Monday 15th August 2022
Warrington Snooker League 2022/23 Season
Evening all, I just thought I would provide a quick update in relation to the preparations for the 2022/23 season. For the new season, we have had 25 entries in total into the Warrington Snooker League (1 down on last year) which means Division 1 will have 13 teams and Division 2 will have 12 teams.
With this being the case, each team in Division 1 will have 1 bye Home & Away and each team in Division 2 will have 2 bye's Home & Away.
The season is scheduled to start on Wednesday 14th/Thursday 15th September and we will post the opening few fixtures in the next couple of weeks so all teams and clubs are aware of their first few games.
League Formation Meeting - Monday 5th September (TBC) The league formation meeting that was originally scheduled for next Monday 22nd August has been postponed. This has now been pencilled in for Monday 5th September providing that we have printed all the relevant documents and have no last minute hiccups when doing our final checks. I will be in contact with all team captains/representatives in once this date has been confirmed and we have finalised all the booklets for the new season.
Outstanding Monies from 2021/22 Season The following teams need to contact Graham ASAP as they still owe funds from the 2021/22 season;
Walkers A - £48.00
Until the above payments have been received by the league, any players who were registered with these teams in the 2021/22 will not be eligible to play in the Warrington Snooker League. This includes any players who may have signed for other teams for next season from those listed above.
Should anyone have any issues please don't hesitate to contact Graham or myself.
Many thanks
Pat Wisedale
Thursday 28th July 2022
Warrington Snooker League 2022/23 Season - Team Registration & Competition Entries
Thank you to all those teams who have sent their registration forms for the 2022/23 season. Last season we had a total of 26 teams (13 per division) and so far we have had 23 teams submit their registration for the upcoming season.
I am still awaiting registration forms from the following teams which need to be with me no later than this Sunday 31st July 2022 so I can start sorting the fixtures and finalise the calendar for the season.
Alford A Penketh Cons B (Did not attend AGM) Walkers A (Did not attend AGM)
If no forms are received by Sunday, then we will be of the assumption that the team has decided to resign from the league and we will begin putting things in place for next season without them. These are already overdue as they should have been submitted no later than Monday 25th July as per previous notices and emails/texts to all team representatives from last season.
In addition to the above, the following teams need to contact Graham ASAP as they still owe subs and fines before their registration will be accepted;
Bridgewater A - £70.00 (Outstanding monies from 2021/22 season) Walkers A - £98.00 (£48.00 Outstanding monies from 2021/22 season & £50.00 Fine for not attending AGM) Penketh Cons B - £50.00 (Fine for not attending AGM)
Saturday 23rd July 2022
Warrington Snooker League 2022/23 Season - Team Registration & Competition Entry Forms
A reminder that all team registration forms need to be submitted no later than this Monday 25th July 2022. You can do this in two ways;
You can complete the attached spreadsheet that was sent to all captains on Monday 4th July and send this back to me by email (preferred option).
Alternatively you can print these off and complete them by hand and bring them to Walkers on Monday 25th July at 7:30.
If you send the team registration forms back by email you will not need to come to Walkers as this will just be to collect any registration forms that have not been sent by email.
So far we have received registration forms from the following teams;
Alford D GESM A Irlam Steel Kings Club A Kings Club C Penketh Cons A The Grange Woolston C (If i have missed any teams that have sent their form back then please let me know and I will check my emails)
Also, as per my note on Monday 4th July, please can as many competition sheets be completed as possible to provide us with a rough idea of how many entries we are going to get for each competition. We have the Rugby League & Football World Cup this autumn so we need to arrange a calender for the season to work around these dates as soon as possible.
League Formation Meeting (To be re-scheduled - Date TBC)
Please not the league formation meeting was originally scheduled for Monday 22nd August however Manchester United v Liverpool has been put on this evening in the premier league of which I am sure many of you will want to watch so we will be arranging a new date for this meeting which will be confirmed ASAP to all team captains/representatives.
Monday 4th July 2022
Please note I have sent an email to all team captains/representatives this evening with the team registration and competition entry forms for the 2022/23 season.
Please note both forms are on the same spreadsheet just on separate tabs.
Team Registration Form (Tab 1)
The team registration form needs to be sent back no later than Monday 25th July 2022. You can do this in two ways;
You can complete the attached spreadsheet and send this back to me by email (preferred option).
Competition Entries (Tab 2)
Please can you also complete the competition entries if you know which of your players are wanting to play in each competition. These can be added to in due course but if you could ask your players and complete these as much as possible this will provide us with an idea of how many entries we are going to get for each competition and then we can start planning a calendar for the year.
A date will be confirmed for when final competition entries at the league formation meeting on Monday 22nd August but if you could get these in earlier this would be much appreciated.
Please can all captains/team representatives confirm receipt of this email when they get chance. A post will be going on the website tonight as well as a text to each contact.
Monday 20th June 2022 (Time 17:30)
Evening all,
If you are coming to the AGM/presentation this evening from the south of Warrington then please note that Kingsway Bridge has been closed.
At the moment there is no expected opening time available but I understand this is making traffic very heavy on both sides of the bridge with people being diverted to Knutsford Road from Kingsway South.
I assume this will be causing problems around Farrel Street, Kingsway North, Manchester Road, and Church Street as people look to find alternative routes.
Friday 10th June
Event: AGM & Presentation Date: Monday 20th June 2022 Venue: Walkers (Upstairs) Time: 7:30pm
Please find below the following documents in relation to the AGM & presentation night which is taking place at Walkers (upstairs) on Monday 20th June starting at 7:30pm prompt.
Agenda for AGM Results from 2021/22 Season Copy of current League Rules
Apologies in the slight delay in publishing the agenda online, however please note that there were no proposals for rule changes put forward this season. The rule changes noted on the agenda are a review of current wording, team submissions and registration fees that are not listed in the current league rules above.
Each captain/team representative should have received a copy of the AGM from Graham by email as well the one that is available in the link above. Please note any team that is looking to take part in 2022/23 season is required to have at least one person (team captain or representative) attend the AGM.
We would also like all players, captains and teams who won prizes and competitions in the 2021/22 season to attend the meeting to collect prize money and trophies.
We hope to see as many of you there as possible.
