Princeville Patriots continue to look for their 1st team win of 2016 as they play host to Bradford Deaf Institute. A Patriots 4-1 win would lift them off bottom for at least one week only, not to mention a boost in team confidence.
First up was I.Tomlinson v I.Hussain and K.Tomlinson v B.Robinson. Ian got off to a moderate start and had an opportunity to move up a gear, but snatched at a baulk pocket in-off red on a 45 degree angle. This allowed Ijhaz to get into stride with a 20 and 17 break within three visits to reduce the deficit and get into the lead. Further scoring visits from there (aided with some good fortune) allowed him to consolidate a lead of 40. Although Ian enjoyed a period of scoring in the baulk end, but it wasn't enough as Ijhaz was home and dry inside 40 minute with a 41pt victory.
It wasn't much better for Keith as he often rattled the jaw and Brian secured a 49pt victory for the Deaf Institute, giving them a 2-0 lead and a 90pt aggregate advantage.
Next up for the Patriots was D.Hardcastle v I.Ford and J.Butcher v J.Dixon. Don enjoyed a much better match than in previous outings, whilst not playing well he was content with bits and pieces scoring to maintain a healthy lead and secure a much needed win for the Patriots, his first of 2016.
On the other table, James got off to a steady start in producing a 17 break but missed an opportunity to develop the break into something more significant. Jeremy seized on this and got into the game, making scoring runs into the teens on every visit to build a solid lead of 30 and frozen James out in the process (not literally of course). Whilst often being left quarter chance scoring opportunities, James took a methodical approach and went all Rod Lawler on the baize by taking his time on shots. Whilst it did not amount to significant points scoring, it did enough to force a few unforced errors and even foul strokes from Jeremy who looked to run away with the game. With the game at it's final few minutes, James could not find the required momemtum to launch a comeback and Jeremy secured a 40pt victory for the Deaf Centre to win 4-1 on the night.
Whilst the Patriots woes keep on continuing, one crumb of comfort is the Don ending a losing streak. Next week the Patriots have a free week, but all four players will be playing Sunday School League Billiards in the "Princeville Derby" on Monday, providing a good opportunity to maintain match sharpness.
