The Race Continues To Get To Mac One!

This week's Carnation Cup threw up some intriguing matches and none more so than the ongoing battle to be top dog in the Mcintosh house! Brothers Tom and Kyle were paired against each other in the semi finals of the Carnation Cup pairs competition with their respective partners after Tom and Clive Eden had come through a tough quarter final against John Hallgarth and Mark Bloomer by a 3-2 scoreline. In the semi final Tom and Clive Eden came up against Kyle and Andy Kirkland and a close game ensued. In the first match Tom managed to squeeze past Kirkland just edging him out in the decider 23-21 but not to be outdone by his brother, Kyle managed to beat Clive Eden to leave the match all square. Eden then beat Kirkland in three sets which meant that the game between Tom and Kyle not only would determine who had the bragging rights in the McIntosh household but also who would reach the Final! On this occasion Tom came out on top by beating Kyle in straight sets which took Tom and Clive Eden into the final by a 3-1 scoreline.
In the other semi final Sarah Short and Dave Rix were up against Gary Scott and Matthew Williams. Short comfortably beat Williams to take the first game but then Scott squared the match by beating Dave Rix in straight sets and when Scott and Williams then won the doubles rubber they looked firm favourites to reach the final. However, Rix who plays in the division below Williams surprisingly then beat him in straight sets to once again level the match at 2-2. Short then comfortably beat Scott in straight sets to take the match overall 3-2 which leaves with them an intriguing final to look forward to against Tom McIntosh & Clive Eden.
The break from league matches this week gave one or two teams a chance to catch up on outstanding league games. Two such teams were Division One sides MBE and Ryton Park Bees who were playing for the first time at MBE's fabulous new purpose built home venue which Captain Mick Bell has had built at his own house. MBE marked the occasion by walloping the Bees 9-1 with hat tricks for both Mark Stanfield and Dave Marsh which set them on their way with the only blemish on their scorecard being made by the Bees Matthew Lemon who managed to beat Mick Bell in a 5 set thriller. Bell and Stanfield then teamed up to take the doubles in straight sets against Lemon and Allen. The result leaves the Bees 2nd from bottom whilst MBE consolidate their mid table position.
A reminder to all players that the date and venue for this seasons Annual Championships have both been changed. The championships will now be at Ryton Park School on Sunday the 27th of January. You can download an entry form from the 'downloads' page on the leagues website or e-mailing the league secretary through the contact us form on the website. ALL entry forms need returning to Nigel Stent no later than Saturday the 13th of January. Please inform your team mates