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:
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.
topSTAFFS 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.
top
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.
topSTAFFS 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!
topSTAFFS 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.
topSTAFFS INTERLEAGUE ELITE DIVISION MATCH 6
STAFFORD SUNDAY v TRENT TROPHIES B @RILEYS (29/7/2011)
Stafford Sunday entertained a strong TTB side filled with County A & B players at Rileys in their latest Interleague match. The Stafford side were missing 5 players through work, family and personal commitments.
Mark Billingsley returned to the side at the last minute to help out and was put in the first 2 and returned a fine win against Carl Hough to get the Stafford lads up and going. Dave Barker pulled off a break and dish in frame 3 against Dave Jackson to put Stafford 2-1 up. Then the TTB showed their quality as they ran off 4 frames on the bounce (incl a 'dish' from Paul Powell) with clinical efficiency. Mike Barker then stopped the rot with a fine clearance against Mark Buckley to make it 5-3 but Tom Tonna wasted a good opportunity to beat an experienced John Clowes and the Stafford lads went in at 6-3 down.
The second half needed a good start but both Simm and Billingsley failed although the latter was a fraction away from a fine clearance. It was again left to the experience of Dave Barker and, for the second time on the night, cleared the table (off a dry break) to record another 'dish' against Ryan Cope. That made it 8-4 down. Finney was on next but his dry break let Carl Hough in and he repeated what Dave Barker did in the previous frame. John Clowes, in the next frame, put the match beyond doubt as he cleared up against Mick Addison. Captain Dave Whitfield then clawed one back against opposite capt Dan Rush to make it 10-5 down. Again TTB came back with another 'dish', this time it was Kev Brown who just held his cue and watched Paul Powell record his 2nd dish of the night.
However, Stafford managed to win the last 2 frames to put some respectability on the scoreline. Tom Tonna made amends for his earlier disappointment, beating Kieran Boulton, while Mike Barker recorded a fine win over County A player Lee Hammersley. This made the final score an 11-7 loss.
MOTM goes to Dave Barker for his 2 'dishes' on the night although his brother Mike pressed hard all the way. The match was played to a high standard (5 dishes) and Stafford can't complain with the result but there were some positives from the match and the team will need to take these into the next 3 matches which will decide the outcome of its Elite division status.
topSTAFFORD SUNDAY DOUBLES FINALS NIGHT
To be held @Rileys on Sunday 31st July 2011
7:45pm Draw, 8:00pm Start, 8:15pm Scratch.
Players attending are-
1. Daz Waters & Tim Teece (Joiners Arms A)
2. Dave Ashton & Bob Lycett (Rickerscote Arms C)
3. Paul Shepard & Simon Davies (Joiners Arms A)
4. Rob Wharne & Steve Finney (Rileys Cue / Rileys Cue T's)
Formatt for Evening is
SEMI FINAL - Best of FIVE Frames (£15 each for losing SF)
GRAND FINAL - Best of SEVEN Frames (£50 each Winners, £25 each R/up)
Good Luck to all the Finalists!!
topSTAFFORD SUNDAY POOL LEAGUE FINALS NIGHT
Played @Rileys, Stafford on Sunday 24th July 2011.
Rob Wharne of Rileys Cue defended his Singles Title in style with an emphatic display of potting on Finals night. He ran away with the title in the Final with a 5-0 victory over fellow teammate Dave Whitfield. It was the Dave Whitfield's first appearance in a Singles Final in 26 years of playing League Pool, and probably felt the occasion had got the better of him. However, playing aginst a player who in the last 12 months has become National Amateur Champion, IPA Club Open winner, World Masters Runner-up and also had England Trials was inevitably going to be a tall order. Rob's performance in the Final was faultless and simply overpowering as he cleared in one visit on 4 occasions leaving Dave Whitfield only a couple of chances throughout.
