SEASON 07/08 PRESENTATION NIGHT FINISHES SEASON ON HIGH NOTE

The season’s presentation night was held on Fri 13th June and guest professional Gary Wilson provided the pre awards entertainment. The hugely talented 22 year old finished with a fine 106 clearance in the last frame of the evening against Station Road Club’s Paul Johnstone to rapturous applause.

It was obvious to see why this young man had appeared on BBC’s Big Break three times before the age of thirteen, as throughout the evening he produced a countless number of breaks on a tight Station Road table in a display of awesome snooker.

After the snooker Gary entertained the crown with a trick shot repertoire fitting of his Big Break performances and concluded the evening by presenting the 07/08 season trophies (see photos).

The North East professional and 2004 U21 World Champion was overwhelmed with the reception he received during the evening in what was his first visit to West Cumbria and at the end of the night he stated he would be only too delighted to return.

Thanks to Station Road Club for providing an excellent venue/buffet.

Any clubs interested in using Gary’s services please contact Kevin Basnett on 07983522842.

Roll of Honour - Season 2007/08

MATCHES PLAYED ON THE 11th JUNE 2008

RAILWAYMEN TAKE DIV 1 TOP 4 TITLE 

The 07/08 season in the Cockermouth & District Snooker League was concluded this week with a fantastic exhibition of snooker provided by Newcastle professional and 2004 U21 World Champion Gary Wilson.

A fitting end to a great season was delivered but not before the final title of the season decided two days earlier as high drama resulted in the Railway Club taking the Division 1 top 4 playoff crown with a 4-3 victory over John Street club.

On first for the Railway club was their captain and Div 1 leading player Kevin Basnett. A great pot on the first red gave Basnett the necessary impetus he required as he never looked back. With breaks of 32 & 25 the Railway Captain won convincingly as John Street’s Mark Tunstall’s resistance proved powerless in a 84-1 defeat.

In the next frame with Railway cueist Steve Garroway 33 points in front of John Street’s Steve McLeod and with just the colours left a 2-0 lead looked inevitable, but after Garroway accidently deposited the black the frame was back in the balance. A nervy safety battle followed and not until McLeod left the green on after a poor safety shot was the frame decided, as Garroway was to win 86-26.

Railway’s Neil Henderson started well, but with a superb red into the top corner pocket from John Street’s Tony Elliot a 51 break was to follow and the game was subsequently closed out for a 66-23 win.

As Railwayman Barry Collins made an early break of 29 in the next frame it proved to be a little too much to handle for John Street’s Stuart Ryan as his great potting continued to deliver a 60-9 win.

With the match score now at 3-1 to the Railwaymen a win was required from John Street’s Peter O’Hagan to keep his team in the match. In a close frame, O’Hagan led throughout but with just the pink and black remaining Railway’s Paul Graham still in with a chance of taking the title; however as a safety shot went astray this provided the opening O’Hagan needed to complete a low scoring 37-28 win.

In the last of the scheduled frames of the evening a fortunate red from John Street’s Stephen O’Hagan proved to be the killer blow as a the night’s highest break of 52 was delivered in a 70-25 win over Railwayman Steve Little.

At 3-3 a deciding frame was required and with John Street’s Peter O’Hagan being drawn out against Railway’s Barry Collins a pressure cooker tie was fought out. The game was close throughout and with just the pink remaining Collins was one point in front. The best safety exchange of the evening followed, however the deadlock broken with a tremendous pot on the pink by Collins. This saw O’Hagan requiring the black to tie but after a short safety battle another fabulous pot from Collins was produced as the title was won in thrilling climax to a landmark season.

Thanks to Senhouse Street club for providing the venue, Simon and Louise Burns for providing an excellent buffet and to Colin Sealby and Eric McMullen for officiating.

MATCHES PLAYED ON THE 3RD/4TH JUNE 2008

 O’HAGAN’S TAKE PAIRS TITLE & W’TON LEG BAG DOUBLE

John Street brothers Peter and Stephen O’Hagan added the Doubles Handicap KO title to their Division 1 and 7 a Side Team KO titles this week in the Cockermouth & District Snooker League.

