Billy takes Vics into last 16 of Centenary Cup.
Skipper Billy Atkinson led his Afternoon “A”team into the last 16 of the Centenary Cup yesterday, with a crucial 21-02 victory just when the Vics needed it most. With 3 losing cards and having to give away 15 shots in Handicap, the Vics were struggling to overcome their 2nd Division opponents Marine Park on an immaculate but slow green at Upton. Andrew Stratton had pulled the Vics back into the match with a commanding 21-08 win, after a poor card in the Vics 1st four and this was supplemented by a couple of 21-12 wins for Robby Franklin and Mally Johnson. Dick Peake produced a steady 21-14 victory and Eddie Clayburn returned from his Isle of Man sojourn to record a hard fought 21-15 win. Elwyn Williams fought back from 10-15 down to win 21-19 to set up a close finish with the Vics only 8 up with the last 2 blocks on the green. Billy Atkinson allayed any fears the Vics may have had with another crushing performance to see his side into the next round more comfortably than at one time seemed likely.