THRILLING FINISHES ABOUND ON THIRD SHOOTOUT NIGHT

IAN PEACOCK, Alan Hopkinson Trophy winner, in action at Jaxx Q Club

AN EXCELLENT turnout of 17 players contested Shootout Night number three with especially large contingents from Matlock Conservative Club and Bolehill Institute to contest three rapid fire events played in their entirety on one night.
And it was fitting that the main event the Alan Hopkinson Memorial Trophy should go to a Bolehill player as, after a tight battle throughout the final, Ian Peacock edged out Richard Deakin by clipping the pink into the middle pocket to secure the silverware.

Ian had previously defeated Charlie Hodgkinson, Chris Drabble and Simon Zoppi on a night where new names appeared on the winners roster of all three competitions.

George Mills Trophy winners MARTIN FORSTER and HANNAH JONES

The scotch doubles event for the George Mills Trophy went to Martin Forster (who is actually Ian's brother) and resident Jaxx Q Club lady cueist Hannah Jones after an even closer deciding contest which went to the final black against Bolehill pair Simon Zoppi and Mick Bunting.

With the pairing showing great teamwork throughout, it fell to Hannah to seal the deal as she calmly executed a long range cut into a baulk pocket to bring home the bacon.

They had previously emerged successful from matches with Ricki Slack and Chris Drabble, Jimmy Gratton and Keith Robertson and Steve Bullock and Nick Kay en route.


NICK KAY led his rivals a merry dance to lift the Eddie Lomas Trophy.

That left the Eddie Lomas Speed Snooker Challenge Trophy to be decided, which involves clearing the colours head to head on adjacent tables, and the fastest man on the block proved to be Matlock Conservative Club's Nick Kay, who pipped Mick Bunting in the final by a couple of balls, having previously seen off team mates Chris Drabble and Jack Lynch along with Ricki Slack.

Thanks to all who attended for another highly enjoyable evening and hope to see those of you who couldn't make it next time around.

In the meantime A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone connected with the Darley Dale and District Snooker and Billiards Leagues.

Christmas Six-Red Individual Handicap for the Alan Hopkinson Memorial Trophy: winner, Ian Peacock (Bolehill Inst No 2); runner-up, Richard Deakin (Matlock Cons).

Christmas Six-Red Scotch Doubles Handicap for the George Mills Trophy: winners, Martin Forster (Bolehill Inst No 2) and Hannah Jones (Jaxx Q Club); runners-up, Simon Zoppi (Bolehill Inst No 1) and Mick Bunting (Bolehill Inst No 2).

Christmas Speed Snooker Shootout Handicap for the Eddie Lomas Trophy: winner, Nick Kay (Matlock Cons); runner-up, Mick Bunting (Bolehill Inst No 2).

Extracurricular awards:

Best victory jig during match: Nick Kay (v team mate Chris Drabble, luckily for him he did pot the black afterwards!)

Best sledging during match: Nick Kay (v team mate Jack Lynch)

Worst rest handover: Ricki Slack to Charlie Hodgkinson during speed shootout, safe to say we won't be appearing in the 400m relay anytime soon, (OK sorry I will try and remember to watch the table nearest to me next time!)

"On deaf ears" complaint: Ricki "I wasn't ready" Slack v Nick Kay when the claxon sounded (OK it was Mick shouting "go", what happened to "ready steady"?) I think Charlie had secretly had a word with him beforehand.

Dedication award: Chris Parker who flew in from Denmark the same afternoon especially for the event (possibly!) tie-ing with Jimmy who found his way down from the bar, both sterling efforts.

Quality food awards: Jaxx Q Club for the mouth watering grub on the night, thanks fellas!

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR FOR ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR!

Now open to all past and present Darley Dale & District League players!

DON'T MISS OUT on one of the highlights of the League calendar, its fun, fun, fun all the way with three quickfire competitions all played to their conclusion on the night in the festive spirit... all events handicapped so all abilities welcome... featuring The Alan Hopkinson Memorial Trophy, The Eddie Lomas Speed Snooker Challenge and The George Mills Scotch Doubles Trophy (£5 on the night gets you into all three!) Plus food and refreshments, what more could you ever want!!

Come and give it a go if you haven't done so already, the more the merrier!

NEW HANDICAP RATINGS

THE latest handicap adjustments are as follows:
Paul Jarrett (Belper Strutt No 1) goes from -5 to -10
Jack Lynch (Matlock Cons) goes from Scratch to -5

The above players have reached the trigger percentages for moving up or down a bracket so the new ratings will come into play with immediate effect (for any remaining competitions left to play).

