NO HOPERS became the fifth side to top the Wrington Vale Billiards League this season in what is becoming one of the tightest for years.

Their 4-0 win over stablemates Short Frames saw them open up a two point lead at the top.

The match between Zimmers and Congresbury saw the home side’s skipper Wayne Ticer up against Dave Larner in the opener and the match was not over until the very end as both players were evenly matched. Dave always kept a dozen or so points in front but at the 100 mark hit a break of 20, to help him get over the winning line by a margin of 31.

The second game saw Reuben Hurse playing against an in-form Bruce Bernard, who went on to record a comfortable win over his old rival. The last game saw Irving Prowse electing to play Wayne, a decision he was soon to regret.

Irving was under the cosh from the word go as Wayne put up his best performance, with a few high teen breaks and runs of 20, 21 and 30 to close out a comfortable winner by 78 to secure the bonus.

The first game in the Backwell A v Bye Byes match was close, with Alan Spear only going in front right at the end to take the match against Ian Green 150-144. Pete Wood and Alan Green’s game was also close all the way with the lead changing hands several times.

Alan finished the strongest for the Bye Byes, however, and after being tied at 120 moved forward to win by 19. In the final game, it was essential that Brian Harvey got off to a good start against Martyn Howell to overcome his handicap deficit but it never happened. Martyn scored steadily and despite an excellent break of 77 from Brian it was too late and Martyn cleared up to gain victory for the home side.

In a preliminary round match in the handicap competition, George Rowe played Roy Jenkins. Roy kept the scoreboard ticking over to reduce his handicap deficit. A fine break of 60 helped Roy close the gap further and towards the end some useful breaks put him in front and got him over the line by 300-246.

Breaks: B Harvey 77; R Jenkins 60, 30, 28, 23, 23, 22; W Ticer 30, 21, 20; B Bernard 27; M Howell 21; D Larner 20; A Spear 20.