JUST a quick reminder that the Annual General Meeting for this year will be held at Matlock Conservative Club on Thursday July 18th (7.45pm).
All clubs and teams are strongly advised to be represented with a number of issues to be voted upon.
Saturday, 13 July 2013
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
BEN AND ANDREW POCKET LAST TROPHY OF SEASON
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| ANDREW GRATTON and BEN MONK proved too strong in the Hartshorne Cup final. |
Ben took the opening frame aided by a 36 break en route to a 79-21 verdict over Jimmy before Andrew increased the advantage, defeating Hannah 82-17 with a run of 41.
Jimmy then pulled a frame back, overcoming his brother Andrew 60-18 but Ben was taking no prisoners on the evening and in another polished display he finished with a 77-34 triumph over Hannah to pocket another trophy for the Marehay powerhouses.
Hartshorne Cup 2-man team final: Ben Monk / Andrew Gratton (Marehay Miners Welfare) 3, Jimmy Gratton / Hannah Jones (Jaxx Q Club Belper) 1.
Breaks: A Gratton 41, B Monk 36.
Friday, 31 May 2013
AGM DATE AND NEWS FROM END OF SEASON MEETING
The date for the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING has been set and will be on THURSDAY, JULY 18th (7.45pm) at MATLOCK CONSERVATIVE CLUB.
It is ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT that all teams are represented at this meeting as there are some very significant issues to address taking the league forward.
So if captains or club representatives can't attend please send a replacement instead so we can have a meaningful voting platform on the night.
The end of season meeting recently was to hand out the final statistics to those who don't have online access and also to review the season and address any issues that arose.
The match secretary said it had been a good competitive season on the snooker front though inputting of results didn't go quite as smoothly as the previous season, with a few occasions where sheets had to be chased up having been left on club premises from the match night, but on the whole most teams were on the ball which was very helpful and thanks were passed on accordingly.
Something which might help is upgrading the league phone so that captains can take and transmit snapshots of the scoresheet on the night of the match which would speed up inputting considerably if it could be achieved.
And would certainly be of some use in one instance as Matlock Cons Club are hoping to enter a team with home nights on Fridays next season (as the weekly report usually goes to press on Saturday); teams will be canvassed over the close season as to whether they think this would be problematical for them or not.
Also there had been a number of postponements in cup matches which had delayed some of them quite substantially and again this was something that makes it difficult for everyone concerned and so it was hoped we could return to the much smoother process of the previous season.
The match secretary pointed out that he did try to avoid clashing dates with players involved in other leagues but sometimes the same courtesy wasn't extended in return and one such occurence led to a long delay of a 2-man team event when our date had been the first on the calendar (the problem being that the opposition team had specifically asked for the match to be no later than that particular week due to oncoming holidays). Though with the other leagues committee in a state of transition at the time, it was felt it was perhaps just circumstances dictating on this occasion.
On a related note a team final had been cancelled at late notice apparently due to lack of players on one teams behalf but again there was a clashing match in another league on the same date and nothing had been said until very late the previous evening (despite the final date being set well in advance).
As the travelling distance between the venues was negligable, it was hoped if a similar situation occurred in the future both fixtures could be honoured or else enough notice given to the team's other squad players to obtain a replacement or two well in advance with prior planning.
The match secretary said the best system was usually to ask everyone if they can play on the date in question at the previous game and if all are OK its pretty much job done without any hassle.
There had also been a proposal by a couple of clubs that advanced or 'high-rated' players should play a stipulated number of league games from the start of the previous season to show their commitment before being eligible to compete in the competitions, being as a percentage of the league match fees does go towards the prize money pot nowadays.
Though it was also felt those novice and intermediate players who are registered as reserves who can't force their way into a team should remain unaffected if any rule change did occur as it would be doubly unfair to deny them playing opportunities still further.
The nearest situation found to a previous vote on this was when Nigel Bond was entering the competitions having just ceased playing in the League and it was passed by a single vote that he be allowed to continue, though I think he voluntarily moved on to bigger fish very shortly afterwards!
