Ahead of Barrow I’s inaugural British League Premier Division season, it is with great pleasure and excitement that Barrow TTC announces the return of Scotland Number 1 Gavin Rumgay to the team.

Gavin Rumgay, the 3 times Scottish National Champion, helped Barrow get to the British League Play-Offs during the 2008/2009 season. Had Gavin been present for the Play-Offs, he was representing Scotland at the Commonwealth Table Championships in Glasgow, it is likely Barrow I would have been promoted that season.

In the 2009/2010 season, with the promise of British League Premiership table tennis, the entertaining Scot signed for Sycamore. Playing in the number 1 position, Gavin only lost one match during the whole season which goes to show what an important acquisition he is for Barrow.

On the signing of four times Men’s Open Grand Prix Champion Gavin Rumgay, Barrow Team Manager Tristran Swan said, “Gavin always said he’d come back to us if we won promotion and for him to do so shows his commitment to the Club”. Talking about Gavin, Tristran went on to say, “Gavin exemplifies everything Barrow stands for. He always gives a 110% and must be the hardest working player in Britain. What is more, he is an exciting and entertaining player. I very much see Gavin as been a Captain figure, someone who will lead by example”.

Looking forward to the season ahead Gavin said, “We (Barrow I) have a great chance to be winners or runners-up in the British League Premier Division. We (Barrow I) have the strongest team, the most entertaining and one of the fastest improving sides in World table tennis, which all bode well for big success in 2010/2011 season”. Gavin went on to pledge, “I will give my absolute best on the table and on the bench for this great team… Possibly some funny moments and entertainment”.

You can find out more about Gavin Rumgay on his player profile – Gavin Rumgay’s Player Profile.

Two young Furness table tennis stars grabbed the chance to play for England with vigour at the Schools International 2010.

Former Dowdales pupil Scott Crawford and current pupil Emily Bolton showed their worth at the event in Limerick, Ireland.

Taking on teams from the rest of the UK and Ireland, Scott came away with a gold medal from the team event and a bronze in the singles at under-18s level.

Emily, meanwhile, was playing her first international tournament at the age of 12, coming up against opponents up to two years her senior in the under-14s event.

She also came home with a medal, taking a bronze in the team event, having been eliminated from the individual competition at the quarter-final stage.

Playing at the National Arena, at the University of Limerick, Crawford teamed up to great effect with fellow Bristol Academy of Sport student Tom Maynard in the team event to make up England A.

The format of the competition saw both team members play singles matches and then team up for a doubles contest.

They came through a tough final against favourites and hosts Ireland 3-1 to claim the crown.

In the individuals, Scott won bronze, losing in the semi-finals to eventual winner Paul McCreery, from Ireland.

The medal haul for Scott followed two silvers for his elder brother Jonathan at the same event six years ago.

Dad Duncan, a coach at the Barrow Table Tennis Centre, where both Scott and Emily have honed their skills, said: “It’s fantastic. The whole family went to watch and it was a really fantastic weekend.

“They played really well together in the doubles, they beat Ireland 3-1 together, which was a good result.

“It’s another gold medal for Barrow, and isn’t that fantastic?”

Emily came up against players from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man and Jersey in the team competition.

Her team were knocked out in the semi-finals to earn her a bronze medal, while she reached the last-eight of the individual event.

On Emily, Duncan said: “She played under-14s and she’s only 12.

“Every player at that tournament will have been ranked above, so for her to be picked is great.

“We are all chuffed to bits that she was selected to take part and she will certainly go on to play for England again. With the right guidance she will definitely keep performing at this level.”

Last year’s Barrow Junior Sportsperson of the Year Emily – who is coached by former Parkview pupil Tristran Swan at Barrow Table Tennis Centre, as well as ex-England coach Denis Neale – has also been selected to play for the North West of England in the UK School Games in Sunderland at the start of September.

She impressed while playing in the National Championships in Doncaster in the under-12s, under-13s and under-14s events, and has had trials to represent England in the Euro Mini Championship later this year in France.

As of yet the team has not been selected.

