NEW HANDICAPS (NOW IN EFFECT) EXPLAINED

JUST A reminder that new handicaps will be in force for the resumption of matches in the New Year (indeed they were used firstly for the Shootout Night in the week prior to Christmas).
Each captain should now have a new list at his perusal for their notice board.

Essentially anyone who has won 75% or 30% relating to an eight match period will have gone either up or down a notch (the proviso being that after the half way stage anyone reaching the requisite percentage a match or two early will immediately go on to their new handicap mark, e.g. winning 6 out of 7 as an example).

Also handicaps will remain rolling for the rest of the season for players who reach the requisite percentage at a later date, e.g. winning 9 out of 12 though a players handicap will only change once during the season.

Also the top and bottom end scales of the handicap were agreed prior to the season by the committee as being -35 and +10 which is a slight increase on last season.

Immediate changes now in effect are:
B Monk (PJ'z Ripley No 1) -35
A Gratton (PJ'z Ripley No 1) -25
S Robinson (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1) -10
A Fisher (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1) -5
C Parker (Matlock Golf Club) -20
N Kay (Matlock Golf Club) -5
J Williams (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2) +10
A Ballard (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2) +5
K Whiteman (PJ'z Ripley No 2) +5
F McKay (Matlock Golf Club) +5
New registration:
W Morley (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1) -5

The following players have not yet reached the required win or games played ratio required to immediately invoke any changes but are very close to the threshold so may be due a handicap change very shortly indeed (depending on results in the short term): A Brough, I Birks, R Slack, S Zoppi (Bolehill No 1), I Peacock (Bolehill No 3), G Jones, I McKay (Matlock Golf Club),
R Muxlow (Edgefold), P Holmes, K Manlove, G Wood (Matlock Club), F Doran (Belper Strutt Club No 2).

There are also other players as stated previously whose handicap is currently in the stationary bracket at the half way stage but could change at a later date due to runs of losses or wins. Captains will be informed at the time if a players handicap changes and it will also be published both on here and the stats website at leaguesnooker.co.uk.

This system should work better than last year when players were sometimes stuck on an unfavourable mark when they hit a bad patch of form after the half way stage (or vice versa!)

All the best for the New Year and don't forget some matches start on Monday January 2nd and throughout the week for either the Captains Cup team event or Pairs Handicap 1st round matches!

ANDREW SHOWS HIS PACES WITH A CHRISTMAS DOUBLE

ANDREW GRATTON of PJ'z Club Ripley,  winner of two trophies on Christmas Shootout Night.

THE inaugural Christmas Shootout Night held recently at Jaxx Q Club, Belper proved to be an exciting evening full of action with everyone seeming to enjoy the thrills and spills of holding three quickfire handicap events all on the same night.

Fourteen players converged on the venue from seven different teams and although mainly a fun based evening, some excellent snooker was played with all three events going to players showing very good form in the League itself.

The main event of the evening was the Christmas Shootout Singles for the Alan Hopkinson Trophy, played over one frame of six reds, and there was an early cracker with Ripley's Ben Monk knocking in a 38 break in the first round against Ricki Slack who fought back well with a 22 break himself before ultimately being beaten on the pink.

Ben continued his progress to the final thereafter, defeating Glenn Hull and Keith Robertson but waiting for him there was PJ'z No 1 team mate Andrew Gratton who had come through clashes with Kevin Holmes, Steve Robinson (on the black) and Steve Hawkins, courtesy of a 35 break in the semi.

An early 22 break from Andrew set the tone for the final and he soon drew into an unassailable lead as Ben never really got much chance on this occasion with the short format against an in form opponent.

There was compensation awaiting for Ben in the George Mills Christmas Shootout Scotch Doubles event however, as he and partner Steve Robinson of the host venue's No 1 team benefited from a first round bye before seeing off Kevin Holmes and Andrew Gratton in the semi final.

Their final opponents were Steve Hawkins and Sean O'Sullivan, regular billiards partners who by a strange quirk had been pulled out together in the random draw before overcoming Paul Ogden and Trevor Hames and then Mick Whiteman and Keith Robertson in the semi final.

The final was nip and tuck before Sean over-cut the blue into the middle pocket and Ben and Steve (Robinson) needed no further invitation to finish the job with blue and pink to secure the trophy.

The Eddie Lomas Speed Snooker Christmas Shootout involved head to head matches with players attempting to clear the colours (and in some cases 1 or 2 extra reds as decided by the official handicap) in a faster time than their opponent to qualify for the next round. A foul shot meant that an extra ball was placed on the highest available spot and this could be potted either with the next shot or after the final black (the players seemed to adopt this approach themselves so we let them get on with it in the spirit of the evening!)

No mention will be made of those matches where players ended up with more balls on the table than they started with(!) but suffice to say that there will be alot of aching feet and tweaked muscles over Christmas after this event, at least we left a spare table in between so as no one was carried off on a stretcher due to a nasty collision!!

Keith Robertson perhaps showed the sleekest turn of foot on the evening though unfortunately for him in the semi final, the balls didn't go down the pockets quite so fast as Steve Robinson switched cues half way through the contest due to his tip coming off yet still somehow scrambled over the line to reach the final in a sterling effort against all adversity.

He had earlier come through matches against Sean O'Sullivan and Kevin Holmes.

Meanwhile Andrew Gratton was pitched against formidable team mate Ben Monk in the semi final, having seen off Trevor Hames and Steve Hawkins, and this was probably the best match-up of the event with both players getting down to the black almost simultaneously but Andrew just getting his shot away first by a matter of a couple of seconds.

Steve was happy to borrow a cue for the final while his tip was re-setting but Andrew continued in his winning vein on the night, scoring an impressive success to end the nights proceedings.

In his victory speech(!), Andrew said "They say snooker is not a physical sport but they will have to think again now after this, I'll need to have a good rest over Christmas to recover from all that running around the table".

Perhaps I should think myself lucky Ben put me out in the second around after all! But it was certainly an event that could have players going from the sublime to the ridiculous in the space of one or two shots and nothing was ever definite until the final black had disappeared!
Thanks to Scott and all the staff at the host club for some excellent food and a warm welcome as well as for organising everything in such a professional manner, and most of all thanks to all the players who turned out, without whom no event could ever take place!

Alan Hopkinson 6-red Christmas Singles Shootout Handicap Trophy: winner, Andrew Gratton (PJ'z Ripley No 1); runner-up, Ben Monk (PJ'z Ripley No 1).

George Mills 6-red Christmas Scotch Doubles Handicap Trophy: winner, Ben Monk (PJ'z Ripley No 1) and Steve Robinson (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1); runners-up, Sean O'Sullivan (Bolehill Inst No 2) and Steve Hawkins (Bolehill billiards team).

Eddie Lomas Christmas Speed Snooker Trophy: winner, Andrew Gratton (PJ'z Ripley No 1); runner-up, Steve Robinson (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1).


Merry Christmas to everyone connected with the Darley Dale and District Snooker & Billiards League and have a great New Year too (also don't forget some matches start as early as Monday January 2nd in either the pairs competition or Captains Cup team event so check your fixture list!!) Look out for the new handicap list too, already in use.
Thanks for everyone's help during the year in getting the results in so promptly which has kept things running so smoothly - all the best over the festive period!

TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED AS CHAMPS GO TOP!

LAST SEASON's A Division champions PJ'z No 1 of Ripley are back in familiar territory after a 4-1 win at nearest challengers Bolehill Institute No 1 took them to the head of the table outright.
The two sides went into the match deadlocked on 26pts each and it turned out to be an action packed night with plenty of twists and turns.

The home side had the best possible start when Ricki Slack edged out Andrew Gratton 64-51 in the opening frame. Andrew didn't enjoy the best of fortunes this time around and looked out of it when requiring two snookers with blue, pink and black remaining.

But he laid two absolute corkers which gained the required points and now needed the last three balls to force an unlikely win.

After a safety exchange, Ricki was left with an awkward shot on the blue and in trying to stun the cue ball for safety, the object ball flew twice across the table and into a baulk pocket to settle the issue in bizarre style.

