CASTLE D stopped Gladstone C from claiming a hat-trick of Northwich and District League titles in the most thrilling fashion.

The rivals met in a play-off to decide who would claim the silverware after finishing the Division One campaign with identical records over 18 matches.

It is fitting their latest battle went to a deciding frame.

And history repeated too with Jason Chester, who forced the winner-takes-all meeting seven days earlier, again holding his nerve to clear the remaining balls and seal a 4-3 victory.

That will have felt like a remote prospect when Adam Griffiths and Eric Webber helped establish a 2-0 lead for the defending champions.

However Castle rallied, with Steve Moores and Leigh Cobley – who hit an 8-ball break last time out – taking the next two frames.

Fred Backhouse put the challengers in front for the first time, only for Matty Hubert to restore parity at 3-3.

Chester then did his bit.

And Castle D have the chance to complete a remarkable on Wednesday when they take on underdogs Barn Owl A in the Team Knockout final.

However the Barnton outfit, who finished top of Division Three this season, are to be respected after eliminating three higher-ranked foes to make the showpiece.

Colin Lightfoot punished an opponent’s mistake to secure a victory for Barn Owl E against Castle A in the Supplementary Shield final at Gladstone Club.

Mark Stubbs had potted six balls to clear the table in an impressive opening-frame performance, only for Jack Carroll and Chris Cain to take the next two for the favourites.

However Craig Flavell edged a tactical fourth frame to level.

John Abbott then moved Barn Owl closer to their target before Lightfoot, after Neil Wilson had erred, settled the outcome.

Results

Northwich and District Pool League

Divisione One title play-off

Gladstone C 3-4 Castle D (at Gladstone Club)

Supplementary Shield final

Barn Owl E 4-2 Castle A (at Gladstone Club)

Fixtures

Team Knockout final

Wednesday, March 22

Castle D v Barn Owl A