The ninth round of matches in the Lyric County Snooker League produced a number of firsts. No home team won, the Player of the Year competition has a new leader and we had the first meeting between the top clubs.

Joint leaders CYMS and North West A met in the former's home patch and the clash was memorable in the quality of snooker produced. North West were the ultimate victors on the night but they had to dig deep to prevail. Johnny Whyte has a century to his name already this season and a clearance of 56 in his second frame shows he is still in great form. It wasn't enough however, and his young opponent from CYMS, Anthony Duffy won through after a titanic struggle. This was as good as it got for CYMS as, one by one, their star players stumbled. Gerry McCluskey defeated Chris Gibbons 2-0, a result that was all the more remarkable considering that Chris hadn't so much as lost a frame in the league prior to this game. New Player of the Year leader Joe Devine enjoyed a 2-0 win over Paddy McGroarty and in the deciding fixture Gerry McKeever ensured a North West victory by taking the scalp of previously unbeaten Phelim McClafferty. North West will now be difficult to stop in their pursuit of yet another league title. The next match at home to Donegal could be decisive.

Third placed Donegal Town won three one in Convoy against the B team. Tom Plunkett won the deciding match following victories by Terry Mullin and Charlie Murphy. Andy Doherty won for the Convoy men, defeating previously unbeaten Oliver Plunkett in a tense struggle.

Twin Towns A stopped the rot by drawing at home to Ramelton A. Jack McGranaghan and Martin Walsh levelled the match after wins by Paul Murray and Philip Friel for the visitors.

Killea maintained fourth position following a 3-1 success in North West against the B side. Johnny Connors won for the Letterkenny men, a break of 51 showing his credentials. But Gordon Galbraith, John Lynch and Justin Lynch won well to ensure victory for the visitors.

Killea kept the pressure on Convoy A by winning 3-1 against Ramelton B. The successful men were Robert Brown, Gerard Lennon and Brian Woodrow. Peter Friel replied for the home team.