Plus a new issue cropped up where a player who is barred from a club gets drawn there in one of the competitions.
Nothing is covered in the rules regarding this, so we need a clear procedure to go through, as in this case it was a doubles competition I think playing on a neutral venue would probably be fairest here but perhaps with some compensation for losing home advantage (maybe moving on to the next handicap bracket for the one match).
But as it was, no alternative date could be fixed and the pair who should have played at home ended up conceding the game which was clearly unsatisfactory.
So these are all issues that need to be addressed at the AGM, as well as electing committee positions, and any other proposals clubs may put forward in the interim (need to be tabled at least 2 weeks in advance of the meeting date).
On other issues it was noted that the minutes had been scrutinised and it was found that if the league is tied, it should now be decided on most wins, followed by head to head in the meeting between the two teams. This had been passed by 6 votes to 2 at a previous meeting some years ago but had not been updated in the rules which still pointed to a play off if level.
Similarly, if there is a tie for most wins in the individual ranks, highest percentage takes the top prize (voted on at the same meeting).
It was also agreed that if a player reaches the semi finals or further in a cup competition after going down in the handicap during the same season, he may be liable to return to his original mark with immediate effect to take into account his form in any such competition as well as the league (at the discretion of the committee).
The snooker prizes were presented on final nights this season with photos distributed to the local press, which was generally well received and the billiards presentation night will be at Whitworth Institute on Saturday, July 13th.
The one snooker prize still to play for, the Hartshorne Cup, can be presented at the AGM if necessary with it having been delayed into June.
It was also suggested that if the Hartshorne - traditionally attracting the smallest field - failed to fulfil the minimum number of entries (8) we could use that award for one of the league trophies, for which the A and B Division Shields were rather cumbersome and now looked rather dated.
As it was if we dipped under 5 teams in each Division, which was this years number, would we be able to run a separate B League anyhow? - this was another question to ponder.
Finally those present who took part said they really enjoyed the recent Inter League Cup match against Hope Valley and Buxton at Eyam and it was hoped to make it a regular event, either home and away at start and end of season or at the conclusion of each season with each League having alternate home advantage.
Present at meeting: R Slack (snooker match sec, Bolehill Inst); J McCann (billiards match sec, Whitworth Inst); R Lowe (chairman, Tansley Potters);
N Parkinson (Edgefold); C Parker and C Hodgkinson (Matlock Golf Club);
D Pownall (Belper Strutt Club); S O'Sullivan (Hartington RBL) and B Monk (Marehay Miners Welfare).
It is ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT that all teams are represented at this meeting as there are some very significant issues to address taking the league forward.
So if captains or club representatives can't attend please send a replacement instead so we can have a meaningful voting platform on the night.
The end of season meeting recently was to hand out the final statistics to those who don't have online access and also to review the season and address any issues that arose.
The match secretary said it had been a good competitive season on the snooker front though inputting of results didn't go quite as smoothly as the previous season, with a few occasions where sheets had to be chased up having been left on club premises from the match night, but on the whole most teams were on the ball which was very helpful and thanks were passed on accordingly.
Something which might help is upgrading the league phone so that captains can take and transmit snapshots of the scoresheet on the night of the match which would speed up inputting considerably if it could be achieved.
And would certainly be of some use in one instance as Matlock Cons Club are hoping to enter a team with home nights on Fridays next season (as the weekly report usually goes to press on Saturday); teams will be canvassed over the close season as to whether they think this would be problematical for them or not.
Also there had been a number of postponements in cup matches which had delayed some of them quite substantially and again this was something that makes it difficult for everyone concerned and so it was hoped we could return to the much smoother process of the previous season.
The match secretary pointed out that he did try to avoid clashing dates with players involved in other leagues but sometimes the same courtesy wasn't extended in return and one such occurence led to a long delay of a 2-man team event when our date had been the first on the calendar (the problem being that the opposition team had specifically asked for the match to be no later than that particular week due to oncoming holidays). Though with the other leagues committee in a state of transition at the time, it was felt it was perhaps just circumstances dictating on this occasion.
