Firstly my apologies for not attending the inaugural event, unfortunately this event was scheduled for the same weekend as the English Pool Association's National Amateur Singles Event and the National Finals of the Interleague Knockout Cup where I was part of the Godalming A Interleague team.

This was the second of the two pre season events to help with our Sponsorship arrangement.

Qualifying criteria was in place and was aimed at the more successful players from the previous Summer 2008 and Winter 2007 seasons. The top ladies were also invited to play alongside the big names from the Men's arena.

A total of 24 players had been invited but due to other commitments the field was effectively halved, which meant unfortunately there were byes as far as the Semi Finals for the 1994 Singles Champion Trevor Howard and Kris Durrant West Byfleet B who earned his place by finishing top of the tree in the recent Summer Division 3 averages.

So already two places filled due the absentees with Trevor in the top half and Kris the first part of the bottom half jigsaw.

In the last 24 Phil Ditum disposed of the Ladies Singles Champion Sarah Leedon 2-0 and looking a real threat to go on and win this, while in the bottom half there were good wins for Dan Davey and my old nemesis Craig Mansey another former Singles Champion back in 2002.

The last 16 and what appeared on paper to be close run thing was indeed and went to a decider with rolls reversed and Martin Chubb from the Crossley edging this one 2-1 after losing out on the averages title to Phil last Summer. Dan Davey made heavy work of progressing past a valiant display from Steph Powell although the score looked comfortable at 2-0, sometimes the score doesn’t reflect the match. Kally or Karolyne Foster was the pick of the girls after disposing of Craig Mansey in another three frame battle with Craig missing his last ball in the decider.

The two Quarter Final spaces left were between Jon Hurley from the Railway Club and Martin Chubb. Unfortunately for Jon coming up against Martin in his first match, it was Mr Chubb with all his experience who progressed through to the Semi Final winning 2-0. In the other "was it a shock" or is Karolyne Foster a real contender for this years Ladies Singles the latter looks to be correct and dumped out another player who probably thought he had the game to win this event, so Kally through 2-0 with two excellent results although rumour has it she lays more snookers than Cliff Thorburn!

The Semi's and Trevor Howard taking on Martin Chubb, in my mind Trevor is one of a handful of league players that can compete with the likes of Martin, however it was not to be as the 2008 Singles Finalist eased himself into yet another Final.

The second Semi and Kris Durrant who so far had byes to this stage was no doubt a little nervous in taking on Karolyne Foster and becoming her third victim, unfortunately for Kally, Kris was in mood to let this chance slip and made sure he was fighting for the spoils in the Final with a comprehensive win in very quick time.

So the inaugural Final and whats seem like an ever present fixture at the business end of Singles tournaments Martin Chubb representing the Crossley Club up against Kris Durrant from West Byfleet B.

With the distance still best of 3 frames and although Martin would be firm favourite to go on and mantel piece another title for himself, Kris had other ideas and was looking for title number two to add to the Summer averages and he took the opening frame, only for Martin to scramble to levels and nick the decider with both players having numerous half chances to clinch it. you can watch the entire final at your leisure courtesy of Edd TV.

So well done to all who took part and apologies to the big gaps in the draw, resulting in lengthy waits. We will take a look at the format including any feedback we have received in plenty of time before Martin defends his title.

Next on the Calendar is the opening set of Winter fixtures. For those players who were not invited to play in the pre seasons events there is still the Divisional Singles open to two players per team. This is strictly aimed at players who normally don't get the opportunity to play in the latter stages of the end of season Competitions and haven't had the chance in this years pre season events. Just to add the Divisional Singles may well be a "one off" this year as the League will be pressing to return Divisions of 10 teams for 2009 and therefore these extra dates in the calendar will no longer be available.

Finally congratulations to Martin Chubb from winning the event and no doubt we will see much more of Kris Durrant during the League's flagship event the Open Singles early in 2009 and getting a few more requests to partner up in the Doubles from his team mates.