Frame two saw Ripley's Ben Monk knock in an early 28 but Simon Zoppi fought back well  in potting green to pink, leaving him 7 in front with just the black on. Ben sunk it with a long pot to force the re-spot but left Simon first chance with a mid range pot into a baulk pocket.

Unfortunately for him, he overcut the black and worse still, the cue ball ended up in the middle pocket, leaving matters all square at 1-1.

The third frame was again nip and tuck with Colin Marchington and John Smith exchanging steady scoring, the best of which was Colin's effort of 20, before the frame again went Ripley's way, this time on the final pink courtesy of a thin clip from John with the rest.

Lee Whatton's break of 30 was decisive in frame four as he defeated Andrew Brough 57-21 to make it 3-1.

And in the final pairs, Ricki and James Rowland scored 21 and 22 breaks respectively before Ricki found that Lady Luck had deserted him on this occasion, potting the brown and then going in-off into the middle when looking set for the clearance.

Ben then potted brown but ended up snookered on the blue, and once again it was a tale of the unexpected at the end as he hit it full ball and knocked it straight into the middle pocket to leave the visitors 16 up with only 13 on the table and that brought down the curtain on an excellent nights snooker played in a fine spirit.

Result (re-arranged match): Bolehill Institute No 1 1, PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 4.

A Division                         P      W      L      Pts
PJ'z Club Ripley No 1        8       7        1      30
Bolehill Institute No 1          8       6        2      27
Bolehill Institute No 2          8       4        4      21
Edgefold Club Matlock        6       4       2      18
Belper Strutt Club No 1      8        3       5      17
Matlock Club                       7        2       5      12
Leading breaks: B Monk 71, A Gratton 60.
Leading wins: A Gratton, K Robertson and B Monk 7.

TREV AND MICK KEEP THEIR COOL TO ENSURE FIRST WIN

THIS week saw the chance for the two teams battling away enthusiastically without any immediate success in B Division to kick start their seasons as PJ'z No 2 of Ripley entertained Jaxx Q Club No 2 of Belper.
A win just before the Christmas shutdown would do wonders for team confidence and things looked rosy for the visitors early doors as they went into a 2-0 lead courtesy of John Williams and Andy Hayes.

However, the home team rallied superbly as Trevor Hames and Mick Whiteman won their singles matches and then earned a thrilling black ball success in the concluding doubles to pull a 3-2 win out of the fire against all odds. The Belper team for their part at least remain a point above their conquerers.

At the other end of the table, Matlock Golf Club remain unbeaten with a 4-1 success over Belper Strutt Club No 2, though David Devenport in only his second match for the visitors made a 28 break and ended the winning sequence of Graham Jones. Chris Parker knocked in a 25 for the home side.

The No 1 team from Jaxx Q Club defeated Bolehill Institute No 3 4-1 in the other game with Alex Fisher recording his seventh successive victory.

In A Division, Bolehill No 1 and PJ'z No 1 remain locked together as each recorded 4-1 wins at Matlock Club and Strutt Club No 1 respectively.

Ben Monk continued his break-building spree of late with efforts of 39 and 30 while 81-year-old John Smith  contributed runs of 33 and 22 and Andrew Gratton remains undefeated thus far, notching a 26.

And Edgefold Club of Matlock earned a 3-2 verdict at Bolehill No 2 thanks mainly to Robert Muxlow and Duncan Harwood who won both their singles and doubles frames.

League week eight results: Belper Strutt Club No 1 1, PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 4; Bolehill Institute No 2 2, Edgefold Club Matlock 3; Matlock Club 1, Bolehill Institute No 1 4; PJ'z Club Ripley No 2 3, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 2; Matlock Golf Club 4, Belper Strutt Club No 2 1; Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 4, Bolehill Institute No 3 1.

A Division                         P      W      L      Pts
Bolehill Institute No 1          7       6        1      26
PJ'z Club Ripley No 1         7       6        1      26
Bolehill Institute No 2          8       4        4      21
Edgefold Club Matlock       6        4       2      18
Belper Strutt Club No 1      8        3       5      17
Matlock Club                       7        2       5      12
Leading breaks: B Monk 71, A Gratton 60.
Leading wins: A Gratton and K Robertson 7; B Monk 6.

B Division                         P      W      L      Pts
Matlock Golf Club               7       7        0      27
Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1    8       6        2      26
Bolehill Institute No 3          7        3       4      15
Belper Strutt Club No 2      7        2       5      13
Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2    8        0       8      10
PJ'z Club Ripley No 2         8        1       7        9
Leading breaks: G Jones and C Parker 40.
Leading wins: A Fisher 7; C Parker, N Kay and S Robinson 6.

ALL CHANGE AT THE TOP IN BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY

BOLEHILL INSTITUTE No 1 and PJ'z Club No 1 of Ripley are joint top of "A" Division after a topsy turvy week of results, albeit with a slightly truncated programme of matches.
Both teams earned 5-0 successes as Bolehill's players notched four breaks of 20+ - Colin Marchington's 25 being the highest - in a fine team performance while the Amber Valley cueists defeated their No 2 outfit by the maximum margin thanks ultimately to a black ball win in the final doubles - Andrew Gratton earlier top scored in the singles with 92pts.

Last weeks leaders Bolehill No 2 suffered a blow with a 4-1 defeat at Jaxx Q Club No 1 of Belper. The home side were in rampant form early doors, taking the first four frames - Glenn Hull top scoring -  before the visitors belatedly found their feet in the final pairs.

In the other match Belper Strutt Club No 1 got back on track with a convincing 5-0 victory over Bolehill No 3 with Paul Jarrett making a break of 24.

League week seven results: Belper Strutt Club No 1 5, Bolehill Inst No 3 0; Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 4, Bolehill Inst No 2 1; PJ'z Club Ripley No 2 0, PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 5; Bolehill Inst No 1 5, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 0. Matlock Golf Club v Matlock Club and Edgefold Club Matlock v Belper Strutt Club No 2  postponed.

A Division                         P      W      L      Pts
Bolehill Institute No 1          6       5        1      22
PJ'z Club Ripley No 1         6       5        1      22
Bolehill Institute No 2          7       4        3      19
Belper Strutt Club No 1      7        3       4      16
Edgefold Club Matlock       5        3       2      15
Matlock Club                      6        2       4      11
Leading breaks: B Monk 71, A Gratton 60.
Leading wins: A Gratton and K Robertson 6.

B Division                         P      W      L      Pts
Matlock Golf Club               6       6        0      23
Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1    7       5        2      22
Bolehill Institute No 3          6        3       3      14
Belper Strutt Club No 2      6        2       4      12
Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2    7        0       7        8
PJ'z Club Ripley No 2         7        0       7        6
Leading breaks: G Jones and C Parker 40.
Leading wins: A Fisher 6; G Jones, C Parker, N Kay and S Robinson 5.

MORE COMPETITION DRAWS FROM THE MEETING

FIRSTLY, don't forget the SHOOTOUT NIGHT / CHRISTMAS BASH which is on TUESDAY 20th DECEMBER at JAXX Q CLUB, BELPER with the draws made at 7.30pm prompt.
Food will be provided and there will be three competitions laid on - 3 reds singles and doubles competitions plus a speed snooker competition, all handicapped. Just turn up on the night and pay a fiver for the job lot and your name will go in the hat, pairs partners drawn at random. Let us know beforehand if you are running late and we can put you in!! Hope to see you.


THE draws for the remainder of the competitions were made recently at the meeting held at Matlock Golf Club. Balls were pulled out by Alan Hopkinson and Gary Day.
As agreed by the committee, dates are to be put on the matches this season, though you can play them in advance of the set date if you wish obviously.
You must re-arrange with your opponent if a date is not suitable (please give at least 48hrs notice and preferably more) and re-schedule it within 7 days, failing agreement you can apply to the match secretary for a further 7 days to play it.
If someone doesn't contact the opposition and then fails to show, they are expunged obviously.

