The following matches listed MUST be played BEFORE the turnaround (Sunday 19th February 2017). NO MATCHES will be allowed to be played AFTER this date.  Teams in BOLD CAPITALS were the Teams who originally cancelled.

DIVISION ONE

Played 15/01/17 - KENNYS 6-2 INSTITUTE ISLANDERS

Played 05/02/17 - HOP POLE C 6-2 STAR & GARTER A

DIVISION TWO

Played 03/02/17 - Metro Bar 2-6 STAR & GARTER B.

DIVISION THREE

Played 09/02/17 - KINGS HORSE 6-2 KENNYS Z.

Played 05/02/17 - KENNYS TITANS 7-1 MORRISMAN.

Played 17/02/17 - Kennys Tap 2-6 KINGS HORSE.

  Local Stafford player Rob Wharne (Institute SC) became National Amatuer Champion for the second time (Previous winner 2010). The England International came through a field of 512 players, playing 9 rounds in 2 days at Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth. He beat fellow England player Karl Sutton in the Final 8-2 with some outstanding potting and tactical play. in the earlier rounds he saw of the challenge of Ryan Hussey 6-0 (1st Rd), Ben Young 6-0 (2nd Rd), Chris Distin 6-3 (3rd Rd), Nathan Strick 6-2 (4th Rd), Glenn Cahir 6-5 (5th Rd), Lewis Calcutt 6-5 (6th Rd), Dane Jones 7-3 (Q/F), John Waller 7-3 (S/F) and Karl Suttton 8-2 in the Final. So after 81 frames played in which he won 58 of them and after a gruelling 48 hours of non stop pool, he achieved the accolade of the national Amatuer Champion 2016.

  He also turned out for TT Players (Newcastle under Lyme) in the Interleague Team National Knockout. He reached the Semi Finals of this tournament, just missing ou to eventual champions Sun Valley (Derbys).

  Well done Rob Wharne on this great achievement from all the Players and members of the Stafford Sunday Pool League

Played @Kennys Sportsbar
Sunday 9th October 2016

  Congratulations to both Dave Whitfield (The Kennys Cue) & Rob Wharne (Institutes SC) on defending their doubles crown after a hard fought Final victory over Alan Mason & Duncan Sunderland (both Hop Pole C). The Final was watched by large turnout and it was Wharne who was showing good form with 2 fine clearances in the first 2 frames. Mason pulled one back with a good finish but Wharne restored the 2 frame lead after a good set up by Whitfield earlier in the frame. Wharne got a kick after attempting a cut into the corner which let Sunderland in to pot an easy black into the corner. That made the score 3-2 in Whitfield & Wharne's favour. However it looked odds on when Mason was on a clearance off the break but an uncharacteristic miss by Mason let Wharne back in and he cleared the table, potting the black in the middle bag.
   A great final played in great spirits and would of been so different if Mason had seized the opportunity. In the earlier rounds Whitfield and Wharne saw off the challenge of previous winners Dave & Mike Barker in the semi while Mason & Sunderland saw off Paddy Baidwan & Jamie Woolley in a hard fought semi final winning 3-1.

Results

Quarter Final

Played @Kennys Sportsbar

Sunday 16th October 2016

  Congratulations to Rob Wharne on winning his 7th Singles Title in a row. After winning the Doubles the week before and the National amateurs, it's been quite an eventful week for the Institute player. He had to stave of the challenge of both Jamie Woolley (St Georges) and Gav Davies (Kennys Bear) in the quarters and semi finals dropping only one frame in the process. He faced St Georges A Jason Armishaw in the final and it was Armishaw's first ever final. However all he did was watch Wharne continue his good recent form and although Armishaw had a couple of chances, it was Wharne who eased to a 5-0 win and maintain his unbeaten run in this competition which stems back as far as 2009!

 Well done to Rob Wharne on this outstanding achievement and to all the finalists who appeared on the night

Played at Kennys Sportsbar

Played on Sunday 16th October 2016

Congratulations to Andy Rawlinson (Kennys Bear) on becoming the inaugural Singles Plate winner after beating Gaz Nicklin (Metro Bar) in the Final 3-0. Both players had lots of chances but it was the experience of county player Rawlinson who clinched the trophy. Rawlinson saw off the challenge of both Adam Lilburne and Brendon Ruttledge without dropping a frame. Nicklin also saw off Robbie Jenkinson (2-1) and Andy Palin (3-1) in the previous rounds. A good final and a successful first campaign for this event.

