Match Report 18 Mar 08

BEDFORD SAVE THE BEST TILL LAST

The Bedford were last night crowned B Division champions after a stunning team performance at fourth placed Rising Sun.

With second placed Southwater at bottom side Norfolk Arms, The Bedford knew that 6 points were required to guarantee the top spot.

Things started brightly with Ed Coombe, Mick O’Neill and Tim John securing the first point of the night with a gutsy 2-1 win over Rick Buckley, Jane & Jason Trott. This was followed with a 2-0 win for Matt Peskett & Tim Street over Lee Robertson & Paul Zewoi.

The two points secured promotion for The Bedford. Confidence was high and, a favourable singles draw meant that 4 further points required were now a real possibility.

Matt Peskett was first up against unbeaten Jason Trott. Peskett took the first leg comfortably before Trott stormed back to level the tie a one each. With the final leg delicately poised, Peskett held his nerve to send Trott to his first defeat of the season and put The Bedford 3-0 up.

Tim John then had the chance to level Trotts record of 13 wins from 14 matches against Paul Zewoi. John took the first leg, which included a 110 in shot but Zewoi battled back to take to tie into the final leg. John’s class shone through to win the decider and equal Trotts singles record. It’s been a great season for John who has been by far The Bedford’s best player, notching 3 maximums in the process.

James Westrip came up against Rising Sun’s best player on the night in the form of Rick Buckley. Despite having chances to take both legs, Westrip went down 2-0. This left Tim Street and Simon Laker to play knowing wins for both would see their side take the title.

Laker was first up against the erratic Lee Robertson. Despite his disappointing season, Laker came up with the goods to record a priceless 2-0 win and put the trophy within touching distance.

Tim Street stepped up to the oche against captain Jane Trott for the final match of the season. Despite being pushed all the way by Trott, Street’s consistency shone through to take the close encounter 2-1 and allow the party to start.

As the champagne flowed, victorious captain Matt Peskett praised his side’s performance on the night.

Peskett was named Man of the Match for the second game in succession.

Tons were sparse with Tim John recording 4 including a 110 in shot, Street with 3 including a 106 in shot and 1 for Simon Laker.

Tim John ended the season with 13 league wins from 14 games, closely following by Matt Peskett (11 from 13) and Tim Street (11 from 14).