Nesbitt Arms have dropped out of the 3rd division. This division is now down to 11 teams so there will be one bye per week.

LEAGUE ANNOUNCEMENT

The recent news about Rileys, Stafford closing has caused teams to change venues. SEVEN teams - 3 in the 1st div, 3 in the 2nd div & 1 in the 3rd are in the process of finding new homes.

Rileys C (1st div) will now be playing from PERKINS SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB and will be known as PERKINS.

Rileys Cue (1st div) will now be playing from PERKINS SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB and will be known as PERKINS CUE.

Rileys Dogs (1st div) will now be playing from STAFFORD RANGERS SOCIAL CLUB and will be known as RANGERS DOGS.

Rileys Cue T's (2nd div) will now be playing from the LUCKPENNY and will be known as THE PENNY POTS.

Rileys Garters (2nd div) will now be playing from the LUCKPENNY and will be known as LUCKPENNY GARTERS.

Rileys (2nd div) will now be playing from the MORRISMAN and will be known as MORRISMAN

Rileys F (3rd div) will now be playing from the WESTWAY and will be known as WESTWAY 

DROP OFF POINT is JOINERS ARMS plus another venue is still to be confirmed.

Any other queries then contact Dave Whitfield for more information.

REVISED WINTER LEAGUE FIXTURES 2012/13

All captains please read the following information-

Due to TWO teams dropping out - JOINERS ARMS A (Division ONE) and STAR & GARTER B (Division TWO), the League Committee have decided to reorganise the Winter league Fixtures in ALL THREE DIVISIONS.

The reason for this change is to eliminate the amount of byes which have increased due to the withdrawal of the ABOVE mentioned teams. However due to teams turning up and playing in the first 3 weeks, those results will stand. When the new fixture list comes out (week commencing 12/11/12), please observe that those games will be dated on different dates. These games are complete and so treat these games as FREE WEEKS. The new Fixtures will commence on Sunday 18th November 2012 and so, at this point, the old Fixture List must be destroyed. Averages will be updated after this date as the original fixtures/results in the database will need to be replaced due to the changes in the Fixtures.

This call for action will benefit the league as it will leave only ONE bye in one division (Div 2) and result in the League completing 2 weeks earlier. Any queries/information please contact the relevant League Officers.

AFFORD BAIZE v STAFFORD A

9th November 2012. Played at Green Baize, Hanley.

Stafford A travelled to Hanley in search of a win to ensure promotion and the Premier League Title. Team Captain, Dave Whitfield, returned to the side along with Mick Addison & Martin Priestley who all missed the 14-4 victory over Stone. Jim Simpson (holiday) was the only absentee.

Stafford A started strongly with both Mark Billingsley and Gavin Davies winning their games with little difficulty as their opponents struggled to make any impact in the frames. Dave Barker made it 3-0 with a fine clearance and it continued with Giles Eastwood showing his experience and composure to make it 4-0 to the Stafford lads. Lee Whitehouse was up against it in his frame with his opponent looking as though he was going to clear the table. However he missed the black ball and let Whitehouse back in and he showed the composure needed as he cleared up to make it 5-0. Alan Sim was next on and he was also in bit of trouble as his opponent made it difficult, covering pockets thus stifling his chances. A mistake was then made by his opponent and Sim seized the opportunity going on to pot the black and make it 6-0. Mike Barker continued in the next frame as he made light work of clearing the table to make it an impressive 7-0 lead. Sean Alldritt was drawn against the league's leading average player but it proved to be a close frame. Unfortunately, for Alldritt, the balls didnt land favourably and he handed his opponent a chance to pot the black. That made the score 7-1 and suddenly on the other table they made it 7-2 as Mick Addison missed his opportunity and saw his opponent pull off a fine clearance.

