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Hastings & Bexhill Bar Billiards league
Latest News
2022-23 League Season
Sunday 25th September
We're delighted to announce that the new season started on 21st September, five teams will compete during the season, the Stag are a newly formed team which will consist of locals and our Eastbourne friends, well done to David Dow for his enthusiasm and organising a new team! The league will be played until 23rd November when a committee meeting will decide the format for the remainder of the season.
Stag pip the Ash to third place
Monday 27th March
The Stag managed to finish their first season in third place after a 3-2 win at home to fourth placed Ashburnham Arms.
All the drama was happening in the midfield going into the last match of the season. With the Ash against the Stag it was all to play for with both teams in contention for 3rd place in the league. Ash would need to take 8 points away from the night to take the 3rd spot. Mick and Tom were to kick the night off. Mick struggled to find the break and make the most of the early opportunities allowing Tom to open up a decent lead of 1700. Mick did go on to close the gap to a 300 deficit before Tom capitalised on his chances and pulled away to win the game 3030 to 1530. Lee and Colin are up next. Colin made steady and consistent breaks throughout the game. Lee unfortunately never found his rhythm and allowed Colin back on the table to make the most of his chances and win the game. For the third game of the night Dave W played Chris. Chis made a strong start and built up a decent lead over Dave only to black peg. Dave found the break early on and was able to contribute decent breaks. Chris was on the chase, as the bar dropped the win was achievable until he took a white peg and lost to Dave. 2-1 to the Stag. Alec and Dave P played next. Dave built up a steady lead after Alec pegged, but Alec went on to make a comeback to draw even. Alec took some more wood, as it was an exchange of blows between both players. Both played neck and neck, and both took pegs. It came down to the last ball which Alec potted to take the game and the win for the Stag. 3-1 to the Stag Last up Lynne played Peter. Lynne found rhythm early on and put pressure on Peter throughout the game. Peter made a few unforced errors and Lynne capitalised on them in what was a very close game. It came down to the red and Lynne potted it to win. Final score 3-2 to the Stag

Jenny Lind B secure runners up as OKJ end with a win
Saturday 18th March
The Jenny Lind B secured runners up spot after a 5-0 win in the Jenny derby, the title winners the Old King John also ended the season with a win as they won 3-2 at the Ashburnham Arms.
The Old King John edged out the Ashburnham Arms 3-2 in the final week of the season, the Ashburnham still have one more game to play and hope they end their season how the title winners ended theirs. Andy Ellison saw off Dave Pearce in the first game with Andy taking the lead and staying ahead all the way through as Dave couldn't get going. The visitors went 2-0 up as Roger Andrews beat Leigh Truslove, Roger raced in to a strong early lead but Leigh fought back but was just too far behind to give Roger a close game. The home side started a slight comeback as Dave White rolled back the years to produce a vintage performance to beat Nigel Doe, Nigel and Dave started evenly with their first breaks but Dave took charge with a couple of nice breaks and even lost a 2k break but Nigel couldn't catch up as Dave took the win. Mick Osborne levelled the match as he scored the highest score of the night as he beat Gary Tomlin. Lynne Truslove and Mark Bailey played the decider and unfortunately an injury thwarted Lynne's progress but Mark Bailey took full advantage and played a solid frame to deservedly win the final game and the match.
Jenny Lind A v Jenny Lind B
The final match of the 2022/23 season for the Jenny Lind teams was not quite as one-sided as the result suggests and a fine ’n’ friendly evening was had by all…to be honest I missed the first two frames so will keep it brief by saying that the JLB were relieved to bounce back to winning ways and secure second spot in the league, the JLA deserved a bit more rub of the baize at times and Jimmy played the shot of the night in a very tight frame against Andy by potting three balls to get back on the break…the ‘Crunch’ peanut stout was the night’s overall victor…sincere thanks to every player who has supported the league and therefore the pubs once again this season.

