23 Apr Defending champs ease through
LONGWOOD, the 2024 Team Knockout champions were worthy 134-115 winners over Lowerhouses in the big tie of the opening round of the 2025 version of the competition.
Lowerhouses, the 2024 League champions were quick off the blocks at Skelmanthorpe Windmill winning three of the four singles matches played before the break.
Gary Smith and Andy Mitchell soon had victories against their names whilst Andy Wike had pulled one game back for Longwood. In a nail-biting finish Ashley Daykin just held off Ian Briggs to ease home by two points, giving Lowerhouse a 79-77 interval advantage.
That narrow advantage was soon wiped out with Longwood skipper Alan Crowther and partner Graham Lowe defeating Les Holmes and Rob Edwards 21-4.
Tony Crowther and Keith Hatzer finished the tie off with a 21-18 success over Rob Gatenby and Gary Armitage after Ian Crawford and Simon Beaumont had defeated Tony Lockwood and David Sykes 21-14. Longwood will face Golcar Lib A in the next round.
Clayton West and Kirkheaton Con A, both unbeaten in the league this season, were knocked out by Netherton Con A and Elland WMC respectively, whilst Marsh United A went down to Almondbury Lib. Ties for the next round are on Thursday 1st May 2025.
Photo shows Andrew Wike on his way to a 21-16 success over Graham Hirst.