2017 Gilbert Shepherd Memorial Shield

Thank You award to John Beardsley

Tanner Trophy for Player of the Season 2017

D&DB&SL AGM & Presentation Night

D&DB&SL AGM & Presentation

And right on cue (excuse the pun!), Dawn Saunders has just posted on D&DB&SL page re the AGM, including Proposals, so please have a read.

Team Registrations for 2017/18 Season!

SNOOKER REVIEW 2016-17 SEASON

SNOOKER REVIEW 2016-17 SEASON.

I am very pleased to report that the Wallingford Comrades Club has enjoyed another fantastic & successful season in snooker competitions.

Club Summary

Gilbert Shepherd Memorial Shield Tournament

The annual end of season all-day tournament was held for its 21st year & the Final was contested between Dave Greathead & Pete Billingham, both of the A Team.  Pete fought back from 0-1 to win, 2-1 at just past midnight.

Greene King Tournament

After the Summer Break this annual pre-season all-day tournament was actually changed to the Autumn Tournament due to congestion with other Club events & was played in October.  It was won by new member, Dave Baker who beat Dave Rowe in the Final, 2-1 at quite an early finish time... well before the usual Witching Hour.

Bill Billingham High Break Trophy

Highest Break in match-play was won by Dave Baker who made an amazing 101 clearance break in the Greene King to be the first ever competitive Century made in any competition by a Comrades Club player - very well done 'Bakes' & made up for you that your Dad, Pete was able to be there to watch you roll back the years.

Tanner Trophy

Players Player of the Season will be awarded at the GSMS on 29th April.

House Competitions

Billiards Final

Won by Dave Baker in his first season of membership, beating Andy Rance who substituted for the injured Rob House, who found that the reason he had been limping for a few weeks was a broken ankle!

Veterans Final

Won by Pete Billingham in his first year of eligibility, who beat Dave Greathead in the Final.

Singles Final

Won in his first year of entry by Ade Jackson who beat defending Champion, Jon Hawkins for his inaugural 'gold leaf' honour.

Doubles Final

Won by Pete Billingham & Jon Hawkins who beat Father & Son pairing, Alan & Ian Pearce.  This was the first year that the Bob Elliott Memorial Cup was presented for Snooker Doubles - generously donated by Joyce & Paul Cawthorne & supplied/engraved by Russ & Liz in memory of our dear departed, long standing Chairman, Bob who with his Doubles Partner, Bill Billingham won the Doubles a record making 4 years consecutively back in 1978-1981.

League Summary

The A Team secured an impressive fourth consecutive Premier Division Title beating one of their strongest competitors for a while, Oracle & it went down to the last week of the season.  The last time the A Team won the Premier Title three times consecutively was way back in 1988-89, 89-90 & 90-91.

The icing on the cake came from Phil Collins who won the frame that secured the Title in style, coming from 0-21 down to slot in a sublime 75 break (to beat the Premier Divisions previous highest of 60… by his A team-mate, Bakes!) to also win the Premier League High Break Prize... on the very last week, thereby ensuring that no-one else could beat it - it's all in the timing, eh Phil?

The B Team were 6th in the Premier Division & made it to the Semi Finals of the John Evans Cup, before coming up against Oracle.

It was a challenging year for Cap B, Andy Rance & his band of ever-keen players.

Rob House had his usual solid season... except his ankle wasn't quite so!  After limping about for weeks he eventually went to the Docs & was told it was broken (he had no idea how he did it!) & required pinning & plating.  Rob had to miss the Club Billiards Final but was back round the table, cast & all soon after Xmas.

Dave Greathead also put in a solid season having chosen to reunite with his old mate Andy during the Summer Break, playing for the B's & topped the percentage table.

Brian Orton also had mobility issues at the start of the season after his Hip Op (that's Hip Operation, not some break dancing moves!) & fought back to match fitness with a good return to form.

Craig Mace made regular appearances at the start of the season & then sadly (for the B's) moved to Cornwall for love.  He proposed to his girlfriend Daniella at Christmas (she said 'Yes'!) & has fitted in well to the Cornish way of life, becoming a 'smuggler' of Pasties & Cider whenever he comes back 'home'.