If you wish to print out the full list of up to date handicap ratings, please click on the link on the right hand side of the webpage, thanks.

LEADING PAIR MAKE A BREAK BUT ITS STILL WIDE OPEN

CLEAR daylight emerged at the top of the Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division for the first time this season as the top two teams made a break at the half way stage but with the teams immediately below having a game in hand there's still all to play for.
Leaders Bolehill Institute No 1 moved onto 29 points courtesy of a 5-0 home win over Matlock Club.

The scoreline may have been slightly flattering however as Ricki Slack took the opener on the pink, Simon Zoppi the third frame on the black and Ian Birks the fourth on a re-spotted black.

COLIN MARCHINGTON ... no sweat

Colin Marchington did not have to sweat quite so much as he won his singles and double frames (partnered by Andrew Brough in the latter) with a little more to spare.

Matlock Cons are a point behind, enhancing their already impressive home record with a 4-1 success over fellow challengers Belper Strutt Club No 1.

Jack Lynch and Nick Kay were undefeated in both frames they contested, with Charlie Hodgkinson striking the decisive blow whilst Paul Jarrett continued his good form to register the sole point for the visitors.

Belper Strutt No 2 edged out Edgefold Club 3-2 with Chris Stubbs and Neil Parkinson contesting the frame of the match, each compiling a break of 28 before Chris secured a 65-57 win.

It again came down to Stubbs and Dave Needham to secure victory in the concluding doubles after Needham had been pipped on the black earlier in the night by Richard Ferguson.

Elsewhere, Ricki Slack and Paul Ogden were invited to be part of a dozen-strong Derbyshire "B" team that saw off Nottinghamshire "B" 78-66 in Sneinton last week, with Ricki notching 8 wins and Paul an excellent 48 break. The event also saw ex league player Wade Morley remain undefeated with 12 straight wins.

League week 10 results: Bolehill Inst No 1 5, Matlock Club 0; Matlock Cons 4, Belper Strutt No 1 1; Belper Strutt No 2 3, Edgefold Matlock 2.
OMYA Cup Indiv Scr 3rd round: R Slack 2, I Peacock 0; M Gwynne-Jones 2,
C Marchington 0.
Breaks: R Slack 39; C Stubbs 28,25; N Parkinson 28; D Needham 20.

Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division
                                         P      W      L      Pts
Bolehill Institute No 1       9        8       1       29
Matlock Cons                   9        6       3       28
Edgefold Matlock             8        5       3       22
Belper Strutt No 1            8        4       4       22
Belper Strutt No 2            9        4       5       21
Bolehill Institute No 2       8        2       6       17
Matlock Club                    9        1       8       11
Leading breaks: M Taylor 50, C Parker 45.
Leading wins: R Slack 8; J Lynch & P Jarrett 7.

CHRIS 'n' DAVE SECURE BLACK BALL DERBY DECISION

CHRIS STUBBS helped steer the No 2 team to a thrilling  3-2 Strutt derby success.

THE latest round of  Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division fixtures saw the title race tighten up even further if that was possible with the Belper Strutt Club derby producing the most fireworks.
Mark Newby (22 break) and Paul Jarrett put the No 1 team on the cusp of victory by taking the opening two frames but a superb fight-back saw Dave Needham and then Chris Stubbs (breaks of 23 and 22) take their singles frames to level matters at 2-2.

And the latter pair then combined for a tense doubles frame success with Needham sinking the final black as they defeated Jarrett and Wayne Shooter 78-66.

Meanwhile Matlock Cons drew level with Bolehill Institute No 1 at the top by maintaining their unbeaten home record with a 3-2 win to inflict the first defeat of the season on the visitors.

Nick Kay, Charlie Hodgkinson and Richard Deakin sealed the deal before Ian Birks took both singles and doubles frames he was involved in to reduce the deficit.

MICK BUNTING of BOLEHILL No 2 compiled the weeks top break of 32.

Bolehill No 2 enjoyed a better fate as they scored a 4-1 success at Matlock Club, highlighted by a break of 32 from Mick Bunting in his 82-26 frame scoreline after Graeme Wood had set the home team on the right path in the opener.

League week 9 results: Belper Strutt No 1 2, Belper Strutt No 2 3; Matlock Cons 3, Bolehill Inst No 1 2; Matlock Club 1, Bolehill Inst No 2 4.
Breaks: M Bunting 32; R Slack 25; C Stubbs 23,22; M Newby 22; I Peacock 20.

Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division
                                         P      W      L      Pts
Bolehill Institute No 1       8        7       1       24
Matlock Cons                   8        5       3       24
Belper Strutt No 1            7        4       3       21
Edgefold Matlock             7        5       2       20
Belper Strutt No 2            8        3       5       18
Bolehill Institute No 2       8        2       6       17
Matlock Club                    8        1       7       11
Leading breaks: M Taylor 50, C Parker 45.
Leading wins: R Slack 7; J Lynch & P Jarrett 6.

NEW HANDICAP RATINGS

THE latest handicap adjustments are as follows:
Ricki Slack (Bolehill Institute No 1) goes from -20 to -25
Paul Ogden (Belper Strutt No 2) goes from -10 to -5
Graeme Wood (Matlock Club) goes from +5 to +10
Paul Bryan (Matlock Club) goes from +5 to +10

The above players have reached the trigger percentages for moving up or down a bracket so the new ratings will come into play with immediate effect (for any remaining competitions left to play).

If you wish to print out the full list of up to date handicap ratings, please click on the link on the right hand side of the webpage, thanks.

DALE ROAD DERBY SEES MATLOCK CLUB OFF THE MARK

PAUL HOLMES .... starring role for MATLOCK CLUB

IN A KEENLY contested  derby match between the two teams based on Dale Road, Matlock Club edged out Matlock Conservative Club 3-2 to register their opening strike in this seasons Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division.
Jack Lynch shaded the first on the black for the visitors to earn his sixth straight victory before Mick McFall produced a confident display to equalise.

Richard Deakin re-affirmed the advantage in the next but Paul Holmes made it 2-2 by defeating danger man Chris Parker 69-48 and then, partnered by Paul Bryan, secured a hard fought doubles frame to earn his team the spoils.

Bolehill Institute No 1 moved narrowly back to the top courtesy of yet another 3-2 win (their sixth in seven games) at home to Belper Strutt Club No 2.

The highest quality contest of the night saw Andrew Brough defeat Chris Stubbs on the pink after an excellent display of potting from both players.

Ian Birks (25 break) took the fourth frame with a twice-across double on the black to make the game safe before Paul Ogden took blue, pink and black in the concluding doubles frame to reduce the deficit after a marathon battle which swung to and fro.

Edgefold Club remain hot on the leaders' heels, also triumphing by the minimum margin in their game at Bolehill No 2.

Robert Muxlow and Duncan Harwood won both their singles and doubles events for the visitors while Martin Forster and Mick Bunting were on target for the hosts.

League week 8 results: Matlock Club 3, Matlock Cons 2; Bolehill Inst No 1 3, Belper Strutt No 2 2; Bolehill Inst No 2 2, Edgefold Matlock 3.
Breaks: I Birks 25.

Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division
                                         P      W      L      Pts
Bolehill Institute No 1       7        7       0       22
Matlock Cons                   7       4       3        21
Edgefold Matlock             7        5       2       20
Belper Strutt No 1            6        4       2       19
Belper Strutt No 2            7        2       5       15
Bolehill Institute No 2       7        1       6       13
Matlock Club                    7        1       6       10
Leading breaks: M Taylor 50, C Parker 45.
Leading wins: R Slack 7; J Lynch 6; M Taylor & P Jarrett 5.

TRIO OF TEAMS LOCKED TOGETHER IN TIGHT TITLE RACE

RICHARD FERGUSON ... successful return to action for EDGEFOLD CLUB

WITH three teams on level points at the top it looks like being one of the closest fought title races for years in this season's Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division.
Belper Strutt No 1 looked in pole position to take over the mantle of outright league leaders this week but Matlock's Edgefold Club had other ideas and secured a 4-1 away win to move within two points of the leading trio themselves.

Duncan Harwood ended Paul Jarrett's unbeaten run in the first and Martyn Taylor quickly followed this up by defeating Wayne Shooter on a re-spotted black.

Mark Newby pulled one back, holding Rob Muxlow scoreless in frame three but Richard Ferguson on his seasonal debut made the game safe in the fourth.

And the icing on the cake was a black ball win in the doubles courtesy of the decisive pot from Neil Parkinson.

Bolehill No 1 were inactive this week but saw a third contender join them on 19 points as Matlock Cons took a 3-2 victory off Bolehill No 2.

IAN CRESSWELL ... convincing victory for veteran cueist

Veteran Ian Cresswell scored a convincing opening frame success for the hosts and Ian Peacock made it 2-0 before the fightback materialised.

