The Midland billiards title holder is through to this years B`ham Mail Cup final where he will again defend his current title when he plays Richie Evans. Johnny Grubb is also through to finals week, after he defeated Harry Willis , he will now face Martin Hunt from Lillington Bowls club. Any player from the billiards league who would like to help out with any scoring / refereeing duties will be most welcome, help is required on the Monday 14th May as three of the finalists are referees. If you can help in anyway please let Nigel Croft know on 07877 450 979. Best regards Nigel Croft.
Four semi finals have been concluded since last week, with the last two semi-finals taking place this Wed 2nd May at the Nelson Club. Nigel Croft the reigning Ken. trophy champion will defend his title against Chris Hudson. Richie Evans will face either Geoff Barrett or Tony Baylis in this years B`ham Mail final. Martin Hunt awaits either Johnny Grubb or team mate Harry Willis in the Camkin Cup final. Can I remind all team captains that match levies are now due, I will issue them when I am in receipt from Dave Rowe probably during finals week. It would be nice to see some solid support for those players who will be playing in the finals. Best regards Nigel Croft.
VENUES AND DATES HAVE NOW BEEN SORTED FOR THE REMAINING SEMI FINALS; TUESDAY 24th APRIL at THE BOWLS CLUB ; CAMKIN CUP G BARRETT vs M HUNT (75 MINUTES PLAY ) BIRMINGHAM MAIL CUP R EVANS vs S GELFS ( 90 MINUTES PLAY ) WED 2nd MAY at THE NELSON CLUB ; CAMKIN CUP H WILLIS vs J GRUBB ( 75 MINUTES PLAY ) BIRMINGHAM MAIL CUP T BAYLIS vs G BARRETT ( 90 MINUTES PLAY ) SMARY DRESS CODE APPLIES PLEASE , GAMES TO COMMENCE BY 20;00 Hrs. BEST REGARDS NIGEL CROFT Secretary.
Leamington & District billiards cueman Geoff Barrett has claimed the Midlands Amateur Billiards title at the Parkstone W.M.C.in Coventry earlier today. He defeated the ex-BBC snooker commentator Clive Everton in the semi-finals by , and then met Peter Shelley in the final after he had claimed his victory over another LDBSA man Richie Evans also by a considerable margin 635-345. The final began slowly with Barrett taking an early lead of 45 points in the two hour final, and increased his lead to almost 100 points before Shelley found his scoring touch and started to reduce the margin to just 30 points with 15 minutes remaining. As the sands of time began to run out some very serious tactical play reigned and as Shelley resumed scoring play a final pot red saw him get to within just 2 points of the lead when the bell sounded for the close of the two hour duration, Barrett had won by 349- 347. Our congratulations go to the Lillington Bowls player on a fine afternoons play....well done Geoff the LDBSA are very proud to have you as MIDLAND AMATEUR CHAMPION !!.
Lillington Bowls have been crowned as Maurice Batchelor cup champions after defeating the Nelsons. After a home defeat in the first leg, Nelsons 1-3 down, were always chasing the tie from the start away at Lillington Avenue, the match started well as Nigel Croft kept well ahead of the in-form Geoff Barrett and looked on course for victory leading by 100 points,until Barrett struck with just 22 minutes remaining on the clock with runs of 67 & 34, a determined Croft fought hard only to see Barrett get back to the table to go 3 points ahead with just 10 seconds remaining and get over the line with a 6 point winning margin. Martin Hunt was playing Alan Batchelder on the other table with the scores tied but he pulled clear with a comfortable win to see the bowls crowned as champions. After a short break for a very welcome spread supplied by the hosts with a champagne toast for the winners, play resumed where Billy Stokes just pipped Tony Baylis by a 3 point margin and the last game of the evening saw Bowls captain Chris Hudson and Richie Evans end all square on points as the buzzer ended the season, with a final overall score of 6.5 to 1.5 . Well done to the Bowlers on a very enjoyable and well spirited match which was enjoyed by all, which incidentally was watched by a royal visitor............Queen Elizabeth , even if it was just a cardboard cut-out !!!! Special thanks also go to Tony Marsh who helped prepare the tables.