SUMMER TEAM MAIN KNOCKOUT FINAL

Played on Sunday 11th September 2016 @Kennys Sportsbar

INSTITUTE SC  4-1  MORRISMAN ISLANDERS

  Newcomers Institute SC won the 2016 Summer League after seeing off the challenge of the Morrisman Islanders. The Final was played in front of a good turnout and it was the captains of both teams who started off preceedings. Rob Wharne (Institute) was drawn against Lee Haidarovic (Morrisman) and it was Haidarovic who started strong. He broke and looked favourite to clear until he left a tricky black and unfortunately missed. Wharne showed his experience and stifled Haidarovic game and eventually took his opportunity to pot a long black into the corner to put the Institute 1-0 up.

  Russ Brittan (Institute) was next on and was set to play Rob Mullins (Morrisman). Brittan broke and the game followed a pattern of tactical play which resulted in limited opportunities. However it was Mullins who siezed his chance and he sunk the black and thus levellled the scores.

  Daz Pountney (Institute) was next in Frame Three and was paired against Alan Alldritt (Morrisman). Alldritt broke and this time after a dry break it was Pountney who took the inititive and controlled the frame. However Alldritt tried to put himself back into the frame and looed in a good position until a missed chance let Pountney in and he duly took his chance and give the Institute a 2-1 lead.

  Mark Billingsley (Institute) broke off in Frame Four against Simon Davies (Morrisman) and the frame was an attacking one with both players going for it from the off. Davies had a great opportunity but broke down with 2 balls to go. This let Billingsley in and he didnt need a 2nd chance as he cleared the table to give the Institute a 2 frame lead.

  The start of the 2nd half saw Rob Wharne take on Sean Alldritt (Morrisman). Alldritt broke but unfortunately went in off the break. This then gave Wharne an ideal chance to snatch glory. He then showed his fine form and cleared the table in one visit and bring home the Summer League Title for the Institute SC.

  Thanks to Leigh and Becky Kenny for hosting the Final and also to Dave Whitfield and Kev Brown for refereeing the Final.

SUMMER PLATE TEAM KNOCKOUT FINAL

Played on Sunday 11th September 2016 @Kennys Sportsbar

LEGION LIONS 4-3 HOP POLE E

Bob Lycett        W - L  Mark Shaw

Warren Batkin  W - L  John Lee Marshall 

Les Murphy       W - L  Steve Wilson

John Wallbank     L - W  Simon Dawson

Warren Batkin     L - W  Mark Shaw

Les Murphy         L - W  Simon Dawson

Bob Lycett        W - L   Steve Wilson

3rd Divison Legion Lions won their First winning trophy with a hard fought 4-3 success over 1st Division Hop Pole E. Legion Lions sprinted off the blocks winning the first THREE frames. However, Hop Pole E hit back winning the next THREE. The matches were played in a tense and nervous atmosphere with both teams having the opportunity to win a Final for the first time. Simon Dawson for the Hop Pole E came into the match with not much form but saved it for when it mattered to bring the scores level. The last frame ebbed and flowed with both players having chances, but it was Bob Lycett (who won his match in the first half) who took his chance and he potted the winning black, much to the delight of his team mates. Legion Lions won 4-3 in a Final that was played in great spirit and respect.

Thanks again to Leigh and Becky Kenny for hosting the Final and also to Neil Addison and Tom Vernon for refereeing the Final.

To be held @Kennys Sportsbar, Stafford.

SUNDAY 4th September 2016. 7 45pm Meeting Start

New & Present teams are invited to join the

Market Promotions Stafford Sunday Pool League Winter Season 2016/17.

To enter a team, you are required to participate at this meeting. The Winter league Fees are £50 per team and need to be paid on this night.

