Published: 18/11/2009 00:00 - Updated: 23/11/2009 10:12

Cons make an early exit

SNOOKER

A BREAK from league action saw Burton & District Snooker League clubs take part in the first round of the Presidents Team Handicap, writes CYRIL SMITH.

This competition is a race to three, with up to four singles and a doubles decider played if needed, with a doubles decider if all square after the singles stage.

Burton Cons A had an early exit at home to Ivanhoe B despite two good frame wins from Mick Simpkins and Owen Jones. Garry Dolman and Ian Rennocks, who had both won their singles, teamed up for victory in the doubles decider.

Andy Marriott knocked in a 43 break to give Ivanhoe A a cushion in their win against Willington Sports and Social A. Steve Cockeram and Anthony Moore the other Ashby winners.

Tutbury A progressed to the second round at the expense of Stapenhill A. Craig Keen, Mark Mellish and Alan Davies making sure the tie was wrapped up without the need for doubles.

Rileys A met South Derbyshire Snooker Centre A in closely-fought contest. The first four frames were decided quickly and with the score at two apiece a deciding doubles frame ensued.

Rileys took an early lead but some exceptional safety play by Henry Thomas, who had already made the highest break of 32 in his singles frame, and Adam Harrison gave the Swadlincote side the opportunity to wrap up the frame and the match.

Tim Hodgkinson and Martin Riddell were left to get out of snookers but failed to leave the white safe as the away team picked off the colours for victory.

Belmont B and C teams had unluckily been drawn together in the first round. L Turner, Nigel Dutton and Paul Eaton getting the three required frames to knock out the B team.

Burton Cons B let their early lead slip away as Andy Winson, Kev Norris and Bob Sanders won the last three frames to put Rolleston A into the second round draw.

South Derbyshire Snooker Centre B had Rileys C on the rails. The Swadlincote side eased into round two courtesy of Andy Goldingay, John Davis and Chris Dewey.

Rileys D came back from being one behind to progress into the next round. Swad Cons B going out of the competition 3-1. Adam Farrington, Gary Mayne and Paul Fox putting the game to bed.

Burton Cons D went two up at home to Stapenhill C. Gordon Jennings bagged a frame for the Swans but their glimmer of light was extinguished in the fourth frame by Ian Shrive.

Rileys F marched emphatically into the next round by winning all their frames against Woodville Sports & Social B in a contest that was all over inside an hour.