Billiards
2011/2012 Season
Morris Trophy
LIBERALS STUN LILLINGTON
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 McTier 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.
Morris Trophy
NELSONS TOP THE TABLE
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 McTier.
General News
Competition Draws Now Available
The 1st round draws for the individual competitions have now been made. See the Individual Section for details.
Morris Trophy
BARRETT & BOWLS HIT TOP FORM
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 McTier 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.
Morris Trophy
NELSONS REDEEM THEMSELVES
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.
Morris Trophy
LIBS TAKE CHARGE
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.
Morris Trophy
LIBERALS HEAD MORRIS TROPHY
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 McTier 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.
Billiards League
NELSONS SECURE 2ND SPOT
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 McTier 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.
Billiards League
LILLINGTON CLINCH TITLE
Lillington have again clinched the LDBSA league title again with a game to spare. Wins from Richard Howe, Mike England and Arthur McTier 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.
Billiards League
GRUBB HITS FORM FOR LIBERALS
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 .
Billiards League
NELSONS STILL IN TITLE HUNT
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 McTier 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.
Billiards League
BAYLIS SO CLOSE
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 McTier (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.
Billiards League
LILLINGTON CLUB STAMP THEIR AUTHORITY
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 McTier 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.
Billiards League
HUNT & BAYLISS HIT TOP FORM
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 McTier, 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.
Billiards League
Barrett hits form for bowlers
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.
Billiards League
LILLINGTON EXTEND LEAD
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 McTier 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.
Billiards League
LIBERALS MAKE THEIR MARK
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 McTier 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)
Billiards League
LILLINGTON RAMPANT !
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.
Billiards League
NELSONS EARLY LEAD
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 McTier, 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.
Billiards League
FIXTURES RELEASED
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.
Billiards League
League Setup
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.