Pat Wisedale & Graham Waterworth
Tuesday 31st May 2022
2022 Presentation & AGM Date: Monday 20th June 2022 Venue: Walkers (Upstairs) Time: 7pm (TBC)
The Agenda for the AGM will be published no later than two weeks before the scheduled date.
All teams who are looking to enter the 2022/23 season must have one representative attend the AGM.
Division 2 Player of the Year (Play-off)
Date: Wednesday 1st June Venue: GESM Time: 7:30pm Start
Match Order:
Frame 1: Mike Bryan (Deaf Social A) v Richard Bradburn (Deaf Social A) Frame 2: John Rathbone (The Hatter) v Loser in Frame 1 Frame 3: Winner of Frame 1 v John Rathbone (The Hatter)
Match order done this way to ensure each player gets to play 2 frames on the evening. Should any player win both their frames they will be division 2 player of the year. Should all players win one frame each then the aggregate scores between the frames will decide who will be player of the year.
Many thanks Pat Wisedale
2022 Summer Singles Competition
Danny Shaw (Kings Club A) is looking to run a summer singles competition starting in June.
There will be an entry fee (TBC) for all participants and all players will play off the handicap that they will be off for the 2022/23 season. Full details and fixtures will be provided once all entries have been received and numbers confirmed.
All players will need to fulfill all fixtures should they enter.
If you are interested and would like to enter, please contact Danny on 07742 428016 no later than Friday 27th May to confirm your interest.
Thursday 19th May 2022
AGM & Presentation Night
The date for the AGM will be confirmed in the next few days. The AGM is likely to take place on either Monday 20th June or Thursday 23rd June depending on availability at Walkers which Graham is in the process of confirming. This will be confirmed no later than next week.
Proposals for Rule changes
As mentioned at the March meeting all proposals for any Rule changes to be voted at the AGM need to be sent in writing to the committee no later than Friday 27th May. All proposed rule changes will need to be seconded to be put forward for discussion and a vote.
The proposals will be published with the AGM agenda no later than two weeks before the scheduled date so teams and captains have time to view and discuss before the AGM.
Outstanding Fees from 2021/22 season
There are still a number of teams who owe fees from the 2021/22 season. These are now well overdue and Graham will be contacting all teams who still have funds outstanding. Any teams who do not pay these funds by the AGM will not be allowed to enter a team into the 2022/23 season.
The following players all had identical records in division 2 for the 2021/22 season
Player
Team
Played
Won
Loss
Bradburn, Richard (23)
Deaf Social A
23
20
3
Bryan, Mike (31)
Rathbone, John (17)
The Hatter
With this being the case we will be organising a round robin between the three players one evening to decide who will be the player of the year.
I will contact all players this weekend to confirm a night for these matches to be played.
Trophies from last season
If any teams or players still have trophies that they won last season please can they notify either myself or Graham before the end of May so we can collect as they will need engraving before the AGM/presentation night.
Should anyone have any issues or questions about any of the above please do not hesitate to contact either Graham or myself.
Sunday 1st May 2022
Competition Results from w/c 18th April
Team Championship Final Result
Alford 'B' beat GESM 'A' by 109 points
Gary Fredericks (44 Break) 101-17 Stewart Garnett Phil Oakes 53-53 John Barton Chris Taylor 12-111 Paul Dean Mike Chester 77-24 Jeff Robinson Phil Tsang 54-35 Gaz Tatlock Russ Jones 91-39 Scott Livingstone
Alford 'B' 388-279 GESM 'A'
Apologies for the delay in posting this result. I was away on holiday and have only got access to a device that allows to me to put headlines on the website as this is limited on my phone.
Final League Standings after the last round of matches
Division 1 Champions: Kings Club 'A' Runners up: Woolston 'A' Third place: Monks 'A'
Relegated: Bridgewater 'A', Kings Club 'C', Eagle Sports
Player of the Year: Tyler Whittaker (Kings Club 'A') Highest Break: Stewart Garnett (GESM 'A') - 64
Division 2 Champions: Deaf Social 'A' Runners up (Promoted): The Hatter Third place (Promoted): GESM 'B'
Wooden Spoon: Deaf Social 'B'
Player of the Year: Richard Bradburn (Deaf Social 'A'), Mike Bryan (Deaf Social 'A') & John Rathbone (The Hatter) - All three players Won 20 and Lost 3. We may be organising a play off to determine the outright player of the year for this division. Highest Break: Mike Chester (Alford 'B') - 67
A full update of all results will be posted in due course along with conformation of the presentation/AGM date.
Please can we take this time to thank all team captains/representatives for their help and time this year. It wasn't the easiest season to get going after COVID-19 disruptions over the last couple of years but we are thankful we have got there in the end and that we got through all matches without too many issues. I am looking forward to now taking a bit of time away from league responsibilities before we start again with the 2022/23 season.
Congratulations to all those players/teams who were succesful this season.
Monday 18th April 2022
Competition Matches week commencing 18th April 2022
Tuesday 19th April 2022 - Team Championship (Final) Match to be played at Kings Club
GESM 'A' v Alford 'B'
A reminder that all new players must have played 6 league games, existing players 4 league games, to be eligible to play in any competition from the quarter-finals onward, unless approved by the League Council. Any player who has not played the minimum number of games by the date of the schedule quarter final will not be eligible to play in the remainder of the competition.
Final League Games Scheduled Thursday 21st April
Please can team captains/representatives ensure all match cards and results are added to the website by Friday 22nd April.
Competition Results from last week
Team Handicap Final Result
Deaf Social 'A' beat Alford 'A'
Individual Handicap Final Result
Scott Horobin (Woolston ‘A’) 3-1Jeff Robinson (GESM 'A')
Apologies for the delay in posting these results.
Please see the document tab or link below for the match reports.
Match Reports (To Follow)
Monday 11th April 2022
Competition Matches week commencing 11th April 2022
Tuesday 12th April 2022 - Team Handicap (Final) Match to be played at GESM
Alford 'A' v Deaf Social 'A'
Thursday 14th April 2022 - Individual Handicap (Final) Match to be played at Alford
Jeff Robinson (GESM 'A') v Scott Horobin (Woolston 'A')
Outstanding/Postponed League Matches from 2021/22 Season
Please can team captains confirm as soon as possible when these matches have been rearranged for if not stated below.
