Craneswater scoop fourth Portsmouth Winter League title

The champions held second-placed Emsworth to a draw to retain the silverware.

Pedro Ferguson opened up with a break of 67 on his first visit but Hugh Pollard soon levelled.

Chris Hardyman then put the visitors ahead at the expense of Tony Hansford.

Next pair Nick Fegan and Gav Menghom preserved the advantage with draws against Mike Talmondt and Andy Boulton.

The champions faced defeat but Rob Kirby produced a big response with two racks before Tommy O’Neil and Steve Cole shared the last two.

Craneswater have now been crowned champions six times in the past nine years.

Jamie Wilson rattled up a 70 break for Waterlooville A to deny Copnor A any chance of finishing runners-up.

Kevin Hughes and Russ Linkhorn were also on the mark as ’Ville ran out decisive 9-3 winners.

Steve Hughes was in fine form with a 50 break to help Cowplain Z beat Copnor E 8-4.

A trio of successes from Mark Raynor, Bill Parsons and Danny Lumsden gave Leigh Park a 7-5 triumph at Bellair A.

Copnor D and Craneswater Z shared the points.

Dave Glover, Barry Mihell, Mark Jones and Ian Carter all won two apiece.

Chris Bishop ran in breaks of 38 and 32 as division two leaders Craneswater R ground out a 7-5 at Broadoak.

But Portchester X are level on 113 points after a 7-5 win at Alexandra.

The pacesetters have a 16-point cushion over Bellair B, who suffered defeat at the hands of North End Bowls.

Colin Elliott bagged a brace to give North End an 8-4 win.

Craneswater Q were made to work for a 7-5 victory against Pompey Royals.

Stu Calver, Dave Egan and Matt Small starred for the Southsea outfit.

Despite his tender age, 12-year-old Sam Laxton showed his raw talent with a 25 break and sank the last five colours against Terry Lees as Copnor Excels pipped Gas 7-5.

’Ville C remained at the summit of division three with an 8-4 triumph over Craneswater Dandy. Gary Wilton, Rob Derry Jnr and Phil Watson were on target for the leaders.

Cowplain B won 8-4 against both Leigh Park and Carlton.

Dave Pitman and the experienced Gary Curtis were the stars in each triumph.

Cuestars are still in command of second spot after picking up an 8-4 win on their travels to ’Ville D.

But Craneswater Newbies kept the pressure on the runners-up spot by dispatching ’Ville B 10-2.