League Fixtures
WK1 21-09-22
Ashburnham 2-3 Jenny Lind B
Jenny Lind A 1-4 Old King John
WK2 28-09-22
Stag 2-3 Old King John
Jenny Lind A 2-3 Ashburnham
WK3 05-10-22
Jenny Lind B 5-0 Jenny Lind A
Ashburnham 3-2 Stag
WK4 12-10-22
Old King John 2-3 Ashburnham
Stag 2-3 Jenny Lind B
WK5 19-10-22
Stag 4-1 Jenny Lind A
Jenny Lind B 3-2 Old King John
WK6 26-10-22
Jenny Lind B 3-2 Ash
Old King John 5-0 Jenny Lind A
WK7 02-11-22
Old King John 4-1 Stag
Ashburnham 4-1 Jenny Lind A
WK8 09-11-22
Jenny Lind A 2-3 Jenny Lind B
Stag 4-1 Ashburnham
WK9 16-11-22
Ashburnham 2-3 Old King John
Jenny Lind B 3-2 Stag
WK10 23-11-22
Jenny Lind A 0-5 Stag
Old King John 3-2 JLB
WK11 11-1-23
The Stag 2-3 Jenny Lind B
Jenny Lind A 1-4 Old King John
WK12 18-1-23
Old King John 3-2 The Stag
Ashburnham Arms 2-3 Jenny Lind A
WK 13 25-01-23
Jenny Lind B 2-3 Old King John
Stag p-p Ashburnham
WK 14 01-02-23
Jenny Lind A 0-5 Stag
Ashburnham 3-2 Jenny Lind B
WK 15 08-02-23
Old King John 5-0 Ashburnham Arms
Jenny Lind B 3-2 Jenny Lind A
WK 16 15-02-23
Jenny Lind B 3-2 Stag
Old King John 4-1 Jenny Lind A
WK 17 22-02-23
Jenny Lind A 1-4 Ashburnham Arms
Stag 3-2 Old King John
WK 18 01-03-23
Old King John 5-0 Jenny Lind B
Ashburnham Arms 3-2 Stag
WK 19 08-03-23
Stag 4-1 Jenny Lind A
Jenny Lind B 2-3 Ashburnham Arms
WK 20 15-03-23
Ashburnham Arms 2-3 Old King John
Jenny Lind A 0-5 Jenny Lind B
:
Stag 3-2 Ashburnham
Fight for second hots up heading in to the end of the season
Sunday 12th March
The Old King John might have already sewn up the title but the fight for runners up is hotting up after the Stag and the Ashburnham Arms closed the gap on the Jenny Lind B after the Stag won 4-1 at home to the Jenny Lind A and the Ashburnham Arms won 3-2 at the Jenny Lind B.
Stag v Jenny Lind A:
First up Tom plays Andrew. They were both off to steady starts with neither capitalising on the break. Andrew’s luck ran dry early on by taking a peg while Tom made a series of small breaks. Unfortunately, Andrew’s luck didn’t get any better as the game progressed as he pegged multiple times. Tom continued to bank steady breaks to seal the victory for the Stag. Andrew states he had a season and a half of pegs in that one game alone.. Next up Alec plays Paul. Alec made haste and built up a comfortable lead, potting consistently he wasn’t under any real pressure from Paul until he black pegged. Paul then spent some time at the table. After a few steady breaks, Paul wobbled the black peg himself but managed to hold his lead of just shy of a grand. Time was against Alec, while a white ball punted up the table and off the back cushion and back down the table into the 200 hole by Paul just as the bar dropped sealing him the victory.. Peter and Heather were up next. Heather made a solid break off only to peg and lose the 600+ points. Peter took to the table and settled into the match by making some sound contributions. With Heather not having the best of luck, Peter started to draw out a lead and added to it with a 1000+ break to take the win.. Alec was now back on the baize against Andrew, with both wanting to make good on their earlier games. It was a messy start for both, with Andrew eventually building up a lead over Alec. Mid-way through the match Alec found his rhythm and banked a 2700k break to take a commanding lead and the game.. Last up is Colin playing Paul. Colin set off strong to edge away from Paul. While Paul rolled up his sleeves and put in some graft to keep Colin in his sights for much of the match. Colin missed a few and took a peg, but had enough of a lead to win the Stag's final game of the evening.
Jenny Lind B v Ashburnham Arms: With the league title already wrapped up at the OKJ last week Wednesday was all about consolidating positions below deck and The Ashburnham Arms were in determined mood…Sandy teed off against Steve in a real yo-yo game where both players had many chances at the table and play switched from solid break building to missed opportunities…Sandy finally managed to get his nose in front with a decent late rally to fend off his opponent…birthday boy Andy cued-up next against Mick who was in no mood for gift giving and steadily put a healthy gap between himself and Andy’s somewhat haphazard display…not one for the purists…Alex then took on ‘dangerous’ Dave in a fluid frame where the home player asserted his cool and collected calm to amass a healthy total with some no mess potting that Dave only sporadically threatened with his own deft efforts…so, 2-1 going into Jez’s Big Mac ’n’ Twiglets platter with all still to play for - unfortunately the JLB hadn’t reckoned with the dynamic duo of Lynne and Leigh…Lynne took on Ian in a frame she deservedly led throughout with some neat, careful potting that Ian just couldn’t match, bar a face-saving last red in the ‘200’, and took the honours with enough to spare once the bar had dropped…with the match already in the bag Leigh was still in no mood to give Jez any ground in what ended up being the frame of the night…Leigh knocked in a superb 2k break that was closer to three and played out of his skin for his highest ever score…Jez really had to dig in and true to his credentials on the baize managed to skilfully pip his unlucky opponent by 220 points in the end, again with a 2k break…it was a frame that highlighted the surprise elements that bar billiards can throw up and commiserations to Leigh on what was his best ever display - more to come hopefully…well done too to Jez for being up to the comeback task…in the end the Ash were deserved winners on another fine baizy evening...we love it.

