Fixtures - 2015-16

Following the league meeting last Thursday, 3 September, I have now finalised the league calendar for the coming season.


At the meeting, it was agreed to have a Division 1 of five teams and a Division 2 of nine. This gives us a calendar of the same length as last year but gives each team four byes in the first division, and two byes plus two free weeks in the second division.


The full list of fixtures will be available on the website http://www.leaguesnooker.co.uk/ in the next few days. I will also be printing and distributing fixture lists and result cards in the next week or so.


The season will commence on 1 October and the matches on that night will be:


Division 1
GB Winton v. Branksome
St. James' Richmond Park v. Winton Workmen's
(St. James' "A" - bye)


Division 2
Spectrum v. GB Statesmen
Corfe Mullen v. Broadstone
GB Bundy's Boys v. GB Tigers
St. James' Grinders v. Ambassador
(St. James "B" - bye)

Presentation Night - Changed Date. And other news

Please note that the Presentation Evening, incorporating the Ian Cryer one-nighter, will now be held on Thursday 28 May and not, as previously advised, on the 14th.

Entry forms will be sent out shortly for the Ian Cryer tournament, which is open to all League members.

I very much hope you will come along to this event.

Meanwhile, here are some updates from other competitions:

BILLIARDS
Yesterday evening, Mick Kunzi (Branksome) won the Billiards Individual title, beating Lee Cattanach (St. James') in the final.

PAIRS
Andy Howard & Dan Webb (Greenbaize) will contest the Pairs final against either Warren Blamey & Lawrence Millington or Luke Spiller & Martin Pragnell (both St. James'). The semi-final between the latter will take place on Monday 20 April.

SNOOKER INDIVIDUAL
The semi-finals of the Snooker Individual are due to be played on Thursday 30 April, and these will be James Sumner (St. James') at home to Gavin Rogers (Branksome) and Dan Webb (Greenbaize) at home to Tony Beck (Winton Workingmen's).

The final will be the following week, Thursday 7 May, at a neutral venue to be confirmed.

KNOCKOUT CUP
The semi-finals are being played this Thursday, 16 April, and are St. James' Richmond Park (handicap 11) at home to GB Tigers (37) and St. James' "A" (scratch) against GB Bundy's Boys (33).

The final will be the following Thursday, 23 April, at a neutral venue, or at St. James' if both St. James' teams are in the final.

RESULTS - Hugh Theobald Memorial

The Hugh Theobald one-nighter, for Division 2 players, was played on Thursday 8 January, and attracted a disappointingly low entry of 10.

Congratulations to Jason Earwicker, who went one better than his 2012 runner-up spot by beating teammate Kevin Bassil with a fine brown-to-pink clearance in the final, after Kevin had enjoyed the better running early on.

The Grinders team did not quite make it a clean sweep, as their colleague Adrian Berry lost to Chas Best in the Plate final.

I would like to record my thanks on behalf of the League to St. James' for providing the venue.

Here are the results:

MAIN EVENT:
First round
Mike Winchcombe (Ambassador) beat George Sanderson (St. James')
Kevin Bassil (St. James') beat Chas Best (Broadstone)

Second round
Kevin Bassil beat Mike Winchcombe
Dave Channing (St. James') beat Adrian Berry (St. James')
Warren Ealy (Ambassador) beat Ron Thomas (Broadstone)
Jason Earwicker (St. James') beat Dave Gerrish (St. James')

Semi-finals
Kevin Bassil beat Dave Channing
Jason Earwicker beat Warren Ealy

Final
Jason Earwicker beat Kevin Bassil 45-26

PLATE:
First round
Dave Gerrish beat Ron Thomas

Semi-finals
Chas Best beat Dave Gerrish
Adrian Berry beat George Sanderson

Final
Chas Best beat Adrian Berry 68-21

DUDLEY CATTANACH MEMORIAL (Veterans') TROPHY

The Veterans' one-nighter was played this evening, Thursday 18 December, and after the League's recent sad news has been renamed the Dudley Cattanach Memorial Trophy. Dudley was a long-standing member of the League who always supported this event.

I am therefore pleased to report that tonight's entry fees - and also sale of teas, coffees and mince pies - will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Care in Dudley's memory. In total, £50 was raised.