Chris Drabble shaded the third before Jack Lynch (still undefeated) equalised and then edged the concluding doubles frame partnered by Nick Kay.

Belper Strutt No 2 defeated Matlock Club 4-1 with Chris Stubbs (36 break) getting the ton up though Paul Ogden's 38 break still wasn't quite enough for him personally as Paul Holmes' black ball victory made sure the visitors didn't go home empty handed.

League week 7 results: Belper Strutt No 1 1, Edgefold Matlock 4; Bolehill Inst No 2 2, Matlock Cons 3; Belper Strutt No 2 4, Matlock Club 1.
Breaks: P Ogden 38; C Stubbs 36; C Drabble 22.

Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division
                                         P      W      L      Pts
Bolehill Institute No 1       6        6       0       19
Belper Strutt No 1            6        4       2       19
Matlock Cons                   6        4       2       19
Edgefold Matlock             6        4        2      17
Belper Strutt No 2            6        2       4       13
Bolehill Institute No 2       6        1       5       11
Matlock Club                    6        0       6         7
Leading breaks: M Taylor 50, C Parker 45.
Leading wins: R Slack 6; J Lynch, M Taylor & P Jarrett 5.

DRAWS FOR COMPETITIONS - DECEMBER AND JANUARY

THE draws for the early rounds of the competitions were made recently at Bolehill Institute on the morning of Sunday November 19th.
As agreed by the committee, dates will be put on the matches again this season, though you can play them in advance of the set date by mutual agreement.

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.

Matches to be played off the latest handicaps on the scheduled date of the ties (if any are delayed and handicaps change subsequently, the original match handicap will stand).

OMYA CUP (INDIVIDUAL SCRATCH COMPETITION) 3rd round (1st proper)

Best of 3 frames - all off Scratch - 7.30pm
Tue Dec 10: I Peacock (Bolehill Inst No 2) v R Slack (Bolehill Inst No 1)
Wed Dec 11: M Gwynne-Jones (Bolehill No 2) v C Marchington (Bolehill No 1)
All other entries receive byes to quarter finals. 

CHRISTMAS SHOOTOUT NIGHT @ JAXX Q CLUB, BELPER
TUESDAY DECEMBER 17th @ 7.30pm - ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR!
£5 entry all inc. for Individual, Speed & Scotch Doubles Comps (6 Reds)
Just turn up on the night (Draws to take place @ 7.30pm)
featuring The Alan Hopkinson Memorial Trophy, The Eddie Lomas Speed Snooker Challenge and The George Mills Scotch Doubles Trophy
(all handicapped)
Come and give it a go if you haven't already, the more the merrier!
Now open to all past and present Darley Dale & District League players.

INDIVIDUAL HANDICAP First Round
Best of 3 Frames - Normal League Handicaps to apply - 7.30pm
Mon Jan 06: P Holmes (Matlock Club) v K Holmes (Belper Strutt No 1)
Mon Jan 06: N Parkinson (Edgefold Matlock) v P Ogden (Belper Strutt No 2)
Tue Jan 07: R Muxlow (Edgefold Matlock) v R Slack (Bolehill Inst No 1)
Wed Jan 08: M Taylor (Edgefold Matlock) v N Kay (Matlock Cons)
All other entries receive byes to quarter finals.

BOB McCARTIN CUP (TEAM SIX RED COMPETITION) Semi Finals

As agreed previously venues are as drawn due to limited number of rounds

Best of 7 frames - 7.30pm - Half of Normal League Handicaps to apply rounded up
Four singles frames and three scotch doubles frames  (alternate shots) 
No player to play more than one singles or two scotch doubles per match
(Same pairing cannot be used twice in scotch doubles)
Mon Jan 06: Bolehill Institute No 1 v Matlock Cons
Wed Jan 08: Belper Strutt No 1 v Belper Strutt No 2 

CAPTAINS CUP (TEAM AGGREGATE COMPETITION) Quarter Finals
5 Frames Played to a finish - Total Aggregate Points to decide
Mon Jan 13: Bolehill Institute No 1 v Matlock Club
Mon Jan 13: Edgefold Matlock v Matlock Cons
Wed Jan 15: Belper Strutt No 1 v Belper Strutt No 2
Bye: Bolehill Institute No 2.

DENIS MORTON TROPHY (PAIRS HANDICAP) First Round
Best of 3 Frames - 7.30pm - Normal League Handicaps to apply
Tue Jan 14: I Peacock / M Forster (Bolehill 2) v S Bullock / M Newby (Strutt 1)
All other entries receive byes to quarter finals.