Tristran Swan, Barrow Table Tennis Club player/incoming team manager, discusses Barrow’s promotion to the British League Premier Division with BBC Radio Cumbria’s Andy Wood.

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Yesterday (15th May, 2010), Tristran Swan was invited to help launch Manchester City Football Club’s ‘Premier League 4 Sport’ initiative at Eastlands (City of Manchester Stadium).

‘Premier League 4 Sport’ is a Government-backed scheme which, alongside Premier League football clubs, aims to expose school children to Olympic sports other than football. Under the initiative, each of the 20 Premier League football clubs link up with local community sports clubs in their area, which they work with in partnership. Four sports have been selected for the scheme, these include: badminton, judo, table tennis and volleyball.

On the day, Tristran worked with John Flowers, Katy Parker (ETTA North West Regional coach) and Andrea Holt (ETTA North West Regional Development Officer). Tristran introduced school children, who were free to roam and try the different sports on offer, to table tennis. This was done by demonstrating various shots, setting up exercises and playing fun games. The tables were always full and it was rare to see fewer than 8 school children per table!

To end the day, Manchester City Football Club players and dignitaries got the chance to sample a bit of table tennis action. Whilst Roque Santa Cruz tried to beat the robot and Moonbeam was up to her antics, Abdi Ibrahim and Greg Cunningham played a game of doubles with Tristran and John Flowers.

A fun day was had by all!

British League Division 1 North Final Table

British League Division 1 North Results

British League Division 1 North Barrow Player Averages

Despite the first day’s results not going Barrow I’s way with two 5-3 defeats, results elsewhere meant a play-off place was secure. With little to play for, and the distraction of the 2nd team’s battle for survival, it seemed a win for Barrow I was going to be hard to come by.

Barrow I vs Sheffield

Barrow I’s first game was against Sheffield; the division’s ‘whipping boys’ and a team that Barrow I had beaten 6-2 in the first half of the season. The match saw the return of Tristran Swan as Scott Crawford returned to play for the 2nd team in their crunch match against Elgre Nottingham II.

Barrow I got off to a fast start with wins for Jonathan Crawford over Simon Pugh (6, 5, 9) and Brad Evans over Paul Johnson (8, 7, 9). However, once again it was the teams lower end that failed to perform as Steve Dixon lost to Jack Grant (-6, 5, -9, -6) and Tristran Swan suffered a disappointing defeat to Liam Carson (-6, 2, -9, -9).

Going into the second half of the match with the score tied two a-piece, the ever dependable Brad Evans stepped up and beat Simon Pugh (9, 10, 5) and was backed up by Jonathan Crawford who comfortably beat Jack Grant (6, 9, 8). This gave Barrow I a 4-2 lead and needing only one more win to take 2 points. Next up was Tristran Swan who should have beat Paul Johnson after leading the 5th and final set 10-8, however, it wasn’t to be as he lost it game 10 (6, -6, -3, 8, -10). So, it was up to Steve Dixon to secure victory for the team as he easily beat Liam Carson (8, 7, 5).

Final Score: Barrow I 5 – 3 Sheffield
Barrow I: Brad Evans (2), Jonathan Crawford (2), Tristran Swan, Steve Dixon (1)
Sheffield: Simon Pugh , Paul Johnson (1), Jack Grant (1), Liam Carson (1)

Barrow I vs Halton I

Barrow I’s final game of the season saw them face Halton I, the closest team Barrow I have to arch-rivals and a team they beat 5-3 at the start of the season. The match saw Tom Smith stepping up into the team, making his debut, in reward for his morning’s performance for the second team.

First up Brad Evans scored a comfortable three straight set victory against Chris Ford (7, 2, 6). This was followed up by a less comfortable affair as Jonathan Crawford faced the ever-entertaining Richard Lightowler. Jonathan went two sets up, but took his foot of the gas and ended up losing to the seasoned veteran in the fifth set (8, 9, -8, -9, -6). Tristran Swan then lost to Pawel Orzechowski (-8, -8, -6) before the stage was set for England Number 409 Tom Smith to face his biggest challenge of the weekend in the form of England Number 88, Michael Moir. On paper, this should have been a breeze for Michael, however, from the start he was under pressure and it wouldn’t be unfair to say that Tom never let him get into the game as he won comfortably in three straight sets (8, 10, 6).