The Finals night, which started at the Quarter Final stage, unfortunately was missing 2 players, as they couldn't make it for various reasons. As a result Rob Wharne and Dave Barker received walkovers into the semis. This left Lee Whitehouse (Tap) drawn against Simon Davies (Joiners A). The former was in his first Finals and showed good form running out a 3-0 winner. Dave Whitfield was paired against Craig Parsons (Rileys) and after a nervy start the former came away with a 3-1 success, Parsons did have a dish in frame 3 of a somewhat nervous match!
The Semi Finals saw Rob Wharne pair up against Fellow Rileys Cue teammate Dave Barker (2009 winner). This match amazingly saw some uncharacteristic mistakes and an element of good fortune between 2 established players. However it was the consistent fine potting by Wharne that saw him home to a 4-1 success.
The other semi saw Lee Whitehouse pair against Dave Whitfield and this proved to be a much closer match. Both players played to quite a high standard as Whitfield took the first frame but back came Whitehouse who took the next two. This brought Whitfield to life and he cleared up in 3 consecutive frames to clinch a place in the Final after winning 4-2 for the first time.
In the Final though Whitfield struggled to maintain his form and Rob Wharne capitalised on this and deservedly became the Stafford Sunday Pool League Champion for the 2nd year running.
top
STAFFORD pool star Rob Wharne came close to pulling off a memorable win in the recent World Masters Pool Championships at Blackpool.
The 25-year-old battled through several rounds of 8-ball action, seeing off many big name players, to reach the final of the Masters, held during the World Championships at the Imperial Hotel.
Wharne eased to 7-0 and 7-1 victories in the opening rounds, seeing off the challenges of Scotsman Paul McGowan and Rob Oldfield respectively. Narrow 7-6 wins followed over Jonathan Bushnell and national trick-shot champion, Welshman Wayne Smith, before Wharne earned a place in the quarter-finals with an 8-4 success against Clint Azzopardi of Malta.
That set up a clash against Humberside’s Craig Waddington and, in a thrilling encounter, last year’s National amateur champion, Wharne, edged home 8-7. In the semi-finals, Wharne faced his toughest test yet against 2010 world champion Mick Hill, but there was no stopping the Stafford based player, who is keener than ever to turn professional.
Wharne, who turns out regularly for the Trent Trophies A side in the Potteries alongside the likes of newly crowned world champion, Adam Davis, pulled off a stunning 9-2 triumph against Hill to earn a final clash against West Midlands born Neil Raybone in the final.
Although trailing 4-1 early on, Wharne again showed his great battling qualities, hitting back to level at 4-4, but it was Raybone who emerged a 10-5 victor. Wharne, currently ranked just outside the top 40 in the country, still regularly turns out on the local scene for Rileys Cue and is the reigning Stafford singles champion. He is also an established snooker player.
“Rob is a great player and remains keen to turn professional, but just needs someone to back him. I hope someone comes along and gives him the opportunity,” said Rileys Cue team mate Dave Whitfield.
STAFFORD SUNDAY POOL SINGLES FINALS NIGHT
24TH JULY 2011 @ RILEYS, STAFFORD. (4 tables to be used)
7:25pm - DRAW TO BE MADE, 7:30pm - START, (7:45pm SCRATCH)
PLAYERS ATTENDING
1. SIMON DAVIES (Joiners Arms A)
2. CRAIG PARSONS (Rileys)
3. CHRIS NOLAN (Metropolitan Bar)
4. DAVE WHITFIELD (Rileys Cue)
5. DAVE BARKER (Rileys Cue)
6. ROBERT WHARNE (Rileys Cue)
7. LEE WHITEHOUSE (Tap n Spile)
8. JOHN GROBNIK (Rileys C)
Format for evening for each Round will be:
QUARTER FINAL - Best of FIVE Frames (£10 for losing QF)
SEMI FINAL - Best of SEVEN Frames (£25 for losing SF)
GRAND FINAL - Best of NINE Frames (£50 for RU, £100 for WINNER)
GOOD LUCK TO ALL FINALISTS!!