The second half of the match saw Dave Whitfield replace Alldritt while Martin Priestley replaced Addison. Dave Barker and Giles Eastwood got Stafford A back on the winning track with 2 polished performances to put Stafford 9-2 up but then Afford hit back to win their 3rd frame of the night. Enter Billingsley and he showed what a strong potter he is as he broke and went for the clearance. things were looking good until he then snookered himself on the black. He then played a back double and cut the black into the corner to win the match for Stafford and along with it the Premier League Title. A great way to win it! Martin Priestley was on next and he appeared to be in a bit of trouble but a mistake by his opponent let him in and took his chance to make it 11-3. Dave Whitfield then continued the fine form from the Stafford lads as he took no time in completing another win to take it to 12-3. Lee Whitehouse unfortunately had to stand and watch his opponent break and dish to make the scores 12-4 and then Alan Sim missed an all important double on the black to hand the frame to his opposite player. Then Mike Barker finished off the game with a fine break-and-dish to finish the match with 13-5 final score.

A great result from Stafford A which now means they will be in the SCPA Elite division. All 13 players who have represented the team this year must take great pride in their achievement but now must focus on the play-off for Yarmouth against the 4th placed team from the Elite division (still TBC).

MOM goes to Mark Billingsley with his 2 wins (incl a 'dish'). Dave Barker, Giles Eastwood & Mike Barker also picked up doubles on the night.    

STAFFORD A v STONE

Played on Friday 26th October 2012 @Rileys, Stafford.

Stafford A took a big step towards securing promotion back to the top division after a 14-4 defeat over a depleted Stone team that could only field 7 players.

Only Shergold for Stone prevented a clean sweep in the first half of the match as Al Sim, Sean Aldritt, Lee Whitehouse, Mike Barker, Mark Billingsley and Dave Barker all claimed victories in their frames. The addition of the 2 claims against the byes left Stafford sitting on a very comfortable 8-1 lead at the half-way stage.

Some resistance from the away team after the interval, including two break and dishes, gave some respectability to the final score as Al Sim, Mike Barker, Jim Simpson and Gav Davies delivered frames wins for the Stafford side.

The defeat of Afford Plaza by Burslem on the same night gives Stafford A some breathing space at the top of the Premier Division as the lead over 2nd place is now stretched to 3 points with only two fixtures remaining.

Meanwhile, Stafford Pole had to settle for a 9-9 draw at TT Baize as opportunities to win the tie were not siezed.

The next matches for our two sides are re-arranged games. Stafford A travel to Afford Baize whilst Stafford Pole host Burslem. Both fixtures to be played on Friday 9th November.

PARKSIDE ELECTRICAL has ended its sponsorship of the Pool League. The committee and members wish to thank Peter Harvey for his financial support over the last 6 years.

MARKET PROMOTIONS has taken over the role of sponsor of the Pool League. More information can be found on the Sponsors page.

21st October 2012 @Rileys, Stafford.

RILEYS CUE v BEAR & PHEASANT

Rileys Cue became Summer League Champions for a 5th time as they saw off the challenge of the Bear & Pheasant winning 4-2.

Frame ONE. Dave Whitfield was drawn against Dave Arrowsmith and it was Arrowsmith who broke off and in no time was in his stride in his attempt to clear the table until he unfortunately snookered himself on the black. He then awarded 2 shots to Whitfield and he then set out to clear the table with a composed manner until he also fell short on the black. However he managed to place the cueball tight on the top rail thus leaving Arrowsmith a difficult chance on the black. He missed and so left Whitfield a long black and he held his nerve to pot it in the corner to put the Cuemen 1-0 up.

Frame TWO.  Mike barker was up next against Andy Rawlinson and it proved to be a one-sided affair. Barker broke and they split ideally as he set out to clear the table. With Rawlinson watching, all he could do was hope that Barker would lose position. Barker did lose position but a fine double set himself up for a straight black to complete a dish and so put the Cuemen 2-0 up.

Frame THREE. Dave Barker was paired against Giles Eastwood and that also turned out to be a one-sided affair like the previous frame. This time Eastwood broke but unfortunately potted the white off the break. Barker siezed his opportunity and it was a faultless and composed finish that saw the Cuemen race into a 3-0 lead.