Left to right: Doubles Runners-up Paul Graham & Steve Garroway pictured with Winners Peter & Stephen O'Hagan.

With a resolute performance against Railwaymen Steve Garroway and Paul Graham a 3-1 victory was carved out; a fantastic performance considering the John Street players were giving away 20 points start per frame.

The match started cagily with all four players gaining table time but with a loose safety from Railway’s Graham, Stephen O’Hagan stepped in to produce a confidence boosting 34 break. This pretty much brought the scores level and with good potting from both teams they remained that way with just two balls left. A fine long pot on the pink from Garroway gave the Railwaymen the advantage but as the even more difficult black rattled in the jaws of the pocket this presented Peter O’Hagan with a frame clinching opportunity, in which he duly obliged to win the game 70-65.

Again, the second frame started cautiously and after a number of reds reached the baulk end of table a re-rack agreement was reached. On the re-start Garroway was in first with a good long pot but only managed a small contribution as he was to run out of position; however with a good lead the next opening was vital. Safety blows were traded but with Garroway not managing to get his shot past the baulk line it gave Peter O’Hagan the opportunity to draw the difference back with a crafty 28 break. The scores remained relatively close and with just three balls left Graham had a chance to steal the frame, nevertheless after two first-rate pots a poor safety on the black left Steven O’Hagan with a thin cut black with rest. Wasting no time the black was deposited for the second black ball win, 83-70 and a 2-0 match lead.

After a short break for a superb buffet (thanks to the Steward of Seaton Legion) the Railway pair came back fired up by potting just about every ball they were presented with as they romped to a 63-8 win.

At 2-1 to the O’Hagan’s the match was back in the balance but not to be phased by Railwaymen’s resurgence Peter O’Hagan was in first and with a break of 27 as the John Street players nosed in front. With some fine safety complimented by some excellent potting it was Steven O’Hagan this time with a chance to close out the match and with extremely cool head the brown, blue & pink were dispatched to claim a 78-50 frame win and the Doubles crown.

The second final of the week saw Workington Legion add the Division 2 Top 4 Playoff title to their league success last month by whitewashing Station Road 4-0 for an all important Division 2 double.

Left to right: W'ton Leg Capt. Eric McMullen picking up the Top 4 Winners Trophy form officiator Colin Sealby.

The match started with Legion cueist Morris Wigham taking on a determined Shaun Moore. Moore showed the better form of the two players and with just the colours left he held small but vital lead. Wigham was not to be deterred and showing his own determination under pressure he took the game to the black. A prolonged safety battle followed but with lady luck on Legion players’ side the black travelled up and down the length of the table to drop into the corner pocket for a fortunate 49-38 win.

Next up Legionnaire Mark Lavin displayed why he has been one of the top players in Division 2 this season but in Station Roads Peter Collins the frame was never going to be easy. Lavin potted well, however every time he forced a lead Collins pegged him back and with just the blue left the game was in the balance. After some good safety an unfortunate in-off from Collins was to leave him needing snookers and two shots later Lavin secured the frame for a 56-32 win.

At 2-0 to the Legion the next frame between Ian Torley and Station Road player Mike Walker was crucial. In a game of missed opportunities both players could be excused as the pressure mounted but it was Torley who made the fewer mistakes as he was to win the frame convincingly for a 84-25 win.

In what turned out to be the last frame of the match the evenings’ tactical theme continued and the inevitable close game followed between Legions’ Gary Fitzwilliam and Station Roads’ Keith Telford. Telford showed great spirit throughout given the match score but with two fine pots on the pink and black Fitzwilliam claimed the Trophy.

Thanks to Trades Hall for providing the venue and the buffet and also to Colin Sealby for officiating.

MATCHES PLAYED ON THE 28th MAY 2008

JOHN STREET CLUB TAKE TEAM KO TITLE

John Street Club produced an extremely professional performance to claim the 7 a Side Team Handicap KO title in the Cockermouth & District Snooker League with a 4-1 victory over Division 2 underdogs Maryport Social B in a real David versus Goliath clash.