With the matched tied two all at the halfway point, Bradley Evans faced Richard Lightowler. Given previous confrontations, it is obvious Brads scalp is one that Richard wants, but he’ll have to wait for now. Like his earlier match, Brad cruised through winning 8, 1 and 3. After a nervous start, Tristran Swan furthered Barrow I’s lead to 4-2 with a good win over higher ranked Chris Ford (-5, 7, 9, 3). Jonathan Crawford then failed to keep Mick Moir’s swinging attacking style at bay as he suffered a disappointing, but tight defeat (-12, -12, 7, 9, -10). So, with the match 4-3 in Barrow I’s favour, it was up to Tom Smith to conjure up some of the magic he’d shown over the weekend to secure a victory for Barrow I. However, it wasn’t to be as Pawel Orzechowski evaded his wizardry skills (-9, 10, -10, -10) to earn a draw for Halton I.

Final Score: Barrow I 4 – 4 Halton I
Barrow I: Brad Evans (2), Jonathan Crawford, Tristran Swan (1), Tom Smith (1)
Sheffield: Richard Lightowler (1), Chris Ford , Michael Moir (1), Pawel Orzechowski (2)

Going into the final weekend of Division 1 North of the British League, Barrow I sat comfortably in joint 2nd position; only needing a couple of points to guarantee the target of a Premiership play-off position.

Barrow I vs Elgre Nottingham I

Barrow I’s first match saw them face Elgre Nottingham I, the team they shared second position with and likely future play-off competitors. The previous meeting between the two clubs in the first half of the season saw Barrow I win 5-3.

The first two matches went Barrow I’s way as Jonathan Crawford beat Mark Green (5, -5, 5, 7) and Brad Evans beat David Arrowsmith (4, 9, -6, 9). As easy as the first two games were won, the next two were lost as Steve Dixon lost to Stewart Mudie (-6, -5, -5) and Tristran Swan lost to in-form and newly crowned Under 21 Womens’ Singles National Champion Emma Vickers (-9, -7, 7, -5). With the match poised at two apiece, there was all to play for.

Next up saw Brad Evans against Mark Green. Going against all expectations, Mark won the first two sets easily game 4 and game 5. Brad was under serious pressure and forced to fight for and win every point. Eventually he overcame Mark winning the crucial 3rd set game 14 followed by easier wins in the 4th and 5th sets, 5 and 9 respectively. Barrow I then went on to lose the next three matches and therefore the tie 5-3. Jonathan Crawford suffered a disappointing loss to Stewart Mudie (10, -3, -8, -10), Tristran Swan lost to David Arrowsmith (-8, -7, -9) and Steve Dixon was taught a lesson or two by Emma Vickers (-7, -2, -6).

Final Score: Barrow I 3 – 5 Elgre Nottingham I
Barrow I: Bradley Evans (2), Jonathan Crawford (1), Tristran Swan, Steve Dixon
Elgre Nottingham I: Mark Green, David Arrowsmith (1), Stewart Mudie (2), Emma Vickers (2)

Barrow I vs Northfield I

Next for Barrow I were Northfield I, a team that looked impressive in the morning’s session and that certainly boasts a squad that belies there 6th position in the division. The two teams’ previous meeting had resulted in a 4-4 draw. For this match, Scott Crawford moved up into the team as Tristran Swan had other commitments.

The match got under way with Bradley Evans beating Keith Rodger (-10, 7, 4, 4). Next up was a big match for Jonathan Crawford (England 60) as he faced higher ranked Bryn Drinkhall (England 29). Typically, it is against stronger opposition that Jonathan produces his best table tennis. On this occasion, despite some quality open play and killer shots from Jonathan, Bryn was to strong winning -7, 4, 5 and 11.