Division 1
Week 10
Bridgewater ‘A’ v Kings Club ‘A’ - To be played on Thursday 14th April
Pairs Handicap Final Result
Scott Horobin & Dave Bonehill (Woolston ‘A’) 2-1 Dave Ward & Andy Sargeant (Irlam Catholic)
Three Man Team Final Result
Tyler Whittaker, James Whibley & Mitch McJay (Kings Club 'A') beat Phil Bate, Mark Wilkinson & Dean Little (Woolston 'A')
Individual Merit Final Result
Gary Lunn (Woolston 'A’) 3-0 Scott Horobin (Woolston ‘A’)
Apologies for the delay in posting these results. Last year was tax year end which working for a finance company is extremely busy and I was away in Scotland over the weekend.
Monday 4th April 2022
Competition Matches week commencing 4th April 2022
Monday 4th April 2022 - Pairs Handicap (Final) Match to be played at GESM
Dave Ward (Irlam Catholic) v Scott Horobin (Woolston 'A')
Tuesday 5th April 2022 - Three Man Team (Final) Match to be played at GESM
Tyler Whittaker (Kings Club 'A') v Phil Bate (Woolston 'A')
Thursday 7th April 2022 - Individual Merit (Final) Match to be played at Woolston
Gary Lunn (Woolston 'A') v Scott Horobin (Woolston 'A')
Final League Fxtures - Scheduled Thursday 21st April
Please note the final league fixtures are scheduled to be played on Thursday 21st April. The reason for this is that we needed to keep some spare weeks in the season for rearranged games before the last round of fixtures. Ordinarily, we would only leave one spare week but this would have meant the final games would have fell on Easter weekend where many people are away and Warrington play at home that night. This meant the 7th and 14th were kept free and both the Individual Merit & Handicap finals will take place on these evenings. Should any teams wish to bring their final league match forward they may do so in agreement with the team that they are playing but will not be able to post the result until Thursday 21st April.
Week 1
Bridgewater 'A' v Walkers 'B' - To be played on Wedneaday 6th April
Week 21
Penketh Cons 'B' v Walkers 'B' - To be played on Thursday 7th April
Division 2
Week 18
Alford 'B' v Penketh Cons 'A' - To be played on Wedneaday 6th April (Match to be played at Penketh Cons) St Benedicts v Deaf Social 'B' - To be played on Thursday 7th April
Wednesday 30th March 2022
Individual Merit Semi Final Results
Scott Horobin (Woolston ‘A’) 2-0 Harry Horton (Alford ‘B’) Gary Lunn (Woolston 'A’) 2-1 Paul Nesbitt (Bridgewater 'A')
Team Handicap Semi Final Result
Deaf Social ‘A’ beat Alford ‘D’ by 137 points
Jonny Ward (35) 98-68 (29) Billy Burlinson Richard Bradburn (23) 90-48 (17) Mark Taylor Robert Lambert (21) 81-58 (29) John Brown Gareth Denmead (45) 73-85 (19) Paul Duffy Mike Bryan (31) 86-72 (29) Ste Morley Jason Parry (39) 80-40 (32) Glynn Jones
Deaf Social 'A’ 508 – 371 Alford ‘D’
Monday 28th March 2022
Monthly Meeting - Monday 28th March Venue: Walkers Time: 19:30
All team captains/representatives are expected to attend the meeting and the following will be the agenda for the evening;
Outstanding/Postponed Competition Matches from March
Team Handicap Semi Final
Deaf Social 'A' v Alford 'D' - To be played at Kings Club on Tuesday 29th March
Individual Merit Semi Final Both matches to be played at GESM on Tuesday 29th March
Harry Horton (Alford 'B') v Scott Horobin (Woolston 'A') Paul Nesbitt (Bridgewater 'A') v Gary Lunn (Woolston 'A')
Bridgewater 'A' v Walkers 'B' - Date TBC
Alford 'B' v Penketh Cons 'A' - To be played on Wedneaday 6th April St Benedicts v Deaf Social 'B' - To be played on Thursday 7th April
Wednesday 23rd March 2022
Three Man Team Semi Final Results
Tyler Whittaker, James Whibley & Mitch McJay (Kings Club 'A') 234-137 Scott Horobin, Jamie Hynes & Louis Babington (Woolston 'A' & Alford 'A')
James Whibley (28) 88-49 (49) Jamie Hynes Tyler Whittaker (22) 86-46 (5) Scott Horobin Mitch McJay (25) 60-42 (20) Louis Babington
Phil Bate, Mark Wilkinson & Dave Bonehill (Woolston 'A') 229-151 Dave Ward, Andy Sargeant & Alan Taylor (Irlam Catholic)
Mark Wilkinson (-6) 56-49 (22) Andy Sargeant Dave Bonehill (43) 97-66 (3) Dave Ward Phil Bate (-11) 76-36 (-2) Alan Taylor
Match Reports (to follow)
Tuesday 22nd March 2022
Pairs Handicap Semi Final Results
Scott Horobin & Dave Bonehill (Woolston 'A') (24) 2-1 (29) James Whibley & Colin Moorby (Kings Club) Dave Ward & Andy Sargeant (Irlam Catholic) (13) 2-0 (7) Russ Jones & Chris Taylor (Alford 'B')
Saturday 19th March 2022
Competition Matches week commencing 21st March 2022
Monday 21st March 2022 - Pairs Handicap (Semi Final) Both matches to be played at GESM
Russ Jones (Alford 'B') v Dave Ward (Irlam Catholic) James Whibley (Kings Club 'A') v Scott Horobin (Woolston 'A')
Tuesday 22nd March 2022 - Three Man Team (Semi Final) Both matches to be played at GESM
Tyler Whittaker (Kings Club 'A') v Scott Horobin (Woolston 'A') Dave Ward (Irlam Catholic) v Phil Bate (Woolston 'A')
Wednesday 16th March 2022
Team Championship Semi Final Results
Alford ‘B’ beat Woolston ‘A’ by 125 points Gary Fredericks 79-24 Louis Davies Phil Oakes 71-34 Dave Bonehill Russ Jones 47-47 Mark Wilkinson Mike Chester 47-51 Scott Horobin Chris Taylor 25-70 Gary Lunn Phil Tsang 98-16 Phil Bate