However, teams that cannot make this date must contact the following League officers -

Lynda Simpson (League Treasurer) 07815 827446

Dave Whitfield (League Secretary) 07895 008392

Kev Brown (League Chairman) 07831 192116

Stan Bent Team Knockout Final

Played on Sunday 15th May 2016 @Kennys Sportsbar

KENNYS BEAR 2-4 ST GEORGES

St Georges became the Stan Bent Team KO champions after seeing off the challenge of 2015/16 League Champions Kennys Bear. St Georges ran out 4-2 winners and so end the Kennys Bear's chance of a League Double.

  FRAME ONE - Giles Eastwood (Kennys Bear) was drawn against Jamie Woolley (St Georges) in the first frame. Eastwood broke and they split well and he set out to control the frame from the off. However he failed to pot his penultimate ball and let Woolley back in. He also showed intent on attacing but that proved to be his downfall as a missed opportunity let Eastwood sieze the intiative. Eastwood potted the black and gave the 'Bear' a 1-0 lead.

FRAME TWO - Andy Rawlinson (Kennys Bear) was drawn against fellow County player and current England International, Rob Wharne (St Georges). This followed a similar pattern to the first frame where both players tried to get a stranglehold of the frame. Unfortunately, Rawlinson missed out on a chance to clear the table and it was Wharne who sealed the frame with a fine clearance to level the match.

FRAME THREE - Gav Davies (Kennys Bear) was pitted against Paddy Baidwan (St Georges) and it was Davies who broke to get things started. A fine start gave Davies the impetus and Baidwan resorted to a tactical game which nearly paid off. However a missed opportunity by Baidwan to maintain the pressure let Davies back in and he took hs chance to swing the match back in the 'Bears's favour and lead 2-1.

FRAME FOUR - Jim Simpson (Kennys Bear) was paired against John Daniels (St Georges). This was crucial game for the 'Georges' in their quest to level the match. Daniels broke and a steady frame followed with both players waiting for their chance to happen. Simpson decided to go for it, but a missed attempt on a plant let Daniels back in and after a succesful snooker, Daniels showed his composure and cleared to level the match once again.

FRAME FIVE - The start of the 2nd half saw Eastwood (winner 1st half) paired against Baidwan who had something to prove after his disappointment in the 1st half. Baidwan broke and steadily built up control of the frame with some fine potting and tactical play. Eastwood tried his hardest to get hold of the frame but Baidwan was determined to contribute and a fine shot on his penultimate ball saw him pot the black and for the first time, St Georges lead the match at 3-2.

FRAME SIX - Like it was the 1st half, Rawlinson wair paired against Wharne. This time Rawlinson had the break and he successfully potted off the break, but unluckily he left himself a tricky shot. He knew he had to play the yellow into the middle but missed and agonisly went in off into the middle bag. This gave Wharne two visits and he set himself up to clear the table. He did'nt fail and potted the black to give the St Georges the Stan Bent Trophy for the first time.

Well done to both teams for playing the match in good spirit. Thank you to Kennys Sportsbar for hosting the Final and providing the food and tables. Also to the referees, Dave Whitfield, Dave Barker and Kev Brown.

 

Winter Subsidiary Team Knockout Final

Played on Sunday 15th May 2016 @Kennys Sportsbar

KENNYS TOOLZ 3-4 ST GEORGES A

Mark Mitchell  W-L Mick Ferguson

Nick Weaver   W-L Daz Haycock

Peter Hassall  W-L Steve Smith

Chris Gray         L-W Kev Plimmer

Mark Mitchell     L-W Jason Armishaw

Nick Weaver      L-W Daz Haycock

Chris Gray         L-W Kev Plimmer

St Georges A made it a double for the 'Georges teams' after coming back from 3-0 down to win 4-3. 3rd Division Kennys Toolz celebrated promotion 2 weeks earlier and looked set for winners trophy. But it was 1st division St Georges A who showed their experience and it was a man of the match performance by Kev plimmer who sealed the win to give the Georges their 3rd Winter Team KO success in their history.

Thank You to Shaun Cooper, Dave Baker and Tom Vernon for refereeing the Final.

MARKET PROMOTIONS Stafford Sunday Pool League 

Division Three GPO Social B were crowned champions on the 3rd div as results went their way after they lost 5-3 to also promoted Kennys Toolz. Oxleathers lost their first match of the season in their final game and had to settle for 3rd place.

