport A who went through without dropping a point versus Argyle C, who to be fair had a bit of an off night, but when messrs Barnes, Frank, Cummins and Woods get the bit between their teeth, then it’s going to be tough. What a ‘Final’ we have in store then in Division 1.
DIVISION 2
PRINCES St E faced their D team, guaranteeing the club at least one contender in the Final, and it was the E team who got off to a cracking start with wins from Peter Crichton over Chris Foley and then a Josiah Nix master class against Colin Fyles, made it 2-0 E team. Captain Ian Lunt then pulled one back for D team over his fellow captain Harry Hobson.
Colin then made amends with a four-game success versus Joe Brolly, before Karen Gibson completed the turnaround to make it 2-3, after a very good win over Harry, taking the next three games after just missing out 15-13 in the first.
Josiah then continued his master class with an assured three straight victory against Chris to level it up at 3-3 – but that would be the best it would get for the E team as Ian recorded his second win on the night, which was quickly followed by Karen’s second, which left it nicely poised for Karen to partner Chris in their doubles to secure their passage through to the final with a score of 3-6.
Would it be an all Princes St final? Well, with injuries and illness continuing to plague the Princes St F camp, they unfortunately conceded their tie to Rainford, who now have the chance to complete a credible double.
DIVISION 3
ARGYLE F hosted a buoyant Carlton outfit after they had sprung that surprise win over Southport B, only the night before,so could they do it again? If there was a phrase to describe the home side, then that would be ‘Steady with a Dash of Robert Young’ and that recipe certainly delivered.
Two wins from Robert along with two more from Phil Marshall and one from Paul Marshall , put them in complete control, and then with the added pinch of a decisive double’s success, the dish was complete, 6-2 Argyle F.
In the second semi, League Winners Southport C were up against a full strength Argyle E side (fielded for the first time), and right from the start, a surprise looked to be on the cards.
Yes, number one Lewis Hible won his customary two singles, and their secret weapon Mark Jagger chipped in with one as well, but it was Tom Johnson who made all the difference with a top-class full quota of wins. Remarkable performance from a player who has not been a regular by any means.
It finished 1-7 for the Argyle outfit, and so their F team better watch out in that all Argyle Final.
So, the Divisional Cups redeemed themselves somewhat with some great matches and a few interesting outcomes. But, what will the Gunson (handicap) Cup throw up next week?
One thing is certain, the ‘Handicap Committee’ will be keeping everything crossed!
All information can be found at southport. ttleagues.com