Alford ‘B’ 367 – 242 Woolston ‘A’
GESM ‘A’ beat GESM ‘B’ by 78 points Gaz Tatlock 55-44 Daz Waldron Pat Wisedale 69-39 Ste Ford Phil Wisedale 41-57 Ollie Brierley John Barton 72-29 Ian Potts Scott Livingstone 35-80 Phil Thompson (33 Break) Paul Dean (33 break) 80-25 Ste Millman
GESM ‘A’ 352-274 GESM ‘B’
Sunday 13th February 2022
Competition Matches week commencing 14th March 2022
Tuesday 15th March 2022 - Team Championship (Semi Final) GESM 'B' v GESM 'A' - Match to be played at GESM Alford 'B' v Woolston 'A' - Match to be played at Kings Club
Alford 'B' v Penketh Cons 'A' - Date TBC St Benedicts v Deaf Social 'B' - To be played on Thursday 7th April
Wednesday 9th March 2022
Alford ‘A’ beat Woolston ‘A’ by 35 points
Brian Babington (25) 49-100 (-11) Phil Bate (36 Break) Louis Babington (20) 63-32 (5) Scott Horobin David Dodd (33) 84-79 (15) Mark Leatham Mike Babington (24) 86-49 (-6) Mark Wilkinson Jamie Hynes (28) 62-69 (-11) Gary Lunn Joe Gibbons (41) 74-54 (8) Louis Davies
Alford A’ 418 – 383 Woolston ‘A’
Match Reports
Tuesday 8th March 2022
Individual Handicap Semi Final Results
Scott Horobin (5) (Woolston ‘A’) 2-0 Joe Gibbons (41) (Alford ‘A’) Jeff Robinson (-15) (GESM ‘A’) 2-1 Jason Brereton (12) (St Benedicts)
Sunday 6th February 2022
Monday 7th March 2022 - Individual Handicap (Semi Final) Both matches to be played at Kings Club
Scott Horobin (Woolston 'A') v Joe Gibbons (Alford 'A') Jeff Robinson (GESM 'A') v Jason Brereton (St Benedicts)
Tuesday 8th March 2022 - Team Handicap (Semi Final) Woolston 'A' v Alford 'A' - Match to be played at GESM
Individual Merit Semi Final
Harry Horton (Alford 'B') v Scott Horobin (Woolston 'A') - To be played at GESM on Tuesday 29th March
Week 17
Irlam Catholic v Kings Club 'C' - To be played on Thursday 10th March
Eagle Sports v Irlam Catholic - To be plaayed on Monday 7th March Penketh Cons 'B' v Walkers 'B' - To be played on Thursday 7th April
Monday 28th February 2022
March Competition Draws
All Semi Final matches will take place at neutral venues. The venues will be confirmed once the draws have been completed. Matches are to take place on the scheduled evening unless approved by the league council.
Tuesday 8th March 2022 - Team Handicap (Semi Final) Woolston 'A' v Alford 'A' - Match to be played at GESM Deaf Social 'A' v Alford 'D'
Monday 14th March 2022 - Individual Merit (Semi Final) Both matches to be played at GESM
Harry Horton (Alford B) v Scott Horobin (Woolston A) Paul Nesbitt (Bridgewater A) v Gary Lunn (Woolston A)
Scott Horobin (Woolston 'A')
A special mention to Scott Horobin who has successfully made it through to the semi-finals of every competition in the 2021/22 Warrington Snooker League. Apologies if I have missed anyone, but certainly in recent memory Scott is the first player to have made all the semi-finals in the same season.
It's fitting that Scott has managed to accomplish this especially with the recent passing of his Dad, Keith Horobin. For those who don’t know Keith sadly passed away earlier this year and was a previous winner of the Individual Handicap in the 1997/98 season, competing in the Warrington Snooker League for many years.
There are some tough matches ahead but Scott will be hoping to emulate his Dad by winning the Individual Handicap as well as trying to secure success in the Merit, Pairs, Three Man and the team events to cap off an excellent season.
Well played so far Scott, I am sure your Dad will be proud of the achievements so far this season.
Sunday 27th February 2022
Monthly Meeting - Monday 28th February Venue: Walkers Time: 19:30
March Competition Dates
Monday 7th March 2022 - Individual Handicap (Semi Final)
Tuesday 8th March 2022 - Team Handicap (Semi Final)
Monday 14th March 2022 - Individual Merit (Semi Final)
Tuesday 15th March 2022 - Team Championship (Semi Final)
Monday 21st March 2022 - Pairs Handicap (Semi Final)
Tuesday 22nd March 2022 - Three Man Team (Semi Final)
Outstanding/Postponed Competition Matches from February
Individual Merit Quarter Final
Gary Lunn (Woolston 'A') v Mike Chester (Alford 'B') - To be played on Monday 28th February
Week 19
Alford 'B' v Penketh Cons 'A' - Date TBC St Benedicts v Deaf Social B - Date TBC
Friday 18th February 2022
Competition Matches week commencing 21st February 2022
Monday 21st February 2022 - Pairs Handicap (Quarter Final)
Tuesday 22nd February 2022 - Three Man Team (Quarter Final)
Week 13
Woolston ‘C’ v GESM ‘B’ - To be played on Wednesday 23rd February
February Competition Draws
Monday 14th February 2022 - Individual Merit (Quarter Final)
Tuesday 15th February 2022 - Team Championship (Quarter Final)
Individual Handicap Quarter Final
Jeff Robinson (GESM 'A') v Mike Delaney (Monks 'A') - To be played on Wednesday 16th February
Alford 'B' v Penketh Cons 'A' - Date TBC
Tuesday 8th February 2022
Warrington Rugby Fixtures on Thursday Nights
As many of you are aware, the 2022 Super League season starts this weekend. I know many players within the league have an interest in the Rugby and looking at the Warrington fixtures between now and the end of our Snooker season, the following matches are scheduled to be played Thursday evenings.
