STAFFS INTER-LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION MATCH 10

Stafford Blaze vs Trent Trophies Players (18/11/2011) @ The Hop Pole

The final game of the Staffs Inter-League Premier Division pitted the Blaze against the newly crowned champions Trent Trophies Players, writes Lee Haidarovic.

Skipper Lee Haidarovic, in his final game before retiring from Inter-League pool, had once again the bare nine to choose from. However, these nine were the foundation and most reliable of the squad.  First up came Chris Broomhall knowing at least one win would confirm him as the league’s average winner and two wins would make him outright winner.  After a back and forth match against County player Sam Capper, Chris looked to have blown his chance but an uncharacteristic mistake by the over confident TTP player let Chris back in with 2 shots and that’s all it took for Chris to put the first win on the board. 

Unfortunately on the other table Dave Baker was not so fortunate as his opponent powered to a win to keep the early scores level.  The next four games took the same pattern as both Blaze players on table one (Paul Loughhead and Spence Trow) won, whilst on table two Craig Parsons & Ant Whitehead lost.  Unfortunately, the remaining three frames of the half went in favour of the away team with skipper Lee Haidarovic having a dry break that was punished and Ian & Brendon coming up against two very accomplished players whom did very little wrong.  Leaving the half time score 6-3 to the TTP.

The second half was a carbon copy of the first as Chris Broomhall won his second of the night to confirm himself as average winner outright.  Dave, Ant, Paul, Ian and Craig all lost in quick succession meaning the TTP team had an unassailable 11-4 lead.  Next, up stepped skipper Lee Haidarovic for his last game and he gave a vintage performance to grab a frame back. Spence Trow then claimed his second win of the night to bring the scores to 11-6. Unfortunately, Brendon Ruttledge lost the final frame to make the final score 12-6 to the champions.

Man of the Match was Spence Trow for his two wins with Chris Broomhall nominated as Player of the Year!!

As I am about to quit Staffs inter-League Pool for good I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the following players who have played under me over the past four years:- Alan Alldritt; Nick Backhouse; Dave Baker; Mark Billingsley; Scott Billingsley; Chris Broomhall; Chris Colley; Simon Davies; Will Edge; John Grobnik; Scott Haidarovic; Chris Hanlon; David Hulme; Robbie Jenkinson; Kieron Johnson; Ben LeMaistre; Aaron Lewis; Ian Lewis; Paul Loughhead; Justin Mackereth; Rob Mallins; Ricardo Martinez; Craig Parsons; Andy Rogers; Brendon Ruttledge; Mark Shaw; Alan Sim; Karen Tomkinson; Tom Tonna; Spencer Trow and Ant Whitehead.

May I also wish my successor the best of luck in the 2012 season – Ian Lewis.

WINTER LEAGUE DIVISION THREE KICKS OFF ON SUNDAY - 6TH NOVEMBER 2011

This is due to 14 teams being placed in this Section. Div 1 and Div 2 have 12 teams in their respective divisions.

DIVISION ONE AND DIVISION TWO COMMENCES ON SUNDAY 20/11/2011.

The rest of the Fixtures will follow shortly. Paper copies will be distributed this week.

STAFFS INTER-LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION MATCH 9

Leek B vs Stafford Blaze (28/10/2011) @ Leek.

In the final away match of the 2011 campaign the Blaze did the long trek to Leek to try and beat a very capable and experienced outfit. However, matters were not helped by the late omissions of some key players in the run-in.   With a bare team the Blaze started strongly as the first frame was won by Chris Broomhall. However, the next five all went to the Home side leaving the Blaze already 5-1 down when skipper Lee Haidarovic stepped up. But a combination of good tactical play and accurate potting gave Lee & the Blaze hope.  Unfortunately, the remaining two frames went to the Leek side and presented the Blaze with an uphill struggle in the second half after trailing 7-2 at the break. 

