Dutch league on fire with super runs of 20 and 18

APELDOORN/LOCHEM – Seven rounds into it, the Dutch eredivisie finds shape with four teams distancing themselves. Dallinga/Frans Bevers, Partycentrum Osdorp, Capelle-de Terp and STZ Zundert are –for now – occupying the future play-off spots. The seventh round was characterized mainly by the high runs. Earlier in the week, the Belgian competition had set the tone with runs of 17 and 18 (Jef Philipoom) and two more 17’s by Pierre Soumagne and Henk Habraken.

This Sunday, in the Dutch eredivisie, it was first Peter De Backer who excelled with 18, but he was to be followed by Eddy Merckx who ran a 20. Dallinga-Frans Bevers (with De Backer) beat Holland Mineraal 6-2, to remain in the lead. Partycentrum Osdorp (with Merckx) overcame A1 Biljarts with identical 6-2 figures.

Third and fourth on the table are Capelle-de Terp, a surprise candidate, and STZ uit Zundert.

Martin Spoormans confirmed his status as front man for Capelle with a victory over Arie Weijenburg (50-42 in 38), Richard Bitalis did very well on board two: 50 in 27 innings.

Eddy Merckx took off like a cold diesel, but after six innings he exploded with a majestic 20 run. It created a margin too big for Raimond Burgman to overcome: 50-21 in 26 innings. Frans van Kuyk and Davy van Havere took care of the Partycentrum team’s full win.

Frédérick Caudron needed only 28 innings against Anno de Kleine (50-35), Peter De Backer ran his super 18 to reach 50 in only 18 innings against Frans van Schaik (50-19). Raymund Swertz substituted for Glenn Hofman, who is in Colombia already for the World Cup. The young balkline player was the second to lose a match for Dallinga this year.

Biljartcafé Jorissen met De Distel, and front men Jean van Erp and Jef Philipoom ( team mates in Belgium) shared the points: 50-50 in 35. Gerwin Valentijn brought home the win for  De Distel by beating Raymond Ceulemans (50-43 in 37). STZ Zundert got the better of ’s Landswelvaren, thanks to Roland Forthomme (31 beurten), Peter Ceulemans (30) and Barry van Beers (45 in 26).

Verbrugge-Hyundai received Van Wanrooij Transport, and had to concede a loss. Bart Ceulemans was the only home winner:  he beat his uncle Kurt 50-43 in 36.