Round seven of Jazzey’s Spring League at Enniskillen took place last week which leaves only two weeks before the semi-finals. In pole position is the Aristocats team although last week they slipped up against the second placed Jazz Standards. Jerome Nicolle and Louise McGann (Jazz Standards) once again contributed handsomely to their team’s win with each scoring two fines wins in the mixed doubles and their respective mens and ladies doubles. James Morrison and Liz McGuinness (Aristocats) had a resounding win in their mixed. Bernie Hall and Liz edged out the two Jennys (Cruickshank and Kelly) 7-5 in the closing ladies. But it was Kevin Burns and Mark Cousins who kept the Jazz Standards on course taking their doubles 7-5 and giving their team a healthy 53-43 victory.
The final series of Monday night matches started well for the Sweet Spots with three 7-5 victories in the first four matches. The only bright spot for The Bear Necessities at the half way point was the victory of Andy Elliott and Yvonne Masterson against Claude Bersot and Nadine Stewart also by 7-5. Innes Redmond and Marius Blake enjoyed a convincing win for The Bear Necessities and a decisive win for Andy Elliott and Seamus O’Connell gave the Bear Necessities an unlikely win by 54-42.
The Wednesday night matches started with a cliffhanger between Rhythm Section and the Blue Notes. The initial four matches were shared at two matches apiece and 24 games apiece. An excellent win for Clive Funston and the in-form Sean Bogue over doubles specialist Davy Thompson and Brendan Duffy put the Rhythm Section ahead and although Ruth Elliott and Gwen Wilson took the final doubles 7-5 against Maxine Leary and Roisin O’Connell, the scoreline 49-47 fell in favour of the Rhythm Section.
The final series of matches was between the Wednesday league leaders Nice & Fly and the Cool Cats. An excellent start by James Wilson and Veronica Bogue (Cool Cats) saw them quickly establish a 4-0 lead against Martin Sharkey and Martina Boyd. However a spirited comeback from Martin and Martina peppered with some fine passing shots resulted in them clinching a 6-6 draw. The night will also be remembered for another comeback, that of Paddy Gillen who after an extended period of leave made a welcome return to claim one victory and a 6-6 draw in his two matches. The final score extended the lead of league leaders Nice & Fly who are now looking assured of a semi-final place.