Then something incredible happened. Probably the best comeback in Stafford Blaze history as frame by frame the lads lifted their game with only the unlucky Ant Whitehead on the receiving end of a defeat.  Chris Broomhall (with a lot of fortune) starting the ball rolling to win his second of the night before the highlight of the evening as Spencer Trow performed an 8-ball clearance off his opponent's dry break, whilst potting and moving 3 dead balls in the process, to a standing ovation when he sunk the black.

With the score standing at 9-7 to the Leek team on to the tables came current captain Lee Haidarovic & next year’s new captain Ian Lewis to try and snatch an unexpected draw.  Whilst Ian had started a good five minutes before Lee, it seemed that if Ian won the pressure would all be on the skippers shoulders.  However, during his second visit to the table (and literally 3 minutes into his game), Lee despatched a 6 ball clearance to claim his personal victory which was simultaneous to Ian winning on the opposite table to give the Blaze the 9-9 draw that the second half truly deserved.

Man of the Match had to go to the skipper this week as only he and Chris won both frames and with Chris’ fortune in the second game there could only be one nomination and this was unanimous.  Special praise though to Spencer Trow who rose off his sick bed an hour before the game to pull off the clearance of the season in his second frame.

Next up is the last game of the season at home to the newly crowned Premier League Champions TT Players.

STAFFS INTERLEAGUE ELITE DIVISION

CANNOCK CHASE v STAFFORD SUNDAY 23/09/2011 @ Rileys, Cannock.

Stafford's quest for survival was dealt a major blow after being soundly beaten by a strong Cannock side. Results from other matches have given Stafford a mountain to climb if they want to be playing in the top tier next season.

It could have been so different on the night had Stafford taken their chances - with the exception of one or two players. Sean Alldritt returned to the side and got Stafford off to a good start with a fine 'dish'. Mike Barker made it 2-2 after a solid display. However, missed opportunities by the rest of the team saw a run of 4 frames handed to the opposition until Dave Barker managed to sneak the last one thus making the score 6-3 to the hosts at the halfway stage.

The second half started slowly but a fine 'dish' by Mark Billingsley (he lost earlier without playing a shot) and a fine clearance by Alldritt saw Stafford trail 7-5 and so give hope of a recovery. Unfortunately, again, missed opportunities by the rest of the team saw Stafford fade badly and they ended up eventually losing 13-5.

Some people might say the scoreline was somewhat flattering, but the truth was missed opportunities were the real reason for Stafford's downfall.

MOTM was the returning Sean Alldritt who won 2 on the night but Billingsley must count himself unlucky as he only had one visit all night!

Next up is a must win game against Leek A at home on 29th October.

Staffordshire Knockouts Finals Day report and results.

In the SCPA Threes, Dave Whitfield (Capt), Mike Barker, Dave Barker & Martin Priestley, from Rileys Cue reached the Final for the first time at their 5th attempt. In the Semi Final they saw off the challenge of Prince of Wales B (Leek). The Stafford team got off to a poor start with some scrappy frames which went the way to the visitors. staring at 2-0 down it was left to Martin Preistley who got the Stafford team on the scorecard. They then ran into a 3-2 lead but back came the Leek team as they went 4-3 up. Up stepped Preistley as he made it 3 out of 3 to square the match and the experience of Dave Barker saw the Stafford lads home with a crucial win, running out 5-4 victors.

In the FINAL they were paired this time against Prince of Wales A (Leek). Stafford were soon trailing 2-1 but were performing to A better standard and it soon paid dividends as fine potting from Preistley (a dish), Mike Barker & Dave Whitfield put the Stafford lads in control at 4-2 up. in the 8th frame Mike Barker left himself a fine cut on the black which he amazingly cut into the middle but unfortunately the Cue ball caught the oppositions yellow which then dropped into the corner. 4-4, which left Whitfield a chance to claim the glory but a foul put the opposite player in and he cleared to claim the County prize.

A great performance by the Stafford lads to get there (beatimg some fine teams on the way) and should be proud with special mention to Martin Preistley who won 5 out of 6 on the day.