Still smiling. 7 a side runners-up Maryport Social B pictured left to right, Colin Sealby (capt.), Pete Donachy, Paul Alford, Paul Lister, Ryan Ismay, Andrew Henderson & Shane Kane.

With the John Street players giving away 20 points start each frame the final started with Simon Frazer facing Maryport’s Social B’s leading player Paul Lister. A fantastic long red from Frazer with his first shot of the match resulted in a 28 break and from then on he never looked back. The fast cloth on the Railway Club table proved difficult to handle for Lister and with another fine long pot, this time on the blue the frame was sealed, 73-43.

Next up with Maryport Social B Captain Colin Sealby taking on John Street’s Stuart Ryan a scrappy frame unfolded and in a game that always looked like going down to the wire the scores were level with just the black remaining. An exciting climax to the frame and in an exchange that probably saw twenty shots on the final ball, Ryan prevailed with a 52-45 win.

At 2-0 to John Street Club a solid performance from Maryport’s young rising star, Ryan Ismay was required if he was ease his team’s nerves and he certainly delivered. A confidently constructed 26 break from Ismay gave him a substantial lead and even though John Street’s Tony Elliot replied with a smaller contribution of 22 the writing was on the wall and with a stylish colour’s clearance Ismay completed his win in style, 89-42.

As the match was now back in the balance the next frame was vital if Maryport Social B were to cause an upset. Up stepped John Street’s Mark Tunstall and with some first-rate potting he gained 20 point advantage with just the colours left. A fine snooker on the green from veteran Maryport cueist Pete Donachy left him with a slim chance of stealing the frame; however it was Tunstall who showed his class in finishing the frame with some excellent potting to win 71-36.

In what turned out to be the last tie of the evening John Street’s Steven O’Hagan took on another Maryport young gun in Shane Kane. Kane was in first, but a missed black off the spot that provided O’Hagan with the chance he needed to create a fine 30 break and put his team on the verge of victory. There was no way Kane was going to give this frame away but with O’Hagan drawing on his experience he fashioned an opening to claim the title with a 71-36 win.

Thanks to the Railway Club for supplying the venue and to Hannah and Barry for providing the buffet.

This result sees Division 1 giants John Street complete the double after winning the Division 1 league title last week and with a 4-0 drubbing of Derwent A in the first playoff Semi-Final just a few days later another unique treble is in their sights, a feat they also achieved last season.

The second Division 1 Top 4 playoff Semi-Final also took place this week and in what can only be described as an epic the Railway Club came back from a position of 3-2 down to defeat Maryport Soc A 4-3 and move through into the Final.

The first two frames were shared as Maryport’s Julian Plaza overcame Neil Henderson albeit to a fortunate pink and Railwayman Kevin Basnett presided over Wayne King with the help of a 27 break.

Frames three and four were also shared with Railway’s Paul Graham finishing strongly to defeat Kevin Henderson and Maryport Social A’s Garry Southern proving victorious over an out of sorts Barry Collins. Railway’s David Little couldn’t quite manage to convert a good opportunity amongst the balls early in the frame and this gave the necessary impetus to Sal Cakmak to which he converted with some fine potting for a 3-2 match lead.

The last of the planned six frames of the evening saw Former County Champion Ivor Messenger requiring a win against Railwayman Steve Garroway to take his team into the final. Garroway responded to the pressure to lead throughout but as the final three balls presented themselves the match looked over for the Railwaymen, however a rare miss on the pink from Messenger left Garroway with the chance he needed to tie the match. He duly delivered with a fine pink to take the contest into a one frame playoff.

Railway’s Paul Graham and Maryport Social A’s Sal Cakmak were the two names drawn out of the hat for the decider and in a pressure cooker tie the occasional miss could be excused. Inevitably a scrappy encounter unfolded but it was Railwayman and Doubles Finalist Paul Graham who proved the stronger of the two players and with some tremendous potting under pressure a Top 4 final spot was delivered.