So for now enjoy the recordings of the Final and Edd can you do Martin a deal on a box set on the footage as he has now appeared in all three…can he continue this record…time will tell

Cheers Andy

On Thursday 25th September 2008, Riley's Guildford was again the venue for the Pre Season and Inaugural holding of the Captains Cup. This tournament was open to all 32 Winter Captains.

With 20 of them able to make it the field included some big names from the League no more than Crossley's (Summer and Winter Champions) Malcolm Taylor, both Captains from the George Russell White and Terry Hannifan and the possible favourite in Martin Ansell from Chobham FC.

Early casualties came in the form of Mick Kill who lost the battle of the Queen's Head 2-0 to Steve Ramlakhan the B team captain. The Chairman Russell losing out to an impressive Steve Lewsza and Michael Nolan accounting for Karolyne Foster in another one venue affair from the Crown.

The last 16 and Martin Ansell eased passed Pete Spence 2-0 and there were also comfortable wins for Alex Chubb Ray Garrett (using one of Riley's finest cues) James Gregory and Michael Nolan again progressing without losing a frame. Sneaking through by the odd frame was Edd Marshall taking out Malcolm Taylor and stopping him adding to his collection of West Surrey honours.

The Quarter Finals all went to the wire save Michael Nolan who went through once more without dropping a frame. Alex Chubb inched past Martin Ansell and their were also good wins for Ray Garrett with his new racking cue. Steve Lewsza pipped the Pope for the final Semi Final berth.

Ray Garrett's racker showed no signs of stopping as Alex Chubb limped out 2-0 and Steve ended Michael Nolan's run by the same score.

The Final and the "racker" Ray Garrett completed a memorable night to take the first Captains Cup with Steve Lewsza coming home second.

Both players will receive trophies for their efforts at the Winter Presentation and its nice to see a proper pool playing winner who can play and win with any old piece of wood!

Next week the 2nd October sees the second of the Riley's sponsorships events with the Invitational with the likes of Craig Mansey the "Racker" Ray Garett, Martin Chubb, Kris Durrant, Phil Ditum, Trevor Howard, Martin Pankhurst, Leon Garman and Mark Laxton plying their trade.

Thanks to all that attended to pick up their Winter packs and stayed on or arrived for the Summer Presentation, from what I hear it was well attended and the Speed Pool was well received in conjunction with Riley's superb hospitality for the evening.

The Speed Pool took well over 100 attempts with two familiar faces whizzing round the table potting in quick time. The winner was Martin Chubb and team mate Craig Mansey ran him a close second, both players donated some of the winnings to the chosen Charity and from what Russell tells me Martin clocked an impressive 1 minute 12 seconds or thereabouts. Both players also received salvers for their efforts and thanks again to all who participated.

The Summer Championship was won again by.... you guessed it the Crossley Club for a record fourth consecutive time, so well done to Malcolm and the team. The Hare and Hounds came in second. In Division 2 The Railway Club reeled in Chobham FC to take the spoils. The Queens Head B and the impressive Cricketers topped Divisions 3 and 4 with both Crown teams A and B clinching second spots respectively.

Phil Ditum (Championship) Dan Davey (Div 2) Kris Durrant (Div 3) and The "racker" Ray Garrett (Div 4) were top of the averages.

Well done to all and good luck for the Winter season.

Now its only a few weeks away from the start of the serious stuff and the prestigious West Surrey Pool League Winter Season.

In my mind this is where it really happens, some of you will have played through an enjoyable Summer campaign while others take time out from pool and gear up for the Winter Season.

We now have 32 fully paid up teams who are raring to go. In view of the League reducing from 45 to 32 this year it has been slightly more difficult to place teams in the appropriate divisions . This has been due to the number of entries for the Winter League making natural divisions of 8 rather than 9/10 in previous years.

From next season (2009-10) the Winter League divisional placing will revert back to where you finish the 2008-09 season. New teams will start in the bottom division. There will still be promotion and relegation of two teams at either end although this is again maybe dependant on number of team entries.