Congratulations to Rob Pope, who prevailed in a pink- and two black-ball games on the way to the final, before again winning on the black (having trailed by 21 on the blue) to snatch the title from last year's runner-up, Jerry Fisher. Defending champion Chas Best fell at the first hurdle but redeemed himself by winning the plate competition.

I would like to record my thanks on behalf of the League to St. James' and, in particular, Malcolm Gray (to whom happy birthday for tomorrow), not only for providing the venue at St. James' and preparing the refreshments, but also through Vinny's Trophies for producing the prizes free of charge to allow the above donation to be made.

Here are the results:

MAIN EVENT:
First round
Dave Gerrish (St. James') beat Denis Carr (Greenbaize)
Dave Channing (St. James') beat Ron Thomas (Broadstone)
Malcolm Gray (St. James') beat John Lamb (Greenbaize)
Rob Pope (Greenbaize) beat Martin Hammond (Greenbaize)
Adrian Berry (St. James') beat Mick Prew (Greenbaize)
Mick Kunzi (Branksome) beat Chas Best (Broadstone)

Second round
Dave Channing beat Dave Gerrish
Jerry Fisher (Spectrum) beat Malcolm Gray
Rob Pope beat Alan Lees (Greenbaize)
Mick Kunzi beat Adrian Berry

Semi-finals
Jerry Fisher beat Dave Channing
Rob Pope beat Mick Kunzi

Final
Rob Pope beat Jerry Fisher 59-56

PLATE:
First round
Alan Lees beat Mick Prew
John Lamb beat Ron Thomas
Martin Hammond beat Denis Carr

Semi-finals
Alan Lees beat John Lamb
Chas Best beat Martin Hammond

Final
Chas Best beat Alan Lees 53-28

Sad News: Dudley Cattanach

I am saddened to report the passing today of our Chairman and long-time stalwart of the W.C. Clark League, Dudley Cattanach, whose health had deteriorated in recent months following a diagnosis of cancer a couple of years ago.

Dudley was a widely known character in not only our League but also the Conservative and East Dorset Leagues, as well as other local sports, particularly cricket. He had sport in general - and cricket, darts and snooker in particular - rooted in his veins and, having coached youngsters at Trinidad Boys' Club at various sports for many years, Dudley's involvement with our League started when he established a team at the Bournemouth Y.M.C.A. in 1987. Many of the League's more recent members will not appreciate that he played to a good standard in his day, for example winning the Division 2 high break prize in 1991-92 with a 52 break.

His team moved several times after its foundation at the Y.M.C.A.: in 1993 it transferred to Langside; it moved to the old Sovereign snooker club in Winton in 1999 and, when that was demolished in 2003, found a home at Winton Conservative Club until that club closed at the beginning of this year.

Despite having served the League in an official capacity only since 2012, when he became Vice Chairman, Dudley was a familiar figure for over a quarter of a century who was only too happy to help with the running of the League in whatever way he could. When I took over as Secretary five years ago, he left me very little to do in terms of organising the Presentation Evening, and very rarely missed a League meeting. He always had an opinion and was always ready to give it, but he had the League's best interests at heart and, as Secretary, was a genuinely good man to have alongside me.

I know I speak on behalf of the League officers and the membership in general when I say that Dudley will be very much missed. Our condolences go to his wife, Terina, and of course his sons Lee and Aaron who are themselves well known characters in several snooker leagues including ours. He also leaves behind a two-year-old granddaughter - by Lee and his partner Linda - who I know Dudley thought the world of.

Rest In Peace, Dudley.

2014-15 Season - welcome

You should all by now have received fixture lists, result cards and associated information on the new season, which commences on Thursday 2 October 2014.

One quite important detail which I omitted to mention in your team captain's covering letter was the UK League Snooker website upon which all the latest results, standings and information will be displayed.

You can visit the website here:
http://www.leaguesnooker.co.uk/league/online-snooker.asp?leagueid=146&SeasonID=666&DivisionID=1450
... and you will see that the blank tables are ready and waiting for the first results to arrive on Thursday week.

It is very much hoped that this will provide a speedier service in bringing all the results and standings to the members of the League, as the tables update themselves immediately upon being entered in.