Thursday 17th February 2022 Castleford (Home) - On Sky Sports
Thursday 14th April 2022 Salford (Home) - Not on TV (Please note the Salford game is Easter Thursday and is a spare week in our Snooker season the week before our final league games are scheduled. This week kept free for any re-arranged games that need to be played ahead of the final week of the season. I am putting this fixture out to notify teams should they need to use this week for rearranged games so they are aware that the rugby is on that evening).
Should any teams need to rearrange fixtures because of the clash with the rugby then they need to notify their opponents no later than the Sunday before the scheduled match. The fixtures for the rugby have been out since the end of November so teams have had plenty of time to know if they will be able to field a team.
Friday 4th February 2022
Competition Matches week commencing 7th February 2022
Monday 7th February 2022 - Individual Handicap (Quarter Final)
Tuesday 8th February 2022 - Team Handicap (Quarter Final)
Bridgewater 'A' v Walkers 'B' (Date TBC)
Bridgewater ‘A’ v Kings Club ‘A’ (Date TBC)
Woolston 'A' v Irlam Steel (TBC) Irlam Catholic v Kings Club 'C' (Date TBC)
Woolston ‘C’ v GESM ‘B’ (To be played on Wednesday 23rd February)
Monday 31st January 2022
Outstanding Competition Matches from January
Woolston 'A' v Irlam Steel (Date TBC) Irlam Catholic v Kings Club 'C' (Date TBC)
Friday 28th January 2022
Monthly Meeting - Monday 31st January Venue: Walkers Time: 19:30
Pairs Handicap (Last 16) James Whibley (Kings Club A) v Mike Delaney (Monks A) - To be played Sunday 30th January Brian Hall (The Grange) v Russ Jones (Alford B) - To be played Monday 31st January
Three Man Team (Last 16)
Luke Stacey (Kings Club A) v Phil Bate (Woolston A) - To be played Tuesday 1st February
Friday 21st January 2022
Competition Matches week commencing 24th January
Monday 24th January 2022 - Pairs Handicap (Last 16)
Tuesday 25th January 2022 - Three Man Team (Last 16)
Woolston ‘C’ v GESM ‘B’ (To be Played on Wednesday 23rd February)
Wednesday 19th January 2022
Important Notice – Player eligibility from quarter final stage onwards in competition matches
I have had a few queries in relation to this topic over the last few weeks so I thought it would be best to clarify for all teams and players ahead of next month’s competition matches that will all be at the quarter final stage. Below is the criteria from the league rules.
18) Competitions
a) New Players must have played 6 league games, existing players 4 league games, to be eligible to play in any competition from the quarter-finals onward, unless approved by the League Council.
Should there be any players who have not played in enough league fixtures then they will need to provide a reason in writing to the league by the January meeting (Monday 31st January) as to why they have not be able to participate in the qualifying number of games. The league council will then review each case on an individual basis and make a decision as to if the player is able to participate any further in the competitions.
e) Neither Teams nor Players will not be allowed to change match dates (either bringing them forward or postpone) to allow for players not originally available due to ineligibility. Teams or players attempting to break the rules will be removed from competitions.
Should any teams or players need to rearrange their quarter final matches, only those players who are eligible for the original schedule date will be allowed to participate or be available for selection in the rearranged date.
The original scheduled date for each competition is as follows;
Monday 7th February 2022 Individual Handicap Tuesday 8th February 2022 Team Handicap Monday 14th February 2022 Individual Merit Tuesday 15th February 2022 Team Championship Monday 21st February 2022 Pairs Handicap Tuesday 22nd February 2022 Three Man Team
I hope this provides some clarity to those who had any queries or questions on this topic. Any issues please do not hesitate to contact Graham or myself.
Please note the quarter final draw for each of the competitions above will be made at the monthly meeting on Monday 31st January.
Friday 14th January 2022
Competition Matches week commencing 17th January
Monday 17th January 2022 - Individual Merit (Last 16)
Tuesday 18th January 2022 - Team Championship (Last 16)
Woolston ‘C’ v GESM ‘B’ (To be Played on Wednesday 23rd February) Alford ‘A’ v Penketh Cons ‘A’ (Date TBC)
Kenny Paget
During the meeting that was held this last Monday 20th December, Kenny Paget announced to those in attendance his decision to step away from the Warrington Snooker League committee and subsequently his role as competition secretary.
Kenny notified Graham and myself shortly after the start of the season of his intention to no longer be on the comittee due to a new role he has up taken with Warrington Wolves, and as he is unable to find the time for both, feels this was the right time to step away from committee of the Warrington Snooker League.
Kenny has provided over 20 years of excellent service on the committee of the league in which at times can be a thankless and time consuming role to ensure we all have fixtures and competitions to play in each season. Without the work he has done behind the scenes there is no guarantee that this league would still be going and I believe we all owe him a great debt of gratitude for the work and time he has put into the league.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Kenny for helping me over the last 4 years since coming onto the committee with learning the ropes, dealing with certain situations as well as the support he has given me in the role since being chairman. In the short time I have been doing this I have nothing but respect for Kenny to be able to stick at it for as long as he has!
It was great to Kenny to attend the meeting on Monday to notify those all present of his decision and fitting that he presented the awards for the 2019/20 season that was delayed due to the pandemic
I’m sure you will all join me in thanking Kenny for all that he has done for the Warrington Snooker League as well as wishing him all the very best in his future endeavours.
Competition Secretary
With Kenny stepping down, we are now looking for a new competition secretary to come on board. If anyone is interested in putting their name forward to take this role then please can you contact either Graham Waterworth or Pat Wisedale as soon as possible to declare your interest. We have already had a few people mention they would be willing to help but no one has fully provided us with a guarantee they can do so.
Kenny has kindly confirmed that should anyone wish to take on the role he will be on call to help and guide them with any queries or issues they may have over the next 6-12 months.
For now, Pat Wisedale will continue as he has this season in sorting the completion draws and results until we get someone else on board. We don’t have many draws/rounds left to do this season so it may be that this role starts a fresh from the 2022/23 season depending on the interest we get.
Christmas & New Year
Finally it wouldn’t be right to finish without saying that we wish everyone connected with the Warrington Snooker League and their families a safe, enjoyable and wonderful Christmas & New Year.
We look forward to (hopefully) resuming the snooker league the first week in January.
