RUDHEATH are the first team this season to beat Gladstone C in the Northwich and District League, ending the debutants’ bid to win a double.

Ian Duncalf held his nerve to send the men from Middlewich Road through on Wednesday following a deciding frame, completing a recovery from 2-0 down.

Moulton Legion, from the second tier, are the lowest-ranked side still in the competition following a 4-2 victory against Division Three underdogs Witton Chimes B.

Owley Wood A reached the semi finals at the expense of Division Two title favourites Green Dragon A, while Gladstone A edged out top flight rivals Barn Owl C in the other last eight encounter.

In the Supplementary Shield, Greenbank A surprised higher-ranked Bowling Green to reach the last four.

Castle Private A avoided a similar slip-up after easing past Davenham Legion, from the bottom tier, for whom captain Darren Walton claimed a maiden maximum.

Gladstone B proved too strong for Division One foes The Elms, while Owley Wood B complete the semi-finals line-up following a 5-2 success against Green Dragon B of Division Three.

In a rescheduled league encounter, Barn Owl E returned to the Division Three summit after coming from behind to beat lowly Blue Barrel B.

Craig Reid and Keith Lloyd won the final two frames to secure a 4-3 victory.

The Barnton outfit’s lead over second-placed Nectar’s is worth three points while The Lion B, in third position, are a further 10 points adrift.

However they have a game in hand.

A race for promotion to the top flight continues tonight, Wednesday.

Barn Owl B, second in Division Two, visit Chapels.

They will be hoping Greenbank A, only a point adrift, come a cropper at home to fourth-placed Owley Wood B.

Results

Team Knockout
Quarter finals: Moulton Legion 4 Witton Chimes B 2; Green Dragon A 2 Owley Wood A 5; Gladstone A 4 Barn Owl C 3; Gladstone C 3 Rudheath 4. 

Supplementary Shield
Quarter finals: The Elms 2 Gladstone B 5; Davenham Legion 1 Castle Pvt A 4; Greenbank A 4 Bowling Green 3; Owley Wood B 5 Green Dragon B 2. 

Draws

Team Knockout

Semi finals (to be played February 25): Moulton Legion v Gladstone A at Castle Private; Rudheath v Owley Wood A at Gladstone.

Supplementary Shield

Semi finals (to be played February 25): Gladstone B v Owley Wood B at Greenbank; Greenbank A v Castle Pvt A at Iron Bridge.