ANDREW THE SHOOTOUT SPECIALIST STRIKES YET AGAIN!

ANDREW HAGGARTY ... speed king

CLAY CROSS BROTHERHOOD took centre stage as a new venue for the annual Christmas Shootout night but as sure as night follows day, again it was Alfreton Palmer Morewood's Andrew Haggarty who confirmed himself as the ultimate Yuletide specialist by taking the Eddie Lomas Trophy for an incredible FIFTH time as well as lifting the Alan Hopkinson Trophy for a second time, having also done the same double back in 2016.
An excellent turnout of 26, only two short of last season's record breaking entry, convened upon Broadleys for the trio of quickfire handicap knockout competitions, comprising of six red singles and scotch doubles handicaps and the popular speed test of clearing of the colours in head to head rounds (also handicapped).
Andrew Haggarty was clear favourite beforehand for the speed event having already tasted glory in 2016, 2017, 2021 and 2022 and his chances were enhanced after receiving a bye in the opening round with his opponent having to leave early (maybe he had heard of his reputation!)
After this wins over Ricki Slack, John Smith and Jack Lowe saw him to the final against  Alfreton No2's Paul Sainsbury, who himself had come through with flying colours defeating Brian Fullard, John Roseman, Ian McKay and Callum Greenfield.
But in the final showdown, experience counted and the cool approach of Haggarty won the day with something to spare, making it a fantastic nap hand in the event as the owls began to hoot Christmas tunes outside.

The victor was already floating on cloud nine, having taking the main singles event earlier in the evening, where he came up against local favourite Lee Hage in the final.
Haggarty had defeated Reece Johnstone, Duane Parsons and Matt Large to reach the big stage after receiving a first round bye while opponent Hage had come through against John Smith, Duncan Harwood, Rob Muxlow and Steve Bullock.
Hage held the advantage with pink and black left but a fine long pot from the Alfreton cueman left it resting on the final ball, and despite a perfectly adequate safety riposte from the home town player, Haggarty cut the black sublimely into the corner pocket from long range to cheers from his supportive team-mates.

COLE SMITH and SCOTT BROOKS, pairs champs

A great day for the Alfreton Palmer Morewood No1 team was rounded off when youngster Cole Smith partnered Edgefold No 2's Scott Brooks to victory in the George Mills Trophy for the scotch doubles.
Wins over the Jack Lowe/Steve Bullock, Ricki Slack/Conrad Spencer and Roy Taylor/Alex Fisher combinations saw them into the final up against local boys Callum Greenfield and Andrew Bailey of Clay Cross No2 team.
The latter pair had overcome Rob Muxlow and Martin Barwick plus Reece Johnstone and Brian Fullard after a first round bye.
However, Brooks and Smith took control on the colours in the final showdown and leaving their opponents needing a snooker on pink and black, they eventually entered the winners roster for the first time each in this event.

Thanks to everyone who turned out to make it the night it was, once again plenty of stamina was required as ever, plus a big thank you to Clay Cross Brotherhood for hosting and Duncan Waring for his excellent organisation.

Happy New Year to all players and officials of the League and may the force be with you in 2026!

Alan Hopkinston Trophy (6 reds individual handicap): winner, Andrew Haggarty (Alfreton Palmer Morewood No1), runner-up, Lee Hage (Clay Cross Brotherhood No1).
Eddie Lomas Trophy (clearing the colours, head to heads with handicap): winner, Andrew Haggarty (Alfreton Palmer Morewood No1), runner-up, Paul Sainsbury (Alfreton Palmer Morewood No2).
George Mills Trophy (6 reds random draw pairs, scotch doubles handicap): winners, Scott Brooks (Edgefold No2) and Cole Smith (Alfreton Palmer Morewood No1), runners-up, Callum Greenfield and Andrew Bailey (Clay Cross Brotherhood No2).