White Horse get sinking feeling

The Bridgnorth-based double champions reclaimed the Premier place they lost in 2001 by beating White Horse by a mere nine chalks at a packed Bayley club last night.

But it couldn't have been much closer as the sides had six winners apiece, White Horse battling all the way in front of a 350 crowd before losing and being relegated.

The Telford club's one-year stay in the top flight was quickly threatened as Scott Harries won 21-4 in the first four as Bylet led by three. Kevin Brazier added another 21-4 as the Mid Shropshire and Highley league winners won three of the middle four to forge 23 up.

But just when it looked as if the winner-takes-all tie was over as a contest, White Horse found the heart to fightback.

Ian Charles gave them huge hope with a 21-7 win at No 10, and John Picken and John Cooke won the last two games, both 21-19.

But it was Bylet skipper Mick Harries who, fittingly, scored the chalk that sealed victory during his win - and their return to the promised land.

By Malcolm Fletcher

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