In the opening fixtures of the season in the BDO Inter Counties Championships there were mixed fortunes for our local teams Warwickshire and West Midlands. Warwickshire promoted back to the Premier Division last season played hosts to Yorkshire and did not get off to a good start. The men’s ‘A’ were the only team not to lose as they earned a share of the spoils in a 6-6 draw. The ’B’ team lost 9-3 and in the ladies games the ’A’ went down with 5-1 scoreline which included a very rare defeat for Trina Gulliver and the ’B’ lost 4-2 to give and overall result of 24-12 to the visitors.
Match awards went to Nigel Heydon (20.10 ’A’), Scott Rand (26.57 ’B’), Sue Biddle (19.76 ’A’) and Tracey Edgecombe (17.47 ’B’).
It was a different story for the West Midlands who were relegated to division two at the end of their last campaign. Playing away to Suffolk they returned with a tremendous 22-14 victory to put them top of their promotion table. Both ladies teams won 4-2 with Leanne Jennings 21.80 taking the ’A’ sides match award and Heather Wright 16.77 the ’B’.
For the men veteran Lol Frazer 28.90 took the ’A’ teams trophy as they won 9-3 and Peter Edmonds won the ’B’ teams man of the match with a 27.33 average as they went down 7-5.
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After competing just six fixtures the Harborne and District 401 League is fast turning into a two horse race. Last week’s leaders Hillyfields ‘B’ romped to an 8-1 away victory over their local rivals Hillyfields ’B’ this week, but their nearest rivals in the league table, Smethwick Labour Club went one better when they handed out a 9-0 whitewash to Bartley Green F.C. and have now drawn level with Hillyfields on both points and average.
The rest of the field are already four points behind the leading pair but early season pacesetters Thimbermill, who had a close 5-4 win at Quinborne Social ’A’ are currently third in the table with a game in hand and could reduce their deficit to two points.
Two maximums were recorded this week by J.Kearns (Quinton Members Club) and P.Watkins (Hillyfields ’B’).
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Trotters were in fine form in the Gulp League as they won their home tie with Pickwick 7-0 to lift them into second place in the table behind Tribe who won 6-1 away to the Lions. Both teams are locked together on 20 points with Tribe just holding pole position on average. Rebbels and St Andrews are both two points behind the leading duo and in turn beat Who’s and Devils 5-2.
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Potchenn Still, despite winning 5-4 at Red Hill Tavern have had to forfeit their clear lead at the top of the Small Heath League as the Mitre, after a 6-3 win at home to Beaufort Social Club have now joined them in joint top position, level on points and average.
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After most teams have played five fixtures Leamington lead the way on 44 points at the top of the Warwickshire Men’s Super League. Leamington’s latest success was a 6-2 away win against Nuneaton FDL. Cherry Tree are in second place some ten points adrift of Leamington with Birmingham Hall Green a further seven points behind in third.
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A final reminder that the Forest of Arden Winter League is holding it’s AGM on Wednesday 14th October at Sheldon Heath Social Club. All interested teams, both old and new are invited to attend the meeting which will get underway at 8.00pm. Alternatively anyone requiring any further information can contact Brian Twist on 07768-838384 or by e-mail at [email protected]
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There was a major shock in division two of the Pip Club League this week as Red Lion ‘B’ moved off the bottom of the table when they handed out a 9-7 defeat to Kettlebrook Club who were previously unbeaten. At the other end of the table the top two teams, North Warwick Cricket Club and Gate Inn met each other and there was a 9-7 win for North Warwick, this was Gate’s first defeat.
In division one Glascote Club have been knocked off pole position and replaced by Red Lion ’A’ who beat them 11-5.
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