STAN BENT TEAM KNOCKOUT FINAL

Played on Sunday 16th June 2013 @Hop Pole

ST. GEORGES A  4 - 0  TAP n SPILE

St. Georges A are the new STAN BENT TEAM KNOCKOUT Champions 2012/13 for the first time after they romped home 4-0 against the Tap n Spile. The scoreline did not reflect however on the match as both sides pushed each other hard with a tactical and careful approach.

In frame 1 Kev Plimmer (Georges) was up against Paddy Singh (Tap) and after a lengthy battle it was Plimmer who got the ball rolling for the Georges.

The next frame saw Jason Armishaw (Georges) take on Ian Crowe (Tap). This again proved to be a grueller as both players slugged it out and it was the experience of Armishaw who had the final say as he made it 2-0 to the Georges.

The 3rd frame saw Mick Ferguson (Georges) paired against Jamie Woolley (Tap). This frame was the opposite of the first two frames as both players went for it from the start but both fell short towards the end. Then after an exchange of tactical play, Woolley handed an opportunity to Ferguson and he snapped it up to give the Georges a healthy 3-0 lead.

In the 4th frame, Tom Tonna (Georges) was paired against John Daniels (Tap) and Tonna was on for a clearance from the start. It looked straightforward for Tonna but a missed penultimate pot gave Daniels hope. After a lengthy exchange of tactical play, Daniels misjudged a snooker and let Tonna back in. He made no mistake this time and buried the black to win the Trophy for St. Georges A to the delight of his fellow team mates.

The SUBSIDIARY TEAM KO FINAL saw Perkins Cue narrowly edge out Star & Garter A by the scoreline 4-3.

STAN BENT TEAM KNOCKOUT SEMI FINALS

Sunday 9th June 2013. 8:00pm Start

ST. GEORGES A 4-0 GPO CLUB A played @Metropolitan Bar.

TAP n SPILE 4-3 HOP POLE C played @St. Georges.

SUBSIDIARY TEAM KNOCKOUT SEMI FINALS

Sunday 9th June 2013. 8:00pm Start

JOINERS ARMS 2-4 PERKINS CUE played @Tap n Spile.

METRO BAR A 0-4 STAR & GARTER A played @Hop Pole.

All matches best of SEVEN frames (4/3 split) Toss of coin for alternate breaks.

Hop Pole C hope to regain the Stan Bent Team KO Cup from when they won it in 2008/9. After losing out in the league to Perkins Cue they have to see of the challenge of potentially dangerous opposition, the Tap n Spile in their Semi Final. The other Semi final sees mid table 1st div side St. Georges A (Sub Team KO winners 2007/8) pitted against GPO Club A (also Sub Team KO winners 2005/6). The postman successfully survived 1st divison status and also did knock out highly fancied Perkins VVV in the quarters.

In the Subsidiary Team KO, League Champions Perkins Cue (Stan Bent winners 2007/8, 2009/10, 2010/11 & 2011/12) have a tough Semi final draw against fellow 1st Div side Joiners Arms (Sub Team KO winners 2004/5) who will want to finish on a high after narrowly escaping relegation on the last game of the season. In the other Semi, 3rd div Champions Metro Bar A will want to achieve a league & Cup double in their first season but have to overcome a determined Star & Garter A side (also from the 3rd div) to progess to the final.

Both FINALS will be played @Hop Pole on Sunday 16th June 2013. 8:00pm Start.  

DIVISION ONE

Perkins Cue are the new 'Market Promotions Stafford Sunday Pool league Champions' 2012/13 for the Sixth time (previously in 2004/5, 2006/7, 2008/9, 2009/10 & 2010/11). The successful quintet are Rob Wharne (capt), Dave Whitfield, Martin Priestley, Dave & Mike Barker. Finishing in Runners-up spot were the Hop Pole C who had Duncan Sunderland (capt), Alan Mason, Simon Key, Baz Davies, Mick Addison & Kev Brown. Bear & Pheasant finished in 3rd place. At the other end of the table, both Waggon Rebels and Staffs Bull B (their first season) lost their fight to stay up and will have to play next season in Division 2. The Most Individual wins goes to England player Rob Wharne of Perkins Cue with 35 wins out of 39. Also the 'Jim Simpson Trophy (8-Ball)' went to Wharne with 9 clearances.

