2011 Play Off Semi

Friday 30th September

Hanwood, crowned The Tanners Shropshire League winners last week, were too powerful for Market Drayton League winners, Hanmer at Hadley USC tonight, eventually winning by 44 chalks. Hanwood had the first eight winners and were always in control. They never looked back after the first four as Sam O’Nions led 19-6 on short marks, Russell Wellings led about 15-7, Carl Bowers was always a few up but Ben Talbot was 11- 9 down. Sam got over the line with a real’un to win 12, Ben then ran out on a 20m round peg, Carl won 14 in a good quality game and Russell held off a spirited fight back to win 18.

Into the middle and Hanmer needed some big card quick. But it didn’t happen as Dan raced about 8-0 in the lead, Phil Lyttle led 13-4 on a mark over the crown and Eric Mansell led 13-1 on a round peg, but Dave was struggling at 10-5 down. David Ellison then got back at Dan and actually led 17-16 before Dan got out 18. Simon and Paul did erode their opponent’s leads but still lost 12 and 15 respectively. Dave then got back in in the corners and won 17 to give Hanwood an unassailable lead of 51.

Hanmer though didn’t let their heads go down and actually had a good start in three of the four matches. Jonathan Scott led 10-1, Michael Townsend was a few up and Graham Jones led 11-7. But Steve France was 10-0 up on a round peg. In the end all the games ended up close with Hanmer edging three out of the four but the game was well up by that time.

So Hanwood play Madeley CC at Prees on Tuesday now

Hanmer, Market Drayton League winners who lost to Hanwood tonight
Back (from left) Paul Mapp, Richard Pullen. Jonathan Scott. Graham Jones. Matthew Scott (Manager) Simon Evans Paul Cleave
Front Mike Townsend Graham Faulkner Rob Adams Alan Faulkner Dave Ellison captain Lee Peate