The Division 1 relegation playoff also took place this week and with Senhouse B showing great resolve to win 4-2 it is fellow club mates Senhouse A who face Division 2 snooker next season.

The final game of the week saw Station Rd defeat Maryport Soc B 4-2 in the Division 2 Top 4 playoff Semi-Final. They now meet Workington Legion in the Final. A disappointing end to the season for the Maryport players but with the kind of performances they have produced this campaign they will definitely be feared next term.

MATCHES PLAYED ON THE 21st MAY 2008

JOHN STREET CROWNED DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONS 

John Street Club claimed the Division 1 title in the Cockermouth & District Snooker League this week after short lived table toppers Railway Club could only manage a 3-3 draw away to Senhouse B in the final match of the season.

Congratulations must go out to the John Street side as some devastating victories throughout the campaign have always found them difficult to catch in a season that also sees John Street player Peter O’Hagan pick up both the Division 1 Highest break (76) and Highest Aggregate Break (breaks over 25 added) awards.

Division 1 Champions. John Street Club players left to right: Steven McLeod, Peter O'Hagan, Tony Elliot, Stuart Ryan, Mark Tunstall, Stephen O'Hagan (capt.) & Simon Frazer.

Disappointment for the Railwaymen turned into jubilation for the Senhouse B players as this result saves them from immediate relegation; however a crunch playoff next week against fellow club mates Senhouse A will determine who drops down into Division 2.

Even though a lot was at stake the match was played in great spirit and with wins for Railway’s Craig Davies and Paul Graham against Senhouse’s Andy Aitken and Neil Bower respectively their title hopes were still alive.

In frame three from a position of 20 points down Senhouse’s leading player Shaun Ayre produced some great potting to overcome Railway’s Neil Henderson to dash the Railwaymen’s championship dreams but revive his team’s chance of staying in Division 1.

Even though the title was now decided Railways Kevin Basnett still had it all to play for and with a break of 45 he overcame Senhouse’s Michael Spark to secure the Division 1 leading player award.

At 3-1 down and with a short break for a greatly received buffet Senhouse B had plenty of time to gather their thoughts and summon up the strength for the remaining two frames, still in with a chance of retaining their Division 1 status.

With what is probably another league record the next frame got underway between two players with a 55 year age gap, Senhouse’s 76 year old Barrie Haigh and Railway’s 21 year old Barry Collins. An exciting end to the game saw Collins obtain a snooker he required on the blue only to see Haigh deposit the required balls just moments later with remarkable composure.

Senhouse B's Barrie Haigh.

The last tie of the evening was to require unflappable execution if Senhouse’s Simon Burns was to realise his team’s expectations and in Railway’s Steve Garroway he couldn’t have faced a tougher opponent. A luckless Garroway toiled throughout the frame but destiny seemed to be on Burns’ side as vital win was delivered by the Senhouse player in an exciting to end to a league season that can only be described as groundbreaking.

On the previous evening as Maryport Social A defeated Ellenborough 4-2 and Clifton went down 6-0 to Derwent A the final playoff place was decided, with congratulations going to the Lakesiders as a much improved second half of the season has enabled them to squeeze into the Top 4.

Again though, at end of a term one team’s delight invariably ends with another’s frustration as the aforementioned results see the Ellenborough side just miss out on the top 4, however with the improvement they have shown this campaign next season can only see them comeback stronger.

Commiserations must also go out to Clifton, with a difficult campaign that has seen them on the wrong side of some heavy defeats this now results in them facing Division 2 snooker next season.

MATCHES PLAYED ON THE 14th MAY 2008

BASNETT DEFENDS INDIVIDUAL TITLE

The Individual Handicap KO final in the Cockermouth and District Snooker League was contested this week with Railway’s Kevin Basnett producing some superb snooker to defend his title in a 3-0 victory over Glasson’s Dave Chapman.

Chapman receiving 25 points start had never been at this stage of the competition before and showing some early nerves he allowed the Railwayman to get in amongst balls first. With a confidently constructed 28 break Basnett applied some early pressure and established a small lead. A bout of safety followed but with the Railway player always having upper hand an opening was created and with a break of 36 the frame was closed out 83-34.