Old King John win title with emphatic victory
Saturday 4th March
The Old King John won the league title this week with a fantastic 5-0 win at home to second placed Jenny Lind B, the OKJ have been rampant since the turn of the year only losing one match and nine legs of bar billiards to seal the title. Congratulations to Chris Lamb and his team! Meanwhile the fight for third is back on as the Ashburnham Arms beat the Stag 3-2.
Wednesday’s bells tolled heavily up on the Ore terraces as the OKJ put both hands on the league title after a resounding whitewash of title unhopefuls the JLB, who were simply not at the races…up first were Chris and Ian who met for the second time this season and the result was again in favour of the staunch OKJ vet as he took control after Ian had lost a fairly healthy break to the sawmill - a decent frame but one that was never in doubt once Chris got into gear…the worthy winner also bought his opponent a beer which was a class gesture…up next Andy paired with Steve in a frame that Andy dominated for the home team with plenty of the solid potting he’s known for…Steve couldn’t get into his ‘steady’ rhythm and Andy saw off the frame with plenty to spare…so, 2-0 going into the third as Roger flew out of the traps leaving Alex in his wake in a frame that saw both the highest total (6k+) and break (3k) of the night - more assured potting and break building just as his recent form suggests and another player looking capable of even higher totals...after the top notch sarnies and footie draw Nigel and Jez squared off for the second time this season with a very solid performance from the home cuesman…both players traded chances during the frame but unfortunately Jez wasn’t able to bring his recent top notch form to the table on this occasion and Nigel ran out the convincing winner, bagging a nifty 2k break along the way…at 4-0 the OKJ had one more ace up their collective sleeve in the shape of Mark who took on Andy in a really tight final frame that both players contested as if the match was tied at 2-2…it was excellent viewing as both got out of some tricky situations and the frame finally came down to Mark needing a ‘200’ shot with the red which he deftly executed with a calm-as-a-cucumber sniper’s eye…congratulations must go to the OKJ’s collective mettle, especially during the second half of the season, and as any hopes of the title slipped away from them the JLB will lick their wounds and try to at least retain the runner-up spot over the advancing teams.
The Ashburnham Arms race to third place continues to gather pace as they defeated third placed the Stag 3-2 at home. Visiting captain Colin Southouse showed everyone how to play in the first game, Colin scored three 3k breaks to break the 10k barrier to end up with 10,300 to defeat a rather helpless Dave White. Home captain Sandy Harmer continued in Colins footsteps as he amassed a few good breaks to run out an easy winner against Peter Payne. Lynne Truslove and Tom Pope served up a very good game after two one sided matches, after a close score line early on, Lynne managed to gain a small lead, Tom unfortunately couldn't make the break pay and a decent break by Lynne late on sealed the win. Alec Pope and Dave Pearce served up an even closer game as Alec ran out the winner by a small 10 points! Alec was in a decent lead early on whilst Dave Pearce couldn't get going until late on when Dave scored a 600 break to get himself nearly level, after all the workings out Dave had two balls left on the break shot just needing to keep one ball up to have a chance to win the game, Dave unfortunately sank both balls to end the game just 10 points behind Alec. The game was set at 2-2 as the two 'newbies' faced off in the final game, both players found it hard going with the pressure on to win the match, both players were level literally all the way through the match until Leigh Truslove managed a good break to edge ahead of Chris who couldn't close the deficit as the home side ran out 3-2 winners.

Stag beat top of the table as Ash find winning ways
Saturday 25th February
The Stag continued their positive second half of the season with a 3-2 win at home to top of the table Old King John. The Jenny Lind A couldn't find their second win of the season as the Ashburnham Arms won 4-1 at the Jenny Lind.