Kind Regards
Monday 15th December 2021
Monthly Meeting - Monday 20th December
Please note the meeting due on Monday 20th December is still to go ahead as planned at Walkers and will start at 19:30 prompt;
All team captains/representatives as well as any players/teams who are expecting prize money and/or trophies from the 2019/20 season are expected to attend the meeting and the following will be the agenda for the evening;
Please note that any referee payments for the 2019/20 season will be handed out at the January meeting as weare currently finalising all details of matches that were officiated.
January Competitions
Please note that each team captain will be emailed a copy of the competition draws for January in the next few days and these will also be added to the website. Unfortunately, I do not have access to a printer to enable me to print a copy for each team and to hand these out at the meeting.
I will be in touch with each captain in the coming days and dates for the competitions are as follows;
Monday 10th January 2022 – Individual Handicap (Last 16) Tuesday 11th January 2022 – Team Handicap (Last 16) Monday 17th January 2022 – Individual Merit (Last 16) Tuesday 18th Janaury 2022 – Team Championship (Last 16) Monday 24th January 2022 – Pairs Handicap (Last 16) Tuesday 25th January 2022 – Three Man Team (Last 16)
Outstanding December Competition Matches
Pairs Handicap - Last 32 Gary Lunn (Woolston A) v John Rathbone (The Hatter) Keith Melia (GESM A) v Chris Giblin (Penketh Cons B)
Week 1 Bridgewater 'A' v Walkers 'B'
Week 8 Monks 'A' v The Grange
Week 10 Bridgewater ‘A’ v Kings Club ‘A’
Week 12 Penketh Cons 'A' v Deaf Social 'B'
Three Man Team Final 2019/20
Phil Bate Team (Woolston A) beat Lee Chambers Team (GESM A)
Frame 1 – Dean Little (-4) (Woolston A) v Pat Wisedale (-5) (GESM A)
The first frame of the evening saw Dean Little take on Pat Wisedale in what was a close frame from start to finish. In the early exchanges, Pat generally got most of the run limiting Dean’s chances when he came to the table. A series of excellent long pots helped Pat to 8 point with both players missing chances to stamp their authority on the frame. Dean responded with a 22 break during the frame which put it back in his favour going onto the last two reds. A costly miss of the black on the spot meant Pat trailed by 6 as they entered the colours. Pat disposed of the yellow and green to trail by one and then potted the brown from distance only to see the cue ball come back the length of the table and fall into the top left pocket. This gave Dean a great chance to take the frame and he did so excellently clearing from brown to black which would have a big impact later in the match to give his team the advantage after the first frame.
Phil Bate Team (Woolston A) led by 27 points after 1 frame.
Frame 2 – Mark Wilkinson (-4) (Woolston A) v Lee Chambers (21) (GESM A)
Lee Chambers (Sid) started excellently in frame two and had Mark Wilkinson on the back foot from the off. With a 25 start, Sid took important reds and colours in nearly each of his first half a dozen visits to the frustration of Wilko who had limited chances early in the frame. Sid then maintained his lead throughout the majority of the frame and with the colours remaining he had accumulated a 48 points. At a critical stage of the match, Wilko stepped up to the plate and took all the 6 colours at the end of the frame meaning that he had reduced the deficit to just 21 points and gave his team a slender advantage going into the last frame. To emphasise the importance of these colours and then ones that Dean took in the first frame, these contributed to a 98 point swing in the match had Pat & Sid been able to take these.
Phil Bate Team (Woolston A) led by 6 points after 2 frames.
Frame 3 – Phil Bate (-2) (Woolston A) v John Barton (1) (GESM A)
Taking into account the players handicaps, the aggregate score was down to just 3 points as we broke off in the final frame of which had the ingredients to be a great frame with the personnel involved. A tight safety battle began the frame close to the pack of reds and the black spot as the natural safety up the table was out of the equation due to the fact that two reds were in open play between blue and bulk colours. Following a great long red from John, he just couldn’t get himself on an angle to the pot the black which would have been a good scoring chance early on. On Phil’s next visit he took advantage of this and started to build a small lead in the frame keeping John’s opportunities at a premium. Phil was cueing really well on the night and he continued to build a healthy gap of 25 points with half the reds remaining. John then had two similar good chances, each time playing for the black but the rapid pace of the table caught him out both occasions and he just came too far to capitalise on each chance. Phil picked off the final three reds including one fluke that left himself snookered but he managed to escape and left John needing 3 snookers. John managed to get one back, but it was too much of an ask to get all three and Phil claimed victory for his side taking the green and brown to secure the match for his team.
Sid, Pat & John will be hoping to go one further in this year’s 3 man team competition which starts in December but the night belonged to Dean, Wilko & Phil who added to an impressive season for the Woolston lads. Congratulations to the three of them on being crowned the 2019/20 three man team champions.
Individual Handicap Semi Final & Final 2019/20
Semi Final Results
Joe Sykes (Kings Club A) 0-2 Dean Knox (Cadishead Cons) Keith Melia (GESM A) 1-2 Keith Owen (Monks A)
Final Result
Dean Knox (Cadishead Cons) 3-2 Keith Owen (Monks A)
In unusual circumstances, both the semi-finals & final were played on the same evening and I'd like to thank all four players for agreeing for this to happen. With some not playing in the league this season due to other commitments & living away from the area as well as players having limited table time over the last few months it’s great to have completed this competition with close matches.
Commiserations to Joe Sykes, Keith Melia who should be proud of their efforts to get to the semi-final in such a tough competition. Finally, having played the most frames in the evening with both of his matches going the distance, a mention our runner up Keith Owen who just missed out on winning the compeition with Dean pipping him on the pink in the deciding frame on what was a long evening for both players.
Apologies for the short write up, I was involved in the three man team final on the same evening so didn't see any of the action.
Dave Carroll (Alford B)
The league is saddened to hear of the recent passing of Dave Carroll.
Dave played within the league on and off for over 30 years for clubs such as the old Grange club, Kings Club, Warrington Cons and most recently Alford Hall, for whom he had represented their B team as recent as this season.
For those of you who knew Dave and would like to pay their respects, teammate and close friend Russ Jones has confirmed that the funeral will be held at the Crematorium on Friday 26th November at 12:20pm.