PLEASE NOTE that, when telephoning or emailing the results through, I will need the individual pairing results as well as the overall score. So for example, rather than reporting a 4-2, you will need to state, Bob Smith beat John Brown 2-0, Peter Jones drew 1-1 with Mark Taylor, and Bob Thomas drew 1-1 with Matt White. Overall score 4-2. Having said that, the easiest method for many of you will be to scan/photograph the result card and email it to me at chrisdowner@live.co.uk.

While not specifically required, it is also useful to have breaks of 40+ (or even 30+, it's up to you) as these can be input against each player's record.

ALSO, it was reconfirmed at the AGM that it is ok to using two tables for a fixture, as long as it is mutually agreed between the teams on the night. Although this may mean that matches are not fully refereed, the League has no objection to this arrangement.

FINALLY, note that the Knock-Out Cup, into which all teams are automatically entered, is restricted to players who have played at least two League fixtures before Christmas. Team captains may wish to have this in the back of their minds when they select their teams for the first-half fixtures.

May I wish you an enjoyable and successful upcoming season. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards
Chris Downer

MINUTES - 2014 AGM, 26 June 2014

Please find below the minutes of last night's AGM. I have today started distributing entry forms for next season, along with updated Rules, so you should have these within the next few days.
Please ensure that I receive completed entry forms by Monday 25 August in readiness for the pre-season meeting on Thursday 28 August (7:30 start, at St. James'), to which all are welcome.

Present:  

Denis Carr (President)

Dudley Cattanach (Vice-Chairman)

Chris Downer (Secretary/Treasurer)
Kevin Bassil (Greenbaize)
Dave Channing (St. James’)                     
Dave Gerrish (St. James’)     
Malcolm Gray (St. James’)Lawrence Millington (St. James’)
Rob Pope (Greenbaize)
                

 

1       Apologies

          Apologies were received from Warren Blamey (St. James’).

2        Minutes of the last AGM, and EGM held on the same date

These were agreed as an accurate record. There were no matters arising that were not covered by subsequent items on the agenda.

3        Secretary’s Report

The season has run in the main without major incident, although of course the midseason withdrawal of the Poole Ambassador team in Division 1 proved a bit of a headache. Nevertheless, the Division 1 title came down to a very tight finish on the final night, and it was settled on matches won, under the scoring system introduced this year, when St. James’ “A” and GB Winton ended up on equal points. This was a contrast to Division 2 whose winners, GB Jaguars, embarked on something of a runaway spell in the last couple of months.

The Singles night was seemingly successful in attracting more entries than in recent years, despite a few grumbles which are to be discussed later this evening; the rest of the Singles and the Pairs were on the whole arranged and played by the due dates – I think there was one case of the two sides being disqualified due to the match being unplayed. The entries for the Hugh Theobald Memorial and (more understandably) the Veterans’ continue to be low but they at least pay for themselves.

It was good to see sufficient entries to revive the Billiards Individual after a season’s absence – as mentioned this time last year, that had been only the second season since the League’s inception in which no billiards was played. The total entry of 12 players was more than I can recall for perhaps ten years, certainly five.

The Knock-out Cup was won this year by a Division 1 outfit but I understand that the final was a closely fought one against one of the lower teams from Division 2. The handicapping is always difficult to decide with any real insight but I had a feeling that there were more close matches throughout the competition than real runaways.

I was disappointed not to have been present at the prizegiving, as I was laid up with a broken foot and, for good measure, a chest infection. Nevertheless, I have heard only good reports about the evening and, this being the second year we have held it in conjunction with the Ian Cryer one-nighter, perhaps this will become the standard format.

The Meeting was pleased to accept the Secretary’s Report, and there were no matters arising.

4        Treasurer’s Report

The League has reduced its spending significantly this season, in times when, with ever fewer entries, we receive less income. Last season expenditure outweighed income by well over £100, while this season spending exceeded income by only £30. This was due to a large degree by the reduction of the Secretary’s honorarium and the decision not to print league booklets. Indeed, the net expenditure is almost reconciled by the donation sent in memory of Keith Fooks, and the League certainly hopes that this kind of item is not a regular occurrence. Suffice to say, we have more or less managed to break even.