The next two games went the way of Northfield I with wins for Tony Wilson over Scott Crawford (4, -10, -7, -5) and Dan Welsh over Steve Dixon (8, -9, -3, 8, -6).

With the match score 3-1 to Northfield I, Bradley Evans entered the court to play the highly anticipated match of the weekend against England Number 1 Paul Drinkhall’s older brother Bryn. The match met the all expectations, with table tennis of a caliber unmatched by any other that day. It was Bryn that took the initiative winning the 1st set game 3. The following sets were traded with Brad taking the next game 5, Bryn the 3rd game 3 and Brad the 4th game 8. In an entertaining 5th set, Brad showed experience, skill and composure as he took it game 7 to claim an excellent win.

Barrow I were now trailing 2-3 and, with a subsequent loss for Scott Crawford against Keith Rodger (-6, -8, -10), a draw was the best Barrow I could hope for. With a victory for Jonathan Crawford over Dan Welsh (-7, 5, 4, 9), this was looking likely, but despite his best efforts Steve Dixon lost to Tony Wilson (12, -3, -7, -5) to hand Northfield I a 5-3 victory.

Final Score: Barrow I 3 – 5 Northfield I
Barrow I: Bradley Evans (2), Jonathan Crawford (1), Scott Crawford, Steve Dixon
Northfield I: Bryn Drinkhall (1), Keith Rodger (1), Dan Welsh (1), Tony Wilson (2)

Six Furness teams, largely coached by Barrow Table Tennis Club’s coaches Duncan Crawford, Mike Yardley, Denis Neale and Tristran Swan, made it through to the northern finals of the English Schools Table Tennis Association Championships after strong showings in the county and regional events.

South Cumbrian teams won six of the seven events at the county finals, held at the Barrow Table Tennis Centre, while there were three champions and three runners-up at the North West event.

The Cumbria finals saw Holy Family, Dane Ghyll and Storth in the under-11s girls qualifying group.

Dane Ghyll and Holy Family had a close match, which just swung in the former’s favour, 5-3.

Ife Bamigboye and Megan Turnough were unbeaten, while Jessica Livesey featured strongly for Holy Family with two wins.

Holy Family went down 6-2 against Storth, Livesey winning twice.

The decider between Dane Ghyll and Storth was as close as possible.

Two wins each for Caitlyn Walker and Bamigboye secured a draw for Dane Ghyll. The teams were level on countback, but Dane Ghyll won on points, 288-287.

This put them into a final group against Askam and St Columba’s.

Despite some close matches, and a win each for Walker and Bamigboye, Dane Ghyll were unable to prevent their opponents facing off in the final once more.

Wins from Mia Gwynne and Tyra Rushton put the Walney team 2-0 up, before Sophie Ridgway edged Jasmine Halcrow in a real tight affair, coming from two games behind to win for St Columba’s.

Another win for Gwynne made it 4-0, before Askam staged a fightback with wins from Katie Moncrief, Jasmine Halcrow and Robyn Halcrow.

The title was secured for St Columba’s when Rushton came to the table and beat Robyn Halcrow in three games.

In the under-11s boys event, the same two schools reached the final.

Askam knocked out last season’s champions, Holy Family, with a 6-2 win, Brandon Corrie and Luke Greenway winning for Holy Family.

Askam also defeated a St Columba’s B team by the same score, Columba’s winners Louis Rourke and Ryan Cotton.

Luke Reid won all four games played for Askam, with Keir Shepherd winning three from three, Lee Irving and James Wallis two each, and Lian Knowles one.

On the other table, St Columba’s were comfortable winners against Dane Ghyll and beat Storth 7-1. Dane Ghyll lost 5-3 against Storth, Luke Maddox, Aaron Solsby and Cameron Bell all winning.

St Columba’s top pairing of Harry Mellen and Ben O’Flynn started the final against Askam powerfully and recorded straight-game wins against Reid and Shepherd respectively. Morgan Gwynne added to the total with a four-game success against Wallis.

The next three games saw the match hanging in the balance.