Here's a brief timetable to the Winter Season

18th September 2008 - Captains or team representatives are expected to pick their Winter packs up at the Summer presentation (Riley’s Guildford- ) From 7pm. There will be a Speed pool competition held from (7.30-9.30) with the fastest all balls legally potted will win £50.00 plus trophy, the cost per entry will be £1.00 per rack – all entry money will be given to charity. (note frames will be stopped once the time elapsed is greater than the current fastest time). Details will be given on the night. There will be a buffet provided and Summer league presentation will commence at 9.45. Teams who finished first and second in each Division will receive medals for their efforts and Salvers are awarded to the top two players in each division with details of the achievement engraved thereon.

As last year the prestigious competitions including the League Singles will be at the end of the season in April / May 2009.

As you may have noticed there are three new events in the Winter calendar. These have been introduced as part of our continuing relationship with Riley's Ltd. There is no cost attached to the competitions.

The first on the 25th September 2008 is the Captains Cup. This is open to all winter captains and at the time of writing 30 captains have entered. The second is the Riley's Invitational and this is aimed at the top players from the preceding Winter 2007-08 and Summer 2008 seasons. The top two players (based on final averages) in each division of the leagues are eligible. In addition the top lady from each division can enter. Also included are Singles / Doubles Mixed and Ladies Champions and Finalists. Both competitions are based on a straight knockout format and more details will follow as part of your pre season pack.

The Final tournament is the Divisional Singles which helps conclude our part of Riley's Sponsorship Agreement. This will be based on a maximum of two players from each team per Division. Two Divisions (1 and 4) will play on 6th November 2008 at Riley's and (2 and 3) will play on 5th February 2008 again at Riley's Guildford. The Divisional Singles is aimed at players who haven't been invited to play in the Captains Cup and the Invitational Singles, captains will be asked to nominate there two entries to the League secretary nearer the time. This will make a 16 player tournament for each division. Any spaces that are not taken will become byes and more details to follow on this.

Winter Season preview 2008-09

With some teams now plying their trade elsewhere, I thought this would dilute the strength of the top flight this year. From looking at the entries I believe the level of competition has increased.

We start with the defending champions Crossley A who are Summer League Champions once again. If they hold onto Martin Chubb Andy Smithers, Craig Mansey (former Singles Champion) and co, they will be favourites to retain the title. As for the rest you can look no further than the George A with Mark Laxton Matty Braithwaite and myself, not forgetting Singles and Doubles Champion Andy Sutherland and new recruit Noel Richardson. The Hare and Hounds will be right up there with Martin Pankhurst together with messrs Groves and Gwyer no doubt leading the charge! Trevor Howard and Brian Brennan at the Fox and Flowerpot A. The George B and West Byfleet A have more than enough quality throughout their squads to spring a few surprises and who knows with a good start could be in the mix.

My prediction - Crossley Club A // George A

At first glance, I can see no further than the Princess A walking away with the spoils and promotion to the top flight and then I see Martin Ansell's Chobham who always find themselves at the business end of the table. Then there are Summer Division 2 Champions the Railway Club with Davey and Hurley in top form. Further down Riley's Rulers under Steve strange will be formidable if  he can keep the team together with S Green firing the bullets. The Fox Young guns with Steve Murray were a formidable force last time round in the old Division 3 and will no doubt be up for the challenge again this time after taking the summer off. No doubt the secretaries team will push hard but are looking a little thin on the ground consistency wise and will be relying heavily on the talented father and son duo Dan and Mick Heard to come good once again. The Crown A will be hard pushed to spoil the party but on the back of a late Summer success they could compete.

Woking Snooker centre A have the underrated James Gregory in the camp and may well be up there towards the end. The Kingfield Arms have local rivalry to sort out with both A and B teams now in the league and will depend on what flag messrs Brown Black and Wilcox ply their trade under. West Byfleet B are always round about and this is where I believe the winners will be found, Kris Durrant and Leon Garman and class acts on their day and are backed up by another in S Lewsza. Finally the newly named Station teams will be hoping for an impressive start to the campaign after missing the Summer and could go close.

