Telford B came close to going into the next round of the West Midlands Inter Town Knockout. when they were pipped by the odd frame of 7 by visitors Stafford A at Shifnal War Memorial Club last Friday.

Telford's Matt Bailey who has been playing some of his best snooker for Hills Lane this season opened up the proceedings by taking on Geoff Beardmore. However it was not to be Matt's night as he had to sit and watch his opponent make a 49 break and seal the frame 73-0.

Wellington's campaigner Morton Hughes then made it 1-1 when he overcome Andy Prendergast 63-55. Mort will admit it was not one of his best potting nights but his expertise on doubling the final black saw him through.

Shifnal's John Fallows looked quite comfortable with his lead over Chris Ward but the visitor slotted in another gear and cleared up to the pink to win 51-41.

Young Ian Eldridge then made his debut to play Chris Ravagrani and although he started confidently he could not prevent his rival striding ahead to win 85-5.

Tim Hicks then had a real ding-dong frame with Tony Keeling and some excellent snookers by Tim and the assistance of the miss rule gave him double figure advantage on the colours. However a cruel in-off the yellow gave Tony a wonderful chance to clear with the colours all on their spots but poor position on the pink gave Tim the fillip he needed and ran out a 65-53 winner.

Shifnal's Lyndsy Knox then gave a solid performance against Adrian Hughes and put Telford in with a shout at 3-3.

However it was not to be Telford's night as Stafford's anchor man Neil Johnson took on former Shropshire champion Simon Biddulph. Simon was faced with a 50 deficit on the colours and although he achieved some snookers his opponent was equal to them and ran out an 80-25 winner to seal the frame and match for Stafford.

Nev Whitehead

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