STARTING WITH THOSE ALREADY CIRCULATED AS A REMINDER:
D MORTON TROPHY (PAIRS HANDICAP) 1st round
Best of 3 frames - Normal league handicaps apply
(add together & divide by 2) - 7.30pm
Mon Jan 02: A Gratton / B Monk (PJ'z No 1) 2 A Kerry / A Ballard (Jaxx Q 2) 0
Mon Jan 02: N Kay / C Parker (Golf Club) 2 R Muxlow / N Parkinson (Edgefold) 0
Tue Jan 10: M Taylor / M Lane (Edgefold) 2 R Slack / C Marchington (Bolehill 1) 0
Mon Jan 02: S Bullock / M Newby (Strutt 1) 0 P Ogden / S Robinson (Jaxx Q 1) 2
Thu Jan 05: D Martin/M G-Jones (Bolehill 2) 2 K Manlove/P Holmes (Mat Club) 1
BYES:
K Robertson / S O'Sullivan (Bolehill Inst No 2)
A Brough / S Zoppi (Bolehill Inst No 1)
M Travis / T Chambers (Edgefold Matlock)

CAPTAINS CUP (TEAM HANDICAP COMPETITION) 1st round
It was decided to keep same format as last year - 4 Singles and
1 Traditional Doubles - (ignore any previous info!) - 7.30pm
Overall Points Aggregate to decide the match - all frames played to a finish
Wed Jan 04: Bolehill Inst No 3 224 Edgefold Matlock 268
Tue Jan 03: Matlock Golf Club w/o PJ'z Ripley No 2 scr
Mon Jan 02: Bolehill Inst No 1 288 Matlock Club 232
Tue Jan 03: Bolehill Inst No 2 268 PJ'z Ripley No 1 344
BYES: 
Belper Strutt Club No 1
Belper Strutt Club No 2
Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1
Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2
First and second round losers will enter the Jimmy Harper Plate Competition (same format).


AND THE REST OF THE COMPETITION DATES:
BOB McCARTIN SIX RED CUP Quarter finals
Best of 7 frames - straight knockout from hereon in - 7.30pm
4 Singles & 3 Scotch Doubles (alternate shots format) using only six reds for each frame
Handicaps are half of normal league handicaps - e.g. For pairs add together normal h'caps and divide by 2, then divide by 2 again for six red h'cap and round up final figure!
Each player is limited to 1 singles match and 2 doubles matches per night, same pairing cannot be used twice on same night.
A: Wed Jan 11:  Belper Strutt Club No 2 5 Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 2
B: Tue Jan 10:  Bolehill Inst No 2 1 PJ'z Ripley No 1 4
C: Mon Jan 09: Bolehill Inst No 1 1 Matlock Golf Club 4
D: Mon Jan 09: Belper Strutt Club No 1 3 Matlock Club 4

Semi finals:
A v D, provisionally at PJ'z Club, Ripley, Tuesday February 07, 7.30pm
(B Monk/S Quinn to arrange please if possible) will inform nearer time
B v C, provisionally at Edgefold, Matlock, Monday February 06, 7.30pm
(N Parkinson/M Taylor to arrange please if possible) will inform nearer time
(these may change if teams from same club play each other or if unsuitable obviously)


B INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION Quarter finals
Best of 3 frames - Normal league handicaps apply - 7.30pm
Tue Jan 10: G Jones (Matlock Golf Club) 2 P Ogden (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1) 0
Tue Jan 10: K Holmes (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1) 1 N Kay (Matlock Golf Club) 2
Tue Jan 10: S Robinson (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1) 2 I Peacock (Bolehill No 3) 0
Wed Feb 01: M Forster (Bolehill Inst No 3) v S Bunting (Bolehill Inst No 3)

OMYA CUP (INDIVIDUAL SCRATCH COMPETITION) Quarter finals
Best of 3 frames - all off Scratch - 7.30pm
Wed Feb 01: S Bullock (Belper Strutt Club No 1) v R Slack (Bolehill Inst No 1)
Tue Jan 31: G Jones (Matlock Golf Club) v M Bunting (Bolehill Inst No 3)
Mon Jan 30: B Monk (PJ'z Ripley No 1) v R Muxlow (Edgefold Matlock)
Tue Jan 31: A Ballard (Jaxx Q Club No 2) v M Whiteman (PJ'z Ripley No 2)

HARTSHORNE CUP (2-MAN TEAM COMPETITION) Quarter finals
Best of 5 frames - Normal league handicaps apply - 7.30pm
Both players play each other 1 frame at Singles (4 frames in all) plus one frame of Scotch Doubles (alternate shots format) as per the World Cup.
Tue Jan 31: K Robertson / S O'Sullivan (B'hill 2) v I Peacock / M Forster (B'hill 3)
Tue Jan 31: P Ogden / S Robinson (Jaxx Q 1) v D Martin / M G-Jones (Bolehill 2)
Mon Jan 30: R Slack / C March'ton (Bolehill 1) v K M'love / P Holmes (Mat Club)
Mon Jan 30: A Kerry / A Ballard (Jaxx Q 2)  0 A Brough / G Shirley (Bolehill 1) 3


OPEN INDIVIDUAL HANDICAP 2nd round
Best of 3 frames - Normal league handicaps apply - 7.30pm
2nd round
Tue Feb 07: N Parkinson (Edgefold Matlock) v K Holmes (Jaxx Q Club No 1)
Wed Feb 08: M Travis (Edgefold Matlock) v S O'Sullivan (Bolehill Inst No 2)
Wed Feb 08: J Rowland (PJ'z Ripley No 1) v M Taylor (Edgefold Matlock)
Tue Feb 07: P Ogden (Jaxx Q Club No 1) 1 K Robertson (Bolehill Inst No 2) 2
Tue Feb 07: S Robinson (Jaxx Q Club Belper No1) 1 N Kay (Matlock Golf Club) 2
Tue Feb 07: R Slack (Bolehill Inst No 1) v T Chambers (Edgefold Matlock)
Tue Feb 07: G Jones (Matlock Golf Club) v R Muxlow (Edgefold Matlock)
Tue Feb 07: A Gratton (PJ'z Ripley No 1) v D Martin (Bolehill Inst No 2)

Please feel free to use the online competition results link right here at dddsnookerleague.blogspot.com in top right hand column to submit your scores, alternatively email bolehillsec@yahoo.co.uk or ring or text on 07890 985830.


Handicaps will be re-assessed after next week for players who are new to the league this season and for those players who have either played 8 matches or else won the trigger percentages of 75% or 30% relating to that number of games that earn a higher or lower rating.
If anyone else reaches those percentages at a later date their handicap will similarly be adjusted and their captain informed at that time in the interests of fairness.


The February meeting will be held at Jaxx Q Club, Belper on Wednesday February 15th @ 7.45pm. It is especially important that all final dues are paid by then as there is a new rule approved which means 2pts are deducted for every week passed that monies are overdue from this date, until possible expulsion (at the discretion of the committee) after 1 month of non-payment.
This was necessary due to some serious problems last time around!
Any outstanding amounts will be communicated at the bottom of the circulated sheet.

BEN AND ANDREW IN AMONGST THE BREAKS AGAIN

THE action hotted up in A Division this week as last years champs PJ'z No 1 of Ripley entertained current leaders Bolehill Institute No 2 and earned a 3-2 success to go just a point behind.

Remarkably, all three frames won by the home team ended in century points hauls as Ben Monk compiled four breaks of over 20 plus a 53 while Andrew Gratton contributed 46, 23, and 20 as they won both their singles and doubles matches.
Keith Robertson maintained his unbeaten run for Bolehill with a sixth straight win.

Bolehill No 1 also moved just behind the leaders with a 5-0 win over Belper Strutt Club No 1. Andrew Brough notched a 27 to win from thirty adrift against Steve Bullock while Colin Marchington cleared up with 22 to win his frame.

The Edgefold Club beat neighbours Matlock Club 4-1 with Martyn Taylor scoring breaks of 39 and 28 in winning his singles and doubles matches.