Knowles gained Askam’s first win, beating Lashmar.

Then Reid and O’Flynn showed some top-quality table tennis. The St Columba’s player took a two-game lead, but the Askam number one showed his fighting qualities and drew level.

Only at the end of the decider did O’Flynn find enough to take the win.

Gwynne still needed to hold on against Shepherd, before Mellen confirmed St Columba’s as champions.

One of the most keenly-awaited finals came in the under-13s girls, where both St Bernard’s and Dowdales had reached the national finals last year.

However, while the St Bernard’s line-up had stayed the same, Dowdales had been strengthened by the addition of England Schools’ player Emily Bolton, who has moved to Year 7 from Askam School. She soon demonstrated her class with two straight-game wins.

Robyn Holden pulled one back for St Bernard’s against Ebony Miles after a close battle.

Despite this win, and Louise Keneally’s victory against Hannah Grimes, it was Dowdales who looked to have victory in sight when they led 4-2, Amy Moncrief and Miles both contributing.

But there were two further twists in the match.

Emily Cotton started a St Bernard’s revival by beating Moncrief.

In the final match, Grimes held a 2-1 lead after taking two deuce games. Katie Linton then suddenly found her touch and, with her own deuce-winning game took a 3-2 win.

This left the match score at 4-4, however, Dowdales took the Cumbria title with a superior games ratio of 16-12.

The rivalry continued in the under-13s boys event.

Both teams had comfortable victories against Dallam School to reach the final, where the strength in depth of St Bernard’s took them to the title.

Anton Vacca won both of his matches, while Ross Ahern beat Adam Brown and Brendan Trainor defeated Chris Lloyd.

St Bernard’s number one James Coward defeated Dowdales number two Jack Walker in four games.

Walker did make his mark with a straight games win over Ahern.

The star of the Dowdales team was number one Luke Walker, who finished undefeated with wins against Trainor and Coward, without dropping any games.

The final event of the Cumbria championships was the under-16s boys.

Here, St Bernard’s gained another win against Dowdales, 6-2.

Stefan Weatherburn and Dien Curtis won both their matches, while Tom Clements and Oliver Shipley both won one. The Dowdales wins came from Daniel Armstrong and Aaron Murray.

However, neither team could match the strength of the visitors from Dallam School, who only lost two matches in the three rubbers they played.

James Turner, of Millom, won one of those and proved the top Furness player, winning five of his six matches.

It was Cumbria girl power that led the way at the North West Finals against the best teams from Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Shropshire.

The under-13 girls teams from Dowdales and St Bernard’s gained wins against Sir Thomas Boteler High School, from Warrington, and, in very close matches, also defeated Bramhall High School.

The two teams then met for the second time this season, St Bernard’s reversing the result from the Cumbria finals to beat Dowdales.

Bolton was again the pick of the Dowdales players, while Holden showed she has returned to form with good attacking displays.

St Columba’s under-11s girls also enjoyed a good day.

They started their group with a draw against St Mary’s Preparatory School, Blundellsands.

Rushton and Gwynne both won their two matches, while Ridgway and Jenny Williams took games to give the Saints the count-back advantage.

They won their next match against Bradley Primary, from Nelson. Again Rushton and Gwynne won their matches, but there was a notable win for Williams, who is two years younger than her team-mates.

This put them into the semi-finals against Nevill Road, from Stockport, a team who always do well in the North West Finals.

Rushton and Gwynne continued their good form, however Neville Road led 4-3.

Williams played Rana Rofifah in the last match and, although she lost, she won two vital games, enough to take St Columba’s into the final on count-back.

Cumbria’s other representatives, Askam, also made progress from the group but were narrowly defeated by Bradley in the semi-finals.

This meant a replay for Bradley and St Columba’s, and in this match the school from Nelson played with more confidence.

Gwynne and Rushton remained unbeaten, but not before both players had dropped games against Aminah Daar.

Although Ridgway and Williams did not win their matches, they both won important games that meant the score was tied after count-back.

The organisers then had to calculate the total points won and St Columba’s took the title, having won four points more than their opponents.