Nelsons will host Lillington Bowls in the final of the Maurice Batchelor Trophy 1st leg next Tuesday, they led Lillington Club 3-1 just requiring two points in the return leg. Simon Gelfs played well and had fortune on his side as he overcame best break maker of the week, Nigel Croft (47), Richard Howe then made things even more tense with a good win over Alan Batchlder and Richie Evans lost to Mike England who with aid of a few flukes scored well to make it 3-0 on the night , Tony Baylis trailed Colin Chamberlain for quite some time before gaining the single victory which tied the overall match at 4-4, Nelsons go through by 90 points on the aggregate score over the two legs. They will now play Lillington bowls who ran out 4-0 winners on the night of their second leg to take a 6-2 overall win, but it could have been so different as the libs who could also have won the match 4-0 themselves, Tony Marsh preparing to claim victory with an easy pot red from hand was literally beaten by the bell as he lost by two points to Chris Hudson (41), Dave Turrell lost by the same slim margin to Geoff Barrett (41 &40), Johnny Grubb then lost to Billy Stokes again by a solitary two points, and Harry Willis again only lost out by a ten point margin to Pete Hunt. Without doubt this has to be the tightest match on record, with 300 minutes of match play just 16 points separated the winners from the losers. Good luck to both teams again in the 2 legged affair over the next fortnight.
Nelsons are well on course to make the final after beating Lillinton Club, Tony Baylis hit top form and scored 399 points when keeping Simon Gelfs firmly in his seat, other wins from Nigel Croft and Alan Batchelder gave the home side a 3-1 win and about 200 points in front if the aggregate is called into play after the second leg. The other match saw the Bowlers draw with the Liberals 2-2 with Geoff Barrett again in great form making breaks of 38 and 98 against Dave Turrell.
THIS WEEK DECIDED THE MORRIS TROPHY CHAMPIONSHIP AS THE lIBS ON 23 POINTS, PLAYED THEIR POSTPONED MATCH AGAINST LILLINGTON REQUIRING 3 POINTS TO ENSURE THEY WOULD BE CHAMPIONS AS THE BOWLS WAITED NERVOUSLY AT THE TOP OF THE TREE ON 25 POINTS HAVING COMPLETED THEIR FIXTURES. THE LIBS SET ABOUT THE TASK WITH HARRY WILLIS DEFEATING COLIN CHAMBERLAIN 356-339, JOHNNY GRUBB THEN OVERCAME SIMON GELFS 383-334 TO KEEP THE LIBS ON COURSE FOR THE TITLE AT 2-0. NEXT UP FOR THE LIBS WAS DAVE TURRELL & TONY MARSH PLAYING ARTHUR MacTier AND MIKE ENGLAND RESPECTIVELY, TURRELL GOT OFF TO A GREAT START AND MARSH STARTED TO SCORE STEADILY AND THE TITLE LOOKED WITHIN THEIR GRASP, BUT AFTER 45 MINUTES PLAY MacTier STARTED TO CATCH TURRELL AND MARSH` PROGRESS WAS HALTED BY ENGLAND, AS THE SANDS OF TIME RAN OUT , TURRELL FADED AND THE EXPERIENCED MacTier POWERED AHEAD WITH A BREAK OF 33 AND RAN OUT AN EASY WINNER, EVERY THING NOW DEPENDED ON A BELOW PAR MARSH BEING ABLE TO CATCH THE STEADY SCORING OF MIKE ENGLAND, ENGLAND HELD ON WITH EASE TO WIN 378-322, AND THE LIBS HAD TO SETTLE FOR THE RUNNERS UP SPOT ON 25 POINTS HAUL ONLY LOSING THE TITLE ON GAMES LOST. CONGRATULATIONS TO LILLINGTON BOWLS ON THEIR FINE VICTORY, ON A VERY EXCITING FINISH TO A VERY TIGHT MORRIS TROPHY SEASON, ONLY 3 POINTS SEPARATED THE FOUR TEAMS AT THE FINAL WHISTLE.
CAN ALL PLAYERS WHO HAVE FIRST ROUND INDIVIDUAL MATCHES STILL TO COMPLETE, PLEASE PLAY THEM A.S.A.P. THE SECOND ROUND TIES WILL BE DRAWN AFTER THE MATCH AT NELSONS NEXT TUESDAY. WE WILL ALSO MAKE THE DRAW & AGREE THE FORMAT FOR THE FORTHCOMING MAURICE BATCHELOR TROPHY. My proposal is to play with four players instead of the usual three man format as we now seem to have a greater interest from players as the season comes to a close. best regards......Nigel Croft.