This week saw the OKJ visit the Stag for a few relatively scrappy games.
Up first we have Andy playing peter. Andy broke with a decent contribution of 800+. Peter took to the table and responded with a 1300+ break. From then on it was a fairly equal exchange of blows, with Peter steadily eking out a lead. Upon the bar dropping and balls potted, Peter won the game with 2420 to Andy’s 1630.
Next up Chris Lamb played Chris Aldridge. Chris A played well throughout the match bagging little and often. Chris L was unfortunate to lose some decent points to the pegs. It was a scrappy end to the match, but Chris A’s consistency paid off to win the game by just shy of a grand. 2 – 0 to the Stag.
The third game was played between Gary and Tom. Gary banked slow and steady breaks throughout the match, while Tom never found rhythm. Gary built up a decent lead without Tom ever being a threat. 2 – 1 to the Stag
Up next Colin played Roger. Roger started off accumulating some decent points but pegged and lost them. Colin broke with just less than grand and on his next visit to the table bagged 1.3k, Roger answered with a 1.3k break of his own. Colin came back with a solid break before pegging. Roger didn’t manage to capitalise and Colin was back on the baize found his rhythm and contributed a 3750 break. Roger potted the last ball, but Colin had already sealed the victory for himself and the Stag. 3 - 1 to the stag.
Last up was Nigel v Alec. This was a game of both players having to work hard to gain little points. The lead swung numerous times throughout the game with Nigel building a small lead, only for Alec to come back and take the lead, and in return Nigel came back and built a marginal lead. Alex missed towards the end of the game which allowed Nigel back onto the baize to clear up and take the win in a night of messy games in what felt like hard work for the points won. 3 - 2 to the stag.
The draw was made in the absence of away captain Sandy, who was running late, but some familiar match-ups returned. First up Paul was drawn against Lynne, Paul saw Lynne make a reasonable start only to fall short of his own opening break shot. From that time on, Paul's shots were doomed by the Bar Billiards gods, and even simple pots were ringing or leaping out of the holes, whilst Lynne patiently continued with mid sized breaks that very soon made the points difference uncatchable. The frame was notable by the number of final 100 shots attempts that were made, which allowed the away captain Sandy to keep the second frame as drawn. Ray started with a reasonable opening break, and after amassing quite a few points Sandy lost his break, again Ray made the most of Sandy's slips and soon was nearly 1k ahead. Riding his luck for the first part of the frame, the inevitable come back from Sandy started and apart from falling short on the split a few times, the frame was soon secured. Dave's Pearce as scorer made a contribution towards the end by inexplicably dropping one of the remaining 2 balls down the 50 hole, although it made no difference in the end! Next up was Jimmy and Mick, Jimmy's flamboyant style soon fell into the bad luck shots scenario that had plagued the home team all night, and Mick, whilst not at his prolific best, made a few telling breaks, Jimmy persevered and managed to claw back to a reasonable overall score, but Mick ended up a fairly easy winner. After the sandwich break, Andrew and Dave White started. Andrew made some good breaks and Dave kept pace, and Andrew forged ahead with a 1.6k break, Dave lost a reasonable break to a wayward peg, but carried on plugging away to be within about 500 when the bar dropped, Dave was unable to make up the deficit, and Andrew won the frame.
As the Jenny only had 4 players, a draw of the lower 3 scoring players meant that Jimmy started the last frame against Dave Pearce. Dave opened with a reasonable break, and scorer Ray started to bring the balls back for an equal break, but as Jimmy had already played had to replace the balls, oops! Jimmy made more of his second chance, but there was still the BB Gods scenario where balls would run too straight or ring when they should have dropped that had dogged the whole home team except Andrew. Scores were fairly even, but Dave forged ahead towards the end of the frame, but a feeling of inevitable doom meant that even Jilly's tried and tested shots were sadly absent, or going wrong, at one point moving 4 white balls and none of them dropping! Dave won by 500 points.

OKJ extend lead despite Jez's heroics
Sunday 19th February
The Old King John have extended their lead at the top of the table after a 4-1 win at home to the Jenny Lind A, title chasers the Jenny Lind B won 3-2 at home to the Stag which included a fantastic 11,560 from Jez Horsler.