Div THREE Champions - GPO SOCIAL B. Kirsty Lawrence (capt), Ben Heath, John Lainton, Barry Brown, Matt Bradshaw & Ricky Balding.

Div THREE Runners up - KENNYS TOOLZ. Chris Gray (capt), Mark Mitchell, Pete Hassall, Nick Weaver, Tom Hodgenson & Ash Weston.

Oxleathers finished 3rd and had Steve Lowndes (capt), Wayne Carnell, Gordon Pask, Carl Wilson, Don Pearce & Danny Heywood in their side.

Most Wins goes to Mark Mitchell (Kennys Toolz) with 28 wins from 40 games.

Most 8 balls was shared with 3 players. Chris Gray, Mitchell (both Kennys Toolz) & Tom Vernon (Perkins A) all with one clearance each.

Well done to all teams.

MARKET PROMOTIONS Stafford Sunday Pool League 

Congratulations to KENNYS DRAGONS on winning the Division Two title. They actually won it 4 weeks ago and won an impressive 18 matches out of 20.

Div TWO Champions - KENNYS DRAGONS. Pete Sandhar (capt), Ben Crossley, Robbie Jenkinson, Warren Jesney & Irene Wood.

Div TWO Runners up - MORRISMAN ISLANDERS. Lee Haidarovic (capt), Alan & Sean Alldritt, Simon W Davies and Rob Mullens.

Kennys missed out on promotion by 3 points. Shaun Cooper (capt), Chris Broomhall, Charlotte Shelley, Kieran Johnson, Rich Davies & Chris Clark. Both Princess Royal A and Joiners Rebels will be playing in the 3rd division next season.

Most wins was shared with 4 players on 27 wins each. Chris Broomhall (Kennys), Lee Haidarovic (Islanders), Gaz Hughes (Princess Royal B) & Matty Simpson (Highfields).

Most 8 balls was won by Warren Jesney (Dragons) with 4 clearances.

In total, there were 15 x 8 ball clearances achieved by 9 players. Again another record for this division. Well done to all teams.

MARKET PROMOTIONS Stafford Sunday Pool League 

Congratulations to KENNYS BEAR on winning the 1st division title after missing out narrowly the previous season. The top three teams were neck and neck and were only separated by 3 points in the end. It was all down to Jim Simpson in the final frame of his match to determine the league champions and he duly took it and win the title on Most draws for the 'Bear'.

Div ONE Champions - KENNYS BEAR - 169 points. Jim Simpson (capt), Giles Eastwood, Andy Rawlinson & Gav Davies.

Div ONE Runners up - HOP POLE C - 169 points. Duncan Sunderland (capt), Alan Mason, Simon Key, Mick Addison, Kev Brown & Baz Davies.

The Kennys Cue with 166 points finished in 3rd place with Dave Whitfield (capt), Alan Sim, Dave & Mike Barker and Martin Priestley. Both Hop Pole B and Perkins will be playing in the 2nd Division next season

Most Wins - Alan Mason (Hop Pole C) with 36 wins out of 43.

Most 8 balls - Rob Wharne (St Georges) with 8 clearances.

A total of 42 x 8 ball clearances (23 players) were made - a record, beating the previous best of 36 set in the 2011/12 season. Well done to all teams.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

To all Sunday Pool League Teams/Players

Regarding news this week on Social Media. Due to recent events which resulted in resignations from the league Secretary - David Whitfield, Chairman - Kev Brown, Committee members - Dave Barker, Neil Addison, Jason Armishaw & Shaun Cooper. Also Dave Baker, Tom Vernon & Lynda Simpson (Treasurer) have also expressed their concerns and are likely to assess their positions in the wake of what has happened this week.

The Sunday Pool league Committee ARE still active and assurances are made that the above mentioned will continue to hold these positions right upto the date of the AGM. The AGM date is confirmed for the Sunday 4th September 2016 @Kennys Sportsbar.

However, the committee have promised and said they will deal with any issues and concerns that occur on matchnight which needs the intervention and cooperation of a committees decison. In the meantime The Summer League season CONTINUES as NORMAL and the forthcoming Singles & Doubles indidvidual Knockout competitions will be posted in the next 2/3 weeks.