In the SCPA Doubles competition, ther was disappointment for Stafford's Andy Rawlinson & Rob Wharne who lost a tight Semi Final 4-3 to county pairing of Jimmy Gower & Gareth Davies who then went onto win the Final running out 4-1 winners.

In the Singles event, Lee Grout (Rileys A) saw his hopes dashed with a 4-1 loss to eventual Singles winner Daz Shone from Players, Newcastle in the Quarter Finals. 

The AGM went well, with thanks to all members who attended, and resulted in 36 teams confirming that they will play in the forthcoming Winter League. There are still 3 or 4 teams who have expressed an interest so as soon as they are confirmed I will let you all know. If any other teams are interested then contact the League Secretary.

No proposed changes or election of new officers were submitted. However, Ben LeMaistre from Bear & Pheasant B has volunteered to join the Committee.

The Constitution has been revised due to three additional items as follows:

• All Singles and Doubles Knockout matches are to be played ON or BEFORE the set date. (Section 22b).
• To inform the League Secretary of Team Names changes or change of personnel prior to the Season starting. (Section 24a).
• Clarification that teams in the Higher Division must have at least 2 players in that team for them to be identified as the original team. (Section 24c).

Revised copies of the Constitution will be sent out with the League Fixtures. The Link on this website will be updated very soon.

Dave Whitfield - League Secretary.

STAFFS INTER-LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION MATCH 8

Stafford Blaze vs Afford Plaza (23/9/2011) @ The Hop Pole.

Skipper Lee Haidarovic once again had the bare nine to call upon in the latest inter-league match vs promotion chasing Afford Plaza at their new “home” of the Hop Pole.  After a disappointing 11-7 defeat in the reverse fixture, the Blaze wanted to pick up the two points that has been awkward to come by this season in a very competitive league.

Starting things off for the Blaze was Scott Haidarovic & Dave Baker but unfortunately Scott didn’t get a chance to show his pool skills as the away player quickly pulled off an impressive break and dish (8-ball) to put the Plaza a quick-fire 1-0 up.  However a 6 ball clearance by Dave on the opposite table saw the Blaze share the spoils of the first set of games.  Ant Whitehead and Paul Loughhead were next up and again the spoils were shared as Ant pulled off a great clearance whilst Paul with the game won missed a relatively simple black to give the frame away.  Up next was Chris Broomhall and Craig Parsons and once again the games were shared as Chris pulled off a win whilst Craig lost his.  Delicately poised at 3-3 up came skipper Lee Haidarovic to try and put aside an indifferent campaign where he has been playing well but not getting the results that matter. However, tonight was going to be one of those nights where he was not going to miss a thing as gradually he out-potted and out-thought his opponent to gain the win and edge the Blaze in front again.  Spence Trow and Brendon Ruttledge finished the half off and once again the spoils were shared as Spence quickly dispatched his opponent whilst Brendon lost his frame making the half time score line 5-4 to the Blaze.

The second half was just as tense and close as Dave, Ant, Chris (2 wins on the night) and Paul all gave the Blaze wins whilst Scott & Craig lost to make the scoreline 9-6. The Blaze now needed one more win from the final three games to claim the win.  The first player up to try and get the Blaze over the finish line was skipper Lee Haidarovic who had played some super pool earlier on and hoped it would continue. And continue it did with a mixture of great potting and tactical play as Lee held his nerve to give the Blaze a much needed win.  Unfortunately Spence and Brendon then lost their games but the victory was already in the bag 10-8.

Man of the Match could have gone to any of the four that won both frames on the night.  However, skipper Lee (for getting the team over the finishing line) and Ant Whitehead jointly just nicked it as both played stunning pool in BOTH frames. Next up a long trip to Leek.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

to be held at the Rangers Social Club

 on Sunday 25th September 2011.

7:30pm Sign in, 8:00pm Meeting Starts

LEAGUE FEES for Winter Season is £45.00

 EVENING AGENDA

1. Minutes from last years AGM

2. Chairman’s report.

3. Secretary's report.

4. Treasurer's report.

5. Election of officers and committee members*.

6. Proposed changes*.

7. Constitution.

 8.Any other business (AOB).

