Crawley play their A game to become Premier champions

They beat Copthorne A 9-0 which prevented nearest rivals Blades or Foresters from overtaking them at the final hurdle.

Foresters A actually leap frogged Blades A to snatch the runners-up position.

Copthorne A and Horsham Spinners B were both battling to avoid relegation, with Copthorne having a four-point advantage.

Although they lost 9-0 against Crawley Community A, Spinners were unable to take advntage and went down 8-1 and were relegated to Division 1 next season.

Congratulations to Wesley Bush-Harris who finished top of the player averages and young George Hazell was undoubtably the most improved player and finished third in the averages.

A real team effort throughout the season culminated with Crawley Community A winning the Premier Division on 180 points, Foresters A were runners-up on 173, Blades A third on 170 and Foresters B were fourth on 167.

Community’s regular team of Paul Carter, Barrie Gilbert and Phil Richardson were well supported by John Callcut and John Hook who played up a number of times winning a lot of matches.

At the bottom Spinners B were relegated on 53 points with Copthorne looking over their shoulders just three points ahead on 56.

Wes Bush-Harris finished top of the averages with 58 wins and four losses, Paul Carter had 55 wins and four losses. George Hazell, 15, had a fantastic season winning most matches 67 with only six losses.

Crawley Community produced a solid performance with messrs Gilbert, Richardson and Callcut all playing well, Stuart Brooks put up spirited resistance pushing Phil to 8 on the fifth and four tight games against Barrie.

Copthorne’s disappointment will be tempered by the fact that they survived to fight another season in the top division.

Blades A played out a match for second and third place.The master beat the pupil as Wes Bush Harris defeated George Hazell in four, James Wheatley scored a third successive win against Steve Barby, 7-2 to Foresters.

Foresters B beat their D team winning 6-3, Mark Collins winning three, Jan Collado got two for for the D team.

Foresters C ended Horsham Bs faint hopes of survival with a comprehensive 8-1 victory, Adam Daley won three as did Gerry Pugh, Tony Morris scored Spinners only success with a good win over Dave Steel.

Crawley Community B Finished up with a fine 7-2 win over Blades B, Shaun Parsley won three while Sai Man Yau and John Hook both lost to Michael Bridger.

Horsham Spinners A and Horsham B both recorded 7-2 wins against Horsham A and Trinity A respectively.