Our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this time.
Team Handicap Final 2019/20 Season
Kings Club ‘A’ beat Eagle Sports by 7 points
Martin McInerney (20) 73-76 (18) Renzo Manfredi Tyler Whittaker (22) 52-81 (18) Wayne Aspinall Danny Shaw (18) 48-67 (1) Tony Sutcliffe Ste Dolley (12) 84-52 (17) Mike Fenney Anton Evans (-11) 58-65 (27) Peter Stringfellow Harry Bamber (41) 99-66 (12) Louis Davies
Kings Club ‘A’ 414 – 407 Eagle Sports
In similar fashion to the team championship match that took place the week before, the team handicap final came down to the final black in what was a tense final.
Starting proceedings in the evening was Martin McInerney against Renzo Manfredi & Tyler Whittaker who was paired against Wayne Aspinall.
Renzo took an early advantage in his frame taking control of the frame early on and building a small lead but Martin was able to pull it back later in the frame taking some important colours as the frame drew to a close meaning he only lost the frame by 3 points.
On the other table Wayne put in an excellent performance and capitalised on some chances that were left from Tyler where he was unlucky with some of the efforts he went for in the frame. Both players played in an attack minded way and it made for a good frame to watch for those in attendance.
Eagle Sports 32 points up after 2 frames.
Chances were at a premium for much of the frame for Danny Shaw as Tony Sutcliffe used all his experience to keep him at bay. In fairness to Danny, he stayed in the frame and gave himself a great chance to pinch it with the colours left late in the frame. Unfortunately he didn’t quite take his chance but Tony finished the frame in superb fashion with one of the best shots under pressure on the pink send the white back round the table and back for the black. It was an awesome shot that Tony played to take the frame.
Across the room, Steve Dolley kept Mike Fenney at bay for most of the frame playing some excellent snooker which got Kings Club ‘A’ back into the match at a time where it could have got away from them.
Eagle Sports 19 points up after 4 frames.
The last two frames of the evening began with all to play for. Anton Evans had his work cut out giving 38 start to Peter Stringfellow. Anton had a couple of chances early doors that he couldn’t quite make the most of which gave Peter a chance to get himself into the frame and he kept a steady head to win the frame by 7 points.
It all came down to the last frame to finish on the evening and when the other frame had finished Harry Bamber knew that he had to beat Louis Davis by 27 points to claim the title for his team. There was tension and drama in the room and as they got down to the colours the match was on a knife edge and a costly foul by Louis leaning over the pink put the advantage back into Harry’s hands but he couldn’t quite take full advantage at the first attempt.
A couple of unnecessary comments whilst the players were down on shots followed which slightly spoilt the end of the match which had been played in good spirits until then. With just the pink and black left Eagle led the match by 6 points however Harry kept his cool to take both the pink and black to claim the Team Handicap trophy for Kings Club A by just 7 points.
Congratulations to them on edging a really close final but commiserations to Eagle Sports who having led nearly all the final will be gutted to have been on the losing end right at the end of the match.
2021/22 Competition Dates & Entries
We have now received all entries for the 2021/22 competitions and can confirm the following amount of entries for each competition;
Team Handicap – 26 Teams
We will require 10 pre-lim matches (20 teams) and 6 teams will get a bye. The 10 winners of the pre-lims will join the remaining 6 teams in the last 16. Dates for this competition are as follows
Tuesday 16th November 2021 – Pre Lim (Draw in the link below)
Team Handicap - Pre Lim Draw
The following teams have recevied a bye in this round: Walkers B, Irlam Catholic, Alford B, Woolston C, Alford D & Eagle Sports
Tuesday 11th January 2022 – Last 16 Tuesday 8th February 2022 – Quarter Final Tuesday 8th March 2022 – Semi Final Tuesday 12th April 2022 – Final
Team Championship – 26 Teams
Tuesday 30th November 2021 – Pre Lim (Draw in the link below)
Team Championship - Pre Lim Draw
The following teams have recevied a bye in this round: Walkers A, Bridgewater A, Kings Club A, Woolston B, GESM B, Deaf Social B
Tuesday 18th January 2022 – Last 16 Tuesday 15th February 2022 – Quarter Final Tuesday 15th March 2022 – Semi Final Tuesday 19th April 2022 – Final
Individual Handicap – 49 Players
We will require 17 pre-lim matches (34 players) and 15 players will get a bye. The 17 winners of the pre-lims will join the remaining 15 players in the last 32. Dates for this competition are as follows
Monday 22nd November 2021 – Pre-Lim (Draw in the link below)
Inidividual Handicap - Pre Lim Draw
The following players have recevied a bye in this round: Russ Jones (Alford B), Ian Bate (The Hatter), Jeff Robinson (GESM A), Ray Bate (Woolston B), Keith Melia (GESM A), Mark Wilkinson (Woolston A), Jamie Hynes (Alford A), Lee McDermott (Warrington Cons B), Mark Acton (GESM B), Connor Forshaw (Alford B), Gordon Ure (Monks A), Dave Ward (Irlam Catholic), Joe Gibbons (Alford A), Danny Shaw (Kings Club A), Craig Bailey (Walkers B)
Monday 13th December 2021 – Last 32 Monday 10th January 2022 – Last 16 Monday 7th February 2022 – Quarter Final Monday 7th March 2022 – Semi Final Monday 11th April – Final Individual Merit – 25 Players
We will require 9 pre-lim matches (18 players) and 7 players will get a bye. The 9 winners of the pre-lims will join the remaining 7 players in the last 16. Dates for this competition are as follows
Monday 6th December 2021 – Pre-Lim (Draw in the link below)
Individual Merit - Pre Lim Draw
The following players have recevied a bye in this round: Mike Delaney (Monks A), John Turnbull (St Benedicts A), Phil Bate (Woolston A), Pat Wisedale (GESM A), Tyler Whittaker (Kings Club A), Mike Chester (Alford B), Keith Veldhoven (Irlam Steel)
Monday 17th January 2022 – Last 16 Monday 14th February 2022 – Quarter Final Monday 14th March 2022 – Semi Final Thursday 7th April 2022 – Final Pairs Handicap – 44 Pairs
