League Week 18 Report

Ian Ferguson plays his last competitive match, as Curdworth and Kingshurst Bribar 'A' go head-to-head tonight, in the 'Battle of Brum II' clash that will decide the outcome of the Premier Division title in the Birmingham League.  "We are confident, I have no intention of going out of the game on a losing note," insisted the attacking star who has been the top player in the city for more than a decade.  "Simon Rudland is the key player for us, he was not at his best with the conditions at Kingshurst, but you will see a difference tonight."  The Curdworth club will be packed to the rafters in the hope that the players can produce the same level of skill and speed that enthralled the spectators in the previous encounter.  'Fergie' maintained his unbeaten individual record in the 8-2 hammering of Colebridge Aces, which included a satisfying three straight win over England veteran Ray Dixon.  Jack Williamson made a superb debut for Bribar Kingshurst 'C' in the Premier Division of the Birmingham League, in the 5-5 draw at Colebridge Braves.  The 13 year old, tipped by Desmond Douglas as a star of the future, crushed both Birmingham No 1 junior Navinder Matharu and defender John Overton, while Edward Lynn was unbeaten for Braves.

Beaufort Sports 'A' top Division One, after 7-3 wins over both Land Rover 'B' and Hockley Heath 'A'.  Jon Ludlow was in magnificent unbeaten form in both matches and was well supported by Tony Stewart and Harry Sideras.  Heath look to be on their way down to Division Two after a 7-3 home defeat to Bournville 'A', for whom Bhavesh Amlani gained a maximum.  Ken Lancaster showed his best form of the campaign for Sutton 'C' in their 6-4 win over Sandwell Unison, with success over Ashley Savell-Boss and George Hutton which both went the distance.

Colebridge Eagles wrapped up the Division Two title with wins over both Colebridge Hawks and Smithereens.

Paul Thomas and Tony Arends virtually assured Land Rover 'D' of promotion to Division Two, after a 9-1 mauling of Colebridge Indians, with unbeaten displays. Dean Hicks took another step to the individual title, with three wins in his sides 7-3 triumph over Land Rover 'E'.  The wily skills of Harry Ford were too much for the Streetly 'B' trio of Mike Standen, Graham Fleet and David Collins, as the Bournville veteran inspired his team to a 5-5 draw.  Ford won another two singles in the 5-5 score-line at Sutton 'E', for whom youngster Yaquob Mohammed showed rich promise.  Robert Sheldon of Beaufort Sports 'B' inflicted a three straight defeat on John Dineen, to give his side a share of the spoils at Land Rover 'E'.

Simon Russell of runaway Division Four leaders West Midlands Phones 'B' suffered his first defeat of the season to Nabil Khalfey, as Sutton 'G' inflicted a shock 6-4 defeat.  Khalfey showed just why he will be playing in a much higher division in 2006/7, with another maximum in the 5-5 draw against Sutton 'F'.  Hockley Heath 'C' won 7-3 at Sutton 'H' with their trio of Alan Buck, Albert Tsang and Dennis Goode winning two singles each.

Jacombs 'B' had mixed fortunes in Division Five, losing 6-4 to Baverstock 'A', but beating their 'B' side 7-3.  Ron O'Malley won three for Sutton 'I' in their 6-4 victory over Streetly 'D'.