Frame FOUR. Rob Wharne was on next and he faced the challenge of James Morrison. Wharne broke and he looked on course as they split beautifully. Then, uncharacteristicaly, he lost position leaving himself a tough long red into the corner. He missed it to let Morrison back in and he set out to take a stranglehold of the frame. He gradually took control and although Wharne responded well with some fine tactical pool, it was Morrision who had the first chance and he cleared the table with a fine pot on the black to pull one frame back to trail 3-1.

Frame FIVE. Martin Priestley was drawn against Andy Rawlinson and it was a tussle between these two. That reflected in the game as it never showed the quality of the previous four frames. However, nerves were evident with Priestley trying to close the match out and Rawlinson trying to claw another frame back. Rawlinson had the first chance and it looked as though he was going to finish it off but a missed red into the middle let Priestley in but he then missed a yellow into the corner. Rawlinson this time made no mistake as he potted the black to pull the score back to 3-2.

Frame SIX. Dave Barker was again paired against Giles Eastwood and this time it was Barker's turn to break. A dry break let Eastwood in and this time it was his turn to show his potting ability. Things were on track until his last colour. he left a difficult long red into the corner and just when it looked as though it was going in, it rattled the jaws and stayed out. This brought Barker back to the table and he had no alternative but to play snookers to bring him back into the game. A misjudged error by Eastwood then let Barker in. Barker, as he did in his earlier match then set out to clear the table in a composed manner and left himself a straight black to win the match for the Rileys Cue. Their 5th Summer League Title in eight years.

Also a special thanks to Lynda Simpson for refereeing the Final which was played in great spirit.

The new Winter League Fixtures for the 2012-13 season are now online.

There will be 3 divisions running from 28th October 2012 until 16th June 2013. As usual, matches will not be played on Bank Holidays weekends.

There are 13 teams in the top division which means that each team in this division will have 2 byes over the season.

There are 12 teams in each of the 2nd and 3rd divisions. In order to finish the fixtures across the League on the same day (16th June 2013) it has been necessary for each team in the bottom two tiers to have 4 byes over the season. These will be split into 2 byes in each half. This will mean some teams may have byes on consecutive weeks of the season.

• Division 1 Fixtures
• Division 2 Fixtures
• Division 3 Fixtures

SEMI FINAL RESULTS

RILEYS C 3-4 BEAR & PHEASANT @Hop Pole

RILEYS CUE 4-0 RILEYS ALBION @Rileys

Rileys Cue will play the Bear & Pheasant in the Summer League Final @Rileys on Sunday 21st October. Bear & Pheasant had to overcome 2011/12 Winter League Champs Rileys C in a close fought Semi. Giles Eastwood led the way with an 8 ball finish in the first frame and then Jim Simpson won the 3rd. It was left to James Morrison who won 2 frames including the last to secure the Bear & Pheasant a place in the final. Ant Whitehead (2) and Alan Sim replied for Rileys C. Rileys Cue (winners in 2005, 2007, 2009 & 2010) saw off the challenge of Rileys Albion with 4-0 success. After their heroics the previous week, the Albion lads never got going and it was down to Rob Wharne, Martin Priestley, Dave & Mike Barker who saw the Cuemen through to their 4th consecuetive Summer Final after their Plate final win in 2011.

QUARTER FINAL RESULTS

RILEYS C 4-0 OXLEATHERS B @St. Georges

RILEYS CUE 4-2 GPO CLUB A @Metropolitan Bar

RILEYS ALBION 4-2 TAP N SPILE @Hop Pole

BEAR & PHEASANT 4-0 ST. GEORGES @Tap n Spile

Winter league champs Rileys C progressed to the semi finals with a comprehensive 4-0 win over winter 3rd div champs Oxleathers B. Alan Sim, Ant Whitehead, Mark & Scott Billingsley all won. 4 times Summer league champs Rileys Cue were made to work hard for their 4-2 success over GPO Club A with Rob Wharne & Dave Barker winning 2 frames each and Barker achieving an '8 ball dish'. Mark Sheerin & Mick Bryant replied for the GPO. Rileys Albion pulled off an excellent 4-2 victory over Tap n Spile thanks to Dan Hibbs, Craig Guy, Liam Watson & Derek Marley. Jamie Woolley won both of his frames for the Tap. Bear & Pheasant also made light work of St. Georges A with a 4-0 success. Andy Rawlinson, Giles Eastwood, Jim Simpson & James Morrison all won.