Wednesday saw another night of excellent scoring and potting at the Jenny Lind, this time dramatically soundtracked all evening by a violinist in the main bar…first up Elaine took on Steve in a scoreline that was eventually harsh on all her excellent break-building efforts, mainly due to a couple of unfortunate BPs…Steve was once again steady to the task and slowly amassed a healthy total even though at times Elaine was on his heels with some top notch pots despite the snakes ’n’ ladders…so, one nil to the JLA as Ian stepped up against Colin hoping to put an end to his winless streak…once again he missed his ‘one up’, however Colin also stuttered as both players’ flows initially stalled…Colin eventually got into his stride with a brace of 2k breaks, including a superb triple pot to get back to the break, however Ian was up for a fight and eventually managed to put 4.5k on the scoreboard to the maestro’s 7k which make for a nervy finale to a fine frame…so, level at one apiece with Jez and Peter squaring off next in what was to be a record breaking frame for ‘Le Chef’…after a recent speight of higher and higher totals it looked as if at some point Jez might break 10k, which he did in very fine style with a trio of 2ks and one 3k break…it was majestic ‘cruise control’ potting from start to finish with unlucky Peter having a bit of a mare on the baize as the violinist played on…well done to Jez for his best ever haul of 11.5k…after top drawer sarnies were snaffled Alex was in determined early form against Alec and put down a flawless 2k break, however from that moment on both he and Alec duked it out in back ’n’ forth style in a frame that could’ve gone either way…some nice pots from Alec kept Alex on his toes though eventually he wound himself up and across the finish line with enough to spare…3-1 to the home team then as Peter got a second bite at the cherry against Andy, which he took with some classic Payne flair but not before Andy had hit an incredible obscured double pot to get back on his beat…both players hit 2k breaks in another excellent frame on a night of ‘friendly-fire’ bar billiards which both teams really enjoyed...that 3-2 scoreline once again then as Ladbrokes do the math.
The Old King John extended their lead with a 4-1 win at home to the Jenny Lind A. The home side went in to an early 2-0 lead with Andy Ellison and Roger Andrews taking the first two games but the home side didn't have it all their own way ass Paul Wickens pulled a game back for the visitors with an impressive 3,250 score. The home side made sure of the points as Nigel Doe hit the highest score of the evening with 6,480 and Chris Lamb continued his good form to take the final two games as the home side won 4-1.

Hastings Bar Billiards in the papers
Sunday 12th February
The Hastings Independent Press recently attended an evening of bar billiards and we've featured in their latest issue!
https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/issues/hastings-independent-issue-219/ (page 19)
Massive thanks goes to Tom Pope for organising the evening and Andy Ellison who gave their reporter a very good summary of the league.
The Hastings Independent is a free newspaper, run by a group of local residents who know that Hastings is a unique place, with a character that deserves recognition.
Old King John extend lead at the top
Sunday 12th February
The Old King John extended their lead at the top of the table after a 5-0 win at home to the Ashburnham Arms, the Jenny Lind B won again but the gap between them and the leaders increased as they won 3-2 in the Jenny derby.
The Old King John increased their title chances after a thumping 5-0 win over the Ashburnham Arms on a night where home side took advantage of the visitors mistakes on a very good top.
Andy Ellison and Leigh Truslove kicked off in the first game and Andy took advantage of Leigh's misfortune as he built a sizeable lead which included a 4k break, Leigh managed to get used to the table but it was too little too late as Andy ran out an easy winner. Roger Andrews took the second game in a tight game against Sandy Harmer, Roger and Sandy matched each other through half the game, Roger managed to get a 1400 lead but Sandy came back and at the bar was ahead by 300 but Roger showed his calmness as he sunk all the balls to take the second game.
Mick Osborne lost his 100% winning record as Nigel Doe produced a sublime performance to take the third game and secure the win for the home side. Mick started well with a 2500 break but Nigel drew level before scoring a beautiful 6k break to deservedly take the game. Despite the scoreline the home side continued their fine performance with Chris Lamb defeating Dave Pearce, Chris put in consistent breaks and took advantage of Dave's mistakes as Chris ran out with a comprehensive win.
Mark Bailey and Lynne Truslove competed closely in the final game, the game was level half way through until Mark put in a good break to gain a good lead that Lynne couldn't get back and Mark ran out the winner to seal a 5-0 win for the home side.