top
The fixtures for the new 2011 Summer League are now online. 29 teams compete across 5 groups with the first set of matches on 7th August. There is currently one place available in Group C for any new teams who wish to enter. Group A appears to be the group of death this year as it contains 5 first division teams from the last Winter season. There are no fixtures on 28th August due to the Bank Holiday. Also, this year's AGM is scheduled for Sunday 25th September - part-way through the Summer season. The Knockout stage of the competition will start on 30th October.
topSTAFFORD SUNDAY POOL 3RD ROUND AND QUARTER FINAL DRAW DETAILS
THE DRAW FOR BOTH THE 3RD ROUND AND QUARTER FINAL ARE NOW ONLINE. 16 REMAINING DOUBLES TO BE PLAYED DOWN TO FOUR THEN TO GO THROUGH TO THE SEMI FINALS (to be played on 31/07/2011). Both rounds best of three frames. 8:00pm start, 8:15 scratch.
topSTAFFS INTERLEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION MATCH 5
TRENT TROPHIES PLAYERS v STAFFORD BLAZE (24/6/2011)
The Blaze travelled to Players in Newcastle to play table-topping TT Players in their latest Inter-league game. If the game wasn’t difficult enough - losing John Grobnik & Scott Haidarovic shortly before the game made it that little bit harder. However, skipper Lee Haidarovic still had the bare nine fit players raring to upset the odds.
First up for the Blaze was Skipper Lee Haidarovic and Dave Baker but unfortunately after blazing out of the starting blocks with a five pots at his first visit, Lee started to get tied up by a very experienced opponent who played four consecutive snookers that, even though Lee got out of them all, couldn’t prevent the TTP player from manipulating the game to his advantage and, after a few visits, it was the TTP player that sunk the black to give the home side a winning start. Meanwhile, on the other table Blaze’s Dave Baker also couldn’t find that finishing line and let the TTP in which was enough to make the score 2-0. This was followed by a third straight loss meaning, at 3-0 down, the writing was on the wall for a long night ahead. However, then came a change of fortune as, by good play or fantastic rub of the baize, Stafford pulled off 5 wins out of the next 6 frames with Chris Broomhall, Simon Davies, Ian Lewis, Paul Loughhead & Craig Parsons all winning to make the half time score 5-4 to the Blaze!
The second half was the total opposite to the first as the Blaze ran out the blocks by taking the first two frames courtesy of Ant Whitehead and the impressive Simon Davies. However, Lee Haidarovic & Dave Baker couldn’t keep the run going with the former hitting a dry break which was punished immediately. The next four frames were shared as Craig Parsons & Chris Broomhall both won their second frames of the night (but hopefully not using up all their luck in the process) with the unlucky Paul Loughhead and Spencer Trow losing. This meant all eyes were on Ian Lewis in the final frame with the score poised at 9-8 to the Blaze. Ian (after earlier winning his first match of the season) seemed to be in control but good play from his experienced opponent turned the tide. However, another great visit saw the momentum shift to the Blaze player’s side. Unfortunately, after being given two shots, with only his last colour and the Black ball left, Ian uncharacteristically missed the chance to finish off his opponent and it was duly punished, making the final score a respectable 9-9 draw, even though the win was in sight.
MOM tonight goes to Simon Davies after winning both of his games against County level players.
Next up is a trip to the Baize for a return match against rivals Baize which will be interesting.....
topSTAFFS INTERLEAGUE ELITE DIVISION MATCH 5
STAFFORD SUNDAY v TRENT TROPHIES A @ RILEYS (24/6/2011)
Stafford Sunday made a good start to their recent Interleague fixture when Steve Finney beat Liam White in the 1st frame of the evening after a tactical battle had developed. The away team then strung together a couple of wins before Mike Barker stunned Gaz Potts with an 8-ball clearance after each player had made a visit to the table. Dave Barker then copied his brother with his own 8-ball clearance against Andy Lightfoot. Al Simm claimed the final frame of the 1st half after a short tactical exchange with Ade Proctor to keep the Stafford side in touching distance at 5-4 down.
