Fixtures Report: Winter 2022/23 Week 3

Silktown A remain top of the International Rules A league with a flattering 8-3 win over SSSC A who are still in search of their first win this season. It was in the balance at 3-3, but Silktown A pushed on and won every frame in the second half, kick started with first appearance and win from Captain Mike Tomlinson.

Weaver B narrowed the gap on the leaders with an 8-3 win of their own over SSSC F, plus an 8 ball clearance from Adam Downing earning them an all-important bonus point to reduce the gap to 4.

In the International rules B league Nags Head A remain the only unbeaten team, with a narrow 6-5 victory over Silktown B despite an 8 ball clearance from Rick Aimson for the visitors.

The outstanding performance in the Macc rules league this week came from Lee Smith of Ivy Leaf A, leading the team to a 4-3 victory over Queens A, with 8 ball clearances in the opening singles and second doubles. Crucially his bonus 2 points put the Ivy Leaf A level at the top of the league.

Joint leaders Flower Pot B suffered their first defeat of the campaign losing 4-3 to Pack Horse A, who themselves are only 2 points behind; still unbeaten but without any bonus points.

This week sees a break in the International Rules league fixtures, to make way for the first round of group matches in the inaugural International Rules Super Cup. The World Cup style tournament has drawn all 24 International Rules teams randomly into groups of 4, where they will play each other once with the 6 group winners and 2 best placed runners-up qualifying for the knockout stage.

This open draw has provided for some fascinating ties, where the home advantage could make all the difference and be a leveller for teams from the lower leagues. Brewers Arms A will surely be hoping that is the case in Group C with the other 3 teams all from the A league, but they play both SSSC F and Weaver C with a home advantage.

Crucial first week matches could well be decisive for who makes to the knockout stage from Groups D and F, with clashes between A league rivals SSSC E against Weaver B and Silktown Snooker A versus Flower Pot A C/Rd.