In B Division, leaders Matlock Golf Club had a narrow escape with a 3-2 victory at Bolehill No 3. It might have been different as Ian Cresswell rattled the final black in the jaws of the pocket against Nick Kay before later partnering Martin Forster to a fine win over Graham Jones and Chris Parker in the concluding doubles frame.

The battle of the teams from Jaxx Q Club of Belper was won 3-2 by the No 1 outfit for whom Steve Robinson knocked in a classy 39 break though Andy Hayes sparkled on his debut for the No 2 team by winning both his singles and doubles frames.

In the other match, Belper Strutt Club No 2 triumphed 3-2 over PJ'z No 2, taking the first three frames to decide the issue.

League week six results: PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 3, Bolehill Inst No 2 2; Bolehill Inst No 1 5, Belper Strutt Club No 1 0; Edgefold Club Matlock 4, Matlock Club 1; Bolehill Inst No 3 2, Matlock Golf Club 3; Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 2, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 3; Belper Strutt Club No 2 3, PJ'z Club Ripley No 2 2.

FIRST HALF MONIES DUE NEXT WEEK!

JUST a reminder to those teams it concerns that first half match fees, competition fees and registration fees all need to be paid up by the next meeting on Wednesday December 7th at Matlock Golf Club, 7.45pm.
After this the most that any team can legitimately be owing is £40 which needs to be paid by the meeting in mid February.
Following some serious problems last year, the committee had to issue a rule that 2pts are deducted for each week that goes by with fees overdue until risk of expulsion after one months non payment.
So if you can't make the meeting itself you need to pay within 7 days to avoid any penalties.
You will find the amount required to be paid (if relevant) at the bottom of one of the competition sheets that went out following the last meeting. Cheers.

BOLEHILL No 2 STORM TO THE TOP OF 'A' DIVISION

BOLEHILL INSTITUTE No 2 emerged as new leaders in the A Division this week thanks to a fine 5-0 away win at the Matlock Club.
At the same time Keith Robertson also gained his fifth consecutive league win and now heads the individual rankings outright.

Previous pacesetters PJz Ripley No 1 were hit by a breakdown en route to their match at Bolehill No 1 so that pair will have to try again in a few weeks' time.

Last years runners-up the Edgefold Club are finding things tougher so far this campaign and succumbed 4-1 at Belper Strutt Club No 1. Martyn Taylor and Neil Parkinson avoided the whitewash in the doubles with a 1pt success while Paul Jarrett and Steve Bullock top scored for the home team.

Matlock Golf Club continued to take the B Division by storm, scoring a 4-1 victory over Belper's Jaxx Q Club No 2. Graham Jones hit breaks of 32 and 25 in his impressive haul of 110 points.

The No 1 team from Jaxx Q Club went second, also winning 4-1 over PJz Ripley No 2 with Steve Robinson scoring a brace of 21 breaks and Trevor Hames opening his account in the league for the visitors after doing the same in the six red cup last week.

Martin Forster was on top form for Bolehill No 3, winning both his singles and doubles matches in yet another 4-1 verdict, over Belper Strutt Club No 2.

League week five results: Matlock Club 0, Bolehill Inst No 2 5; Belper Strutt Club No 1 4, Edgefold Club Matlock 1; Matlock Golf Club 4, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 1; Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 4, PJ'z Club Ripley No 2 1; Bolehill Inst No 3 4, Belper Strutt Club No 2 1. Bolehill Inst No 1 v PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 postponed.

SIX RED CUP QUARTER FINALISTS NOW KNOWN

THE final round of group matches in this season's Bob McCartin Cup took place this week and the quarter finalists have now emerged.
PJ'z No 1 of Ripley confirmed their position as top dogs in Group A with a crushing 6-1 win at the Edgefold Club of Matlock, avenging a recent 4-1 league defeat to the same opposition while at the same time showing them the trap door in this competition.

Also through are Jaxx Q Club No 1 of Belper who overcame the No 2 team from PJ'z 5-2. Steve Robinson was in fine form for the victors, winning his singles frame and both of his doubles games too.

Group B winners Belper Strutt Club No 1 finished off their qualifying campaign in fine style, overwhelming Jaxx Q Club No 2 6-1 with Steve Bullock compiling the week's highest break of 30 in the process.

Joining them are both Bolehill Institute No 1 and Belper Strutt Club No 2, the latter outfit doing just enough to qualify despite a 4-3 reverse in the match between the pair. Stewart Jackson and Fred Doran secured the vital frame in the doubles thanks to a great pot by Stewart on the pink.

It was left to the pairing of Ian Birks and Guy Shirley thereafter to clinch a success for the home team in the decider.

Group C also saw three teams qualify for the next stage. Bolehill Institute No 2 entertained Matlock Golf Club with both teams pretty much secure beforehand and the visitors' 4-3 success means they top the table by virtue of games won.

Dwayne Martin's frame with Charlie Hodgkinson was probably the best of the night, with Dwayne knocking in a 21 break only to be thwarted by Charlie's contribution of 25 at the death.

Chris Parker and Nick Kay took the deciding doubles match to continue the Golf Club's unbeaten run in all competitions.

The Matlock Club defeated Bolehill Institute No 3 5-2 to book their place too. Captain Keith Manlove top scored with 62 points.

Bob McCartin 6-red Cup team event: Group A: Edgefold Club Matlock 1, PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 6; Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 5, PJ'z Club Ripley No 2 2.
Group B: Bolehill Inst No 1 4, Belper Strutt Club No 2 3; Belper Strutt Club No 1 6, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 1. Group C: Matlock Club 5, Bolehill Inst No 3 2; Bolehill Inst No 2 3, Matlock Golf Club 4.
Focus now turns back to the league for the next few weeks.

CHRIS HAS SNOOKER OFF TO A TEE AT GOLF CLUB

TOP billing on this week's fixture list went to the match between the only two unbeaten teams, Matlock Golf Club and Bolehill Institute No 1 and it was the home side who maintained their run in convincing fashion.
Ian McKay set the ball rolling with a 64-26 win over Colin Marchington before Chris Parker ran out most impressive winner of the night with breaks of 32 and 30 in a 98-17 romp against Ricki Slack.

Graham Jones notched a 24 in defeating Simon Zoppi 64-19 before Andrew Brough re-dressed a bit of balance with a 66-41 win for the visitors over hitherto unbeaten Nick Kay.

The final doubles went down to the pink before Graham Jones' pot meant he and partner Tim Ducksbury had done just enough to ensure another point to the home team and earn a 4-1 overall success.

Elsewhere there were 5-0 verdicts for both PJ'z Ripley No 1 and the Matlock Club. For PJ'z Andrew Gratton compiled breaks of 60 and 29, Ben Monk continued where he left off from last week with runs of 41, 30 and 28 and John Smith weighed in with a 33. Keith Manlove and Paul Holmes joint top scored with 79 points apiece for Matlock Club.

Jaxx Q Club No 1 of Belper secured a second successive league win, defeating Belper Strutt Club No 1 4-1 with Alex Fisher scoring breaks of 28 and 20 and remaining undefeated thus far.

Bolehill Institute No 2 overcame the No 2 team from the Strutt Club 3-2, taking the first three frames to settle the issue.

League Week four results: Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 4, Belper Strutt Club No 1 1; Bolehill Inst No 2 3, Belper Strutt Club No 2 2; PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 5, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 0; Matlock Club 5, PJ'z Club Ripley No 2 0; Matlock Golf Club 4, Bolehill Inst No 1 1. Edgefold Club Matlock v Bolehill Inst No 3 postponed.

NO MONKEYING AROUND AS BEN TOPS BREAKS CHART

SUBSTANTIAL breaks were in shorter supply than of late at most of this week's venues - with one exception - as Ben Monk of PJ'z No 1 Ripley more than made up for it, unleashing a barrage of 30 and 29 (twice) in his singles match against Keith Manlove and then topping it off with a 71 in the concluding doubles frame, hence completing a 4-1 triumph over visitors the Matlock Club.
Only Ian Rose triumphed for the visitors with a black ball success over admirable 81-year-old ex-Derbyshire champion John Smith.