SEMI FINAL RESULTS

METROPOLTAN BAR 2-4 STUDIO REBELS @Rileys

RILEYS 3-4 HOP POLE C @Tap n Spile

QUARTER FINAL RESULTS

STAR & GARTER B 0-4 HOP POLE C @Rileys

METROPOLITAN BAR 4-1 JOINERS ARMS @Oxleathers

STAR & GARTER 0-4 STUDIO REBELS @Rileys

STAFFS BULL B 1-4 RILEYS @Star & Garter

STAFFORD A v LEEK

Played on Friday 28th September 2012 @Rileys, Stafford.

Stafford went into this match hoping to return to winning ways after there 10-8 defeat in their previous game with Burslem. Martin Priestley & Mark Billingsley returned to bolster the ranks.

Stafford again started slowly as they soon trailed 3-0 to an impressive start from the visitors. However Stafford started to show some of the form they had at the start of the season as Lee Whitehouse, Mick Addison, Gav Davies & Dave Barker all won to put the Stafford lads 4-3 up. Leek levelled the scores before Mark Billingsley made it 5-4 at the halfway stage.

Stafford were hoping to start better in the second half but they again lost the first 3 frames to trail 7-5 and were looking towards another defeat. Then Lee Whitehouse and Mick Addison pulled it back to 7-7 but Leek made it 8-7 after a fine clearance from their player. It was then test of character and nerve that was needed to pull Stafford back and both Gav Davies & Alan Sim put the Stafford lads 9-8 so leaving Mark Billingsley the opportunity to be the hero. It looked as though his opposite player had the game won but narrowly missed the black. Billingsley showed his composure and cleared the table to win the match 10-8 for Stafford.

A fine comeback against a useful Leek side which keeps Stafford top of the table with 4 games to play. However they need to start getting of to a better start after poor starts in the last 2 matches.

MOM goes to Mick Addison with his 2 wins on the night with good clearances, Lee Whitehouse, Gav Davies & Mark Billingsley played their part when things were looking bleak for the team.

Rob Wharne becomes Stafford Sunday Pool Singles Champion for a 3rd year in a row!

Lynda Simpson becomes Stafford Sunday Ladies Singles Pool Champion for the first time in its 2nd year!

Rob Wharne joined an elite of previous multiple champions with his 3rd title after seeing of the challenge of Steve Finney 5-3 in the final of the Stafford Sunday Pool League Singles Knockout. Only Mark Bailey & Chris Fox have won the title in history on 3 consecutive occasions. Bailey (actually on 4 occasions) in 1993, 94, 95 & 96, Fox in 1985, 86 & 87.

Rob Wharne (Rileys Cue) was drawn against 2007 champion Andy Rawlinson (Rileys A) in the Quarters and ran out a 3-0 victor including 2 'dishes' to set up his night. Steve Finney (Rileys Dogs) (2009 & 2010 runner up) was drawn against 2011 runner up Dave Whitfield (Rileys Cue) and also recorded an identical score to put himsef through to the semi final. 2009 champion Dave Barker (Rileys Cue) saw off the challenge of experienced Mick Addison (Hop Pole C) also with a 3-0 success which included a 'dish' to reach his 4th semi final. Giles Eastwood's (Rileys A) first appearnce in a Quarter Final saw him overcome 2003 runner up Spencer Trow (Emerald Rebels) 3-2 in a hard fought match.