My Prediction - West Byfleet B //Woking Snooker Club A

This is a tricky one with a number of new teams and therefore unknown quantities, however I cannot see past the Cricketers who with a host of players occupying the higher echelons of the summer averages look to have the strength in depth to continue what they have started. The Mayford Arms have an outside chance and their chances revolve around the form of K Woodhouse continuing as he looks the class performer from this team, he will however need one or two to step up to the task if they are indeed challenging come Christmas. The Crossley B usually unsung in the shadows of the all conquering A team are another team that missed the Summer but have a solid side at this level.

My Prediction - Cricketers // Mayford Arms

The Cup Draw

All 32 teams are entered into this with the prevailing 16 teams on the 30th October 2008 moving onto the second round of the Founders Cup and the losing sides commencing the journey to capture the Founders Shield.

The draw will be part of your packs but is also below for ease. Just to remind everyone the Cup's are re drawn each round.

The tie of the round looks to be the Princess A hosting the Fox Young Guns while the defending League Champions Crossley Club A have a tricky tie away to the Kingfield Arms A, defending Champions The George A have an all 1st Division tie against The Queen's Head A. Oh and a little matter of the "Battle of Byfleet" has to be resolved.

Crossley Club B v Crown A

Cricketers v Station (platform2)

Birch and Pines v Kingfield Arms B

Crown B v Hare and Hounds A

Kingfield Arms A v Crossley Club A

Station (platform 1) v George B

Woking Snooker A v Blue Anchor B

Fox B v Fox and Flowerpot A

Princess A v Fox Young Guns

Riley's Rumblers v Brookwood Hotel

Riley's Rulers v Woking Snooker B

Chobham F.C v Princess B

George A v Queens Head A

Blue Anchor A v Queens Head B

West Byfleet S.C B v West Byfleet S.C A

Mayford Arms v Railway Club

That’s about it for now and I hope to see as many of you as possible tomorrow night for Summer Presentation and Winter pack pick up and I wish you all the very best of luck for the new season.

Russell White

Chairman WSPL

So the Summer League draws to a climax with more than a few issues unsettled.

We have a cracking finish to the campaign with the not so surprise package of the Hare and Hounds A hosting the reigning Summer and Winter Champions Crossley Club. With only a 3 point differential, a good start for the home side will be crucial if they are to snatch the title at the last minute.

This match could leave Phil Ditum with a great chance to seal the top divisions averages award with G Groves and M Chubb having more pressing concerns with the League Title at stake.

Well the Crossley Club showed their class with an impressive win away at the Hare and Hounds to clinch the title, however Martin Chubb failed in his attempt to retain the Summer averages despite picking up all 3 frames as Phil Ditum without the pressure of a league title decider took 2 of his 3 allotted frames to sneak top spot on frames won with both players level on plus 15.  Correction Phil Ditum finished on plus 17, when done Phil streets ahead in the end!

Division 2

Since the demise of early leaders Riley's Rulers and the Rumblers being confined to mid table this has been a two horse race between the always fancied Chobham F.C and the Railway Club Woking.

Over the last few weeks Chobham have struggled a little and the impetus has been with the Railway Club. Nothing less than an away win at the Fox and Flowerpot B will suffice. D Davey and J Hurley both Railway Club have a chance of the averages so some added pressure, if they fail long time leader Martin Ansell will claim his third averages honour over the years.

So near so far.... for Chobham F.C, who were overtaken by the impressive late charge from a very solid looking Railway Club who with a 7-4 win over the Fox & Flowerpot clinched the title by two points. Unfortunately this scenario repeated itself for Chobham's Martin Ansell in the averages with Dan Davey and Jon Hurley both winning two from two to clinch 1st and 2nd in the averages respectively, well done to both
Im looking forward to seeing the whole Railway team at Rileys on the 18th for the Presentation...no excuse Mr Davey!