This the minutes of the meeting -

A meeting was called on Tuesday 31/05/2016 @8:15pm and was held at the St Georges Social Club.

It was requested by some current playing members of the Sunday Pool League and was assisted by some current teams.
The committee was represented by Dave Whitfield, Kev Brown, Neil Addison, Jason Armishaw, Dave Barker & Shaun Cooper. Apologies - Lynda Simpson, Tom Vernon & Dave Baker.

The agenda was as follows
1. Concerns over why the Stan Bent Team KO semi finals was held at Kennys Sportsbar and not neutral venues.
2. Concerns over why so many teams have entered the summer league from Kennys Sportsbar.

Phil Mcintosh was concerned about what had happened about the semi finals being held at Kennys. He said it was unfair and had an affect on his trade and also spoke on behalf of other teams and players from the Sunday Pool League. He also was concerned about what affect the amount of teams was being entered by Kennys in the current summer league. He believes this was not offering a variety of venues for visiting teams who were down to play possibly 2 or 3 times away out of 5 away matches. Another current player Michael Young also wanted to know why the league wasn't supporting the local pubs and needed assurances as regards getting more teams as so to spread the amount of teams equally amongst all the pubs/clubs.

Myself replied firstly regarding the issue about the semi finals being held at Kennys. My response was that Kennys Sportsbar sponsored this event and in reply, the committee agreed to host the semis at Kennys. The response the committee received from Phil Mcintosh was constructive and understandable with a valid point. Myself was responsible for this decision and realised that in hindsight it wasn't the correct one. I offered my apologies on this issue and assured the floor that it will be reviewed At the forthcoming AGM and return to neutral venues as from the winter 2016/17 season and onwards. This still have mixed views but after a lengthy debate it was somehow accepted and the matter in hand was dealt with and closed

The committee then explained that teams are always invited to joint the league where it is physically and logistically possible, ie 1 table = 2 teams, 2 tables = 4 teams and so on. Regarding kennys 12 teams was the main concern. the floor had said that this is unfair and it was damaging the local pub trade. The committee stated that this was not main reason for pubs losing trade as it is only played one night of the week and away teams would only play there for a max of 2-2 1/2 hours at a time. After a lengthy debate with both parties struggling to come to a an agreeable outcome it was suggested by the floor that the league takes steps and enforce a cap on how many teams Kennys can enter. The league stated that This will NOT happen. The floor said it was the only solution and needed this to happen at the forthcoming winter season. The league again said no. The reason being is I believe in growing the league not restricting it. This then prompted a decision by the floor that they would consider breaking away from the league and set one up between the pubs. However they did state that Kennys would be welcome to apply for the league but only on proviso of maximum of 6 teams would be allowed. A question was then raised bout calling an EGM to decided and find out if teams wanted to enforce the cap on Kennys. Some of the committee agreed that this could be possible. However I had deep concerns about this and felt this would penalise teams and players who already play from Kennys and leave the owners a in very difficult position with which teams to pull out. I believe that this would not be acceptable and the meeting closed

Followed by events which was made on Wednesday 1st June 2016

A telephone conversation the next day was made to one the members of the floor. This was an attempt to find some middle ground and I offered to change the decision about the semi finals of the summer league 2016 back to neutral venues. I also said the demands set for capping Kennys teams wasn't realistic and would cause problems and upset 6 teams of 5or6 players. Still no agreement and I was then given an ultimatum, It was then I made my decision as I was given no alternative but to stand down as I felt it wasn't in the best interests of the league. A sad moment for myself as I have placed 17 years of hard work which as seen multiple comps, first ever ladies KO, multiple county players, change of rules, interleague sides, sponsorship and more...... I want to thank for all the support from the committee, especially Kev Brown who has always supported me and Dave Barker who created this fantastic website which has had 296,000 hits!!. Also to all the team captains and landlords who made me feel very welcome. I wish the league well in the future.

Any other information that you need then don't hesitate to contact me or any one of the committee who were present at this meeting
I hope this answers all the concerns and questions that I have been brought to my attention.

Thank you.
David Whitfield (league secretary)