Copnor Xcel again to continue impressive turnaround

Copnor Xcels started as ugly ducklings with just one win in nine but have turned into swans with a couple of outstanding perfomances in the second tier.
Rob Kirby helped Craneswater A to victory   Picture: Sarah StandingRob Kirby helped Craneswater A to victory   Picture: Sarah Standing
Rob Kirby helped Craneswater A to victory Picture: Sarah Standing

They hammered high-flying Leigh Park with a 6-1 score and on the leaders’ own tables.

The first two games were shared by Kevin Figgins and Danny Lumsden but the ‘Workies’ fell apart as the city men won the rest.

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Andy Chambers and Graham Farr played well to make it 3-1 then Tony Horten and a surprised Dave Gowing wrapped it up.

Copnor F took advantage, moving up to share top spot with a 5-2 win over Cowplain.

After four games it was two apiece as young Rob Derry and his father Rob were pegged back by Pete Gorvin and Will Garrett.

Then Gary Green and Gary Wilton stormed through and clinched the aggregate point.

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Chris Bishop was the star in Craneswater R’s 4-3 win at Pompey Royals.

He made his handicap look silly with breaks of 49 and 31.

Bishop’s win and a big one by Harry Yard made the difference.

Chad Wainwright, Paul Tinsley and Jon Challacombe were on target for the Stationsiders but they were given more early grief by Liam Melia.

Copnor B are back into second place in the top flight after a 5-2 haul against Portchester X.

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However, the Castlemen were one short and stood little chance.

Andy Macey and Neil Turp tried to make ammends in a lost cause as Norman Bradfield, Matt Hannam and Stacey Wearn restored order.

Wearn received a start of over 150 and beat Matt James before he could knock the defecit off.

Craneswater Z started well at Copnor A but had to settle for a 4-3 result.

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Nigel Ward (41/35), Lee Paice and Arthur Newland made it 3-1 despite a Mick Hall effort.

Steve Toms and Scott Compton (47/38/32) won the last two for the hosts but did not rescue the bonus point.

Mark Kirby and Colin Rowe guided Craneswater A to a 4-3 aggregate triumph over runaway leaders Cowplain Jacks.

The visitors had won every match but their luck ran out at the home of the reigning champions.

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Jamie Wilson, Steve Wilson and Dave Rees scored for the Jacks who are miles clear at the top of the chart.

Rob Kirby was the other home marksman and he got the ball rolling with a victory over Terry Hickley by 50.