Matlock Golf Club, sporting another ex-Derbyshire champ in Graham Jones, continued their unstoppable form of late with a 5-0 win over the PJ'z No 2 team at Ripley and are now four points clear of their nearest B Division rivals Bolehill Institute No 3 who earned a 3-2 success at Jaxx Q Club No 2 of Belper. Mick Bunting's win over Adam Ballard in the fourth frame settled the issue there.

The No 1 team from Jaxx Q Club - after hitting the crossbar so far in the league - finally ran out winners 3-2 at Belper Strutt Club No 2 after taking the first three frames to ease any pressure.

There was no such luxury in the clash between early A Division pace-setters Edgefold Club and Bolehill Institute No 1 which went down to the wire before Ricki Slack and Simon Zoppi won their deciding doubles frame to secure a 3-2 win for the away team.

Bolehill No 2 also prevailed, winning 4-1 against Belper Strutt Club No 1 which featured black ball decisions for Mark Gwynne-Jones and Sean O'Sullivan.

League week 3 results: Bolehill Inst No 2 4, Belper Strutt Club No 1 1; Edgefold Club Matlock 2, Bolehill Inst No 1 3; PJ'z Club Ripley No 2 0, Matlock Golf Club 5; Belper Strutt Club No 2 2, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 3; Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 2, Bolehill Inst No 3 3; PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 4, Matlock Club 1.

COMPETITION DRAWS / NEWS FROM THE MEETING

THE draws for some of the competitions were made recently at the meeting held at Jaxx Q Club, Belper. Balls were pulled out by Dwayne Martin and Ben Monk.
As agreed by the committee, dates are to be put on the matches this season, though you can play them in advance of the set date if you wish obviously.
You must re-arrange with your opponent if a date is not suitable (please give at least 48hrs notice and preferably more) and re-schedule it within 7 days, failing agreement you can apply to the match secretary for a further 7 days to play it.
If someone doesn't contact the opposition and then fails to show, they are expunged obviously.

OMYA CUP (INDIVIDUAL SCRATCH COMPETITION) 1st round Proper
Best of 3 frames - all off Scratch - 7.30pm
Tue Nov 29: K Robertson (Bolehill Inst No 2) 0 R Muxlow (Edgefold Matlock) 2
Tue Nov 29: B Monk (PJ'z Ripley No 1) 2 S Buckley (Belper Strutt Club No 2) 0
Wed Nov 30: I Rose (Matlock Club) 0 R Slack (Bolehill Inst No 1) 2
Mon Nov 28: A Fisher (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1) 1 G Jones (Matlock Golf Club) 2
BYES:
S Bullock (Belper Strutt Club No 1)
M Whiteman or K Whiteman (PJ'z Ripley No 2)
M Bunting (Bolehill Inst No 3)
A Ballard (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2)

OPEN INDIVIDUAL HANDICAP 1st round
Best of 3 frames - Normal league handicaps apply - 7.30pm
Tue Nov 22: M Gwynne-Jones (Bolehill Inst No 2) 1 N Parkinson (Edgefold) 2
2nd round
N Parkinson (Edgefold Matlock) v K Holmes (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1)
M Travis (Edgefold Matlock) v S O'Sullivan (Bolehill Inst No 2)
J Rowland (PJ'z Ripley No 1) v M Taylor (Edgefold Matlock)
P Ogden (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1) v K Robertson (Bolehill Inst No 2)
S Robinson (Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1) v N Kay (Matlock Golf Club)
R Slack (Bolehill Inst No 1) v T Chambers (Edgefold Matlock)
G Jones (Matlock Golf Club) v R Muxlow (Edgefold Matlock)
A Gratton (PJ'z Ripley No 1) v D Martin (Bolehill Inst No 2)
The above 2nd round matches are not due to be played until the New Year (when dates will be put on them if still unplayed) but feel free to arrange any that you can fit in in the meantime should you so wish!

D MORTON TROPHY (PAIRS HANDICAP) 1st round
Best of 3 frames - Normal league handicaps apply
(add together & divide by 2) - 7.30pm
Mon Jan 02: A Gratton / B Monk (PJ'z No 1) v A Kerry / A Ballard (Jaxx Q 2)
Mon Jan 02: N Kay / C Parker (Golf Club) 2 R Muxlow / N Parkinson (Edgefold) 0
Tue Jan 03: M Taylor / M Lane (Edgefold) v R Slack / C Marchington (Bolehill 1)
Mon Jan 02: S Bullock / M Newby (Strutt 1) v P Ogden / S Robinson (Jaxx Q 1)
Thu Jan 05: D Martin/M G-Jones (Bolehill 2) v K Manlove/P Holmes (Mat Club)
BYES:
K Robertson / S O'Sullivan (Bolehill Inst No 2)
A Brough / S Zoppi (Bolehill Inst No 1)
M Travis / T Chambers (Edgefold Matlock)

CAPTAINS CUP (TEAM HANDICAP COMPETITION) 1st round
It was decided to keep same format as last year - 4 Singles and
1 Traditional Doubles - (ignore any previous info!) - 7.30pm
Overall Points Aggregate to decide the match - all frames played to a finish
Wed Jan 04: Bolehill Inst No 3 v Edgefold Matlock
Tue Jan 03: Matlock Golf Club v PJ'z Ripley No 2
Mon Jan 02: Bolehill Inst No 1 v Matlock Club
Tue Jan 03: Bolehill Inst No 2 v PJ'z Ripley No 1
BYES: 
Belper Strutt Club No 1
Belper Strutt Club No 2
Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1
Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2

First and second round losers will enter the Jimmy Harper Plate Competition (same format).


There is still 1 place left in both the B Individual Handicap and the Hartshorne Cup (2 man team, 4 Singles and 1 Scotch Doubles) to bring us up to a nice round figure.
These events will commence in the New Year and will be drawn at the December meeting.
Please apply to bolehillsec@yahoo.co.uk if interested or ring me on 07890 985830.


The December meeting will be held at Matlock Golf Club on Wednesday December 7th @ 7.45pm. It is especially important that all dues are paid by then as there is a new rule approved which means 2pts are deducted for every week passed that monies are overdue from this date, until expulsion after 1 month of non-payment.
This was necessary due to a team going through the whole season without paying anything at all last time around!
So the most you can be owing by the December meeting is £40, and the rest needs to be paid by the February meeting, thanks. This includes competition monies that are overdue too.
Any outstanding amounts will be communicated with the cup draws shortly.


Also on request from PJ'z of Ripley, it was agreed by the committee that two of the No 2 team players we had not seen before prior to the season should be moved to a handicap of +10, Gary Day and Trevor Hames starting from the forthcoming week and for the foreseeable future in order to help them become more competitive.

PJ'Z RIPLEY No 1 COME BACK FROM THE BRINK

THIS WEEK it was the Bob McCartin Six Red Cup taking the spotlight again with the second round of group stage matches.
The most exciting match was undoubtedly at PJ'z Ripley where their No 1 team fought back from 0-3 down to defeat visitors Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 4-3 in an outstanding night's snooker.

Kevin Holmes with a 34 break  and Paul Ogden with a 25 saw the visitors off to a flying start and the same two players also won their doubles match which was brought forward while waiting for the other singles players to arrive.

From thereon though the home side rallied in fine style with Ben Monk and 81-year-old John Smith scoring a combined effort of 25 in their scotch doubles along the way.

Both teams look set to qualify in Group A after this result but Edgefold Club made up ground with a 7-0 win over PJ'z Ripley No 2 and any victory in their last group match against the PJ'z No 1 team might yet be enough to see them through too as one of the best third placed teams.

Belper Strutt Club No 1 retained pole position in Group B with a 5-2 win over their No 2 team while Bolehill Institute No 1 moved ahead of Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 into second place, courtesy of a win by the same scoreline.

The local derby match at Bolehill in Group C saw an emphatic success for the No 2 team whose 6-1 verdict over the No 3 outfit surely all but guarantees them a place in the quarter finals.

Matlock Golf Club are hot on their heels after a 5-2 win over Matlock Club, Chris Parker once again finding the backs of the pockets with breaks of 33 and 29 in his singles match. Pretty good going for a six reds frame!!