St Bernard’s under-16s girls beat Lancashire representatives, Garstang, but then met a team they have been keen rivals with since their under-13s days, Bramhall High School.

On this occasion, the Stockport team took the win, but St Bernard’s still qualified for the regional heats.

Perhaps the most impressive performance of the day from a Cumbrian team came in the under-13s boys.

There were 10 teams from as far as Ludlow competing, with the two Cumbria representatives in different groups.

Dowdales finished as group runners-up and progressed to the semi-finals, while St Bernard’s eased through their group and gained impressive wins in both the semi-finals and final to beat Garstang and Calday Grange, West Kirby.

In the under-11s boys, the result went against the form book. Cumbria champions St Columba’s topped their group with victories against Buildwas Primary, from Shropshire, and Oldham Hulme Grammar School, O’Flynn winning all his games.

Askam also made good progress.

Although beaten by Garstang Community Primary, they won against St Mary’s Preparatory School to put them into a semi-final with St Columba’s.

This match was a completely different story to the county final.

Askam’s top two, Reid and Shepherd, showed the improvement they have made in recent weeks, while the top two players for St Columba’s showed nerves on the big occasion.

Askam raced into a 2-0 lead as Shepherd beat O’Flynn and Reid defeated Mellen.

Gwynne pulled a match back by beating Irvine, but the Askam lead was stretched with wins from Knowles and Reid, in a five-game battle against O’Flynn.

Saints rallied as both Mellen and Gwynne posted wins, but it was Irvine who won the decisive match against Lashmar in another gruelling five-game battle. The win meant Askam qualified for the regional heats despite losing for a second time against Garstang when the two met in the final.

CUMBRIA ROLL OF HONOUR

Under-19s Boys Champions (not played for): Barrow Sixth Form.

Under-16s Boys: Champions – Dallam School. Runners-up – St Bernard’s.

Under-16s Girls: Champions (Not played for) – St Bernard’s.

Under-13s Boys: Champions – St Bernard’s. Runners-up – Dowdales.

Under-13s Girls: Champions – Dowdales. Runners-up – St Bernard’s.

Under-11s Boys: Champions – St Columba’s. Runners-up – Askam.

Under-11s Girls: Champions – St Columba’s. Runners-up – Askam.

NORTH WEST ROLL OF HONOUR

Under-16s Girls: Runners-up – St Bernard’s.

Under-13s Boys: Champions – St Bernard’s.

Under-13s Girls: Champions – St Bernard’s. Runners-up – Dowdales.

Under-11s Boys: Runners-up – Askam.

Under-11s Girls: Champions – St Columba’s.

The Barrow Table Tennis Centre club faces a huge weekend, with potential promotion to the British Premier League on the horizon.

The team – whose home is under threat as Furness Academy looks to expand its South Site – have won back-to-back promotions in the past three seasons, rising from Division Three to Division One in the national standings.

Last season, the club made the Premiership play-offs for the first time in their history, missing out to Sycamore and Derwent.

This season has seen the creation of a second Barrow team in Division Two of the British League, while the first team has been strengthened with the acquisition of England number two and London 2012 Olympics hopeful Darius Knight, as well as Croatian number three Jakov Krivić.

This calibre of player has been brought under the Barrow banner by Scott and Jonathan Crawford, two former Dowdales pupils, who are now part of the national table tennis academy in Bristol.

Their links with some of the best players in the country have allowed the Barrow team to excel, and this weekend will see key fixtures take place.

Both teams go into the final games of their British League campaigns with everything to play for, with four matches taking place over two days, in Draycott and Long Eaton, Derbyshire.

The two sides find themselves in very different positions, with the first team able to relax as, barring mathematical improbabilities, they have all but secured a Premier Division play-off place.

Meanwhile, Barrow TTC II go into the weekend, bottom of Division Two and battling for survival.

The most important and decisive match of the weekend will come when Barrow TTC II face second-from-bottom Nottingham Elgre, who are one point ahead in the standings. It is set to be a nail-biting weekend for Barrow, whose star players have travelled to Furness to coach many of the area’s young rising stars.

