THE Hart Crown Green Bowling Club’s Over 60’s A team completed their home programme in the SW Birmingham and District League with a win against Wootton Hall A.
Hart’s victory coupled with a comfortable win for main rivals Kings Norton Ex-Service against Triplex B means the title will be decided by the outcome of the reverse fixtures next week.
The Redditch club struggled in the first half with Steve Lediard (21-8) Hart’s only winner before Kirk Wright (21-19) and captain Mike Estell (21-4) helped Hart to a 111-94 victory.
Another win in the return match against Wootton would secure the title for the Redditch club.
Elsewhere, Hart B suffered a narrow 109-105 defeat at Woodlands Park A but did at least move off the bottom of the Division Three table.
Winning cards from Ray Barnett (21-6), Sheila Humphreys (21-18) and captain Gill Croft (21-18) saw Hart take three points from the fixture.
In Division One of the Northfield and District League, Hart’s A team secured an impressive 157-118 home win against The Maggies.
Despite losing three of the opening four ties, Neil Laxton (21-12), Jack Livingstone (21-7), Jim Mahaffey (21-10), Paul Matthews (21-16) and Estell (21-10) all won their matches to seal victory.
Hart B lost 143-120 at Central Edgbaston in Division Three despite wins for Roger Broome (21-11), Malcolm Bird (21-17), Dave Kings (21-15) and Neil Harrison (21-16).
In Division Four of the Warwick and Worcester Premier League, Hart’s promotion hopes came to an end following a 183-140 defeat at Moor Lane.
On the notoriously difficult green, Hart had just three winners courtesy of Pete Davenport (21-6), Cameron Cutler (21- 10) and Matt Higgs (21-20).
Hart finished their Heart of England League campaign with an excellent 158-142 win against The Maggies A.
Wins for Laxton (21-7), captain Wright (21-18), Jim Bracken (21-20), Ashley Beeston (21-15) and Dave Mahaffey (21-19) helped Hart to a credible fourth place finish having been bottom of the league after the opening month of matches.
In the HofE Over 60’s League, Hart A beat Hockley Heath A 124-78 at home as Wright (21-19), captain Estell (21-6), Ian Shermer (21-16) and Lediard and Graham Arnott (both 21-8) all posted winning cards.
Lastly, Hart B slumped to a heavy 126-64 defeat at The Green Man and failed to win a single tie with Manny Kawycz’ 21-14 defeat representing their best effort.
