AFTER 11 games, the league table shows three teams with a realistic chance of lifting the league title, each with three games to go.
The Crusaders maintain their lead on 83 points after a 70-43 home victory over Tavira. The Greens kept up the chase after their reverse last week, with a 59-38 win at home to the Panama Hats, taking all nine points and giving them a total of 78 points. In third place are CPO who also bounced back with a 67-43 win over the Sinners and now have 61 points in all.
In the other match played, Alvor Blues went to Vale do Lobo and came away with an emphatic away win by 64-46 and by eight points to two. Panamas slip to sixth on 38 points, having been overtaken in fifth by the Blues, who now have 43. The PDF Sinners continue with their seesaw season on 37 points and the gallant Top Hats remain at the bottom with 25 points. The Algarve Championships have reached semi-final stage, which will take place as follows: Singles and triples at Vale do Lobo on Friday, March 3, at 11am. Pairs and Fours at Alvor on Monday, March 6, at 11am.
In the singles, Stewart Banks of Alvor will play Ken Catherall of PDF and John Lasky from Alvor will play the winner of the all PDF clash between Paul Johnson and Sheila Rapsey. The pairs has Bill Mason and Bob Watling from Tavira taking on Colin Prosser and Mick Bulmer from PDF and the other semi has Jack Brammer and Ken Catherall from PDF facing David Berbridge and Roy Bland of CPO.
The triples feature four different clubs – Pat Gibbs, Sheila Rapsey and Thelma Johnson from PDF play Jo Mattos and John and Kate Hewitson of Tavira and Rene Berbridge, Cliff Tanner and Jim Miller from CPO face Mike Webb, Jimmy Jones and Terry Kerr of Alvor.
Finally, in the inaugural fours competition, Charlie McGowan and his team from Vale do Lobo will play Seamus Mongomery and Co. from Alvor, while we await the names of the other two quarter-finalists to finalise the neutral stages draw. Well done to all reaching this important stage and good luck to everyone in their semi-finals.
The grand finals will be at the PDF Club on Saturday, March 11 and all supporters and neutrals will be very welcome to come along to see the climax of a very competitive and well-balanced series of competitions.
Depending upon players involved and timetable scheduling, there may also be finals played at PDF on Sunday, March 12. More details next week, also details of the draw for the very popular and coveted Cameron Cup interclub double rink competition.
Alan Clarke, League Director
