Champions prove a bridge too far

4:52pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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Cressing reached the semi-finals of the Essex Superleague Knockout Cup.

Having beaten Southend in the first round, they travelled to Chelmsford Social Club for the final stages of the Superleague Knockout Cup.

Colchester Town were their opponents at the quarter-final stage, where four boards were played on at the same time.

The Mortimers - Stuart and John - both had 3-0 victories against Darren Britton and Paul Copeland, while Stewart Thorogood lost out to Jamie Robinson by the same scoreline.

And Robert Watson-Lang lost out 2-1 to Coen Wiecamp, leaving Cressing 7-5 ahead at the midway stage.

The slender lead was vital because at the end of the second half of matches, the other games had been halved.

Tim Franklin and Steve Prow both won 2-1, while Al Hedman and Mick Cain had both lost by the same scoreline to ensure Cressing a hard fought 13-11 victory.

Laying in wait at the semi-final stage were league champions Hockley - and it proved to be a bridge too far.

The first set of four matches ended with the scores level as John Mortimer and Robert Watson-Lang both had 2-1 wins while Stewart Thorogood and Stuart Mortimer lost by the same scoreline.

Tim Franklin beat Mark Landers 2-1 and Al Hedman missed out against Gary Phipps by the same score.

It was left to Mick Cain and Steve Prow in their matches but they were beaten by Jimmy Allison and John McFall 3-0 to leave Cressing losing out 15-9.

The final saw a tense affair between Hockley and league runners-up Thameside.

Hockley eventually prevailed, to complete a league and cup double.