The first two rounds of the Minor Singles Championship were played last Saturday with Joe Cremona and Peter Macdonald emerging as the finalists for the 2017 title.
In the morning four matches were played with the highlight a marathon between Peter Macdonald and Ian Wratten. Over 42 ends the players had a very tight battle with Wratten holding the advantage for much of the game. Macdonald managed to hold the lead for only two ends but the players were tied at 15 all and 19 all.
Wratten built a good lead of 28 – 24 before Macdonald stormed home to snatch a 31 – 29 victory.
Joe Cremona had a a convincing win over Andrew Farrington. Alf Winch built up a good lead over Julian Penny before Penny lifted his game to make a real battle of it. Winch was able to hold on to win 31 – 20. Ray Downey had a good battle with Mick Atkinson before closing out the match 31 – 19.
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In the semi finals played in the afternoon Cremona played Winch and Macdonald played Downey. Cremona and Winch had a great battle. While Cremona had the better of the earlier part of the game he could not shake the determined Winch. Winch managed to grab the lead at 16 – 15 but Cremona quickly regained the lead at 19 – 16. From this point Cremona controlled the play to win 31 – 21.
Macdonald and Downey both showed the effects of their long morning matches but Macdonald quickly grabbed the ascendancy. While Downey made him work for the win, Macdonald was clearly the better player and recorded a convincing 31 – 12 win.
Over the next two weeks a special open Lightning Singles competition will be played. All members of both the Men’s and Ladies’ Clubs are urged to enter.