Both JL teams faced-off in an entertaining night’s bar billiards with the JLB hoping to bounce back after two defeats on the trot and the JLA continuing to build their new look team…in frame one Ray missed his break and after a couple of recent drubbings Ian got off to an espresso start amassing a slick 3K+ total before unfortunately robbing himself by overhitting the cue ball to fell the black peg…bar billiard’s ‘jeopardy’ at its best and for the rest of the frame Ray managed to keep far enough ahead to put the JLA one up…promising newcomer Dexter squared up to Steve in the next frame and showed off some of his deft snooker skills in a game that was closer than the scoreline suggests…once again Steve dug in well to see the JLB over the line for one apiece…the patchy third frame was ‘one of those’ and awash with Amazon-grade felling by Alex who’ll be glad to see the back of it as Andrew paced himself to victory with some steady play to put the JLA back in front…after Jez’s ‘Big Mac' sandwich bonanza the chef himself cruised to the highest score of the night with some very fine composed potting and break-building, including a 2k…his more-than-worthy opponent Jimmy didn’t really put a foot wrong and is another new player showing promise on the baize…so, all square with Andy facing Paul in a terrific final frame in which both players shone, Andy for his calm but cavalier style and Paul whose dogged practising is finally paying off…Andy rolled in a very nice 2k and Paul played a brilliant Rizla-thin fine cut for ‘shot of the night’ in a frame that summed up the continued appeal of bar billiards in the Xbox age…Andy’s experience eventually won out as the 3-2 specialists took the honours which now gives them a glimmer in the league table…a congratulatory word must be offered up to the JLA who have had their struggles in recent times and who now appear to be building a quality team again…all in all a fine night’s bbs.

JLB falter as the Stag catches up
Saturday 4th February
The Jenny Lind B lost for the second week in a row as they lost 3-2 at the Ashburnham Arms as the Stag cut the deficit to only 10 points.with a 5-0 win at the Jenny Lind B.
You could hear a pin drop all evening as a highly focused Ashburnham Arms overturned a 2-1 deficit into a very well deserved 3-2 win over the JLB last night…Steve and Dave kicked off proceedings with an edgy to and fro frame that could’ve gone either way until Steve once again steadied his keel to see off the always dangerous Mr. White…Andy stepped up next against Sandy but couldn’t capitalise on his break as well as a rare pin from the Ash captain who eventually went on to make a fine 4k break, which included some neat tidying up…so, poised at 1-1 the match saw Lynne pitted against Alex in yet another close, nervy frame with plenty of felling and bitty point scoring…Alex dug in to stay far enough ahead at the bar to put the JLB 2-1 up…after some top notch intermission roasties big guns Mick and Jez faced off in a surprisingly one-sided frame that Mick dominated from start to finish with some ruthless break building, including 3 & 4k hauls, for the highest total of the night at 9k+ with Jez barely getting a look in this time around…at 2-2 the final frame looked on paper that it might be a close run thing however Dave literally blew Ian away with a very fine grafted for total of 5k+ which included a 2k break and some great tidying up to get back to the break…lumberjack Ian had no response as his lousy form continued and in truth the JLB were relieved to get a few points from the contest…well done to the Ash for a gritty performance.
Jenny Lind A vs Stag
Peter kicks off playing against Ray. With a good opening break, Peter continued to add decent contributions to the scoreboard through out the game. Ray played well, but unfortunately never got into the game, Peter won with 5110. Dexter and Tom were up next, with Dexter missing the break off, Tom capitalised to gain the lead. It was a scrappy game with Tom pegging a few times, Dexter made a comeback but ran out of time and was unable to win. The Stag had, Chris Aldridge, a new team player join this week. Having played many years ago, this was Chris’s first competitive match. Tonight, he played Paul. Paul took a while to get going, while Chris managed to consistently bank points at the table throughout to take the win. Andrew played Alec. Andrew didn’t have the run of the balls all game, leaving Alec to take advantage when at the table and secure a solid win. Jimmy and Colin were last to play, with Colin bagging 3900 on his break. Colin played textbook billiards, left Jimmy little to no opportunities on the baize, and won by with a score of 9220.

OKJ take the spoils in top of the table clash
Saturday 28th January
The top two teams met at the Jenny Lind this week as the league leaders extended their lead at the top with a 3-2 win at the Jenny Lind B.
