BARN Owl B were the only side to eliminate higher-ranked opponents when the Northwich and District League’s Team Knockout started on Wednesday.

They did it away from home too, at top-flight Castle A.

Gladstone B edged a battle of Division One rivals when they took on Castle C, while holders Gladstone C restricted Green Dragon B to a single frame.

Andy Jones cleared the table in a single visit during Lion A’s clash with Witton Chimes A, inspiring a recovery from 2-0 down.

However Kevin Peck clinched a decider to send the Moulton-based side crashing out.

Barn Owl E ran Castle D close before losing 4-3, while Wheatsheaf fell to Barn Owl A by the same score after Dave Wright won a decisive seventh frame.

Elsewhere Lion B whitewashed Barn Owl H, while Nectar’s did the same to Gladstone D.

Iron Bridge’s meeting with league rivals Greenbank C was much closer, the visitors squeezing through after Bob Salino held his nerve to win a decider.

Broken Cross and Blue Barrel B, both from Division Three, were sent packing after defeats on their own tables to Gladstone A and Greenbank A respectively.

Owley Wood made home advantage count though, beating Witton Chimes B.

Green Dragon A proved too strong for Greenbank B, ranked two levels lower.

Moulton Legion and Salt Barge, who have since tendered their resignation from the league, conceded their ties against Castle B and Blue Barrel A respectively.

Results

Northwich and District Pool League

Team Knockout

First Round: Barn Owl E 3-4 Castle D; Blue Barrel B 2-5 Greenbank A; Broken Cross 2-5 Gladstone A; Castle A 2-5 Barn Owl B; Castle B w/o Moulton Legion; Gladstone B 4-3 Castle C; Gladstone C 6-1 Green Dragon B; Green Dragon A 6-1 Greenbank B; Iron Bridge 3-4 Greenbank C; Lion B 7-0 Barn Owl H; Nectar’s 7-0 Gladstone D; Owley Wood 5-2 Witton Chimes B; Salt Barge conceded to Blue Barrel A; Wheatsheaf 3-4 Barn Owl A; Witton Chimes A 4-3 Lion A