*Date has now expired for any

proposed changes / Election of officers.

STAFFS INTER-LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION MATCH 7

Burslem vs Stafford Blaze (19/8/2011) @ Tunstall.

For the first time this season skipper Lee Haidarovic had the same players to choose from as in the previous game, so Brendon Ruttledge stayed on the bench hoping a chance to win a game would put him in the starting line-up for the next fixture.

First up was Blaze’s in-form player, Chris Broomhall, and most experienced, Dave Baker, and, after some neat exchanges, both games finished with mixed fortunes as Chris pulled off a brilliant penultimate pot with a fortunate move of the black to win his game whilst Dave struggled against his opponent from the break and really should never have had a visit but when he did could do nothing to stop the home player sinking the black in quick time.

The remainder of the first half seemed to go the same way as neither team established a 2 frame lead.  Scott Haidarovic excelled in a 7 ball clearance whilst on the other table Paul Loughhead was beaten. Spence Trow also pulled off a couple of superb pots to win his game whilst Ant Whitehead lost his and skipper Lee Haidarovic who has been having a nightmare season pulled off his best performance of the year to win convincingly. Whilst Ian Lewis failed to play to his usual high standards and lost without really making a game for it.  So it was left to Craig Parsons to try and give the Blaze the advantage going into half time.  However, Craig who has been playing superbly since making his debut for the Blaze didn’t perform on the night and went down against the Burslem captain.

In came Brendon Ruttledge for the 2nd half in place of Ian Lewis to try and turn the 5-4 deficit into a positive result.  Unfortunately, the 2nd half never got going for the Blaze as only Scott Haidarovic (his 2nd win of the night) was the only winner in the first six frames. Brendon and Ant Whitehead pulled two games back but by this time the win was Burslem’s.

Man of the Match undoubtedly was Scott Haidarovic, and on evaluation the Blaze was by far the better team in the first half and should have gone into the break at least 6-3 up. But sloppy play meant that a number of chances were missed before the break. However, in the second half they were simply beaten by the better team.  And the 11-7 score reflected this!

STAFFS INTERLEAGUE ELITE DIVISION MATCH 7

STAFFORD SUNDAY v AFFORD @ RILEYS (19/8/2011)

Stafford Sunday finally put points on the board with an 11-7 victory over Afford which gives the team a glimmer of hope that it can survive in the top tier beyond this season. Shaun Cooper had a very late call-up to the team as a result of a couple of no-shows.

The home side made a dream start to the contest after claiming the first 7 frames on the spin. Alan Simm and Steve Finney set the tone for the tie with 2 solid performances up front. Mick Addison then took control of his match before claiming the victory. Mike Barker cleared the table on his 2nd visit to the table before Kev Brown won a relatively drawn-out affair. Dave Barker then pulled off his 3rd consecutive 8-ball in the competition after a break and dish including the shot of the match to get position on the black.

Mark Billingsley was the most unlucky player of the half after dominating his frame only to see his opponent fluke a snooker that proved the turning point as the Afford side chalked up their first win of the evening. The 8th frame saw Interleague rookie Shaun Cooper claim the win of the night. With most of his yellow balls left on the baize and his opponent already on the black Shaun decided to take the bull by the horns and go for game, pulling off an impressive clearance. Neil Dale lost the final game before the interval making the score 7-2 to Stafford Sunday.

The Afford side hit their straps after the break with a couple of substitutes showing the 1st choice team how to clear the table. With the score standing at 7-5 it was left to Kev Brown to dampen down the away team's growing hopes of a revival as he dispatched his foe with a break and dish. Mike Barker quickly followed with a win in 2 visits to the table as did his brother Dave to secure victory for the team. Mark Billingsley put the icing on the cake before Shaun Cooper and Neil Dale narrowly lost the final 2 frames of the match.

MOTM went to Kev Brown who pulled off his first wins of the season, including a break and dish.