"B" (INTERMEDIATE)  INDIVIDUAL HANDICAP First Round
Best of 3 Frames - 7.30pm - Normal League Handicaps to apply
Wed Jan 22: K Manlove (Matlock Club) v N Kay (Matlock Cons)
All other entries receive byes to quarter finals.

STRUTT No 1 NARROW GAP AFTER MAXIMUM POINTS HAUL

PAUL JARRETT made it five wins out of five personally for BELPER STRUTT CLUB No 1.

THE gap between the teams at the top of the Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division closed to just a single point this week as Belper Strutt Club No 1 played host to Bolehill Institute No 2 and scored a 5-0 success.
There was no initial sign that it was going to be anything other than a very tough game early doors as Ian Cresswell forced home team captain Steve Bullock to a re-spotted black but once the latter took it, the floodgates opened.

Paul Jarrett maintained his unbeaten run this season with a narrow victory in frame two and then Wayne Shooter and Mark Newby quickly added two more rather more convincingly.

With black nestling over the pocket in the concluding doubles frame, if Cresswell's double on pink  had struck gold there would have been some consolation for the visitors but unfortunately for him it narrowly missed the target and eventually Strutt secured the maximum haul.

Bolehill No 1 hold on to a tenuous advantage at the top after winning 3-2 at Matlock's Edgefold Club, though this will most likely soon change as they have a week off upcoming.

Ricki Slack took the first on the pink against Duncan Harwood thanks to a twice-across double after a very tight battle that was in the balance throughout.

Then Martyn Taylor produced one of the frames of the season to equalise, notching breaks of 50, 33 and 24 to score a century points haul before Colin Marchington (with a black ball success) and Ian Birks restored the advantage.

Taylor and Rob Muxlow (24 break) reduced the arrears thereafter in the doubles.

League week 6 results: Belper Strutt No 1 5, Bolehill Inst No 2 0; Edgefold Matlock 2, Bolehill Inst No 1 3; Matlock Cons v Belper Strutt No 2 postponed (match claimed 5-0 due to less than the stipulated 24hrs notice being given, as in rule 31, upheld by majority verdict of the disputes committee).

Breaks: M Taylor 50,33,24; R Muxlow 24; M Newby 22.

Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division
                                         P      W      L      Pts
Bolehill Institute No 1       6        6       0       19
Belper Strutt No 1            5        4       1       18
Matlock Cons                   5        3       2       16
Edgefold Matlock             5        3        2       13
Belper Strutt No 2            5        1       4         9
Bolehill Institute No 2       5        1       4         9
Matlock Club                    5        0       5         6
Leading breaks: M Taylor 50, C Parker 45.
Leading wins: R Slack 6; P Jarrett 5.

MATLOCK CLUB THWARTED AS EDGEFOLD STORM BACK

DUNCAN HARWOOD took both his singles and doubles frames for Edgefold Club.

MATLOCK Club were denied their opening victory in this years Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division when Edgefold Club came from 2-1 down to take the spoils by the minimum margin on Dale Road.
Duncan Harwood edged the first frame on the black for the visitors before Keith Manlove and Mick McFall put the hosts into a narrow advantage.

However, Martyn Taylor, with breaks of 26 and 21 sent the match into a decider and Harwood stepped up to the plate again, partnered by Rob Muxlow, to ensure victory for his team.

Belper Strutt No 2 team did manage to register their opening league win, however, 4-1 at Bolehill Institute No 2 to follow up their cup success of last week.

Adam Winson's return to the fold has been a big factor, as he was successful in both singles and doubles frames, though Chris Stubbs' black-ball decider in frame four was the decisive blow.

Martin Forster secured the only point for the home team despite Paul Ogden scoring a break of 25 against him.

In the top of the table encounter, Bolehill No 1 edged out Belper Strutt No 1 3-2.

Simon Zoppi had taken the fourth frame on the black to make the game safe before Steve Bullock, partnered by Paul Jarrett, took pink and black in the concluding doubles frame to reduce the arrears.

League week 5 results: Matlock Club 2, Edgefold Matlock 3; Bolehill Inst No 2 1, Belper Strutt No 2 4; Bolehill Inst No 1 3, Belper Strutt No 1 2.
Breaks: M Taylor 26,21; P Ogden 25; C Marchington 22.

Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division
                                         P      W      L      Pts
Bolehill Institute No 1       5        5       0       16
Belper Strutt No 1            4        3       1       13
Edgefold Matlock             4        3       1       11
Matlock Cons                   4        2       2       11
Belper Strutt No 2            4        1       3         9
Bolehill Institute No 2       4        1       3         9
Matlock Club                    5        0       5         6
Leading breaks: C Parker 45, M Taylor 40.
Leading wins: R Slack 5; P Jarrett 4.

BELPER STRUTT No 2 PULL OFF STUNNING COMEBACK

DAVE NEEDHAM was instrumental in one of the biggest turnarounds in Six Red Cup history.

BELPER STRUTT No 2 team pulled off one of the biggest comebacks in the short history of the Bob McCartin Six Red Cup when in the opening round, they came from 0-3 down to defeat Matlock's Edgefold Club 4-3.
The visitors had raced clear in the early frames, as Martyn Taylor, Richard Ferguson and Duncan Harwood all registered victories to take them to the brink of success.

However, Adam Winson, making his seasonal debut, took the remaining singles frame, and then Winson again, partnered by Chris Stubbs, pulled another back with a convincing 39-1 success in the first of the scotch doubles.

When Dave Needham and Stubbs edged out Ferguson and Neil Parkinson on the black to equalise the place was rocking and ultimately Needham and Winson were in no mood to be denied in the decider with the momentum with them.

Belper Strutt No 1 defeated Bolehill Institute No 2 5-2 with Mark Newby and Wayne Shooter undefeated in both their singles and scotch doubles frames while Mick Bunting was involved in both registers for the vanquished.

And in the other match Bolehill No 1 travelled to Matlock Club and scored a 6-1 triumph though three frames were won on the black, including decisive singles legs by Simon Zoppi, and Andrew Brough, who produced a timely 22 clearance to steal.

Chris Woodhouse and Keith Manlove scored a scotch doubles success for the hosts.

Bob McCartin Six Red Cup quarter finals: Belper Strutt No 2 4, Edgefold Matlock 3; Belper Strutt No 1 5, Bolehill Inst No 2 2; Matlock Club 1, Bolehill Inst No 1 6. Bye: Matlock Cons.
Breaks: R Slack 22, A Brough 22, C Stubbs 21.

TEAM SEMI VENUES WILL BE AS DRAWN FOR CUP COMPS

AS THE first of the team cup competitions get underway this week, just to outline the plans further ahead.
As there are a limited number of rounds (and venues for that matter) this season, the semi finals of the team competitions will be as drawn (i.e. home or away) with the finals as usual being at a neutral venue.
This will enable more teams the chance to stage a home game at some stage during the competitions and is in line with what happens in the billiards format with similar numbers.
The individual and doubles competitions will still be neutral semi finals and finals as per usual.

BOLEHILL No 1 MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RUN IN LOCAL DERBY

RICKI SLACK ... don't let the shirt put you off!

THE tightest match of this week's Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division came courtesy of a thrilling Bolehill Institute derby, where the No 1 team edged out the No 2 outfit by the minimum margin to remain unbeaten.
Ricki Slack continued his decent form from the previous week with breaks of 30 and 28 to set his team on the right path but Martin Forster quickly equalised with a controlled display of his own.

Colin Marchington then made it 2-1 with a ready success but Mick Bunting made sure of a decider with a "Drago-like" potting exhibition to level up again.

But ultimately it was the No 1 team who earned local bragging rights when, already leading by 11, Ricki, partnered by Andrew Brough, took the pink with the rest in a tense doubles finale.

STEVE BULLOCK played a captains role for Belper Strutt No 1.

Belper Strutt No 1 also extended their winning run, this time 4-1 at Matlock Club as Steve Bullock notched a 29 break whilst top scoring before Keith Manlove and Mick McFall earned a point for the hosts in the concluding doubles frame.

Edgefold Club had two fixtures this week due to a previous cancellation, and they had mixed fortunes, defeating Belper Strutt No 2 4-1 then going under to Matlock Cons by the same scoreline.

Robert Muxlow (23 break) was in fine form in the first encounter though only Jason Ankers managed to register in the latter contest, where Jack Lynch (29 break) and Richard Deakin were outstanding for the hosts.

League week 4 results: Bolehill Inst No 1 3, Bolehill Inst No 2 2; Matlock Club 1, Belper Strutt No 1 4; Edgefold Matlock 4, Belper Strutt No 2 1; Matlock Cons 4, Edgefold Matlock 1.
Breaks: R Slack 30,28; S Bullock 29; J Lynch 29; R Muxlow 23.

Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division
                                         P      W      L      Pts
Bolehill Institute No 1       4        4       0       13
Belper Strutt No 1            3        3       0       11
Matlock Cons                   4        2       2       11
Edgefold Matlock             3        2       1         8
Bolehill Institute No 2       3        1       2         8
Belper Strutt No 2            3        0       3         5
Matlock Club                    4        0       4         4
Leading breaks: C Parker 45, M Taylor 40.
Leading wins: R Slack 4; J Lynch, P Jarrett & C Parker 3.

WAYNE SHOOTS BELPER STRUTT No 1 TO SECOND WIN

WAYNE SHOOTER ... pivotal win for Belper Strutt Club No 1

LAST season's B Division champions Belper Strutt Club No 1 have made a fine start to life in the Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division, as they secured a 4-1 home success over Matlock Conservative Club to make it two wins out of two.
Jack Lynch, also renowned as a very talented golfer, struck first for the visitors, but from thereon the home side moved into overdrive.

Paul Jarrett equalised before Wayne Shooter ended the unbeaten run of Chris Parker with a 66-43 win in frame three.

New signing Kevin Holmes then made the game safe after which captain Steve Bullock and Jarrett edged a narrow doubles frame verdict at the end to complete an impressive win.

Bolehill Institute No 1 moved to the top of the table with their third outright win, also 4-1 at Matlock Club.

Ricki Slack had breaks of 35 and 30 in the concluding doubles frame after he, Simon Zoppi and a black ball win from Andrew Brough (from well adrift) had ensured victory with singles verdicts earlier in the night.

Keith Manlove struck for the home team to pull one back.

League week 3 results: Belper Strutt No 1 4, Matlock Cons 1; Matlock Club 1, Bolehill Institute No 1 4; Edgefold v Belper Strutt Club No 2 match postponed.
Breaks: R Slack 35,30.

Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division
                                         P      W      L      Pts
Bolehill Institute No 1       3        3       0       10
Belper Strutt No 1            2        2       0         7
Matlock Cons                   3        1       2         7
Bolehill Institute No 2       2        1       1         6
Belper Strutt No 2            2        0       2         4
Edgefold Matlock             1        1       0         3
Matlock Club                    3        0       3         3
Leading breaks: C Parker 45, M Taylor 40.

CHRIS TURNS ON THE STYLE BUT BOLEHILL TAKE SPOILS

CHRIS PARKER ... quality 45 break at Bolehill

THE second round of league fixtures in the Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division saw Matlock Conservative Club travelling to Bolehill Institute No 1 as early season pacesetters after the opening weeks results.
Nick Kay continued the good work by sneaking the first frame on the black against the hosts' Simon Zoppi. Prospects had looked bleak when he found himself 23 adrift with just the colours on but a well laid snooker after potting the last red proved the catalyst for a great comeback.

Ricki Slack then engineered his own turnaround, from 40 adrift against experienced campaigner Charlie Hodgkinson, to eventually take the frame on the blue 68-52 for 1-1.

Chris Parker has started the season in fine form however and a contribution of 45 took him to the top of the early season breaks chart, as well as eventually securing the frame to put the visitors 2-1 ahead despite some battling play in adversity towards the end from Andrew Brough.

With the game swinging to and fro, Ian Birks equalised at 2-2 with an excellent all round display before he and Ricki took the deciding doubles frame 54-16 for a hard fought 3-2 success.

Bolehill No 2 team also scored a useful win, 4-1 at home to Matlock Club, with Ian Peacock, Martin Forster and Mick Bunting making the game safe in the opening three frames before Paul Holmes hit back in his first appearance of the season for the visitors.

Elsewhere,in the Belper Strutt Club derby, the No 1 team edged out the No 2 team 3-2 to open their campaign in a positive manner as Steve Bullock and Kevin Holmes took the deciding doubles frame.

League week 2 results: Bolehill Inst No 1 3, Matlock Cons 2; Bolehill Inst No 2 4, Matlock Club 1; Belper Strutt No 2 2, Belper Strutt No 1 3.
Breaks: C Parker 45.

Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division
                                         P      W      L      Pts
Bolehill Institute No 1       2        2       0         6 
Bolehill Institute No 2       2        1       1         6
Matlock Cons                   2        1       1         6
Belper Strutt No 2            2        0       2         4
Belper Strutt No 1            1        1       0         3
Edgefold Matlock             1        1       0         3
Matlock Club                    2        0       2         2
Leading breaks: C Parker 45, M Taylor 40.

"THE WIZARD OF OZ" STEERS EDGEFOLD TO OPENING WIN

FAIR DINKUM as MARTYN TAYLOR tops the breaks chart.