The first Semi Final saw a repeat of last year's match between Rileys Cue teammates Rob Wharne & Dave Barker drawn against each other. Barker was 2-1 up and looked to be a good position to take the 4th but an uncharacteristic miss let Wharne back in and he never looked backed as he sealed the next 2 frames to win 4-2. The other Semi Final saw Giles Eastwood pair up against Steve Finney and this match followed a similar pattern with Eastwood opening up a 2-1 lead but Finney ground out a fine finish to take the last 3 frames to win 4-2 and put himself in the Final for the 3rd time in 4 years.

The Star & Garter B team in Group A of the Summer League has been deducted 10 points after failing to submit the result card from their 7-1 victory over Oxleathers A on 19th August. This is a repeat offence by this side (despite several warnings) and the point deduction is in line with 16a of the League Constitution.

STAFFORD POLE v STAFFORD A @Hop Pole, Stafford

Played on Friday 17th August 2012

Dave Whitfield (capt, Stafford A) had 12 players to pick from for their local 'Derby' at Stafford Pole. Lee Whitehouse (Holiday) was the only absentee but he welcomed back both Martin Priestley & Mark Billingsley. Ian Lewis (capt, Stafford Pole) was missing due to his honeymoon, so Brendon Ruttledge took over the captain's role.

Stafford Pole welcomed back former Stafford A player Spencer Trow to the side and he pulled off a great clearance to put the Pole 1-0 up. Back came Stafford A and they responded well with wins from Dave Barker, seeing off the challenge of Dave Baker, Giles Eastwood who narrowly beat Gaz Bryant & Mick Addison who cleared well to beat debutant Simon W Davies. Paul Loughhead & Jason Armishaw responded with fine wins over Dave Whitfield & Sean Alldritt to level the scores at 3-3. Mike Barker played well for his win over another ex Stafford A player, Simon Key, and then both Mark Billingsley & Alan Sim cleared well to put the Stafford A side 6-3 up at the halfway point.

The 2nd half saw Dave Whitfield make 2 changes with Martin Priestley coming in for Alldritt & Jim Simpson replacing Whitfield. Ruttledge brought Craig Parsons in for Bryant. Giles Eastwood and Mick Addison both recorded their 2nd wins on the night with wins over Dave Baker & Spencer Trow respectively. Craig Parsons pulled off an excellent win over the in-form Dave Barker to make the scores 8-4 to the Stafford A lads. Gavin Davies then made it 9-4 with a win over Simon W Davies but Paul Loughhead had other ideas as he cleared well to make it 9-5 for his 2nd win on the night. Mark Billingsley then had the honour of securing the win for Stafford A with a fine clearance to beat Armishaw and then Martin Priestley made it 11-5 with success over Ruttledge. Simon Key saw off a spirited challenge from Jim Simpson and Ant Whitehead pulled off some fine potting to beat Mike Barker to make the the final score 11-7 to the Stafford A team.

A much improved performance from Stafford A to make up for the disappointing result at Afford Plaza (they drew 9-9). However with Plaza losing to Stone it means that Stafford A now have outright lead in this section and will need to maintain this form for the rest of the campaign.

MOM goes to Mark Billingsley for his 2 wins on the night but Mick Addison continues to impress after another double while Giles Eastwood's return to form was good timing going into this match with his 2 wins.

Next up sees Stafford A host Burslem on 7th September while the Stafford Pole travel to Stone on the same night.  

Just a reminder to teams who need to know this particular rule, this is in the Constitution:

16. All result cards are to be handed into the designated drop-of point which is:

         RILEYS or JOINERS ARMS by no later than 20:00 the following Thursday.

16a. Any Result Cards that do not meet this deadline, the OFFENDING TEAM will lose all points and will be deducted from the league.

16b. Winning teams are responsible for handing the results, in the event of a drawn match, then it is the responsibility of the home team.

Can all team captains OR designated contacts within their teams please note that it is their responsibilty to adhere to these rules, NOT league officers or committee members to contact or chase the teams for the results.

Regards, League Committee.