As the second frame got underway a scrappy game developed, however from mainly baulk colours it was Basnett who managed to construct a break of 25, and with a fine safety to follow the resultant opportunity enabled the Railway player take a 2-0 lead with the aid of a 32 break to win the frame 101-27.

A short interval gave Chapman chance to gather his thoughts and at the point of no return he needed to find another gear if he was to halt Basnett’s charge. Unfortunately for the Glasson player it was Basnett in first again and with a small contribution of 20 the Railwayman had pulled back the start. As the Railway player was now in full flow another excellent opening red was to prove to be the beginning of the end for Chapman as Basnett rubbed salt into the wounds with a title clinching 61 break to take the frame 86-25.

Thanks to Eric McMullen and Colin Sealby for referring/scoring and to the stewardess of the Workington Legion for providing the venue and the buffet.

Finalists: Left to Right, 2008 Individual H'cap Winner Railway's Kevin Basnett & Runner up Glasson's Dave Chapman

In Division 1 home side Railway Club required a good result against Maryport Social A to stay in the hunt and with a 4-2 win the title is yet undecided. The first two frames were shared as Maryport’s John Fleming defeated Paul Graham on the black and Railway’s Kevin Basnett presided over Julian Plaza with the help of a 45 break.

As the next frame when to Social player Kevin Henderson with a victory over Steven Little and Railway’s Craig Davies overcame the challenge of Ivor Messenger the match was finely poised at 2-2, however as Railway player Barry Collins stepped up a gear to beat Steven Armstrong the score was 3-2.

The final frame of the night had all the makings of a close encounter and with just one red left there was nothing to separate Social’s Sal Kacmack and Railway’s Steve Garroway, but with a top class 33 clearance it was Garroway who resolutely sealed the match win, 4-2.

John Street completed their remaining fixtures this week and with two thumping home wins, 5-1 verses Senhouse A and 6-0 verses Clifton this now sees them at the top of the table once again.

A barrage of breaks were produced in both these matches with John Street players Simon Frazer contributing 27 & 35, Peter O'Hagan 48 & 45, Tony Elliot 27 and with Steven McLeod adding breaks of 25, 39 & 25 a destructive end to the season was fashioned. 

The aforementioned results now see the Railway Club requiring all six points away to Senhouse B in their final game of the season to tie at the top of table, therefore forcing a playoff for the title.

Home side Derwent A defeated Senhouse B 5-1 and with a good result against Clifton next week a top 4 place beckons, a would be fantastic achievement considering they occupied lower end of the table for much of the season.

Seaton Legion drew 3-3 at Ellenborough, a result the sees the Legionnaires with no possibility of finishing inside the playoff places having completed their fixtures due to receiving a bye in the final week.

Congratulations must go out to Division 2 side Station Road as a 5-1 win against Derwent B sees them pip Maryport Social B to second place in the table, thus gaining promotion. Fortunately for the Keswick outfit this result did not effect their position as fourth spot in the table and consequently a playoff place had already been secured.

The match also produced another notable season’s achievement, as with a win for Station Road’s Clive Lister against Liam Skillen this secured him the Division 2 leading player title.

Other Division 2 accomplishments saw Maryport Social B’s Paul Lister and Ryan Ismay share both the highest break and aggregate breaks (breaks over 25 added) titles.

The 7 a Side Handicap Final between John Street Club and Maryport Social B will be contested on Tuesday 27th May in the Railway Club. Any support is more than welcome and thanks to the Railway Club a free buffet will be provided.

MATCHES PLAYED ON THE 7th MAY 2008

WORKINGTON LEGION CLINCH DIV 2 TITLE

Congratulations to Workington Legion as they clinched the Division 2 title in the Cockermouth and District Snooker League in the final week of the season with a superb 6-0 away win at Trades Hall.

In a match that required the ability to perform coolly under pressure the Legionnaires delivered but not before a nervy first two frames were contested.

