Jon Ayling’s win over Michael Skinner has left Div 2 wide open with everything to play for in the last 2 matches of the season.

This was a real rollercoaster, with some big swings as Jon somehow managed to turn everything in back-game. It started out fairly evenly, and then Jon won a doubled gammon to take me up to 6-3. A couple more drops and Jon was up 8-3; the cube reached 4 in the next game, where somehow what started as a blitz ended up with a back-game and 5 men back. Narrowly avoiding losing a gammon, they played the next game 8-7 – only for the cube to reach 4 again. Jon just about managed to hit a late shot and win the race, but it was very close.

With 2 matches remaining between John Ayling and Steve Holman (Steve currently bottom on points difference) the results will have a major impact on the final standings. Two wins will put that player top on points with Phil Cohen and points difference likely to decide who goes up. Two losses will mean another points difference decision on relegation or staying in the division. One win and one loss each will mean one of these players is relegated on points difference. Good luck to both players!

Jon Ayling 11 v 7 Michael Skinner