IN ANOTHER rain-affected week, White Hart suffered two disappointing results in the Thursday Heart of England League which means both their teams could be struggling to avoid relegation in their final few matches.
Hart’s A team were defeated 134-118 by Moseley CC A in Division Two despite having four winning cards. Kirk Wright (21-10). Brian Chatterley (21-9), Ken Brown (21-13) and Sheila Humphreys (21-18) gave the hosts four points but single-figure scores from their other four bowlers proved to be their undoing and they are now only one point above a relegation place.
White Hart B visited fellow strugglers Henley in Division Four and also produced four winners – Dave Kings (21-5), Tony Buckley (21-6), Paul Thompson (21-9) and captain Norman Batchelor (21-13) – but again it was a few single-figure cards which spoilt their chances and the final result was a narrow 117-110 defeat which keeps them at the foot of the table – 13 points adrift from safety.
Both White Hart matches in the Friday HOE Over 60s League were rained off.
In the Yardley Wood & District League, White Hart A turned around the previous week’s defeat at Warstock by defeating them 141-132 in Division Two. Two wins to single figures from Graham Arnott (21-5) and Mike Hancock (21-6) were a vital factor and they were supported by Ray Richards (21-18) and Mick Perrins who finished strongly to win his tie 21-18 after being behind for most of the game.
White Hart B visited West Midlands Travel in Division Four and were on the wrong end of a decisive 163-97 scoreline, with their only winner being Denis Turner 21-16.
In Sunday Northfield & District League Division Two, White Hart A kept their promotion chances alive with a comfortable 168-108 home victory over bottom team Ye Olde Knowle.
The Redditch team produced a full house of winning cards from Ray Richards (21-4), Paul Matthews (21-15), Ian Humphreys (21-15), Trina Higgins (21-14), Graham Arnott (21-18), Martyn Higgins (21-12), Mike Estell (21-18) and captain Mick Perrins (21-18) and are now just four points behind second-placed Weoley Castle WMC A.
White Hart B went close to gaining an away win at Weoley Castle WMC B in Division Three as Sue Sugden (21-11), Neil Laxton (21-10) and Sheila Humphreys (21-18) were their three winners in a narrow 144-138 defeat.
In SW Birmingham & District League Division One, White Hart faced possibly their toughest game of the season at leaders AG College and at the halfway stage it looked as though a huge upset could be on the cards.
Captain Kirk Wright was 7-5 down but won his tie 21-16 and Mike Estell was very competitive at 17-16 down before losing single shots on each of the last four ends.
Tom Hawkes was 18-10 down but fought back well to finally only lose 21-19 and with the first half over Hart were only two shots adrift.
However, the second half was not so good for the team and, even though Ken Brown (21-17) and Ian Humphreys (21-19) battled well, a single-figure card helped to settle the outcome and AG College finally ran out 121-98 winners.
White Hart B went back to the top of Division Four and kept their unbeaten home record after a conclusive 126-78 win over Green Man.
The Redditch team had a full set of winners – Gill Croft 21-15, Mick Perrins 21-16, Richard Coyne 21-12, Norman Batchelor 21-11, Brian Chatterley 21-11 and captain Sue Sugden 21-13.