As the tie between Frank Peel and Legions Gary Fitzwilliam progressed the lead changed many time as the white ball was to be deposited more times in this one frame than is often seen in a whole match. However it was Fitzwilliam who when presented with a frame clinching opportunity on the final green ball duly obliged to clear the table for a 55-40 win.

With an edgy point on the board Ivan Halbert was to take on Legion stalwart Morris Wigham in the next frame of the evening. Again another closely contested tie was to develop but this time it was the Trades player who was to establish a lead that saw Wigham requiring snookers with just the pink and black remaining. In spite of this the Legion player demonstrated that there is no substitute for experience by tenaciously obtaining the required snookers and subsequently delivering a crucial 60-67 win.

This was definitely the boost the team required and with further wins from Del Pears, Ian Torley, Mark Lavin and Captain Eric McMullen the title was secured. Derwent B could not take advantage of their home advantage as a 3-3 draw against Brigham was thrashed out; a result that sees Brigham finish in fifth place.

Champions: Division 2 Winners from left to right: Ian Torley, Del Pears, Morris Wigham, Eric McMullen (capt.), Mark Lavin and Gary Fitzwilliam.

Even though third placed Station Road beat Glasson 4-2 league places two three and four are still undecided as they have an outstanding fixture to complete next week against fourth placed Derwent B.

This tie cannot go without a mention for the Glasson players who despite having no chance of making the top 4 still showed what good spirits they are in by turning up in full dress code, dickie bow ties included. Well done lads.

Maryport Social B defeated home side Flimby 4-2, a result that will see them finish in second place should Station Road fail to beat Derwent B next week. In Division 1 John Street were held to a 3-3 draw by host side Maryport Social A, with the highest contribution of the evening coming in the form of a 26 break from Social’s resident grinder Wayne King.

Last weeks unresolved tie between away side Railway and John Street was completed and with a confident performance from the Railway outfit a 5-1 win was carved out.

This is a win that now sees the Railwaymen on top of the table for the first time this season with just two matches left. Railways Steven Little started the tie with an excellent colours clearance against Tony Elliot in the first frame of the evening and with an assured break of 29 by Steve Garroway in the next game against John Streets Mark Tunstall a 2-0 Railway advantage was achieved.

As Railways Barry Collins overcame a somewhat unlucky Stuart Ryan, next up was fellow Railwayman Paul Graham taking on one of his Doubles Handicap Finalist opponents in form of Stephen O’Hagan. With these two players having met earlier in the season and with a victory for Graham resulting, O’Hagan was keen to level the score with the aforementioned final in mind. However the Railway player continued in his recent run of fine form with an ego boosting 62-27 win. 

At 4-0 to the Railway club something exceptional was required to avoid a possible disaster for the John Street side and Peter O’Hagan certainly delivered. Rapid fire breaks of 31 & 37 were to follow and in amassing 119 points in his game against Craig Davies the season’s largest frame points total was established.

Even though the match win had earlier been established everything was still to play for in the final frame of the evening with a point still up for grabs. Railways Individual Handicap Finalist Kevin Basnett coincidently equalled O’Hagan’s previous game break contributions with 31 & 37 to defeat Steven McLeod 90-7, a win that sees him now tie at the top of the leading player standings with Maryport Social A’s Ivor Messenger.

Ellenborough increased their chances of staying in the top four with a 4-2 home win at the hands of Senhouse B and with another home tie against fifth placed Seaton Legion next week a 5-1 win will ensure they remain in the playoff positions.

Derwent A’s Andrew Sharpe produced a break of 33 in his frame against Senhouse A’s Allister Byers as his team went on to accomplish a more than acceptable 5-1 win. Due to the position both these team occupy in the table this outcome neither challenges the top 4 nor the bottom 2 relegation places, barring some unlikely results.

The final match of the week saw home team Seaton Legion preside 5-1 over relegated Clifton Lions. Clifton’s only win in the match produced the best snooker of the evening as breaks of 25 & 28 from Mike Middlehurst proved too much for Seaton’s Alan Evans to handle.