The first team will field a squad including both Crawfords and former Parkview pupil Tristran Swan, as well as rising star Bradley Evans and Kendal League player Steve Dixon.

Barrow TTC 1st team (from): Bradley Evans, Jonathan Crawford, Tristran Swan, Steve Dixon, Scott Crawford

Barrow TTC 2nd team (from): Scott Crawford, Steve Temple, Graham Coupe, Mark Temple, Tom Smith.

If the first team do rise into the Premier Division, then the cost of running the team is set to rise.

While their home is under threat, the teams are also looking for sponsorship to help fund their progress.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the club can email sponsorship@barrowtabletennisclub.co.uk for details regarding packages available for next season.

With the leaders Drumchapel Glasgow II not eligible for promotion to the Premier Division the battle for the minor places has taken on a new significance. Elgre Nottingham I and Barrow both have 14 points but it is Barrow who appear to be finishing the stronger. They dented the leaders Drumchapel Glasgow’s 100 % record, winning 5-3 in round nine. New signing Jakov Krivić played a major part in this success winning twice and England no. 45 Brad Evans followed suit. Barrow stalwart Jonathan Crawford had the honour (extreme pressure might be a better description) of winning the crucial game and he was up to the task. Crawford beat Terry McLernon Junior 11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9 to make the score 5-2. Glasgow’s Craig Hardie, who had only lost three of his 16 singles felt the full force of the Barrow push for promotion. He missed out 11-6, 5-11, 4-11, 8-11 to Brad Evans and 16-18,5-11, 4-11 against Jakov Krivić.

Barrow turned in another accomplished performance in round 10, beating fourth-placed Ormesby II 6-2. Jakov Krivić was again undefeated although Andrew Wilson’s five game win over Bradley Evans stood out from Ormesby’s perspective. Wilson triumphed 10-12, 11-9, 11-6, 5-11, 11-7. Barrow no.4 Tristran Swan also impressed and he scored two notable victories. He beat Karina Le Fevre 11-5, 11-9, 11-6 and Karen Shepherd 11-5, 11-8, 11-8.

ELGRE Nottingham added four points to their score as well. Chris Rogers was undefeated as they beat Northfield I 5-3. Rogers looked sharp as he defeated Keith Rodger 11-4, 11-9, 11-8 and Bryn Drinkhall 11-7, 11-8, 4-11, 11-9 and he received solid support from his team-mates. Emma Vickers scored a fine 11-5, 11-5, 8-11, 11-3 win over Danny Welsh and David Arrowsmith a last gasp 6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9 victory over Keith Rodger. Mark Green clinched the victory for the Nottingham side by beating Danny Welsh 11-5, 11-7, 11-8. Steve Bailey, returning to action after a break from the Sport fared best of the Northfield players. He marked a successful return to British League action by beating David Arrowsmith 8-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7 12-10 and Emma Vickers 11-9, 11-8, 8-11, 13-11.

ELGRE were more comfortable 7-1 winners over bottom-side Sheffield. The score flattered them slightly as they won the two tightly contested five setters. David Arrowsmith who seems to specialise in playing five-enders was again involved in both of these battles. This time he beat Liam Carson 3-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3, 12-10 and then Bill Grant 12-14, 11-5, 14-12, 2-11, 11-7. England no.52 Veteran Simon Pugh was Sheffield’s sole winner, and he scored a fine 9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-9 success over Mark Green.

At the lower end of the table Northfield I beat Halton I 6-2 to jump above them. Bryn Drinkhall and Keith Rodger were both undefeated for Northfield whilst Danny Welsh did well to beat Chris Ford in five ends, fighting back strongly to win 2-11, 10-12, 11-6, 11-6, 11-4. Keith Rodger clinched the Northfield victory by getting the better of Michael Moir 11-5, 14-12, 11-9 and Steve Bailey wrapped up proceedings by beating Mark Ramsbottom 11-6, 11-8, 12-10. A very good performance from Northfield.