On a related note a team final had been cancelled at late notice apparently due to lack of players on one teams behalf but again there was a clashing match in another league on the same date and nothing had been said until very late the previous evening (despite the final date being set well in advance).
As the travelling distance between the venues was negligable, it was hoped if a similar situation occurred in the future both fixtures could be honoured or else enough notice given to the team's other squad players to obtain a replacement or two well in advance with prior planning.
The match secretary said the best system was usually to ask everyone if they can play on the date in question at the previous game and if all are OK its pretty much job done without any hassle.
There had also been a proposal by a couple of clubs that advanced or 'high-rated' players should play a stipulated number of league games from the start of the previous season to show their commitment before being eligible to compete in the competitions, being as a percentage of the league match fees does go towards the prize money pot nowadays.
Though it was also felt those novice and intermediate players who are registered as reserves who can't force their way into a team should remain unaffected if any rule change did occur as it would be doubly unfair to deny them playing opportunities still further.
The nearest situation found to a previous vote on this was when Nigel Bond was entering the competitions having just ceased playing in the League and it was passed by a single vote that he be allowed to continue, though I think he voluntarily moved on to bigger fish very shortly afterwards!
Plus a new issue cropped up where a player who is barred from a club gets drawn there in one of the competitions.
Nothing is covered in the rules regarding this, so we need a clear procedure to go through, as in this case it was a doubles competition I think playing on a neutral venue would probably be fairest here but perhaps with some compensation for losing home advantage (maybe moving on to the next handicap bracket for the one match).
But as it was, no alternative date could be fixed and the pair who should have played at home ended up conceding the game which was clearly unsatisfactory.
So these are all issues that need to be addressed at the AGM, as well as electing committee positions, and any other proposals clubs may put forward in the interim (need to be tabled at least 2 weeks in advance of the meeting date).
On other issues it was noted that the minutes had been scrutinised and it was found that if the league is tied, it should now be decided on most wins, followed by head to head in the meeting between the two teams. This had been passed by 6 votes to 2 at a previous meeting some years ago but had not been updated in the rules which still pointed to a play off if level.
Similarly, if there is a tie for most wins in the individual ranks, highest percentage takes the top prize (voted on at the same meeting).
It was also agreed that if a player reaches the semi finals or further in a cup competition after going down in the handicap during the same season, he may be liable to return to his original mark with immediate effect to take into account his form in any such competition as well as the league (at the discretion of the committee).
The snooker prizes were presented on final nights this season with photos distributed to the local press, which was generally well received and the billiards presentation night will be at Whitworth Institute on Saturday, July 13th.
The one snooker prize still to play for, the Hartshorne Cup, can be presented at the AGM if necessary with it having been delayed into June.
It was also suggested that if the Hartshorne - traditionally attracting the smallest field - failed to fulfil the minimum number of entries (8) we could use that award for one of the league trophies, for which the A and B Division Shields were rather cumbersome and now looked rather dated.
As it was if we dipped under 5 teams in each Division, which was this years number, would we be able to run a separate B League anyhow? - this was another question to ponder.
Finally those present who took part said they really enjoyed the recent Inter League Cup match against Hope Valley and Buxton at Eyam and it was hoped to make it a regular event, either home and away at start and end of season or at the conclusion of each season with each League having alternate home advantage.
Present at meeting: R Slack (snooker match sec, Bolehill Inst); J McCann (billiards match sec, Whitworth Inst); R Lowe (chairman, Tansley Potters);
N Parkinson (Edgefold); C Parker and C Hodgkinson (Matlock Golf Club);
D Pownall (Belper Strutt Club); S O'Sullivan (Hartington RBL) and B Monk (Marehay Miners Welfare).
Thursday, 30 May 2013
JIMMY AND HANNAH IN FINAL DESPITE KEITH'S HEROICS
THE Hartshorne Cup 2-man team final has been delayed due to illness so will now probably be played in June, as it was already behind schedule prior to that due to the semi final being cancelled twice previously.
Jimmy Gratton and Hannah Jones will play Ben Monk and Andrew Gratton in the showdown to the event after they defeated Keith Manlove and Paul Holmes 3-2.