Bob McCartin 6-red Cup team event: Group A: PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 4, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 3; Edgefold Club Matlock 7, PJ'z Club Ripley No 2 0. Group B: Belper Strutt Club No 1 5, Belper Strutt Club No 2 2; Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 2, Bolehill Inst No 1 5. Group C: Matlock Golf Club 5, Matlock Club 2; Bolehill Inst No 2 6, Bolehill Inst No 3 1.

EDGEFOLD CLUB DEFEAT OLD ADVERSARIES

THE big clash of the second round of league matches saw last year's winners PJ'z Ripley No 1 travel to runners-up Edgefold Club of Matlock.
The champs were off to a flying start with Andrew Gratton scoring a 91-51 win over Mick Lane and all seemed set fair for another impressive performance.

However, that was about as good as it got for the visitors as from thereon it was the home side who turned on the style.

Matt Travis, in his first season in the League, pulled off a fine 70-46 win over Ben Monk before Robert Muxlow made it 2-1 with a similar performance against John Smith.

Martyn Taylor notched a 31 break - the highest of the week - against Lee Whatton and soon made it 3-1,  before himself and Rob went on to complete a 4-1 success with a doubles win over Ben and Andrew.

Bolehill Institute No 1 kept up the pace with a second local derby win in as many weeks, this time defeating the No 2 team 4-1 with Colin Marchington in fine form, scoring breaks of 29 and 20 during the evening.

Matlock Golf Club also earned a second win, this time narrow 3-2 victors over Jaxx Q Club No 1 of Belper, thanks largely to Ian McKay and Nick Kay who won both their singles matches and the deciding doubles frame too.

The other matches saw 4-1 wins for Belper Strutt Club No 1 (for whom Mark Newby sparkled, scoring 90 points and a 27 break), Bolehill Institute No 3 and a 3-2 win for Belper Strutt Club No 2.

League week 2 results: Edgefold Club Matlock 4, PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 1; Bolehill Inst No 1 4, Bolehill Inst No 2 1; Matlock Golf Club 3, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 2; Belper Strutt Club No 1 4, Matlock Club 1; Bolehill Inst No 3 4, PJ'z Club Ripley No 2 1; Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 2, Belper Strutt Club No 2 3.

This week sees the second round of matches in the group stage of the Bob McCartin Six Red Cup take centre stage.

OMYA CUP / COMP ENTRIES / MEETING REMINDER

JUST a reminder for all those taking part that each team's nominated OMYA Cup Scratch Individual competition representative needs to be in at or before the next meeting on Wednesday November 2nd at Jaxx Q Club, Belper (7.45pm).
This can either be a straight nomination or the winner of the in-house competition between each team that was drawn out prior to the season.

Alternatively if not completed, I'd suggest putting through the furthest progressed competitor or if no one is interested we can leave your particular team's players out of the draw if you wish.

But we can't extend the deadline for completion of in-house matches as the first round proper needs to be played on schedule.

With limited time to try and resurrect a few of the comps this season, we put together this event at short notice but next year I'd probably advocate a tick box so only players genuinely interested in playing will be entered.

Or alternatively we could add it to the competition entry sheet retaining the free entry option and then either play it in-house again firstly or as an open draw throughout.

Though the problem with having too many events on the competition sheet itself is that it tends to water down the entries in each one.

There's already been more matches played in the OMYA Cup this season than last year's event as a whole so that is one plus point already as we are all mostly here to play and enjoy a game of snooker!

Don't forget that the other competition entries also need to be in at the same meeting with the appropriate fees. Dates will be put on each match for the first time (as per the semis and finals in previous years) as voted in by the committee at the AGM so everyone will need to be on the ball and re-arrange any matches that are not scheduled on suitable days! Thanks.

TROPHY WINNERS CONGREGATE AT AWARDS NIGHT

JAXX Q CLUB No 2 of BELPER enjoyed a successful inaugural season in the League.
L-R: Adam Ballard, Alan Kerry and Alan Scrivener.

PJ'z CLUB RIPLEY No 1, 2010/2011 A Division League and Captains Cup winners.
L-R: James Rowland, John Smith, Andrew Gratton, Ben Jogela-Monk and Lee Whatton.
The League Shield seems to be just below camera aim, I'm sure I asked John to hold it aloft!

THE delayed Presentation Evening for last season was held at Belper Strutt Club on Saturday night and PJ'z Club No 1 of Ripley were the main trophy winners (under the title of Cloud 9 Club as it was then).

They secured the league and cup double while captain Ben Monk also took the main individual trophy, the OMYA Cup.

Jaxx Q Club No 2 of Belper also had a successful first season with Adam Ballard multiple runner up in a host of competitions, Alan Kerry winning the "maiden" individual event and finishing runner-up in the pairs (with Adam) and the team finishing runners-up in B Division behind Bolehill No 2.
General secretary Alan Hopkinson and president George Mills conducted the presentation with great aplomb and after raffle prizes had been collected by the lucky winners, the night finished with an enjoyable buffet downstairs.
Thanks to everyone who helped set the evening up and to all the players who turned out.

GRAHAM STARS ON HIS RETURN TO LEAGUE

THE first round of league matches got underway this week and sprightly veteran Graham Jones of Matlock Golf Club was undoubtedly one of the stars of the show, playing again in the Darley Dale League for the first time since the mid 80s.
Knocking in breaks of 40, 34 and 32 in his singles and doubles matches he paved the way for a 4-1 win over Belper Strutt Club No 1, with Chris Parker also registering a 40 break for good measure.
On this kind of form, they may take some stopping!

Matching their 4-1 scoreline were Bolehill No 1, Edgefold Club and defending champs PJ'z Ripley No 1, for whom Ben Monk notched a timely 35 break to settle a tight opening frame at Belper Strutt Club No 2.

Elsewhere Ian Rose and Dave Allen of Matlock Club won their deciding pairs match to defeat visiting Jaxx Q Club No 1 of Belper 3-2 and Dwayne Martin and Keith Robertson of Bolehill No 2 did likewise against debutantes PJ'z Ripley No 2.

League week 1 results: Matlock Golf Club 4, Belper Strutt Club No 1 1; PJ'z Club Ripley No 2 2, Bolehill Inst No 2 3; Belper Strutt Club No 2 1, PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 4; Bolehill Inst No 3 1, Bolehill Inst No 1 4; Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 1, Edgefold Club Matlock 4; Matlock Club 3, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 2.

SIX RED CUP RESULTS

Bob McCartin 6-red Cup team event: Group A: Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1 7, Edgefold Club Matlock 0; PJ'z Club Ripley No 2 0, PJ'z Club Ripley No 1 7. Group B: Bolehill Inst No 1 3, Belper Strutt Club No 1 4; Belper Strutt Club No 2 3, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2 4. Group C: Matlock Club 3, Bolehill Inst No 2 4; Bolehill Inst No 3 3, Matlock Golf Club 4.
Thanks to all captains for transmitting their results so promptly - I'm hoping the local press will carry the results each week too and if we get the full details by each weekend we might even try a bit of a write up each week (depending on space in the respective newspapers). Though will wait and see whether the initial offerings are published first!
The more exposure the league can get obviously the more chance we might get a new team or two joining to see what it is all about.
For anyone who would rather post their results than the alternative methods, I can provide stamped addressed envelopes to help speed things along if it helps. Contact bolehillsec@yahoo.co.uk, ring on 07890 985830, or come to the next meeting.
Cheers Rick.

NEW PLAYERS REGISTERED

THERE are a few new players signed on for Matlock Golf Club this week.
The only one of these not playing off scratch will be Graham Jones who still plays in the top flight of the Chesterfield League, and he will be off -20 for starters. Graham used to play from Matlock Cons in our League in the 80s for those with long memories!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL FOR THE NEW SEASON!

WITH the new Darley Dale and District Snooker League season getting underway this week, best wishes to everyone competing and hope everyone enjoys the formats both old and new.
Of course some players were involved in the OMYA Cup individual qualifying matches last week and it was good to see some different names competing who don't normally enter so hopefully that will have whetted everyones appetite.