We are once again grateful to Malcolm Gray for continuing to reduce our trophy bill without impinging on their quality. Having made a large saving last season he has managed to reduce that even further this year, the main bulk of the trophies coming in at less than £100.

The Singles night cost us £50 but this was matched by the collection of £2 per entry, so this venture did not affect the league’s coffers at all. Likewise, despite relatively low numbers of entries, the three one-nighters continue to cover themselves in terms of costs and we are again indebted to Ambassador/Greenbaize and St James’ for free use of their clubs for these events.

The balance sheet this season shows that it is possible to run at very little loss – certainly we can afford similar figures for another few years. So I would not recommend that the League increase its team fees for the upcoming season. It is always an item on the AGM agenda and, while it may eventually have to happen, we do not need to discourage entries any more than necessary.

Matters arising: Denis Carr wished to reinforce the Treasurer’s complimentary comments towards Malcolm Gray’s work with the trophies and the meeting wholeheartedly concurred.

Looking at the balance sheet, Lawrence Millington questioned whether the catering for the Singles night was something that could be looked at. The meeting, though, noted that the £2‑per‑head collected on the night covered these costs, which were new this year with the new arrangement of playing on a single night. The League is provided with the tables free of charge for this event and it is the same group of clubs which are always able to help us out in this way, so it is not unreasonable that we should pay for the catering provided.

Nevertheless, another option might be simply not to provide a buffet.

5        Adjustment of new Rule allowing rescheduling of fixtures

This matter arose after three instances during the season where teams had sought to rearrange a match under last season’s new Rule. The Rule allowed the rearranged date to be during the previous six days but, as the reasons for unavailability had arisen at short notice, this was found to be unworkable.

The Secretary therefore proposed, as discussed at meetings during the season, that the provision be expanded to include the six days either side of the scheduled date.

This proposal was seconded by Dudley Cattanach and it was unanimously agreed that this amendment be made.

There was some discussion about the possibility that a team might try to misuse the provision, e.g. claiming there were no players available when in reality it was only their best player who could not play. The Secretary suggested that a team could be penalised one point for rescheduling a fixture but this was taken no further.

          Voting at AGM

Prior to the above vote (although in the event it was unanimous), Malcolm Gray noticed that, under the current Rules, one vote per member club is permitted at General Meetings, and that this evening only two clubs were represented (excluding Winton Conservative which is now closed). Therefore, and in view of the fact that there are so few different clubs represented now, he proposed, Denis Carr seconded and it was unanimously agreed that this should be changed to one vote per team.

6        Extra point for match win

There was some discussion on the new scoring system awarding a bonus point for the match win. It was noted from the final league tables that this point made the difference at the top of Division 1, but did not affect the positions at any other point in the two divisions.

Denis Carr was among those who thought that the point made a sixth frame at 3–2, which would result in either a 3–3 draw or a 5–2 win, more exciting and important to win. Lawrence Millington suggested that the extra point would stretch the league tables, with the top teams extending their lead and the bottom teams extending their deficit.

It was thought that the decision might be affected by discussions under Item 12, so the matter was shelved until later in the meeting (see below).

7        Finals being played in time for Presentation Evening

Malcolm Gray was frustrated that the Billiards final was not played before the presentation night. Part of this was owing to the Secretary being a little too lax in making arrangements for the fixture, although he had been given the indication over a month before the prize presentation that it would be played in good time.

It was agreed that all rounds, including the finals, of the Individual/Pairs competitions would have a closing date and that the final must be played at least a week before the presentation.

8        Expunging of figures in the case of a mid-season withdrawal

The Secretary wished to amend the wording of the Rules to take account of the differing setup this season, with three thirds rather than two halves. It was unanimously agreed with minimal discussion that the relevant Rule be changed to:

If the withdrawal occurs prior to the first point at which all teams have played each other, all records concerning that team will be expunged. Otherwise, the results of all completed ‘cycles’ of fixtures will stand, and results from the current cycle will be expunged.

The meeting was also happy to agree to the Secretary’s other suggestion, i.e. that that part of the Rule should stand alone to explicitly include a team’s voluntary resignation, rather than being described under the expulsion arrangements.

