League Week 12 Report
Brian Morris was outstanding for Sandwell Unison, recording a maximum, as his side inflicted the first defeat of the season by a 6-4 score-line, on Land Rover 'B', in Division One of the Birmingham League. Rover roared back to humble Hockley Heath 'A' 9-1, with Dean Opbroek and David Ameghino recording trebles. Unison were held 5-5 by Land Rover 'C' in their next encounter, however, with Roger Townson and Chris Allen winning two singles each for Rover. Harry Sideras and Jon Ludlow were both unbeaten for Beaufort Sports 'A' in their 7-3 victory over F.Jacombs 'A'. Sutton 'B' just edged their 'C' team 6-4, with Graham Williams clinching victory with a three straight success over the ageless Ken Lancaster.
Colin Cleverley recorded a maximum for Sutton 'D' in an 8-2 mauling of Colebridge Hawks, which puts them level with Colebridge Giants for the second promotion spot in Division Two. Giants lost for only the second time this season, going down 6-4 to top dogs and club-mates Colebridge Eagles. Alan Hall was in fine form for Eagles to record two singles wins, as did explosive pen holder Mark Hadley.
Nigel Bishop included comfortable success over Tim Fell, in recording a maximum for Land Rover 'E' at Colebridge Indians in Division Three, although the match ended 5-5. Neil Buckley was unbeaten for Indians against Sutton 'E' in a 6-4 win for the home side, with the highlight of this clash being Tim Fell's 16-14 victory over Sutton youngster Nabil Khalfey. Khalfey was excellent in his sides 6-4 win over Beaufort Sports 'B', including a three straight success over Alan Thompson. Land Rover 'D' enhanced their promotion hopes with a 6-4 victory at Hockley Heath 'B', despite another treble from combination bat master Dean Hicks for Heath. Heath stay in the picture after a 7-3 success at Beaufort Sports 'B', with Hicks again undefeated. Roger Hookes of Bournville 'B' beat Maurice Clayton of Walmley 11-8 in the fifth in the opening set, which inspired his side to a 7-3 victory.
Andrew Nicol was unbeaten for Sutton 'H' in a 6-4 win over Walmley 'C' in Division Four. Sutton's John Pepper and Derek Turner had 12-10 and 15-13 victories in the fifth over an unlucky Tony Williams. Alton Burnett and Gordon Baker won two each for Lodge Road against West Midlands Phones 'B' and paired up for doubles success over Dave Lyne and Jeff Cook, in a 6-4 victory.
Quinborne 'B' were 4-0 down to Streetly 'C' in Division Five, before a tremendous comeback ensured a 5-5 draw, although Stuart Oakes of Streetly was player of the match with a treble.