Lions C roar to clear win over Whistlers

LIONS C are champions of the Doric Insurance League. The duo of Jez Powell and Scott Romeril wrapped up the title with a convincing 5-0 win over Whistlers C with a game to spare.

Both players have had excellent seasons and have lost only two matches in the league.

Powell beat Gary Willcocks 4-2 and Romeril disposed of veteran Derek Webb, standing in for the ill Dawn Morgan, in straight games.

Only Willcocks stood between Romeril and his first major senior honour and the youngster flew into a 3-0 lead.

Willcocks clawed back the next two games but Romeril completed a 4-2 victory.

Webb made Powell work for his win in the dead rubber, which he clinched 4-2, and the Lions took the doubles for good measure.

Lions A beat their B team 5-0, but this was all in vain as it was not enough to make a difference.

The following night Lions A and Lions C met in a rearranged match and with Jez Powell absent and Peter Powell reserving they gained some minor consolation with a shock 5-0 win to finish within two points of the champions.

The highlight for the A team was a well-fought win for James Lesbirel over Romeril 11-6 in the seventh and deciding game.

Romeril can forget that setback and celebrate an excellent season when he has risen to the top echelons of the local game at the age of 15.

The teenager will be under pressure when he makes his green debut in Jersey on 7 May and at the Island Games later this year.

Romeril's improvement, ability and nerve under pressure have been tested this season and he has coped exceptionally well, finishing behind only Mark Pipet and Ogier in the league averages.

Whistlers E clinched Division Two. Kay Chivers, Keith Opie and Kieran Guilbert have been the most consistent team all season and deserved the title.

In Division Three the Lions H trio of super-veteran brothers Peter and Brian Powell and young Chris Quevatre have run away with the title, winning by a five-point margin and going through the whole season undefeated. Peter Powell has the only 100% average in all the leagues.

Lions M, Sandra Baker, Bert Enevoldsen and Val Le Messurier, took Division Four.

They spent all season fighting off some very keen children and can be pleased with their season's work.