League action hotting up

The Newtown Pool League saw top contenders Llanbadarn, Jockey A, and Full Montys deliver commanding victories last week, strengthening their bids for the Premiership title.

In the Premier League, Llanbadarn showed no mercy, thrashing newly promoted The Herbs 11-1. Jon Edwards claimed a consolation frame for The Herbs, but Graham Hicks led Llanbadarn with a perfect 3/3 performance. Next, Llanbadarn faces the Misfits, who narrowly beat Sws 8-6 in a back-and-forth battle, with Neil Powell sealing the win in the final frame.

Full Montys continued their strong start with an 11-3 win over Talbot Tigers. New signing Mark Crees won his match against his former captain Jake Ottaway, while Daf Rowlands secured a perfect 3/3. Carl Guntrip also shone as Montys stay in the title hunt.

Jockey A delivered a 12-2 drubbing to new boys Cefn Coch A, bouncing back from a loss to reclaim form. Steve Davies secured the match frame, with captain Dave Manuel wrapping up the win in the final session.

Division Two: Bowling Ballers Take the Lead

The Bowling Ballers climbed to the top of Division Two with a resounding 12-2 victory over the Zimmers. Luke Williams was the standout performer with a flawless 3/3, including a dazzling 7-baller. Chris Knowles and Rhys Bell also contributed with 2/2 each, including the match-winning frame. The Ballers are now set to face bottom-placed Outcasts, who have struggled in the early season. The Outcasts remain without a win after a 9-5 defeat to Cefn Coch, leaving them rooted at the foot of the table after four matches.

Elsewhere, Monty Queues comfortably saw off the BullnHeifer 10-4, thanks to strong 3/3 performances from Neal Pratten and Nick Lewis. Only Alex Miles, also with a 3/3, stood out for the Bulls in an otherwise one-sided contest. The Monty Queues' next challenge comes in the form of the Jesters, who had a bye week. Meanwhile, the Severn St Mob kept pace with the leaders, rallying from 4-3 down to beat the Rats 10-4. Tudor Lloyd Kerry’s 3/3 and Clive Jarman’s 2/2 ensured a dramatic comeback, leaving them just a point behind the division leaders.

Jones and Co secured their first win of the season in a tight 8-6 victory over the BullnHeifer, with Casey Pritchard delivering a crucial 3/3. Jamie Jones clinched the final frame to give his side the edge, while Rich Wyatt also impressed with a 3/3 performance on his home table.

Division Three: All Away Teams Triumph in Rare Results

Division Three saw an unusual scenario last week as all six away teams took home victories. Dolau B retained their spot at the top of the table after a dominant 11-3 win over the struggling Jury. Lydon Birch’s 3/3 performance was pivotal in securing the victory. Next up for Dolau B is a derby clash against their A side, who endured a crushing 14-0 defeat at the hands of the Judges. Brett Clark was the star for the Judges, sealing the match in just eight frames and helping boost their frame aggregate.

Lion Caerhowel secured a hard-fought 9-5 victory over Buck Yourself, with Duan Redman’s perfect 3/3 performance being the highlight. Ben Heeraman calmed his team’s nerves in the 12th frame to seal the win, keeping Lion Caerhowel in the hunt for promotion. The Melts also secured a narrow 8-6 win over Back Lane Bowlers, recovering from 3-1 down to edge ahead, with Michael Goodwin’s 2/3 securing the decisive frame.

The Woodenspooners cruised to an early 9-0 lead over Midnight Bowlers but lost momentum in the final stretch, allowing their opponents to claim the last five frames. Despite this, James Bevan’s match-winning frame ensured the 9-5 victory. Outbowlers also recorded their first win of the season, defeating Mo’s Misfits 9-5, with standout performances from Oliver Hall and Jordan Lewis. The win sets up a local derby clash for the Outbowlers against Back Lane Bowlers next week.

As Division Three heats up, the competition is tightening, with several teams now jostling for position in what promises to be an exciting race to the top.

You can view all the latest league tables and upcoming matches by visiting the League's website at http://app.newtownpool.co.uk/