Congratulations to Mick Bunting and Alan Kerry in particular who made it through to the 1st round proper.

Just to field a few questions from one party. The OMYA Cup was free entry in effect as it was bracketed in with the Captains Cup fee of £2.50 per player which remained unchanged. The rest of the registration fee was made up of £2 for the league, £2 for the Bob McCartin 6 red Cup and £1 for the website registration which had been free last season as an introductory offer.

Also you could still get the Plate and Play off competitions for nowt too if you happen to qualify for either of those!

The reason for altering individual and pairs events and making them into team competitions as part of the season proper was solely due to the lack of overall entries. Every individual and pairs competition has made a loss for the last few seasons and last year it came to a head with an average of 5.9 entries in each one which is clearly unsustainable.

Hence more money was being paid out than was coming into the coffers as they stood, so if the league is to have a long term future it was necessary to have a re-vamp. Most players seemed to be keen on getting more chances to win things as a team so that is why we have gone in that direction.

As it stood there was only really your own division and the Captains Cup knockout to play for team-wise and   as you can see from the league history, they have often been won by the same teams for a few years at a time.

I think Ben suggested running the 6-red comp as a team event, the Plate idea came about due to some problems that arose in the group stages of the Captains Cup last year and the Play off idea was in line with alot of peoples thinking that as it stood they had no realistic chance in the league. Now you can aim for fourth place and potentially win the Grand Finale, its all on the night!

So hopefully there can be more of a mixed bag of winners amongst the extra events with any luck to help keep everyone happy.

Its unfortunate in some cases as players have mentioned they would like to get the chance to defend their trophies but the same in effect happened last year e.g. I won the Open Handicap the previous year and the competition wasn't played for at all last season due to the overall lack of entries - anyone who did enter got shunted into another event to make the numbers up elsewhere.

The Bob McCartin Cup was earmarked at the original meeting as a six red competition so it was decided to keep that theme (rather than go with the pairs theme) and make it into a team event which would perhaps be more of a fitting tribute to a much admired competitor. In fact originally it had been agreed as a singles event but somehow that got lost in translation!

But if anyone wants to play an active part in discussing the future of the league, you need to come and put your point across at the meetings, as otherwise even if you send a deputy you may not get the full info and by the time you hear anything the horse may already have bolted! I'd especially encourage all captains and players to come to the AGM as that's when most of the big decisions are made that impact on the league's future.

Meanwhile we also agreed a "fun" night of 3-red singles and doubles plus speed snooker just before Christmas - with food provided - which should be fast and furious and these events will be newly named in honour of two of the current members of the committee, Alan Hopkinson and George Mills plus the late Eddie Lomas, one of our former officials. That will be just £5 for the job lot of all three competitions, just turn up on the night of Tuesday 20th December @ 7.30pm, Jaxx Q Club, Belper.

The 07890 985830 number is now the official league phone  so feel free to send any results in any time of the day or night(!), apologies for texting someone at 1am but didnt realise it would make such a loud bleep that it would wake them up apparently! Though around that time I think I was staying up until 4 or 5am sorting everything out so probably didnt realise what time it was myself!!

Also a reminder that league match fees are frozen as per last season at £1 per frame, so the doubles will be 50p each once again.

All the best Rick, hope that explains everything!

REMEMBER TO ROUND UP "IN BETWEEN" HANDICAPS

JUST A NOTE to remind everyone that all handicaps are rounded up (in pairs or six red cup matches) where there is an "in between" handicap rating, as per last season.
For instance in the six red cup, half handicaps apply so someone normally giving -5 would give -3 (-2-and-a-half rounded up).

The original handicap chart I sent out was maybe potentially a bit confusing as I had already rounded up the six red numbers which might have resulted in some of the handicaps being distorted when compared against each other so I'll pop round with a new list to the clubs with just the bare fractions on which can be rounded up by yourselves to avoid any confusion. Thanks.

PJ'z RIPLEY No 2 ARE TEAM No 7 ON FIXTURE GRID

GOOD NEWS in that a new version of the PJ'z Ripley No 2 team has emerged to fill the bye week that was Team No 7 on the fixture grid sheet.

I have sent out updated fixture sheets, contact numbers and handicap marks to all the captains home or club addresses so please make sure you get hold of the new info before the season starts.

This now means there are no bye weeks in the Bob McCartin Cup and similarly none in the Jimmy Harper Plate later in the season so its very beneficial to all to get a full house.

The downloads have already been updated in the right hand column to include an extra team.

Don't forget also that the OMYA Cup individual qualifying matches start this week (commencing 26th September) to be played firstly amongst each of your own teams for anyone who wants to take advantage of the bonus entry this year. We need one qualifier or nominated player for each team by the next meeting on 2/11/11. Thanks.

OMYA CUP QUALIFIERS / BOB McCARTIN CUP

A REMINDER that this year the OMYA Cup Scratch Individual competition was a bonus entry with the team registration fees so everyone is eligible to play in it providing they are signed on from the outset.

There is a week set aside (w/c September 26) to get the competition underway before the first of the team matches gets into gear and then the semi finals or finals (depending on the number of players registered) must be played before the next meeting on Wednesday November 2nd which will be at Jaxx Q Club, Belper (7.45pm).

Also the other competition entries and monies will need to be in by then too, the entry forms will go out with the fixture grids et al. It is strongly advised that players enter a few competitions this season to reduce the number of blank weeks as we currently have a few "bye" weeks in the league schedule due to PJ'z No 2 being unable to raise a team. 

Also any team who comes up with 2 or more entries in all competitions (including Shootout Night) will get free registration of reserves next season so will just pay the flat registration fee. Note that 1 pair counts as 1 entry for this purpose.

Going back to the OMYA Cup, please remember this is the only competition that will be run off SCRATCH for all players this season and will firstly be played in house amongst each team to produce 1 representative each going into the main draw in November. Any player who doesn't want to play should let his opponent know ASAP and then they can move on to the next round or even bring the match forward if possible.

Due to the prospect of some absenteeism, I'll not put the draw on the results website until the 1st round proper, but this is the qualifying draw and provisional dates sorted per team:

ALL MATCHES ARE BEST OF 3 IN QUALIFICATION STAGES

Please feel free to bring forward any matches time or date-wise (utilise any walkovers) in order to meet deadline!

By the meeting of November 2nd at Jaxx Q Club each team should have a winner or nominated player for the main draw.

MATLOCK CLUB A

WINNER: Ian Rose.

EDGEFOLD MATLOCK A

WINNER: Robert Muxlow.

BOLEHILL INSTITUTE No 1 A

WINNER: Ricki Slack.

BOLEHILL INSTITUTE No 2 A

WINNER: Keith Robertson. 

BOLEHILL INSTITUTE No 3 B

WINNER: Mick Bunting.

JAXX Q CLUB BELPER No 1 B

WINNER: Alex Fisher.

JAXX Q CLUB BELPER No 2 B

WINNER: Alan Kerry.

BELPER STRUTT CLUB No 2 B

WINNER: Steve Buckley.

PJ’z CLUB RIPLEY No 1 A

WINNER: Ben Monk.

BELPER STRUTT CLUB No 1 A

WINNER: Steve Bullock or Wayne Shooter.

MATLOCK GOLF CLUB B

WINNER: Graham Jones.

PJ'z CLUB No 2 RIPLEY B

As a late entrant hopefully the team can either organise a mini tournament amongst themselves or nominate a player before the meeting on 2/11/11.

As the bye week has provisionally been filled, some OMYA Cup dates will need to be shifted from those on the original drawsheet, please find a convenient slot if affected.

The opening team matches will be week commencing October 3rd with the first group phases of the Bob McCartin Six Red Cup competition followed by the league proper the following week.

Just to confirm, the Bob McCartin Cup will be played over 7 frames per match with 4 singles frames and 3 scotch doubles (alternate shots). And of course six reds per frame. Half of usual handicaps to apply.