DIVISION TWO

Oxleathers B are the '2nd division Champions' after a close battle with runners up the Morrisman. The Oxleathers B were 3rd division Champions the previous season (2011/12) and now will be plying their trade in Division 1. Representing the Oxleathers side was Kev Moore, Danny Haynes, Kev Genner, Alan Hill, Chris Nolan & Tim Sargeant. The Morrisman will be joining them and were well supported by Kieran Johnson, Chris Broomhall, Charlotte Shelley, Shaun Cooper and Jamie Bailey. Luckpenny Garters finished in 3rd place. At the other end of the table both Highfields Club A and Hop Pole D were relegated to the 3rd Division. The Most Individual wins went to Dave Rose (Highfields Club A) with 32 wins from 40. The 'Jim Simpson Trophy (8-Ball)' was shared amongst Chris Broomhall, Kieran Johnson (both Morrisman), Alan Hill (Ox B), Graham Nunn (Hop Pole B) and Wayne Smith (Joiners Rebels).

DIVISION THREE

Metro Bar A won the 3rd Division by 56 points in their first season. Roy Brown (Capt) was ably supported by Andy Palin, Dave Ashton, Alan Farrow & Paul Shepard. The Met Bar capped a fine double, securing runners up spot in their final game with a 5-3 win over Hop Pole A. Steven Rogers (capt), Gaz Nicklin, Pete Sandhar, Matt Bradshaw & Andy Laing were the successful team. GPO Club B finished in 3rd place. The Most Individual wins was shared between both Andy Palin & Dave Ashton (both Metro Bar A) with 30 wins. The 'Jim Simpson Trophy (8-Ball)' went to Roy Brown (Metro Bar A) with 2 clearances.

DIVISION ONE

Perkins Cue have retained their league crown after their 7-1 victory over GPO A. It is their SIXTH Title in 9 Seasons. Rob Wharne (capt), Dave Whitfield, Martin Priestley, Dave & Mike Barker have featured all season. Runners up spot is still up for grabs with Hop Pole C currently 2nd, although they have completed their season they must sit and wait to see if 3rd place Bear & Pheasant can win their final game 5-3 (against Perkins Cue) to take the runners up spot. The relegation still has not been decided with 4 teams fighting to stay up. Staffs Bull B, Joiners Arms, Wagon Rebels & GPO A are hoping to overcome 'end of season nerves'. 

DIVISION TWO

Morrisman are top at the present time but have completed thier fixtures and lead by just 3 points. Oxleathers B need only a draw (against Highfields B) to secure the title after also being 3rd div champions in 2011/12. Luckpenny Garters need to win 8-0 (against Hop Pole B) to overtake Morrisman. At the over end of the table Highfields A need a big win (v Oxleathers C) and hope both Hop Pole B and D sides lose.

DIVISION THREE

Metro Bar A won the 3rd division time some time ago. Roy Brown (capt), Alan Farrow, Dave Ashton, Andy Palin and Paul Shepard were the victorious squad. 2nd place is up for grabs and both 2nd and 3rd place teams meet this week. Hop Pole A need to win at least 5-3 to go above Metro Bar and so go ahead on most draws. However if the Hop Pole win 5-3 then the GPO B must win 8-0 to snatch the runners up spot by a single point.

Good luck to all teams in their quest for silverware and survival!

SCPA Elite Division. 24th May 2013.

Leek A 6-12 Stafford A played @Prince of Wales, Leek.

Stafford A made the long trip to Leek hoping for their first points of the season. Team Skipper Dave Whitfield was without form player Mark Billingsley and Martin Priestley but did welcome back Lee Whitehouse into the side.

Stafford needed a good start and Whitfield decided to change the order which hasn't been too successful this campaign. This had an instant impact as both Simon W Davies and Mike Barker both won with ease with some fine attacking play. Giles Eastwood continued the good start with a clinical performance to make it 3-0 to Stafford and things got even better when Alan Sim recovered from certain defeat with a fine clearance to make it 4-0. Dave Whitfield was on next and he was given a great opportunity after his opposite player went in-off. He controlled the frame and when given the chance he duly took it with a fine pot on the black to put the Stafford lads 5-0 up! Dave Barker came unstuck in his game as the home side claimed their first frame of the night but that was short-lived as Mick Addison wrapped up with a fine clearance to make it 6-1. Gav Davies never got going and unfortunately lost his frame but Lee Whitehouse pulled out a great pot on the black to give the Stafford team an excellent 7-2 lead at the halfway point.

Whitfield (capt) decided to rest Dave Barker and give Jim Simpson a place in the second half.

It was important that Stafford continued their fine start and it was Giles Eastwood who added another frame to Stafford's score with yet another fine clearance. Alan Sim lost out in a tactical battle against his opposite number and Mike Barker missed a great opportunity to win his frame as Leek started to hit back. Simon Davies settled Stafford nerves as he managed to win a tactical frame to put the Stafford lads 9-4 up. Lee Whitehouse was on next and it looked as though he was going to secure Stafford's first win but he lost position and the frame swung back in Leek's favour and so another frame went begging. Jim Simpson was unfortunate in his frame as he still looks for his first win of the campaign and suddenly it was 9-6 and the nerves were evident to see. However Gav Davies had other ideas as he looked in a great position to win but he left himself a tough double on the black. This did not deter him as he coolly dispatched the black and, to a great cheer, clinched Stafford's first league win of the campaign. It was then left to both Mick Addison and skipper Dave Whitfield to play out the final 2 frames. Addison comfortably won his frame in no time while Whitfield was less convincing as he watched his opposite player pot the black but go in-off into the middle. The 12-6 result in favour of Stafford A could prove vital later in the season.