We will require 12 pre-lim matches (24 pairs) and 20 pairs will get a bye. The 12 winners of the pre-lims will join the remaining 20 pairs in the last 32. Dates for this competition are as follows
Tuesday 23rd November 2021 – Pre-Lim (Draw in the link below)
Pairs Handicap - Pre Lim Draw
The following pairs have recevied a bye in this round: Paul Nesbitt (Bridgewater A), Mitch McJay (Kings Club A), John O'Roukre (GESM B), Mike Delaney (Monks A), John Rathbone (The Hatter), Tom Bates (Woolston B), Mike Babington (Alford A), Nick Malkin (The Hatter), Gordon Ure (Monks A), Paul Duffy (Alford D), Brian Hall (The Grange), Lee Chambers (GESM A), Ste Whittaker (The Hatter), Craig Bailey (Walkers B), Brian Babington (Alford A), Ian Hall (The Grange), Scott Horobin (Woolston A), John Turnbull (St Benedicts A), Scott Livingstone (GESM A), Russ Jones (Alford B)
Tuesday 14th December 2021 – Last 32 Monday 24th January 2022 – Last 16 Monday 21st February 2022 – Quarter Final Monday 21st March 2022 – Semi Final Monday 4th April 2022 - Final
Three Man Team – 22 Teams
We will require 6 pre-lim matches (12 teams) and 10 teams will get a bye. The 6 winners of the pre-lims will join the remaining 10 teams in the last 16. Dates for this competition are as follows
Tuesday 7th December 2021 – Pre Lim (Draw in the link below)
Three Man Team - Pre Lim Draw
The following teams have recevied a bye in this round: Scott Horobin (Woolston A), Harry Horton (Alford B), Wayne Aspinall (Eagle Sports), Luke Stacey (Kings Club A), Paul Duffy (Alford D), John O'Rourke (GESM B), Phil Bate (Woolston A), Scott Livingstone (GESM A), Nick Malkin (The Hatter), Dave Ward (Irlam Catholic)
Tuesday 25th January 2022 – Last 16 Tuesday 22nd February 2022 – Quarter Final Tuesday 22nd March 2022 – Semi Final Tuesday 5th April 2022 - Final
Dave Pownall (GESM 'C')
It is with great sadness to inform you that Dave Pownall passed away earlier this week. Not many of you may have known, but Dave was sadly diagnosed with Motor neurone disease (MND) during the pandemic.
Dave was known by many players within the league for well over 35 years and in most recent years played for teams such as Monks 'A', Earlstown Cons, Newton Social and then GESM 'C' who he represented from 2014 up until the start of the pandemic.
Dave was a gentleman and on a personal note, it was a pleasure to get to know him over the last decade through playing against him in the league and with both of us being members at GESM.
Individual Merit Final 2019/20
Gary Lunn 3-2 Mike Chester
The individual merit final took place this past Monday at Kings Club and it went all the way to a black ball final game where Gary Lunn came out on top over Mike Chester.
A break of 41 helped put Mike 1-0 ahead in the early exchanges but some excellent long potting got Gary back level and this continued into frame three as he took a 2-1 lead.
Showing his class Mike responded well in frame four to tie the match level at 2-2 and take it to a decider.
The final frame fittingly went down to a black ball frame and it was Gary who at the fifth time of asking finally got his hands on the individual merit trophy for the first time.
Apologies to Gary & Mike for the short write up as I wasn’t able to attend all of the the final but credit to both players for putting on what sounded like a great final.
Team Championship Final 2019/20 Season Woolston ‘A’ beat The Grange by 14 points Scott Horobin 72-45 Jon Newton Phil Bate 54-54 James Beaton Dean Little 47-75 Brian Hall (51 Break) Mark Wilkinson 46-46 Lee Gordon Ste Dodd 64-41 Ian Hall Gary Lunn 46-54 Ian Beaton A really close Team Championship final took place last night at GESM as Woolston ‘A’ just pipped The Grange in an thrilling final. The first two frames saw Scott Horobin coming out on top by 27 points over Jon Newton whilst on the other table Phil Bate & James Beaton shared the spoils in a rare draw which surprisingly wasn’t to be the only one of the evening. Woolston 27 points up after two frames Frames 3 & 4 saw another draw take place with Mark Wilkinson & Lee Gordon finished level board each in a frame neither player gave each other man chances. Across the room Brian Hall knocked in a brilliant 51 break in overcoming Dean Little by 28 points which left the 1 point in the match after 4 frames The Grange 1 point up after 4 frames. It all came down to the final two frames of the evening to decide the trophy for the 2019/20 season. Ian Beaton played some excellent snooker to keep Gary Lunn quiet in the early exchanges but some excellent shots on the colours towards the end of the frame meant that the frame ended close with Ian winning by 8 points to give The Grange a 9 point lead. As their frame finished, Ste Dodd and Ian Hall had just got to the colours remaining. With just brown to black left, Ste led the frame by 1 point as he clinically took the brown, blue and pink to lead by 16 points in his frame and Woolston leading by 7 points in the match with just the black left. A slight bit of confusion in the room meant that some players thought the match was over and some didn’t as had Ian potted the black it would have been a respot, but Ste calmly slotted the black away to claim victory for Woolston who take home the Team Championship to complete a team double with the division 1 title they had already claimed. Commiserations to The Grange but well played both teams in what was an entertaining final to watch and referee.
Planned A57 Road Closure - 8 Weeks commencing on Monday 25th October
Teams travelling to and from Irlam Catholic and Irlam Steel
The A57 will be closed between junction 21 of the M6 and Warburton Bridge Road for eight weeks from Monday, October 25, between the hours of 7pm and 1am.
Diversion will be via Glazebrook Lane, Holcroft Lane, Birchwood Way and Woolston Grange Avenue as a result of the resurfacing work.
https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/19628471.roadworks-planned-liverpool-road-manchester-road/
Tony Howard & Fred Barlow
The league is saddened to hear of the news that Tony Howard (GTBL) and Fred Barlow (Deaf Social ‘A’) have both passed away in recent weeks
Both players have played & contributed within the league for a number of seasons and will be missed by their fellow team mates and friends within the league.
Our thoughts are with their families and close friends at this time.