Keith won both his frames, while Hannah and Jimmy won one each, with the latter notching a 31 break to boot.
And in the deciding frame, the Jaxx duo clicked superbly to notch a match-winning contribution of 63 in the scotch doubles to put them in line to lift the Presidents Cup, the old pairs trophy which was recovered this year to be presented to the top break winners after being presumed lost for so long.
Hartshorne Cup 2-man team semi final: Jimmy Gratton / Hannah Jones (Jaxx) 3, Keith Manlove / Paul Holmes (Matlock Club) 2.
Breaks: J Gratton / H Jones 63 (scotch dbls); J Gratton 31.
 |
| KEITH MANLOVE won both his singles frames but couldn't quite tip the scales. |
Keith won both his frames, while Hannah and Jimmy won one each, with the latter notching a 31 break to boot.
And in the deciding frame, the Jaxx duo clicked superbly to notch a match-winning contribution of 63 in the scotch doubles to put them in line to lift the Presidents Cup, the old pairs trophy which was recovered this year to be presented to the top break winners after being presumed lost for so long.
Hartshorne Cup 2-man team semi final: Jimmy Gratton / Hannah Jones (Jaxx) 3, Keith Manlove / Paul Holmes (Matlock Club) 2.
Breaks: J Gratton / H Jones 63 (scotch dbls); J Gratton 31.
Thursday, 23 May 2013
MEETING AT MATLOCK CONS CLUB THURSDAY MAY 30th
END OF SEASON MEETING will be held at MATLOCK CONSERVATIVE CLUB on THURSDAY, MAY 30th @ 7.45pm. Please can club representatives try to attend if possible, business of meeting: to discuss any matters relevant to the past season and for next season, also end of season stats if required (also available at leaguesnooker.co.uk, see links at top of page).
EDGEFOLD COME UP TRUMPS TO LIFT JAEGER TROPHY AND INTER LEAGUE MATCH ENDS IN A THRILLING WIN
Belper Strutt Club No 1 had confirmed their top ranking in B Division by qualifying for the showdown while A Division No 4 seeds Edgefold Club had produced the goods when it matters by defeating Marehay and Bolehill No 1, both higher ranked teams along the way.
The opening frame saw Belper captain Steve Bullock taking on the unbeaten Jason Ankers, who came into the Matlock team late in the season but to good effect.
Steve started well, and despite sustaining an injury to his back when bridging over a ball early in the frame, looked set to take the spoils when potting the brown to seemingly give him a lead of 26pts with just 18 remaining.
Unfortunately though, the cue ball had other ideas and disappeared into an adjoining pocket which left the game back in the balance and Jason eventually took full advantage by taking blue, pink and black in one visit to complete a massive turnaround.
Robert Muxlow held off a late rally from Wayne Shooter in the next, eventually taking it on the pink for 2-0 before Mark Newby and Duncan Harwood's frame rested on the final black in the third.
And Duncan showed ice cool resolve to trickle the deciding ball right down the side cushion into the bottom pocket at dead weight speed to pull off the shot of the match and ensure Edgefold the cup before Paul Jarrett scored an academic win in frame four.
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| STEVE HAWKINS (left) and BEN MONK before the Inter League Cup final frame showdown as CHRIS PARKER who just prior to that had made it 6-6 looks on in the background. |
The team comprised of Ben Monk and Andrew Gratton, Ricki Slack, Dave Gastrell, Chris Parker and Chris Stubbs and things were looking rosy as the line-up raced into an early 4-1 lead.
The hosts fought back strongly to level at 4-4 however (Steven Blanchon potting a storming final black to take one of them) before Andrew Gratton nudged Darley Dale ahead again in the ninth.
Danny Homer and then a black ball win from Steve Hawkins put the home side ahead for the first time at 6-5 before Chris Parker turned on the style to level with breaks of 46 and 26 in the twelfth when the pressure was on.
And with both teams pulling balls out of the hat for the final frame decider, Darley Dale were more than happy to see Ben Monk's name come to the top of the pile and he didn't disappoint, knocking in breaks of 33 and 27 to take the spoils against Steve Hawkins for a 7-6 win.