MOM was a difficult choice as all players played a major part in this fine performance but it goes to Giles Eastwood for his 2 wins on the night, being crucial at the start of both halves. 

Stafford's next Fixture is the SCPA Interleague KO cup to be played @Players, Newcastle under Lyme on Saturday 15th June, 11am Start.

Existing and New Teams are invited to join the Market Promotions Stafford Sunday SUMMER Pool League.

Closing date for Entries is on SUNDAY 16TH JUNE 2013. The venue for signing in will be the HOP POLE (Stan Bent and Subsidiary Team KO FINALS Night) between 7pm and 8 30pm.

ENTRY FEE is £25.00 per team and must be paid on the night

If you cannot make the SET DATE, send an E-Mail to the League Secretary to confirm your place.

The Season will start Sunday 28th July.

STAN BENT TEAM KNOCKOUT QUARTER FINAL REPORT

2009 Winners Hop Pole C have made it into the Semi Finals of this years Stan Bent Team KO after coming back from 2-1 down to win 4-2 at the Oxleathers B (2nd div). Wins for Alan Mason, Mick Addison (2) and Simon Key saw the Pole through. St. Georges A (1st div) joined the Pole after running out 4-2 winners over the Joiners Rebels (2nd div). Tom Tonna, Jason Armishaw (2) and Neil Addison all won. The GPO Club A pulled off an excellent win over the Perkins VVV. The GPO were 3-1 down but wins for Mark Sheerin (2), Mick Bryant and Phil Alldiss put the 'postmen' into the Semi Finals. Tap n Spile were the fourth team to reach the Semi Final after their 4-1 victory over visiting Staffs Bull. Paddy Singh (2), Jamie Woolley and John Daniels saw the Tap through.

SEMI FINAL DRAW to be played on Sunday 9th June 2013:

TAP n SPILE v HOP POLE C @St. Georges

ST. GEORGES A v GPO SOCIAL CLUB A @Metropolitan Bar

Winners will play in the KO FINALS on Sunday 16th June at the Hop Pole.

SUBSIDIARY TEAM KNOCKOUT QUARTER FINAL REPORT

Runaway 3rd div leaders Metro Bar A pulled off a shock over 1st div Bear & Pheasant. they ran out 4-0 winners with wins for Dave Ashton, Paul Shepard, Alan Farrow and Andy Palin. Joining them in the Semis is the Joiners Arms as they saw off the challenge of Radford Rejects in a close 4-3 success. Perkins Cue were also made to work hard for their 4-3 win at the Metro Bar with the deciding game being decided by potting the black but then going 'in-off'. Wins for Rob Wharne and Dave Barker with 2 wins each saw the cuemen through. The final place in the Semis was taken by the Star & Garter A as they ran out 4-2 winners at Staffs Bulls Hitters.

SEMI FINAL DRAW to be played on Sunday 9th June 2013:

JOINERS ARMS v PERKINS CUE @Tap n Spile/p>

METRO BAR A v STAR & GARTER A @Hop Pole/p>

Winners will play in the KO FINALS on Sunday 16th June at the Hop Pole.

Some minor improvements have been made to the mobile version of the website. Hopefully, some of the text should now be a bit clearer to read without any need to zoom in on certain pages. All smartphone owners should check it out.

The Pool Calendar has been updated with all of the remaining Interleague match dates for the two Stafford teams. The dates for the Singles and Doubles Knockouts have also been added which takes us into July.

The Roll of Honour has had some changes made with extra information being added as well as a few minor corrections.

STAFFORDSHIRE SINGLES, DOUBLES & THREE'S COMPETITION 2014

Applications are now being taken for this annual competition which is played all over the County region. You need to have played in an EPA affiliated league to qualify for this tournamment. the Stafford Sunday Pool League IS an EPA affiliated league.

More information can be found on the SCPA link regarding application details, entry fees and the end of year Finals Dates.

Stafford Sunday have been well represented over the last few years with Rob Wharne winning the Singles in 2009. Andy Rawlinson & Kev Opie - runners up in the doubles in 2008. The Three's side of Dave Whitfield, Martin Priestley, Dave & Mike Barker - runners up in 2011. Along with numerous Semi Final appearances. Chris Fox, Tim Mcgann, Nicky Hodgkinson, John Grobnik & Mark Bailey have all been Staffordshire Champions in the past.