The JLB welcomed the OKJ to their hearty open fire and thankfully there was plenty of felled timber available on the baize to keep it roaring…Andy and Roger kicked off proceedings in what was a tight game throughout, despite Roger losing a couple of solid 1k breaks, and with only minutes left on the timer the frame look destined to go to the very last ball, however Andy managed to get the break back, bang in 1k clearance and clinch the frame…Steve and Nigel stepped up in frame two in what was a very scrappy affair with both players competing with Jewson…each also lost several big breaks before Steve finally managed to keep 2k in the bank just before the bar guillotined the frame…so, 2-0 to the JL as Alex and Andy faced off in a frame that Andy led throughout after an initial 1k break…Alex was mainly playing catchup to Andy’s steady poaching and consolidated his lead towards the end to give the away team their first win of the night, and they weren’t finished there…after Jez’s excellent sandwich platters were finally located by the bloodhounds latecomer Ian squared up to in form Chris Lamb in a frame expertly dominated by the OKJ stalwart…after Ian failed to capitalise on his break Chris initially lost 1k, giving Ian the chance to k.o the white pin straight after, before he settled into a steady waltz of well-executed 2k breaks for the night’s highest score of 6k that Ian, despite a late wiggle, had absolutely no chance of catching…tied at 2-2 and all to play for then as Arsenal Chris came off the subs bench to take on in form Mark in a nervy frame that was up for grabs several times during its course…Mark eventually steadied the scoreboard enough to keep Chris’s efforts at bay and complete a staunch OKJ comeback…well done to them as they now sit atop the league with a bit of breathing space above the pack.
The game between the Stag and the Ashburnham Arms was cancelled and will be played at a later date.
Jenny Lind A break duck in week 12
Saturday 21st January
The Jenny Lind A have finally broken their losing record as they overcame the Ashburnham Arms 3-2 away from home. The Stag couldn't capitalise on the Ashburnhams defeat as they lost to top of the table the Old King John 3-2.
Pete started for the Stag on solid form, denying Nigel of the win. Bob continued the success making a 2k break and beating Andy. David was back on the baize playing for the Stag, although he never found his rhythm, and Mark took the win. Roger was on form and denied Alec any real-time at the table and took the win for the OKJ, making the score so 2-2. Chris and Tom were up last in the decider. Chris outplayed Tom yet made a few errors. To never managed to capitalise, and Chris took the win for the OKJ.
The Jenny Lind A secured their first win of the season as they won 3-2 at the Ashburnham Arms.
Andrew Lipscombe started well and gained a healthy lead, Dave Pearce came back and was within 600 but Andrew managed to increase his lead and ran out an easy winner.
Jimmy Sullivan produced a fine performance to extend the visitors lead. Leigh Truslove lost an early break but Jimmy came back with a few good breaks to leave himself a 1000 lead when the bar went.
Dave White started well and was looking good until he lost a 3k break, Ray built a small lead until Dave came back and managed to squeeze ahead, Ray managed to keep the red up at the end to sink in the 100 hole to win the game by 30 points and secure their first win of the season.
Lynne Truslove started the home sides revival as she beat Paul Wickens. The game started very even but a 1000 break from Lynne put her in to the lead and continued the lead throughout the game.
Mick Osborne saw off Paul Wickens with a vintage performance, Mick started with a 700 break followed by a 2k and a 4k break to score the highest score of the night (7850) and win the final frame.

Top two continue form in to the new year
Saturday 14th January
It was new year same results in the league this week as teams kicked off the second part of the season where the league season will continue as normal, the OKJ and the Jenny Lind B picked up wins and continued their dominance at the top of the table The OKJ won 4-1 at the Jenny Lind A and the Jenny Lind B won 3-2 at The Stag.
As the second half of the league season kicked off The Stag welcomed the JLB for what was to be a night of consistent good play and some close games…Alec and Alex started the night with a superbly fought frame that remained neck and neck until Alec bagged the ‘100’ shot after Alex had matched him shot for shot, with both players snaring 2k breaks along the way…Tom and Ian were next up and after an initial bout of cagey play Ian put together a few solid breaks to pull away from his opponent who is new to the game and turning into a notable player…in the third game, despite some bad luck, Elaine kept Steve on his toes with some deft shots until his patience and experience won out with another decent total…after Elaine’s quality halftime sandwiches Andy was again in zen mode on the baize and didn’t really give Peter much of a look in with some fine cueing that saw him reach the highest total of the night - proof also that this table top has really bedded in now…the final game pitched both teams’ break-building heavyweights against one another and again it was a tight affair until 2k Colin was given an inch late on which he took full advantage of to get over the line…so 3-2 to the JLB on what was a great night’s bar billies and a lot of fun to boot…lastly, a huge thanks to Dave Dow, who has had to take an irresistible Wednesday night poker gig, for getting The Stag team off the ground - all the best mate and you’re always welcome back on the baize.
A second match report for the Stag v Jenny Lind B....
Alec and Alex put on a solid opening show. Alec cued off for the Stagg, bagging a 2450 break. Alex played well but didn’t match Alec’s break. Both played with little error. Mid-match, Alex contributed his own 2450 break to bring him back into contention. The lead changed hands until the bar when Alex was slightly ahead. Unfortunately, he pegged, allowing Alec back onto the table to take the last ball and win the game.