Simon Ellam made a lot more appearances this season & pushed some quality players the distance - the black ball frame v Bakes being a perfect example.

Soheil Meskini was also called on more so this season & his game has improved with the experience of not only League matches, but entering individual comps.  Oh how he would improve further if he was available every week.

There was also a welcome return to swap the white gloves for the cue by one of the most respected D&DB&SL Referees, Tony Aldridge.  Andy persuaded 'Oz' to make a come-back & after such a long time refereeing, he certainly didn't disgrace himself playing - in the last League match of the season he was leading Phil Collins 21-0... just before Phil sparked into life with the aforementioned Premier High Break!

The C Team were a creditable 4th in Division 1 & made it through to the Semi Finals of the Jim Taylor Cup, before also coming up against Oracle.

It was also a challenging year for Cap C, Adam Beasley in his debut year as Skipper.  Apart from being busy with a family house move, he also had to contend with smashing himself in the face with a metal pole (Ouch!  And it looked very 'Ouchy' with stitches too!).  He had to shuffle his pack & also sign up new talent to field a full 5 man team each match.

Adam signed up Mark Tinsey (his brother-in-law) for the C's 'promotion' to the First Division with the re-organisation of the Leagues.  Mark started the season well, winning his opening games & gaining valuable wins/points & made regular appearances at the top of the Percentage Table in his debut season.

Alan Wells put in his usual reliable performances, but was absent for a large portion of the season while on a fantastic holiday 'down under' & the C's missed their experienced talisman.  He still managed to snaffle top spot on the final Percentage Table though.

Hugh Baker also had an extended holiday (it must be a tough life being retired?!) but had a sterling season & made it to the Semi Finals of the Over 50s.  Testament to his daily practice, enthusiasm & commitment to the Team, sport & attended many of the finals, supporting his Club mates!

Ash Brown signed up for the squad (long overdue!) & played well, ending up second in the percentage table.

Barry 'Baz' Alexander 'came home' to Wallingford Comrades when situations dictated it was the best move for him (Challow B, his previous team decided to relocate to reform Wantage Comrades).   Baz started the season brilliantly with a good run of 4 consecutive wins.

Kev Pickworth signed up to assist Adam in his debut season as Captain, but due to spending a lot of time with his new love (Bowls!), plus Kev had a particularly difficult time when his Dad Tom passed away.  'KP' found himself very busy juggling his time including his continued commitment to running the D&DB&SL Competitions.

Erik Cawthorne signed up as Super Sub but only played his single Cup eligibility frame.  The C Team will miss their super-sub if his house move back north pans out, but we wish him well for it & for the future.

Chairman’s Cup

The C Team sadly went out in the Semi Finals when they drew the First Division Champions, Wantage.

John Evans Cup

Premier Champions, Wallingford A faced Premiership Runners Up, Oracle, played at RAF Benson.  The A Team led 1-0, went behind 1-2, but in customary 'never-say-die' fashion, fought back to win 3-2 to make it a League & Cup Double Year.

Jim Taylor Cup

Premier Champions, Wallingford A again faced Premiership Runners Up, Oracle & played at Fawley.  Sadly it wasn't to be a Premier League & both Cups Treble as the Oracle ran out 0-3 winners.

One Frame Shoot Out

New for this season the One Frame Shoot Out competition was held at our own Club in December.  The event was the brain child of our own Kev Pickworth, Competition Secretary & proved to be a huge success.  Tom Hamilton-Williams triumphed in the Final, beating the talented & on-form Karl Walker finishing in style with a 32 clearance to win.

Captains Cup

The Comrades were guaranteed a Winner as Andy Rance & Pete Billingham both made it to the Final.  It was played at 'home' on table 4 & Cap A, Pete won 3-0 to win the title for a 3rd successive year.

Over 50s

Hugh Baker & Pete Billingham both bowed out in the Semi Finals.

Billiards Final

Dave Baker faced multiple Champion, Nigel Winney & it was a close game throughout.  At one stage they were locked at 238 points apiece, but Bakes knocked in a very timely 41 break to gap his opponent & went on to reach the 350 points target first, putting his name on the trophy for the third time in as many decades!