With one postponed match to be played next week , Leamington Liberals again face Lillington club and need to win 3-1 to secure the Morris Trophy after losing by the same scoreline last week. Harry Willis gave the Libs the perfect start beating Mike England, Arthur MacTier then levelled matters with a win over Dave Turrell. Simon Gelfs, having to play twice for Lillington, inflicted the damages by first defeating Martin O’Reilly 451-347, and then beating Johnny Grubb 387-347. Meanwhile Nelson were at home to Lillington Bowls, with both sides hoping for the title themselves and needing wins of either 3-1 or 4-0 to make it impossible for the Libs . The high quality match ended all square at 2-2. Nigel Croft battled really hard with late runs of 29 & 51 to defeat Martin Hunt who had led all through the tie. Billy Stokes then defeated Richie Evans (66 & 38), Alan Batchelder had extreme good fortune when beating the unlucky Geoff Barrett who rallied at the end with breaks of 37 & 50, and Chris Hudson, with a 120 point start, then overcame the hard chasing Tony Baylis (41 &31 ). So as it stands Lillington Bowls are on top with 25 points, Nelsons have 24 followed by the Liberals on 23. Lillington remain bottom with 20. The Liberals will be crowned champions should they win against Lillington this week. A draw would see them runners up. Should Lillington win, Lillington Bowls will clinch the title and Nelsons will get the runners up spot.
The Morris Trophy league has been blasted wide open after joint leaders Nelsons & the Bowls both suffered heavy defeats at the hands of 3rd place Liberals and bottom club Lillington respectively. Leaders Nelsons went down 4-0 away to the Liberals Dave Turrell beating the old master Richie Evans 319-282, Johnny Grubb then made it 2-0 with an easy victory over Ken Ashton 420-339, Harry Willis then beat Tony Baylis (41) 361-345 and captain Martin O`Reilly completed the whitewash with a narrow victory over Alan Batchelder 323-321. Lillington Club then upset the Bowlers with decisive 3-1 home victory, Arthur MacTier beat Geoff Barrett (31&38), Richard Howe then overcame Chris Hudson 386-333, Mike England then made it three points with an easy win over the in-form Martin Hunt 345-214. Simon Gelfs almost made it the second whitwash of the week only for Billy Stokes to save a valuable point for the travelling side 390-394. So next week sees Nelsons at home to the Bowlers both hoping for a big score in their final quest for the Morris title, but I am sure that the Liberals will now fancy their own chances for the title as they have a game in hand and have to play Lillington Club twice over the next two weeks.
Geoff Barrett playing twice this week again hit top form with breaks of 48,31,94 & 68, when defeating both Harry Willis & Tony Marsh respectively, Chris Hudson made a 37 on his way to defeating Johnny Grubb, Dave Turrell gained the point for the Libs by defeating Pete Hunt 390-350, the Bowlers remain on level points at the top of the Morris league with this 3-1 home win. Nelsons head the table having only lost once this campaign, as they also won at home 3-1 defeating Lillington Club, Mike England defeated Richie Evans 357-270 for a frame lead but Nelsons again proved too strong with wins from Ken Ashton, Alan Batchelder and Tony Baylis with a good 46 break beating Richard Howe. Both Nelsons & Bowls have two games remaining and have a four point cushion over close rivals Leam Libs who do have that game in hand, so this is a very important week forthcoming, it could be a very tight finish to what has been a fine Morris tournamant so far..........watch this space !!
The Bowlers and Nelsons still remain on top of the Morris league with 19 points after a drawn match 2-2, in a high quality encounter Tony Baylis(32) nearly caught Martin Hunt before he made a 51 break to put the bowlers 1-0 to the good. Richie Evans (39)then defeated the in-form Geoff Barrett (71 & 31)to level matters, Chris Hudson (37) made it 2-1 to the home side beating Alan Batchelder 419-322, but Nelsons fought back with Ken Ashton defeating Billy Stokes 400-427. Leam Libs remain in third spot on 17 points after another 2-2 draw with Lillington who now lie at the foot of the table on 13 points, however both teams have played a game less due to their previously postponed fixture.
