The penultimate round of matches in this year's Junior League group stage produced some scintillating wins and guaranteed the first of the semi-finalists.
In Group A, Hull entertained Cave Castle in a second v third clash. East Riding u18 regulars Bobby Beasley and Tom Adcock led off in match one, with the away player running out to a 4up lead through 10. Bobby battled hard, but ran out of holes and succumbed 4&2. Hull's George Pepper levelled the tie with an emphatic 6&5 victory over another ER junior, Huxley Sawyer.
In the anchor match, Jack Wall (photographed putting at the 12th) continued his good form and prevailled over Harry Earl 3&2 to take an important 4-2 win for the visitors. This brings them level on points in the table with Hull, with one match remaining.
Group leaders Cottingham Parks were looking to tie up the league, but fell to a shock 6-0 defeat against Beverley at the Westwood. Seth Fairburn beat Tom Anderson 3&2, Will Bentley just edged past Noa Ayala on the last green and Freddie Rogers completed the clean sweep with a 3&2 victory over Ollie Spencer.
Cottingham's lead at the top has been cut to four points over the other three teams who all sit on 14 points. Next week they entertain Hull, while Beverley go to Cave Castle.
In Group B, Skidby Lakes sealed a home tie in the semi finals with a convincing 6-0 vistory over their nearest challengers Hainsworth Park. James Williamson beat Tom Jimmeson 6&5, Louie Brookes won 5&4, but the biggest winning margin of the night came from the in-form Archie Bean. His 8&7 triumph over Jacob Winterbottom sealed Group B, even with one match remaining.
Things are tighter for second place as Hornsea took advantage of the Hainsworth reverse to join them on 15 points. Burstwick's Ethan Matthews beat Seth Topham in the top match, but the Andersons ensured a 4-2 victory with two emphatic wins. Alfred beat Jaydn Bell 3&2 and sister Lilly saw off Charles Graham 6&4. Both results were good for Hornsea in case a countback is required as they move 29 holes ahead on hole difference. Burstwick are now mathematically out of the running.
Full results, fixtures and group tables
Roll on next week when the calculators are ready and the other three semi finalists will be confirmed.