Singles

The last Wallingford Comrades players standing were Andy Rance & Dave Baker who both bowed out at the Quarter Final stage.  However, there has to be an honourable mention for Comrade Member, Alan Milton who now plays League for RAF Benson having previously been part of our C Team.  'MILF' as he is affectionately known made it to the Final to face Ian 'Sid' Barnes (played at Sids home Club, Wantage!), carrying a +25 handicap but sadly lost 3-0.

Doubles

Another all Wallingford Final with all A Team-mates Dave Baker/Jon Hawkins facing Pete Billingham/Kev Higgs, appropriately held again at Wallingford on their 'home' table.  The match was played in a typical 'all team mates' friendly, sportsman-like atmosphere with no quarter asked or given.  After 3 frames, all decided on the colours, the Cousins Pete & Kev lifted the Title for their second time.

2 Man Team

Comrades pairings of Dave Baker/Jon Hawkins & Phil Collins/Tom Hamilton-Williams made it through to the Semis & Final night which was held at Wallingford.  They were drawn apart in the Semis - Jon/Bakes overcame Chris Rose/Lee Wood (Wantage) while Tom/Phil breezed past Father & Son pairing, Frankie/Pom Merola (Oracle) aided by a heavy scoring frame by Phil who knocked in breaks of 36 & 49.

That set up another all Wallingford A Team Pairs Final, appropriately played on table 4.  Jon played Phil in the first 40 minute period & fought back from an initial deficit to end up 76-81 which meant Tom carried a slender 5 point lead into his 40 minutes v Bakes.  A timely 31 from Tom meant the pressure was on for Bakes who had to score.  Although he potted some sublime openers he couldn't string together a sizeable break & the clock ran down all too quickly for him.  Tom & Phil won 170-138 to lift the Title in their first season together in the competition & 'evened the score' for Jon/Bakes knocking them out of the League Doubles.

Wallingford Comrades players will be collecting no less than 12 prestigious trophies; 8 Winners & 4 Runners Up at this years AGM/Presentation.  For those with a good memory, that's the same total number as last season, just 1 better on the Winners.

Thanks to...

Chairman Brian Orton for organising all of the house competitions & Russ & Liz again for the lovely glass shield trophies.

Andy Rance as B Team Captain & All Day Tournaments Organiser, Adam Beasley as C Team Captain & Kev Pickworth as League Competition Secretary.  They put in tireless hours & much thankless hard work in their varied roles, all balanced around challenging personal times - I know just how much you do & what time, effort, organisational skills & stress is involved.  Thank you for your dedication to the sport, your teams & the Comrades Club.

ALL the snooker players for their efforts & enthusiasm throughout the year.  Without you guys, I wouldn't have anything to waffle on about or litter FaceBook & the Snooker Blog with.

John Beardsley for his tireless high quality maintenance & preparation of the tables.  No job is too big (or small) & without him the Snooker Tables would not be kept to such a consistent high standard!  The club hosted Semi Finals & Final of the Team Plate & 2 Man Team plus Finals of the Captains Cup & Doubles.  The quality of the tables was again commented on during the season by several players from visiting clubs who are envious of the excellent facilities here.

The snooker players would like to thank the Club & Committee for their continued investment in the fabulous facilities.  It is fair to say that this has all helped in seeing another good return in revenue & the tables here are, without doubt the best in the League!  When compared with similar sized Clubs, we are in an enviable position of having a plethora of players who all have a healthy appetite for the game, competition & are dedicated & loyal to the Club.  This is to be commended & encouraged as hopefully this enthusiasm (& continued successes) will attract & entice more new snooker playing members & hopefully teams.

Oz & Lucy & their bar staff for the consistently high quality of the food & their hospitality extended to away teams - our Clubs reputation for snooker suppers has been continued to a very high standard!

Finally, thank you to all of the Social Media Snooker readers & contributors - the Club Snooker FaceBook page in addition to the existing Blog have proved very successful & popular with lots of comments, information & healthy banter.  At the time of writing this review the Snooker Blog had over 20,000 all-time page views of the 600+ posts over the past 6 seasons!  This is a monumental amount & indicative of the interest of & passion for snooker in this club... & lets me know that what I'm doing is worthwhile.