Camkin Cup holder Simon Gelfs (Lillington) is out of this season's competition after falling to a 359-321 defeat at the hands of Martin Hunt (Lillington Bowls) who compiled a break of 31 during the match. The old master Richie Evans (Nelson) is through, compiling a 50 break on his way to a 345-285 victory over Chris Hudson (Lillington Bowls).
Apologies for the website having taken so long to update, but a missing result card from the Liberals match in week 7 has caused the issue. Geoff Barrett has been in tremendous form over the last 2 weeks, in the away match against the Libs (played at the Nelsons venue) he made breaks of 41, 38 & a superb 94 unfinished, the century was completed but this was after time. This week he again hit form producing breaks of 56,51, 31 & 30 unfinished. The league now sees Nelsons and the Bowlers tied at the top on level points, with the Libs in third place and Lillington now bottom, they still have a game in hand that was postponed earlier this campaign. Can ALL team captains please remember to sign the match cards and ensure that they are completed in all sections.
Leamington Libs returned to the top of the Morris Trophy league as they travelled across town to whitewash Lillington club 0-4. Harry Willis beat Arthur MacTier and Dave Turrell made it 0-2 with the aid of a 34 break, Captain Martin O`Reilly then beat Richard Howe and Johnny Grubb made it a maximum points hall and was literally saved by the bell as the advancing Mike England who was about to pot a red for game with only seconds to spare ran out of time to execute a final pot red at his mercy. Nelsons have gone second in the table after grabbing 2 home points whilst hosting the Bowlers, Nigel Croft hit form with breaks of 40 & 30 and easily defeated Billy Stokes, Tony Baylis then bettered the breaks tally with runs of 44, 32 & 30 against Chris Hudson for a 2-0 lead. Geoff Barrett then produced breaks of 48, 36 & 38 for the Bowlers defeating Richie Evans, only to then see Pete Hunt grab a creditable draw defeating a below par Alan Batchelder 353-374. So Lillington Club who only a few weeks ago were topping the table are now routed firmly at the bottom but do have a game in hand along with the Libs who`s` previous match was postponed. With these ever changing results this title could go to any one of these four clubs,,,,,,,,,,,,the battle continues next week.
This week saw Nelsons beat the Libs 3-1, Tony Baylis lost the opener to Harry Willis but an inform Richie Evans levelled the match beating Johnny Grubb with the aid of a 46 break. Nigel Croft (32)then scored very well to thrash a below par Tony Marsh (Libs transfer from Nelsons) for 2-1 lead, Alan Batcheldor found his form and was too strong for the welcome return of former Nelsons man Dave Turrell who has returned to the sport to help out the Liberals team. The other match also finished 3-1 which saw Lillington beat their Bowls counterparts.Richard Howe beat Geoff Barrett (37 & 32) Simon Gelfs overcame Chris Hudson (31) and Mike England was an easy winner over Billy Stokes, Pete Hunt prevented the whitewash with his solitary win over Arthur MacTier.
The 1st round draws for the individual competitions have now been made. See the Individual Section for details.
Geoff Barrett hit top form this week with breaks of 66, 51 & 48 as the bowls saw off the league leaders Leam Libs 4-0, Martin Hunt with a break of 56 won a very close game with John Grubb 335-334, Chris Hudson defeated Martin O`Reilly and in a final match John Grubb having to play twice conceded to Billy Stokes . Nelsons hosted Lillington Club where Nigel Croft with a 47 break could still not overcome Colin Chamberlains handicap,Ken Ashton then lost out to Mike England for the home side to trail 0-2. Richie Evans then made a 43 break in defeating Richard Howe with some fine billiards play, Arthur MacTier looked to have done enough against Alan Batcheldor leading by 40 points with little time left on the clock only to see Alan play some great shots to lead by 2 points with only seconds remaining to watch Arthur miss the final shot of the game which would have seen a drawn game. So a 2-2 draw was a good result in the end for the battling Nelsons squad.
Having lost last week 4-0 , Nelsons won away this week at the Bowls 1-3. Alan Batchelder defeated Geoff Barrett 291-246, Ken Ashton then made it 0-2 with a fine win over Chris Hudson 368-401, Richie Evans with a run of 57 then overcame Billy Stokes in a very close match winning 371-375, Tony Baylis (36)almost made it a maximum away points victory only for Pete Hunt to gain the solitary point for the home side once again with another four point margin 399-395. The other fixture between Libs & Lillington club was postponed.