Each player is limited to 1 singles match and 2 doubles matches per night (same pairing cannot be used twice).

The top 2 teams will qualify from each group with the 2 best third placed teams.

Group A:  Jaxx Q Club Belper No 1, Edgefold Club Matlock, PJ'z Club Ripley No 2, PJ'z Club Ripley No 1.
Group B: Bolehill Inst No 1, Belper Strutt Club No 1, Belper Strutt Club No 2, Jaxx Q Club Belper No 2.
Group C: Matlock Club, Bolehill Inst No 2, Bolehill Inst No 3, Matlock Golf Club.

PRESENTATION EVENING DATE SWITCH

A REMINDER that the PRESENTATION EVENING has now been switched to Saturday October 15th at Belper Strutt Club (7.45pm). Tickets are £5 including buffet. Tickets available from your club representative. Alan needs to know likely numbers by September 24th in order to organise the buffet.
Clubs are reminded to provide raffle prizes which can be given to Alan or Ricki in advance.

REGISTRATION MEETING DATE

THE SNOOKER LEAGUE REGISTRATION MEETING for the 2011/2012 season will be held at Belper Strutt Club (6 Campbell Street DE56 1AP) on Tuesday August 30th @ 7.45pm.
CLICK HERE to download your entry form now! Go to "file" menu and then "print PDF" or alternatively you can save it to your computer and then print it.
All teams wishing to compete next season should attend with their registration form and entry fees (£7.50 per player up to 4 and £2 per extra player).
If registering extra players, it is also possible to pay for these along with your match fees later in the season for convenience, so the minimum initial payment is effectively £30 per team.

This will include more than in previous years, the Capts Cup fee is included this time instead of paying separately, as is the newly formed Six Red Cup team event and there will also be a Plate for 1st and 2nd round losers in the Capts Cup so there are less blank weeks.

Plus there is bonus entry into the OMYA Cup Individual Scratch competition which will be played early season in house amongst each team so as one representative each goes into the main draw.

And there will be a play-off for the top four teams in each Division at the end of the season with each divisional representative playing each other in the Grand Final.
The website registration too which was on a free one season trial basis last year is also included.

Plus theres the usual voluntary competitions like the Open Handicap, B Individual, Pairs Handicap and Hartshorne Cup.

As well as a Shootout style Night most likely just prior to Christmas with the theme being on some fun novelty events that really anyone could win on the night. So plenty to look forward to!!

A couple of the competitions will most likely be drawn at the meeting itself so its important that the names are in by this date, otherwise you could miss out on some of the events.

So if you can't make the meeting let me know at bolehillsec@yahoo.co.uk or give me a ring on 07890 985830 and will sort something out as regards collecting the form and monies - I've added the option to pay online via Paypal too (see top right) if you find it easier to do it that way but don't forget to send in the form too!!

The updated league snooker rules from the AGM are also on the results website too HERE as of now. Cheers Rick.

WHERE WE ARE STRUTTING OUR STUFF!

JUST to avoid confusion, not sure how many people immediately noticed but Belper Strutt Club (where we hold our team entry meeting on Tuesday August 30 @ 7.45pm, see above) is actually based at 6 Campbell Street DE56 1AP not Strutt Street as it originally said on the entry form.

Strutt Street is actually the street above where Belper Royal British Legion is based so hopefully they will kindly forward any lost souls who may have come from afar!

I hope the committee did realise this when they re-named the club, only joking of course lol. But certainly had me fooled (not too difficult)!
Any further downloads will have the correct address on anyhow!! Cheers Rick.

2011/12 RULE CHANGES

As decided at the AGM July 2011.
All rules viewable on leaguesnooker.co.uk under rules section in menu.

Add to Rule 8: The annual subscription shall be towards league expenses AND  ENTRY TO THE LEAGUE AND A NUMBER OF DESIGNATED COMPETITIONS WHERE RELEVANT.

Add to Rule 9: LEVIES TO BE PAID BEFORE START OF THE SEASON WHERE POSSIBLE, ALTERNATIVELY IN 2 INSTALMENTS BY DATES AGREED BY THE COMMITTEE (WHICH WILL BE COMMUNICATED).
2PTS WILL BE DEDUCTED FOR EVERY WEEK PASSED DURING THE SEASON THAT A TEAM IS IN ARREARS. AFTER 1 MONTH ANY TEAM STILL NOT UP TO DATE MAY BE LIABLE TO EXPULSION (AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COMMITTEE).

Change section of Rule 10: If for any reason a match cannot be played, this must be communicated to the Fixtures Secretary AND A NEW DATE WILL BE SCHEDULED AND COMMUNICATED TO THE TEAMS INVOLVED.

Change section of Rule 31: FAILURE TO TURN UP FOR A MATCH WITHOUT GIVING PRIOR NOTICE WILL RESULT IN THE OFFENDING TEAM FORFEITING THE GAME AND BEING DEDUCTED 2 FURTHER POINTS. ANY TEAM GUILTY OF A SECOND SUCH OFFENCE WILL BE LIABLE TO EXPULSION (AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COMMITTEE).

Change Rule C17: FOR ALL CUP COMPETITIONS, THE MATCH SECRETARY WILL SET A DATE AND IF EITHER PARTY CANNOT PLAY ON THAT DAY THEY MUST CONTACT THEIR OPPONENT  BEFOREHAND TO RE-ARRANGE THE MATCH BEFORE THE END OF THE FOLLOWING WEEK. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN THE OFFENDING PLAYER BEING EXPELLED FROM THE COMPETITION AND HIS OPPONENT GOING THROUGH TO THE NEXT ROUND, BUT HE MUST STILL CONTACT THE MATCH SECRETARY TO COMMUNICATE THE SITUATION. (WHERE A DATE CANNOT BE FIXED, A FURTHER 7 DAYS CAN BE APPLIED FOR BY EITHER PLAYER TO THE MATCH SECRETARY TO PLAY THE GAME).

MEMORIES OF YESTERYEAR

The 1978/79 Darley Dale Orme Billiards and Snooker League presentation night held at County Offices NALGO Club.
Pictured L-R: George Mills, Colin Greatorex, Bob McCartin (rear), Jim McCann, Malcolm Gregory, ?????, ????? (rear), Sammy Crooks (presenting prizes), Graham Bond, Dougie Wood (rear), Ricki Slack, Alwyn Stevenson, Denis Morton (rear), Richard Potts, David Thorburn, Scott Fox, Chris Worrall, Anthony Cordin and David Greatorex.
Please let me know if you know any of the missing names, bolehillsec@yahoo.co.uk.

The 1980/81 Darley Dale Orme Billiards and Snooker League presentation night held at County Offices NALGO Club.

Pictured L-R: Malcolm Gregory, Colin Greatorex (rear), ?????,  Jim McCann, Alwyn Stevenson, George Mills, Les Oldham?? (rear),  Scott Fox, ?????, Ian Hamilton (rear), ????? (foreground), Mick Shore, ?????, Harry Gascoyne, Bob McCartin, Graham Bond, Roy Scott, Richard Potts, Dougie Wood, Ricki Slack and Clayton Slack.

Again please feel free to contact me  if you can fill in any of the missing names, bolehillsec@yahoo.co.uk.

GEORGES SNOOKER CENTRE (Belper) 1989/90 A Division League and Captains Cup (team) double winners.
L-R: Bill Slater, Ricki Slack, Martin Walker, Paul Waldron, Scott Fox (captain) and Paul Fowell.
If you have any pictures to share, please email me at bolehillsec@yahoo.co.uk.

BELPER CONSERVATIVE CLUB, having just become A Division League champions for the third successive season, display their trophies at the presentation night for the 2001/02 season held at Matlock Cons Club. In fact, they were to win it another two years on the trot afterwards too!
L-R: George Mills (captain), Andrew Gratton, Bob McCartin, Denis Dawson and Jimmy Gratton. 

ANY DETAILS OF PAST WINNERS WELCOME

IF ANYONE has any details of who won what and when that's not on the honours list in the right hand column, feel free to email me at bolehillsec@yahoo.co.uk. Cheers Rick.