STAFFORD POLE v LEEK @Hop Pole, Sandon Road, Stafford

SCPA Interleague Elite Division. Friday 15th March 2013

STAFFORD SUNDAY POOL LEAGUE SINGLES & DOUBLES KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS

We are accepting applications for the forthcoming Sunday Pool League Singles & Doubles Individual competitions. All players interested must send their details and fees in a sealed envelope to the league Treasurer - Lynda Simpson. The closing date for applications is Sunday 26th May 2013. Final Sign in time is 7pm - 9pm @Rileighs, Stafford. Fees MUST be Paid by this date or applicants will not be allowed to enter.

To Qualify, All players must have played in a minimum of THREE MATCHES (not 3 frames) during the Winter Season 2012/13. Players in the Doubles are allowed to mix & match from different pairings but cannot change partners after the Deadline date.

The competition dates are below. Players are reminded that when entering the competition only the first 2 Rounds of the Singles and first Round of the Doubles have to to be played ON or BEFORE the set date. Committee will decide on any issues or problems which may arise. The League Committee decision is Final.

23rd June 2013 - SINGLES 1st Round                                                           

30th June 2013 - DOUBLES 1st Round

7th July 2013 - SINGLES 2nd Round

14th July 2013 - SINGLES FINALS NIGHT & LADIES FINALS NIGHT

21st July 2013 - DOUBLES FINALS NIGHT

ENTRY FEES - SINGLES £2.50 each, DOUBLES £5.00 per pair

ROB WHARNE (Perkins Cue, Trent Trophies A and now ENGLAND)

Stafford can now boast an England player. Stafford Sunday Pool League player Rob Wharne achieved the ultimate prize in being selected for the National side England.

After 2 close attempts in 2011 & 2012 it was at the 3rd attempt he achieved his prized goal. He qualified for the trials through representing his County A side for the last 4 years, accruing points on a consistent basis over that period of time. In that period of time he has also been ever present on the IPA tour gradually climbing the rankings and now is ranked in the top 16 on the UK tour. 

Wharne has been in two National Amateur Finals, losing to double ex-world champion, Carl Morris in 2009 but was then victorious in 2011 with victory over Karl Sutton. He also reached the Final of the WEBP World Masters Final, knocking out World no.1 Mick Hill in the semi final. Unfortunately he lost 9-5 in the final to Neil Raybone.

He also has been very successful in the local pool scene winning 3 Stafford Sunday singles titles in the last 3 years. He has won countless Team trophies with Rileys Cue and also for Trent Trophies A at National league & Knockout Finals.

Playing for TTA alongside Triple world champion Gaz Potts, 2011 world champ Adam Davis, England captain Lee Kendall and other top County players has enabled him to perform to a level most players would relish.

An established snooker player in the local scene and West Midlands Premier league winning Singles titles and from as early as a 12 year old, the hard work has been rewarded with this prestigous honour in representing his country and will be selected to play for England in June for the world championships.

Congratulations to Rob Wharne on this achievement and the Stafford Sunday Pool league can now be proud in having an England international in their ranks

Afford Loco v Stafford Pole @Locomotive, Longton. 22nd February 2013.

Stafford Pole started their Interleague Premier Division campaign with an away fixture against newly formed side Afford Loco. Ian Lewis (captain) gave debuts to new signings Alan Mason, Dan Goodwin and Mick Ferguson.

But Stafford got off to a poor start and were 3-0 down with Dave Baker, Chris Colley and Simon Key all losing, before Kev Brown won and steadied the ship. Duncan Sunderland suffered defeat but was unlucky with his position on his last ball. Stafford came back with debut wins for Alan Mason and Mick Ferguson which made the match 4-3 in Afford's favour. Paul Loughhead and Brendon Ruttledge then went on to try and turn the tie around but both fell short and lost to Affords more established players. That meant at the half way stage Stafford Pole were 6-3 down but still had a chance to get a result out of the match.

One change was made for the second half as Dan Goodwin came in for Colley, Ian Lewis (captain) and Phil McCintosh both sat this one out.

Under the watchful eye of the captain, the second half was similar to the first as Stafford lost two frames reasonably quickly through Key & Brown and found themselves 8-3 down. With a tough task now ahead, Baker got Stafford hopes up with a win that halved the deficit to 8-4. From then on it all went downhill as Dan Goodwin, Ruttledge, Loughhead, Sunderland, Ferguson and Mason lost the remaining six frames to make the final score 14-4 to Afford Loco.

Stafford Pole's next fixture is a tough match at home to Leek on March 15th and captain Ian is looking for his team to bounce back with a good result.