Leamington Libs have really taken charge of the Morris Trophy as they won 0-4 away to the Nelsons, Captain Martin O`Reilly just beat Richie Evans by a 2 point margin, Harry Willis again playing twice beat Alan Batchelder by only 10 points and Tony Baylis by 25 points, John Grubb completed the rout again by a small margin of 26 points over Ken Ashton, the Libs now top the table with 7 points out of a maximum of 8. Both Lillington teams were involved in the other encounter with Bowls break man Geoff Barrett (47 & 38 )defeating Colin Chamberlain and Billy Stokes beating Mike England. Lillington Club made the game a draw with Simon Gelfs and Richard Howe defeating Pete Hunt and Chris Hudson respectively.
This week saw the start of the Morris trophy , where Leam. Libs. entertained the bowlers with a fine 3-1 win which sees them head the table. Geoff Barrett was again in fine form defeating John Grubb with breaks of 48 & 58 for the solitary bowls point. Libs captain Martin O`Reilly ran out a winner over Chris Hudson, and Harry Willis having to play twice for the hosts defeated Pete Hunt & Billy Stokes. Newly crowned league champions Lillington Club were at home to Nelsons where a hard fought match saw them draw 2-2, for Nelsons,Nigel Croft beat Richard Howe in the opener 354-240 , only to see a good performance from Simon Gelfs (34)over Alan Batchelder level the scores. Lillington then lead 2-1 after Arthur MacTier defeated Richie Evans344-315,it looked very likely at one point that Lillington would run out 3-1 winners as Tony Bayliss trailed Mike England with time running down on the clock, but the Nelsons man scored very well to just nose in front at the final bell 300-311 to make it a worthy draw.
With Lillinton Club crowned champions last week their final league encounter was away to Nelsons who were keen to grab the runners up spot. Lilligton Bowls also had a say in the outcome as they hosted the Liberals and only trailing Nelsons by a solitary point. The Bowlers started well enough where the consistent break making from Geoff Barrett (48 & 58) saw him beat Johnny Grubb, Harry Willis then levelled matters beating Pete Hunt 455- 405, Bowls captain Chris Hudson then lost to Libs captain Martin O`Reilly and in a final close encounter Harry Willis had his second victory of the evening against Billy Stokes 417 - 421, at this stage that only drew them level on points with Nelsons. Back at Wharf Street Nelsons unkowingly only required a single point to secure the runners up spot, they started well with another very close victory for Tony Baylis just beating Arthur MacTier 303-298, Alan Batcheldor then sealed a good win against Mike England 365-305, for 2-0 scoreline. Nelsons Richie Evans then overcame Colin Chamberlain 340-327 to put the home side in command at 3-0 just leaving Nigel Croft to ensure a grand victory over the champions 4-0,defeating Simon Gelfs 349-302. So just half a point separated champions Lillington Club from the Nelsons to bring the curtain down on the league campaign for this season.
Lillington have again clinched the LDBSA league title again with a game to spare. Wins from Richard Howe, Mike England and Arthur MacTier all won at the Liberal club giving them a 1-3 victory. Martin O`Reilly beat Simon Gelfs 443-357 for the Libs home point. Nelsons were the chasing team but an away 3-1 defeat at the Bowls Club in a high quality match saw their hopes dashed, they required at least a 2-2 draw to entertain Lillington in the final match and would have required a 4-0 win to overturn the event. The two best handicapped played each other where Geoff Barrett made runs of 48,41,38 & 31 in beating Tony Baylis(34) 370-238. Chris Hudson(37) inflicted further damages when very narrowly defeating Richie Evans(31&30) 325-323, Then Martin Hunt (42) continued his free scoring form winning against Ken Ashton 433-342.Alan Batchelder then saved the whitewash with a narrow win over Pete Hunt 410-397. Can all players please let their captains know which individual competitons they wish to enter this campaign, as we would like to make the first round draws at the meeting taking place at the Nelson Club on Sunday 11th December , 8;00 pm start, all are welcome to attend.