Have a great summer & see you in September when we start it all over again!

Comrades Snooker Rep & A Team Captain, Pete Billingham.

Comrades Club Team Stats 12/04/17 (Match 22)

A TEAM	Pl	W	L	Pts for	Av	Pts ag	Av	%	Breaks, 25 & over
Dave Baker	6	6	0	418	70	228	38	100	28,60,(59,71,101-GK), (81-CB),(62-LD)
Jon Hawkins	3	3	0	202	67	110	37	100	26,(45,46-CD)
Pete Billingham	15	13	2	811	54	477	32	87	28,(36,25-JE),(48,37,39-CV),(59,32-CS),(52,30-LD),(41-LS),(27-LB)
Phil Collins	15	12	3	991	66	439	29	80	27,33,46,29,34,46,30,75, (57,28,25-JE),(30-L2), (36,49-2MT)
Tom Hamilton-Williams	19	14	5	1085	57	755	40	74	25,42,33,(72-GSMS),(32-SO),(37-JE),(31-2MT)
Dave Rowe	15	11	4	808	54	541	36	73	27, 31
Kev Higgs	16	11	5	844	53	634	40	69	29
Nigel Woods	2	1	1	69	35	83	42	50
The A Team finish their Season with a 0-3 loss in the Final of the Jim Taylor Cup v Oracle at Fawley. Phil is drawn to open & faces Ben Rowland & Ben opens with a useful 30 break, but Phil plays tactics to ease himself back in & has a dilemma over whether to double the last red (on the cushion), but elects to play safe. Ben also knocked in another break, 28 & runs out winner, 30-69. Phil misses out on the Golden 1,000 by just 9 agonising points. Next up is Tom who plays Frankie Merola & neither can make the break away. In a bizarre turn of events, Tom lays a snooker which Frankie fails to escape from several times & subsequent 'miss' replacements end up giving Tom a free-ball. Tom nominates the straight brown & playing deep screw, chips the cue ball over it & into the pocket. Ref calls 'Foul, 4 & a miss' & the cue ball is replaced (he missed the ball 'on') for Frankie who is snookered (by what was his own failed attempt to get out of a snooker!). He also nominates Brown as free ball, pots it & goes on to win, 39-58. Nigel faces Ollie Hoeblyn in the 3rd frame & makes a good fight of it at the start, being virtually level on points. He drifts a red towards the middle, but sadly it grazes the jaw & sits invitingly for Ollie to take, eventually running out winner, 25-73 for the Cup winning frame. Unlucky A's, guess we'll have to console ourselves with the Premier League & John Evans Cup Double... but still seeking that elusive treble - maybe next year!
B TEAM	Pl	W	L	Pts for	Av	Pts ag	Av	%	Breaks, 25 & over
Dave Greathead	14	9	5	674	48	569	41	64	33,(42-CS),(30-CV)
Rob House	12	7	5	570	48	476	40	58
Andy Rance	14	6	8	519	37	692	49	43	25
Simon Ellam	10	4	6	334	33	532	53	40
Brian Orton	11	2	9	383	35	628	57	18
Soheil Meskini	7	1	6	212	30	400	57	14
Craig Mace	7	0	7	208	30	396	57	0
Tony Aldridge	3	0	3	89	30	171	57	0
C TEAM	Pl	W	L	Pts for	Av	Pts ag	Av	%	Breaks, 16 & over
Alan Wells	12	9	3	590	49	383	32	75
Ashley Brown	6	3	3	257	43	283	47	50
Adam Beasley	15	7	8	715	48	677	45	47
Mark Tinsey	11	5	6	434	39	447	41	45	22
Baz Alexander	15	6	9	542	36	676	45	40
Hugh Baker	11	4	7	386	35	520	47	36	16
Kev Pickworth	7	1	6	262	37	396	57	14	16,21
Erik Cawthorne	1	0	1	17	17	52	52	##
Don't forget, 2017 GSMS All Day Tournament is Saturday 29th April!