Jaeger Trophy Champion of Champions play off final: Edgefold Matlock 3, Belper Strutt No 1 1 (at Matlock Golf Club).
Inter League Challenge Cup: Hope Valley & Buxton 6, Darley Dale & District 7 (at Eyam Mechanics Institute): D Homer 18 B Monk 80 (39) (0-1);
S Blanchon 72 (28) D Gastrell 29 (20) (1-1); S Blanchon 21 R Slack 63 (1-2);
C Andrews 58 D Gastrell 71 (1-3); D Homer 42 A Gratton 76 (30) (1-4);
S Hawkins 66 C Parker 33 (2-4); S Blanchon 49 B Monk 48 (20) (3-4);
C Andrews 52 C Stubbs 38 (4-4); S Hawkins 27 A Gratton 52 (4-5); D Homer 65 R Slack 44 (5-5); S Hawkins 48 C Stubbs 46 (6-5); C Andrews 15 C Parker 76 (46,26) (6-6); S Hawkins 32 B Monk 81 (33,27) (6-7).
Hope Valley & Buxton: S Blanchon 2/3; S Hawkins 2/4; D Homer 1/3;
C Andrews 1/3.
Darley Dale & District: A Gratton 2/2; B Monk 2/3; C Parker 1/2; R Slack 1/2;
D Gastrell 1/2; C Stubbs 0/2.
(Hope Valley & Buxton used 4 players playing 3 frames each; Darley Dale & District used 6 players playing 2 frames each, excluding final frame decider, players drawn from hat).
Sunday, 19 May 2013
INTER-LEAGUE MATCH IS REVIVED AT EYAM THIS WEEK AND A POTTED HISTORY OF PAST ENCOUNTERS
DARLEY DALE & District League play their first inter-league match for over 22 years this Wednesday 22nd (7pm) with a trip to Eyam Mechanics Institute to take on a combined Hope Valley and Buxton League team.
The players have been selected from a points ranking system derived from the handicap marks and the end of season individual stats so the current team is as follows if everyone makes the date:
Ben Monk and Andrew Gratton (Marehay Miners Welfare); Ricki Slack (Bolehill Institute); Chris Parker (Matlock Golf Club); Dave Gastrell (Gladiators Social Club) and Chris Stubbs (Belper Strutt Club).
Graham Jones and first reserve Troy Brett were unavailable, we will carry on down the list if any vacancies appear.
Two tables will be used and 12 frames will be played, so our players will play 2 frames apiece, probably against a different opponent (we may decide on a one frame play off if tied at the end or else use an overall aggregate points system, as we have obtained an Inter League Challenge Cup to play for).
The home team may possibly be using 4 players playing 3 frames each though that is to be confirmed.
We thank the hosts for taking the place of the originally mooted match versus Derby League which with their committee currently in transition, was likely to prove difficult to put into action.
The matches with the Derby Institutes League date back as far as 1931-32 judging from the record books, when bus fares to and fro appear on the balance sheets, and after lapsing in the mid 70s (Derby having almost always held the upper hand snooker-wise), were revived in the late 80s.
On Sunday December 17th 1989 at Georges Snooker Centre, Belper; we fielded 16 players at snooker and six at billiards, obtaining a highly creditable 8-8 draw at snooker whilst losing 5-1 at the three ball game.
The 17 strong squad for the snooker (one must have been reserve) was: S Fox, P Waldron, P Fowell, R Slack, M Walker, R McCartin, P Harrison, M Goodwin, J Walsh, J Collins, I Doe, E Farnsworth, D Beattie, M Hill, I Hamilton, G Shirley and S Cooney.
Turning out for the billiards men were: J McCann, E Gratton, G Bell, D Annable, L Cooke and D Rogers.
The next meeting came at the Corn Exchange Club, Derby on January 20th 1991, with Derby winning 11-4 at snooker and 5-0 at billiards.