This week saw Nelsons title challenge fade as they were beaten at home by Leamington Liberals, John Grubb was nominated to play twice as the libs were short staffed, he first took on Tony Marsh and ran out an easy winner 442-309. He then caused more damage by inflicting another defeat upon Ken Ashton 416-381, Harry Willis then saw off the challenge of Alan Batchelder 380-348, in reply for Nelsons Tony Baylis was back to his best and with the aid of the weeks best break of 46,saved the whitewash agaianst Libs captain Martin O`Reilly. The Bowlers were at top of the table Lillington Club where Richard Howe defeated Geoff Barrett (35) 313-289 closely followed by team mate Mike England beating Chris Hudson (30)375-287, a drawn game ensued with Billy Stokes finding his form to easily defeat the chasing Simon Gelfs and Pete Hunt came up trumps to win against Colin Chamberlain 406-324. With two matches remaining Lillington are favourites to retain their league title , Nelsons are in second spot two and a half points adrift so a win for them at the Bowlers next Tuesday must happen for them to stand a chance of the upset and going onto beat the champions in the final match possibly requiring a 4-0 scoreline...............watch this space .
Nelsons are still chasing league leaders Lillington after winning away 1-3, Alan Batcheldor and Ken Ashton beat Richard Howe and Colin Chamberlain respectively before Simon Gelfs defeated newcomer and undefeated Tony Baylis who could not find his recent good form. Tony Marsh took on another experienced cueman Arthur MacTier giving Nelsons a third point and a deserved victory. Meanwhile the Bowlers were at home where Geoff Barrett again hit good form with breaks of 51,44 & 32 beating Harry Willis, Billy Stokes defeated John Grubb, but the Liberals fought back for a 2-2 draw with wins for Martin O`Reilly over Martin Hunt and Harry Willis playing his second match of the evening beating Chris Hudson.
Nelsons Tony Baylis remains unbeaten but has lost his 100% record this campaign when an unusual outcome gave him a share the spoils when he drew his match with Bowls man Pete Hunt, with the clock running down close to the 75 minutes play and the scores level at 348-348, Baylis required a simple pot red playing from hand only to see his effort void of the pocket, time was up before Pete could return to play, both players gaining half a point each. Another Nelsons newcomer Ken Ashton enjoyed his best performance so far defeating Billy Stokes 438 - 389. Richie Evans (44)bagged the other home sides point when defeating Geoff Barrett despite making a fine 71 during their encounter, Martin Hunt also among the break makers with 40 & 31 with another good win against the out of form Alan Batchelder. Nelsons taking the match with an unusual scoreline of 2 1/2 to 1 1/2. League leaders Lillington Club were held at home by the Liberals, Simon Gelfs just edging out Johnny Grubb 363 - 350, and Arthur MacTier (33)beating skipper Martin O`Reilly, who playing twice then made amends in defeating Richard Howe. Harry Willis bagged the drawn match with a good win over Mike England 369-410.
League leaders Lillington Club away to neighboring Bowls really turned up the pressure this week with a fine 0-4 win and now head the table by a clear four point margin.The bowls three man taem were no match for their rivals with Pete Hunt twice losing to Simon Gelfs and Arthur MacTier respectively, Martin Hunt lost to Richard Howe and Geoff Barrett (31) was well beaten by a high scoring Mike England. Nelsons meanwhile take second spot with another fine away victory at the Liberals, Richie Evans (38)defeated Harry Willis, Tony Bayliss (40)continues his undefeated reign with victory over Terry Smith whilst Ken Ashton scored well to beat captain Martin O`Reilly. Johnny Grubb was the saviour beating Tony Marsh despite his making a 36 break.
Match of the week saw Leam. Libs. John Grubb with a 31 break lose to an in form Martin Hunt who hit breaks of 31,31,37 & 40. His team colleagues Lill. Bowls followed suit all winning their matches for a convincing 4-0 win, Geoff Barrett making 46 & 47 in defeating Libs captain Martin O`Reilly.Pete Hunt and Chris Hudson were the other victors as they are now only a point behind the league leaders Lillington Club, who also lost heavily at Wharf Street to the chasing Nelsons team who themselves are just two points from the summit at the half way stage of the league programme. Making his second ever start was an in form Tony Bayliss with runs of 31, 42 & 56 defeating the experienced Arthur MacTier, Ken Ashton enjoying his first season continued the good work with a fine win over Simon Gelfs, Mike England pulled a frame back beating Alan Batcheldor, before Richie Evans completed a fine 3-1 scoreline with the aid of a 46 break against Colin Chamberlain.
