WITTON Chimes A timed perfectly a return to winning ways when they saw off higher-ranked Gladstone B from the Northwich and District League’s Team Knockout.

They had lost their past four Division Two matches, but rallied twice after falling behind to claim a notable scalp.

Vice-captain Adam Durkan took a deciding frame for the visitors.

Owley Wood B ended the hopes of their hosts Blue Barrel A, the only remaining side from the third tier, following a comfortable 5-2 victory.

Holders Castle D had a scare against clubmates Castle B, prevailing only after Fred Backhouse claimed a seventh frame.

Martin Whitehead contributed a maximum break too earlier in the contest.

A line-up for the semi-finals is completed by Gladstone C, who lifted the trophy the season before last.

They brushed aside second-division strugglers Greenbank C.

In the Supplementary Shield, top-flight Rudheath registered a first home success of the campaign to progress to the semi-finals at the expense of Greenbank A.

Nathan Clark held his nerve to win a deciding frame for Slow & Easy against Division Three rivals Green Dragon, who had drawn level at 3-3 thanks to Paul Oldman.

Elsewhere Castle A, who reached last year’s final, remain on course for a repeat after a 5-2 win against Greenbank B.

The teams shared the first four frames before Nick Hamman and Dave Cain secure a safe passage for the favourites.

Lion A are also through to the last-four after squeezing past Division Two foes Wheatsheaf.

An 8-ball break from Dalton Parker was the highlight for the in-form Moulton outfit.

Both competitions resume in February.

Results

Northwich and District Pool League

Team Knockout

Quarter-finals: Blue Barrel A 2-5 Owley Wood B; Castle D 4-3 Castle B; Gladstone B 3-4 Witton Chimes A; Greenbank C 1-4 Gladstone C.

Supplementary Shield

Quarter-finals: Castle A 5-2 Greenbank B; Lion A 4-3 Wheatsheaf; Rudheath 4-1 Greenbank A; Slow & Easy 4-3 Green Dragon.

Additional reporting by Rob Winnington