VBL 1st Weekend

Created by Graham Trimming

an accredited ETTA EXCELLENCE PremierClub

Veterans make impression

With four points out of ten the Cippenham team in the Veterans’ British League made a good start to the season having been placed in Division 1B despite only finishing third in Division 2A last season. Those statistics make the vets the Club’s most successful team in British league competitions this season thus far, but, in truth, that does not say much!

One win, two draws and two losses were the outcome of the five matches played at Hereford over the weekend. The losses were substantial, 0-6 to leaders Norton Nomads who included former national champion Brian Johns, unbeaten over the weekend, and 1-5 to third-placed BATTS Bulldogs. Roger Hooker was Cippenham’s only winner in this match when he beat John Monk.

The highlight of the weekend was a 5-1 win over Bribar Fusion. Braces from Mike Rhodes and Roger plus Paul Baker’s win over Andy Frain put Cippenham 5-0 up before Paul lost a dead rubber to Dave Fraser.

Roger, who lies third in the divisional averages, also starred in the 3-3 draw with second -placed Tameside with wins over Phil Biggs and Wayne Percival. Charlie Childs also beat Biggs as Cippenham upset the form book against a side whose only other dropped point was in a 3-3 draw with the leaders.

Against Ulster Annahilt it was the perfect team effort. Roger, Mike and Charlie all won one each but the result was disappointing against an Irish team that did not win any other points during the weekend.

Link to Veterans’ British League page