Ian played Tom; both didn’t manage to capitalise on the break. Ian played more consistently, with Tom missing a few simple shots that Ian made the most of on his return to the table to seal the victory.
Next up, Elaine played Steve. Elaine was unlucky on a few occasions missing some pots that would have seen her build good breaks. Steve played a reliable game, making decent contributions to his score at each visit to the baize. His win put the Stag 1 JLB 2.
Andy played a solid game, consistently potting and making the most of his time on the table. With Peter struggling to get the balls down the holes, Andy built up a lead and then sped off into the distance. Peter could not catch up and put a halt to Andy’s charge.
Collin and Jez were last up. The lead changed hands numerous times until, towards the end of the game, Colin banks a decent break to build a solid lead. Jez was fighting back, but the bar dropped, and Colin took the game.
Jenny Lind B won 3-2; the Stagg table played consistently and allowed for some solid breaks and great decent scores across the evening.
After the draw the match started with Paul Vs Gary, which was a very closely fought battle with neither player amassing huge breaks,
it was nip and tuck throughout, Gary came from slightly behind as the bar dropped build the match winning difference of just 70 points.
Next up Jenny Captain Ray, started brightly and riding his luck as Andy struggled to adapt to the table and Ray was leading, but lost an 800
break when missing a ball behind the 10 hole, which spurred Andy into action bringing together a 1K break and keeping that difference
until the bar dropped.
Next up was our late deadline day transfer Jimmy, formerly of the stag, who opened up very brightly against Roger.
As the frame progressed Jimmy's flair was more than a match for Roger, until a rash black peg from Jimmy, who was ahead and on a 900 break,
zeroised his score. Under normal circumstances that would be the end of it, but in a late surge by Jimmy got him the highest break
of the night 1.9k to make the scores closer, but Roger run out an easy winner, but it would have been much closer.
After the sandwich break, Andrew and Nigel started the second half and Andy was playing out of his skin keeping a rampant Nigel at bay.
Each player had scored over a 1k break, and as the bar went Andrew, was a seemingly impossible 600 odd ahead with the red already gone.
Spotting an opening Nigel dropped a ball and brought a white up the table and attempted an outragous ball off the side into the 200,
and the other ball off the top into the same hole. Whilst both balls went down, so did the black peg leaving Andrew the winner!
The final frame, returning Ray vs Mark, saw both players keeping the scores ticking over, but in the end the biggest factor
was the lack of equal breaks, Ray's luck all being used up in the earlier frame.

OKJ end season top of the tree
Saturday 26th November
The Old King John end the first half of the season in top spot after a thrilling 3-2 win at home against the previously unbeaten Jenny Lind B, meanwhile the Stag went up to third in the table after a 5-0 win at the Jenny Lind A.
The OKJ hosted unbeaten league leaders the JLB on a to and fro night that crackled with tension right until the final bar dropped…Ian cued off first in decent style but soon found himself behind after Andy’s steady 2k start…the frame then went back and forth until Andy took the reins and cantered ahead for a deserved win and healthy total…next up saw Nigel pitted against Jez in a surprisingly on/off frame in which both players struggled to stay on the baize and show their usual swashbuckling styles…it remained neck and neck until the bar, with Jez finally claiming the ‘100’ shot win for 1-1…Andy and Mark fought out the third frame with the former in fine form amassing a total that, despite Mark's late hustle, proved too much to match and the JLB found themselves 2-1 up…after the break Alex stepped up to face an in-form Roger who really got into his stride with some staunch 2k action..Alex contested the frame well but Roger’s canny potting ultimately won out…so, 2-2 going into the final frame and what a treat it was for the pay-per-view crowd around the globe (well as far as Guestling at least) as Chris took on Steve in the decider…both players cued-off with decent breaks and then Steve made his move with a lovely 3k haul, which had the JLB contingent believing the win was on…however, it was not to be as Chris dug Chunnel deep to churn out a 4k break in fine composed style and take the frame for the home team…it really was a top notch game to end the evening on and you just can’t ever rule out the OKJ - well done to them as they now sit atop the league.
The Stag continued their resurgence with a 5-0 win at the Jenny Lind A, Alec Pope, Colin Southouse, Peter Payne, David Dow and Tom Pope were the winners for the away side despite valiant efforts from Heather Bishop, Ray Norton and Paul Wickens.
The first half of the league season is now over but a meeting will be taking place at the Stag on 7th December at 8pm to decide the format of the coming second half of the season.

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