THE opening week's fixtures of the newly sponsored Highfields Farm Butchers Premier Division saw the highest handicapped players confirm their class as they already hold first and second positions in the highest break chart.
Globe-trotting cueist Martyn Taylor returned as good as ever from a year away in Australia with a contribution of 40 as Edgefold Club saw off visitors Bolehill Institute No 2 3-2, supplemented by wins from Robert Muxlow and Neil Parkinson.

STEVEN MELLOR returned to the baize with a narrow win.

Bolehill were game in defeat however, and Steven Mellor, putting in a rare appearance, took the fourth frame on the black before Mick Bunting and Martin Forster (23 break) scored a century points haul in the concluding doubles.

Chris Parker notched a run of 35 as Matlock Conservative Club celebrated their return to league action with a 4-1 success over Matlock Club for whom Keith Manlove was on target.

In the other match, Bolehill No 1 edged a 3-2 scoreline at Belper Strutt No 2.

Chris Stubbs put the hosts ahead before a trio of wins from Ricki Slack, Colin Marchington and Ian Birks put the game to bed. Dave Needham produced an impressive potting performance in the doubles frame to reduce the arrears.

League week 1 results: Edgefold Matlock 3, Bolehill Institute No 2 2; Belper Strutt No 2 2, Bolehill Institute No 1 3; Matlock Cons 4, Matlock Club 1.
Breaks: M Taylor 40; C Parker 35; M Forster 23; R Slack 23; N Kay 22;
C Marchington 21.

ADDITIONAL PLAYER REGISTRATIONS

JUST to confirm additional registrations since the sheets went out:
PAUL OGDEN (Belper Strutt No 2; off -10)
PAUL BRYAN (Matlock Club; off +5)
RICHARD DEAKIN (Matlock Cons; off -5,  was initially erroneously registered under R Ruck)

Players who have not played in the league before or who have an absence of a number of years will be re-assessed in the interests of fairness after 4 or 5 games if necessary, cheers.

OMYA CUP INDIVIDUAL AND BOB McCARTIN TEAM DRAWS

OMYA CUP (OPEN INDIVIDUAL SCRATCH) Preliminary Rounds
Best of 3 frames - all off levels -
played "in house" initially down to 2 qualifiers for main draw

EDGEFOLD CLUB
Mon Sep 23 7.00: Duncan Harwood v Neil Parkinson
Mon Sep 23 8.15: Martyn Taylor v Robert Muxlow
Winners of above matches both qualify for main draw

BOLEHILL INSTITUTE No 1
Mon Sep 23 7.00: Ricki Slack v Simon Zoppi
Mon Sep 23 8.15: Andrew Brough v Colin Marchington
Winners of above matches both qualify for main draw

BOLEHILL INSTITUTE No 2
Wed Sep 25 7.00: Ian Peacock v Mick Bunting
Wed Sep 25 8.15: Martin Forster v Mark Gwynne-Jones
Winners of above matches both qualify for main draw

BELPER STRUTT CLUB No 1
Mon Sep 23 7.00: Wayne Shooter v Paul Jarrett
Mon Sep 23 8.15: Justin Weller v Steve Bullock
followed by
Mon Sep 30 7.00: W Shooter or P Jarrett v Mark Newby
Mon Sep 30 8.15: J Weller or S Bullock v Kevin Holmes
Winners of above 2 matches both qualify for main draw

MATLOCK CONSERVATIVE CLUB
have nominated Chris Parker for the main draw

Teams not taking part in the qualifying stage can nominate up to a maximum of two registered players up to closing date of Saturday, November 16th.

BOB McCARTIN CUP (TEAM SIX RED COMPETITION) Quarter Final
Best of 7 frames - 7.30pm - Half of Normal League Handicaps to apply rounded up

Four singles frames and three scotch doubles frames  (alternate shots) 
Straight knockout this year
No player to play more than one singles or two scotch doubles per match
(Same pairing cannot be used twice in scotch doubles)
Mon Oct 28: Belper Strutt Club No 1 v Bolehill Institute No 2
Mon Oct 28: Matlock Club v Bolehill Institute No 1
Wed Oct 30: Belper Strutt Club No 2 v Edgefold Club Matlock
Bye: Matlock Conservative Club

N.B. Please record any scotch doubles breaks of note (no monetary prize) but the winners will receive the old pairs trophy the Presidents Cup for a year (note that the award will be to the overall top break in either this competition or the Christmas shootout pairs event, whichever is the highest).