With Peter Mc chickening out after his holiday cruise championship (beaten by the British No 1, Brian Hill, (true) in a close match (false), Popps fielded an unchanged team.

Kristian Fearnley opened the proceedings with his new style of cautious defence and well picked forehand smashes, winning in the 5th. Terry Allington, a bit slow to get into his first match against highly rated Les Wood, lost in 3-1. Connor Pollard, the spin wizard , then came on against Mike Hepworth and showed us all how to do it winning in a straight 3.

A procession followed and Popps won all the other games in fine style but did need every ounce of skill and determination they could muster, many of the games going to 5. Special mentions to newcomers Kristian, who has altered his style to show great patience before executing his super forehand smash, and Connor whose consistancy and spin control is outstanding. These 2 lads will definitely rise to the top if they keep developing their games as they have shown tonight.

RESULT: Central 2, 1 Popps A , 8