Geoff Barrett was in good form this week with notable breaks of 68 & 51 when defeating Richie Evans who also ran up breaks of 37 & 35. Chris Hudson increased the points tally beating a below par Nigel Croft, Martin Hunt then made it 3-0 easily beating Alan Batcheldor. Very well played to new name Tony Bayliss making his league debut and first ever appearance for the Nelsons side and scored a very healthy 320 points and secured a welcome point for the visitors. Another payer making his debut this season for the Libs saw Terry Smith defeat Mike England and Harry Willis scored well seeing off the challenge of Simon Gelfs. Lillington Club fought back with victories from captain Colin Chamberlain over John Grubb and a real close finish saw Richard Howe just edging out Ian Metcalfe by 5 points after 75 minutes of play., which sees them still lead the table at this early stage.
League leaders Lillington club extend their lead after another fine 3-1 win against neighboring Bowls club. Colin Chamberlain ousted Geoff Barrett (35 & 30 )by a mere six points, Mike England beat Chris Hudson in another close game.Pete Hunt pulled the score back for the bowlers by beating the experienced Arthur MacTier 387 - 364, finally Simon Gelfs easily overcame Billy Stokes to complete the home win. Nelsons entertained Leam Libs. who gained a good away drawer,the handicapping system meant all games finished within less than twenty points of each player. Richie Evans was top break maker with 43 but could not overcome some great potting of Ian Metcalfe (338-355), Alan Batcheldor pipped Harry Willis (382-370), Ken Ashton returned to winning ways outscoring, captain Martin O`Reilly (397-384), Johnny Grubb made sure of the away point, with another slim victory over Nigel Croft who drew level on points with a few minutes of the game remaining only to see his old mate score well on the last two visits before winning 316-331. We wish the absent Libs player Dave Metcalfe all the very best after being taken ill shortly after last weeks match.
Leamington Libs recorded their first league win by defeating the bowlers 3-1 at Holly Walk. Harry Willis overcame the chasing Geoff Barrett, Martin O`Reilly beat Chris Hudson and Johnny Grubb again defeated Geoff Barratt. Pete Hunt was the point scorer for the bowlers defeating Ian Metcalfe. Lillington Club march on as the early leaders defeating Nelsons 3-1, Alan Batcheldor saved the whitewash defeating Mike England. Arthur MacTier continued his excellent scoring record against a below par Richie Evans, Richard Howe also scored well in defeating newcomer Ken Ashton, Colin Chamberlain completed the win defeating Nigel Croft despite his best break of the week .(38)
LAST YEARS LEAGUE CHAMPS HIT FINE FORM THIS WEEK WHEN THEY DEMOLISHED LEAM LIBS 4-0. COLIN CHAMBERLAIN JUST BEATING DAVE METCALFE BY A MODEST 9 POINTS. NELSONS ENTERTAINED THE BOWLERS WHERE A 2-2 DRAW ENSUED. NEWCOMER KEN ASHTON BEATING THE MIGHT OF GEOFF BARRETT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT, GEORGE COTTERILL MAINTAINED HIS 100% RECORD BEATING BILLY STOKES, CHRIS HUDSON PIPPING RICHIE EVANS BY 9 POINTS AND MARTIN HINT BEAT ALAN BATCHELDOR FOR THE BOWLERS POINTS. THERE WERE NO BREAKS REPORTED THIS WEEK.
The first matches of the new league season, see the Nelson club head the table with a good away victory at the Holly walk venue beating the Libs 1-3. John Grubb`s handicap proving too difficult for Nigel Croft. Alan Batcheldor , George Cotterill and the welcome return of Richie Evans were the Nelson victors. The all Lillington affair ended in a 2-2 draw where the Bowls home points came from Chris Hudson (39 break) defeating Mike England, and Billy Stokes who overcame another welcome returer,the experienced Arthur MacTier, Geoff Barrett made breaks of 32 & 42 , but could not overcome Richard Howe`s 220 handicap start. Simon Gelfs defeated Martin Hunt for the other Lill. Club opening point.
The fixtures for the Billiards League and the Morris Trophy season have now been released and are available on the right. The dates for the Maurice Batchelor Trophy have also been made available.
The same four sides as last season have registered for the coming season: Leamington Liberals, Lillington, Lillington Bowls and Nelson. There is a possibility that a second Nelson side may enter, but this has not yet been confirmed. More information will be available soon.