IN the absence of the Eagle and the Social Club, last year s big two, Margaretting Black Bull will fancy their chances of making an impact in the Ridley League s South Section this season. With Andy Oubridge back in harness, and the arrival of Mike Frapp

IN the absence of the Eagle and the Social Club, last year's big two, Margaretting Black Bull will fancy their chances of making an impact in the Ridley League's South Section this season.

With Andy Oubridge back in harness, and the arrival of Mike Frappell (from the defunct Beehive side) and Pete Atkins, they got off to a flier with a 13-2 opening-week hammering of the Swan. The visitors, who weren't helped by the lack of a women's pair, lost all four match sections.

A few interesting signings at Melbourne, too, where the Chelmsford City derby provided plus points for both sides. The returned Trevor Suckling starred as Paul Ewers' 'A' team took a 2-0 lead, but Andy Edgar and Terry Crisp led the fightback that saw the B's home in the singles.

The 'home' side deservedly took both pairs, only for the B's to trump that with a dominoes whitewash. It finished 5-10, and the two fixtures still to come between the teams promise to provide a few sparks.

Unfortunately, administrative difficulties hit the first week's results service, with the only other match score to hand, a 9-6 win for the Black Lion in the North Section Rodings derby against the Black Horse. After last season's struggles, Horse skipper Trevor Bright will count that almost as good as a win.

FIXTURES (Oct 9) - Dominoes Cup, 1st Rd: Black Horse v Bird in Hand, Black Lion v CCFC B, CCFC A v Flitch Snooker A, Flitch Snooker B v Cricketers MG, Retreat v Swan, Vine v Black Bull.