9        Singles: playing the first round on a single night

This was discussed in some detail, and the vast majority of those present, who had attended the Singles night, thought that it was successful and enjoyable; however, the meeting noted Warren Blamey’s comments documented in previous meeting minutes. The meeting felt that the overall feeling overrode Warren’s comments, and on balance the meeting thought that the same arrangement should continue. It was therefore agreed that a Thursday would be held in the coming season’s calendar to accommodate this. However, the League would try to use tables which minimise the issue of overcrowding that Warren particularly brought up.

10      Keith Fooks memorial trophy

Keith Fooks’s widow had contacted Denis Carr saying that she would like to present a trophy to the League in his memory. The League had, at its last meeting, agreed to make the Division 2 trophy a memorial to Keith, before Mrs. Fooks had made contact. It was therefore agreed that Denis would contact Mrs. Fooks to let her know about the League’s arrangements, and would perhaps invite her to next year’s presentation to award the trophy herself.

11      Team fees

Guided by the Treasurer’s Report and balance sheet, the meeting thought it unnecessary to increase entry fees, but Lawrence Millington raised the point about the website which Malcolm Gray uses for the East Dorset League, which costs £3 per team to join. He therefore suggested that the team fees could be increased to £28 per team to make use of this facility.

Dave Gerrish replied that his firm would be happy to sponsor the League’s membership of the website and the meeting gladly accepted this offer.

As a result, it was agreed that entry fees would remain at £25 per team.

The meeting wished to place on record its appreciation of Dave’s offer.

As an aside, Malcolm Gray suggested that, now that electronic communication is so readily available, it is not necessary for result cards to be posted, as long as the results are sent in by phone or email as is currently required in the Rules. Result cards should still be completed but can be retained by the captain/club for reference in case of a dispute.

12      Match start times; playing on two tables; necessity to provide a referee

Malcolm Gray and Dudley Cattanach had raised this matter. It was noted that other leagues do play on two tables (but are four-man teams, so it is a necessity in terms of timing and two members are generally available to referee). The League does not have a specific rule relating to use of two tables, but is happy for matches to be conducted in this way.

It was acknowledged that it might not always be possible for a club to accommodate a two-table match. For example, at Greenbaize there might be three home teams and the club would not wish to allocate six tables for league use on the same night. Equally, it is possible that a club with only one table might join the league, although there are none at present.

After some discussion, no changes to the Rules were proposed in this regard, but it was agreed that the Secretary would continue to point out, in covering letters at the start of the season, that the League is happy for two tables to be used if mutually agreed.

No proposal came forward to change match start times.

Discussion also took place on the scoring system and whether there was an appetite to return to the nine-frame match in the top division. The conclusion was that the make-up of Division 1, if it continued as at present, would still produce some undesirably late finishes if we reverted to the nine-frame match. However, depending on the entries received and number of divisions, the League could opt to change this at the pre-season meeting.

It was generally agreed, with some minor reservations, that it is not necessary to have a third-party referee. The rules already state that the home team will provide a referee unless mutually agreed between the teams – so the Rules do not need amending in this respect.

6        Extra point for match win (continued)

Having concluded that the match length/scoring system was unlikely to change, the meeting voted on whether to keep the extra point for the match win. With four votes to remove this provision, two votes to retain it, and one abstention, it was duly agreed that the bonus point be discontinued.

13      Election of Officers

The Secretary/Treasurer had made himself available for re‑election and, there being no other nominations, it was unanimously agreed by the meeting that he be duly re-elected unopposed.

Dudley Cattanach had indicated his willingness to stand for the Chairmanship and, there being no other nominations, it was unanimously agreed by the meeting that he be duly elected.

Seeking a Vice-Chairman, Lawrence Millington indicated that he would be willing to take on the role. As such, there being no other nominations, it was unanimously agreed by the meeting that he be duly elected.

14      Closing date for entries for 2014-15 season

This was agreed as Monday 25 August 2014, with pre-season meeting to be held on Thursday 28 August, at St. James’ Institute at 7:30pm.

15      Secretary/Treasurer’s Honorarium

It was unanimously agreed that the honorarium be £250, the same as last year.

 

The meeting closed a couple of minutes after 9:30pm.