Division 3

This has been a two tier league for a while now with the top two playing for 1st and 2nd. The leaders, Queens Head B have the slender advantage of a point over tomorrow's opponents West Byfleet B with the game being played at the latter.

Still in with a slim chance of glory are The Crown who are 5 points back and their last game is a re-arranged game against bottom side Foresters B tonight, they will need a huge score and hoping it’s a tight game between the top two tomorrow.. Finally the Princess travel to the Foresters tomorrow six points off the lead. Needing maximum points for an outside chance of second depending on other results.

A whole host of players could spring a surprise and top the averages but it looks like K Durrant West Byfleet B only has to hold his nerve to secure this one.

Well, West Byfleet B looking for 7 points for the title failed dismally as the Queen's Head B took the spoils here with a trouncing 9-2 victory. This meant the Crown A  were back in play and needed 7 points  to secure  second place, and 7 points is what they took from their last fixture to claim the runners up spot, well done to both. As for the averages Kris Durrant did hold his nerve and claim top spot with Queens Head B captain Steve Ramlakhan sneaking into second place with a late flurry of frame wins.

Division 4

This one is more clear cut with the Cricketers only a point away from the title and they will be hoping to pick this up early on tomorrow night away at the Kingfield Arms who lie fourth. The Crown B will finish second unless some very big results go against them with only the Blue Anchor, needing a maximum haul over the bottom team Brookwood Hotel, to pip them.

As for the averages A Carless will have to nervously wait and see if his two frame advantage is enough to hold on. With no less than six players in with a chance of overtaking the leader it will be a close run thing. P Corteil, Blue Anchor D Ansell, Brookwood Hotel G Brown, kingfield Arms and three players from the Cricketers, R Garrett, K Lloyd and G Chantry who is one further behind the leader at three frames back.

The Cricketers did indeed confirm themselves as Champions picking up the required point needed. The Crown came second unfortunately due to the Brookwood Hotel failing to fulfill their last fixture. This also ruled out all Blue Anchor players from challenging for the averages.

At this point I surely do not have to remind teams that failing to turn up has a massive impact on final placings and here we have the consequences.

However well done to Ray Garrett and Andy Carless who finish 1st and 2nd respectively again both players finished on plus 9 frames with Ray gaining the edge on frames won.

Best of luck to all in the final week.

So the Summer Season is now over save the Presentation which has been moved to Riley's Guildford on 18th September 2008 due to unforseen circumstances. There is a cash prize speed pool event being held so bring your cues, well done to all the winners and the Committee will hope to see you all there to collect your trophies.

The next news item will be from Russell with the latest on the Winter League which is now I believe full and a few new additions to the season's calendar.

Cheers Andy

WSPL PRESENTATION EVENING 2008

So its now just over a week since the first of many successful Presentation Evenings, so here are my thoughts on the night in general and a report on the outstanding 2008 Singles Final.

In the lead up to the event at the West Byfleet Social Club, it was becoming nothing short of a disastrous last few days with the trophies (which I might add were absolutely fantastic with the new WSPL logo) arriving early on Friday morning from Manchester, coupled with our pre booked singers pulling out of our event at very short notice to back up Amy Winehouse at Nelson Mandela's 90th bash. Luckily the two replacements were exceptionally talented.



In the end, the whole night went without too many hitches (save the very unexpected intervention of the Club's meat raffle which took longer than our entire Presentation). All in all it was a good night going on the positive nature of the comments myself and the Committee have received. I trust everyone had a fantastic evening, this is the Committees first attempt in revamping what had become in recent years a tired looking end of season bash.We will endeavour to improve for next year and beyond.


Finally before I move onto the Singles Final I would just like to thank Eddie Steph James and Andy on a job well done and to Peter Spence for handing over the Silverware to this year's recipients.

 
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