The original teams selected were:
Snooker: M Goodwin, S Cooney, C Parker, S Mellor, D Beattie, R McCartin, S Fox, P Waldron, P Fowell, W Slater, R Slack, J Rogerson, M Hill, D Lane, M Vaughan, N Parkinson and I Doe. Reserves: I Hamilton, P Hicking, G Shirley.
Billiards: J McCann, M Gregory, D Annable, L Cooke and D Rogers.
Reserves: K Holmes, R Allsop.
Apparently this event ran into problems when several players from the above lists did not turn up as scheduled, and reserves had to be drafted into play at the eleventh hour.
The next year the match was again due to be hosted at Georges in Belper but with the facilities in the club taking a downturn, it was agreed upon inspection that the venue was unsuitable for such an event and the Derby League were asked if they would host.
The answer was in the affirmative so long as guarantees could be made about bringing a full team, but when feelers were put out, the response was rather muted.
Hence, the match was cancelled and a smaller team event was proposed for the following season, as it was thought 20 players was pushing the boat out somewhat.
However, as the secretaries changed over in the interim period, it appears it was not discussed at any meeting during the next few seasons and hence all fell quiet again until now that is!!
Heres to a brand new era of representative games whoever our opponents may be!
The players have been selected from a points ranking system derived from the handicap marks and the end of season individual stats so the current team is as follows if everyone makes the date:
Ben Monk and Andrew Gratton (Marehay Miners Welfare); Ricki Slack (Bolehill Institute); Chris Parker (Matlock Golf Club); Dave Gastrell (Gladiators Social Club) and Chris Stubbs (Belper Strutt Club).
Graham Jones and first reserve Troy Brett were unavailable, we will carry on down the list if any vacancies appear.
Two tables will be used and 12 frames will be played, so our players will play 2 frames apiece, probably against a different opponent (we may decide on a one frame play off if tied at the end or else use an overall aggregate points system, as we have obtained an Inter League Challenge Cup to play for).
The home team may possibly be using 4 players playing 3 frames each though that is to be confirmed.
We thank the hosts for taking the place of the originally mooted match versus Derby League which with their committee currently in transition, was likely to prove difficult to put into action.
The matches with the Derby Institutes League date back as far as 1931-32 judging from the record books, when bus fares to and fro appear on the balance sheets, and after lapsing in the mid 70s (Derby having almost always held the upper hand snooker-wise), were revived in the late 80s.
On Sunday December 17th 1989 at Georges Snooker Centre, Belper; we fielded 16 players at snooker and six at billiards, obtaining a highly creditable 8-8 draw at snooker whilst losing 5-1 at the three ball game.
 |
| SCOTT COONEY was a fixture in the last two Darley Dale League representative teams. |
Turning out for the billiards men were: J McCann, E Gratton, G Bell, D Annable, L Cooke and D Rogers.
The next meeting came at the Corn Exchange Club, Derby on January 20th 1991, with Derby winning 11-4 at snooker and 5-0 at billiards.
The original teams selected were:
Snooker: M Goodwin, S Cooney, C Parker, S Mellor, D Beattie, R McCartin, S Fox, P Waldron, P Fowell, W Slater, R Slack, J Rogerson, M Hill, D Lane, M Vaughan, N Parkinson and I Doe. Reserves: I Hamilton, P Hicking, G Shirley.
Billiards: J McCann, M Gregory, D Annable, L Cooke and D Rogers.
Reserves: K Holmes, R Allsop.
Apparently this event ran into problems when several players from the above lists did not turn up as scheduled, and reserves had to be drafted into play at the eleventh hour.
The next year the match was again due to be hosted at Georges in Belper but with the facilities in the club taking a downturn, it was agreed upon inspection that the venue was unsuitable for such an event and the Derby League were asked if they would host.
The answer was in the affirmative so long as guarantees could be made about bringing a full team, but when feelers were put out, the response was rather muted.
Hence, the match was cancelled and a smaller team event was proposed for the following season, as it was thought 20 players was pushing the boat out somewhat.
However, as the secretaries changed over in the interim period, it appears it was not discussed at any meeting during the next few seasons and hence all fell quiet again until now that is!!
Heres to a brand new era of representative games whoever our opponents may be!
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