TTA started to show their class after the break as the Sunday team struggled to take advantage of any chances that were presented. Mike Barker again showed the way with a break and dish against Steve Bridgewood. But that was the only success for the home team before Al Simm claimed the final frame, beating Andy Lightfoot, after a safety exchange mid-frame. The final match result was a 12-6 defeat.
The positive news on the night was the welcome return to form of Mike Barker and Al Simm with Mike pipping Al to the man-of-the-match honour.
top| RILEYS CUE | 4 - 1 | RILEYS CUE T's |
RILEYS, Sunday 19th June 2011. Referee Miss Lynda Simpson (League Treasurer)
FRAME 1. Div one average winner and County player Rob Wharne (Cue) started off the Final against Div two average winner Steve Finney (Cue T's) and it proved to be a grueller. Wharne who was in a bit of difficulty then started to get a stranglehold on the game and gradually gained the upper hand. After an exchange of tactical play, Finney decided to pot one of Wharne's remaining set but Wharne struggled to get on the black but then pulled off a great snooker and it looked as though Finney was in trouble. After much deliberation, Finney decided he had no choice but to go for it! He superbly potted his yellow off the side cushion and it flew into the centre. It then left him the easy task of potting his last yellow and black much to the delight of his team mates to put the Cue T's 1-0 up.
FRAME 2. Dave Barker (Cue) was then up against Clair Maslin (Cue T's) in the 2nd frame. Barker has been in these situations before, knowing he had to pull out a fine performance against a determined County Ladies player. Barker got off to an ideal start potting with fluency and when Maslin did come to the table she tried to stem the flow by tactical play. However, Barker was showing fine form and cleared the table well and levelled the scores much to the relief of his team mates.
FRAME 3. Mike Barker (Cue) was then paired against Russ Pibworth (Cue T's). A series of safety shots followed a dry break before Pibworth potted the first ball but failed to take the initiative. The experience of former County player Barker eventually started to appear as he took command of the table and patiently waited for a clear chance. A foul from Pibworth presented the opportunity for Barker and, although he left himself a long straight black into the corner, he dug deep to cue it perfectly and sink the black to put the Cuemen 2-1 up.
FRAME 4. Kev Brown (Cue) then drew Dennis Kitchen (Cue T's) in the 4th frame. Brown has possibly played in more Team Ko finals then any other player in Sunday Pool history but he found it hard going at the start with Kitchen's reputation as a fine potter in evidence. However, Brown delved into his vast experience and started to slow and restrict Kitchen's chances until Brown failed to hit the cushion. This put Kitchen back in and he had a great chance to pot the black into the corner but amazingly missed it. Brown then tried to snooker him but left Kitchen another chance. Missing the previous chance seemed to play on his mind and again he missed it. This time Brown made no more mistakes and seized the moment and eventually sunk the black to give the Cuemen a 3-1 lead at the break.
FRAME 5. Dave Whitfield (Cue) was then paired against Steve Finney (Cue T's). The League Secretary was put in the 2nd half against 1st half winner Finney and after Whitfield had won the toss, he broke and unluckily found himself behind 2 balls After an unsuccessful attempt, Finney went for the kill but then, after potting 5 yellows, he lost position. This forced him to play safe. Finney was in control and Whitfield tried to lay a snooker but left Finney a sighter. This forced his hand to go for the finish but he unfortunately snookered himself on his last colour. The resulting foul gave Whitfield 2 visits which helped to calm any nerves as he cleared the table and won the frame and match.
Martin Priestley (Cue) and Ainoa Villar (Cue Ts) did not play on the night but both contributed to each team's progress to the final. Just reaching the final was an excellent achievement in itself by 2nd division Cue Ts, having already beaten two top 5 first division teams on their journey. The victory meant that the Rileys Cue side achieved the Winter team double for the 2nd year running.
top
top