Another league veteran was to take the table in the second frame of the evening, Station Road’s Peter Collins. An early lead was to follow but a gritty display from Brigham player Darren Rayson enabled him to take the frame 46-31 and a 2-0 lead for his team.

It was now time to dig in for third placed side Station Road and season rookie Mark Robertson did not disappoint. Mark has won seven of his ten games played this term and with another fine performance by leading throughout he was to defeat Alan Rice 62-17.

Next to take the baize was Division 2 leading player Clive Lister verses Brigham sub Benny McKeating. With Clive unstoppable so far this season and Benny in only his second game he could not have drawn a more difficult opponent, however he made the Station Road player fight all the way to the pink and was only defeated by the score 42-33.

The match score finely poised at 2-2 Station Road journeyman Paul Johnstone could not be scraped off the table as his performance over Les Rayson was to prove victorious, 59-28.

After a fine comeback complete and match victory within touching distance Keith Telford was to square up against Brigham stalwart David Neesham. A welcome return for David after a two month lay off due to a hand injury was to prove vital. Keith known to be one of the toughest competitors in the Division could not stamp his authority on the tie and it was the Brigham player who was to run out 55-20 and secure the draw.

The remaining matches in Division 2 begun with what could have been billed as the contest of the week in either Division, Top Team Workington Legion verses Maryport Social B. Unfortunately this did not develop and the Legion outfit were to increase their lead at the top with a 5-1 win.

Home side Glasson turned round a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead but a fighting performance by Derwent B’s Graeme Marshall was to seal the draw.

No result in for Flimby v Trades Hall.

In Division 1 Maryport Social A hosted Seaton Legion with a 4-2 win resulting. Another solid performance for the Social A side was highlighted with high drama in the fifth frame of the night. Billiards exponent Cliff Donachy in his frame against Seaton’s Steven Creer was to produce the most elaborate posititional shot of the night from blue to pink that ultimately decided the tie. As Railway were to postpone their tie against Derwent A until next week this conclusion sees the Maryport side move into second position.

With a third 5-1 defeat in as many week’s, home side Clifton Lions’ relegation avoidance looks increasingly shaky as Ellenborough leading player Simon Holm closed out the match with a fine 35 break in the final frame of the evening against Graham Renney.

As a stalemate resulted in their two previous encounters this season Senhouse A verses Senhouse B always looked a difficult one to predict. However the lower placed A side were to forge a 4-2 win and ease their position at the lower end of the table.

Although Division 1 leading side John Street had a free week their position at the top was not threatened.

MATCHES PLAYED ON 12th MAR 2008

LIONS AVOID WHITEWASH

This week in the Cockermouth & District Snooker League Division 1 ties started with host team Derwent A facing Clifton Lions. A convincing 5-1 win for the resurgent Keswick side was to result, however showing spirit true to his team’s name Captain Richard Nelson was to display fine resolve in his 66-35 win against Keswick’s John Thwaites in the last frame of the evening to avoid the whitewash.

The contest started with County Singles Quarter finalist Vince Peet facing an opponent less than half his age in the shape of 16 year old Lions player Gary Mattinson. After a couple of excellent early pots from the youngster it was the Derwent cueist who was to show his experience with a convincing 89-16 win.

With the second frame underway it was another good start from a Clifton player, Gary Gray. Again this was to prove in vein as Lakesider Paul Killingley produced some of his trademark crisp potting to run out 60-12.

The match was now looking difficult to win for the Clifton outfit and in the next frame from a position of 30 points up Derwent’s Paul Hoad was in command. Nevertheless Mike Middlehurst ground his way back into the frame with just three colours remaining only to see his opponent coolly sink blue, pink and black to win 62-44.

A scrappy game followed between Steve Hodgson and Lions player Tony Dixon with the Keswick player running out with a brown to black clearance that was to win the tie 50-41.

At 4-0 to the home team damage limitation was the target as Clifton player Graham Renney was to face Carl Arthur. A slim lead for Carl with going into the colours was to prove vital as some fine potting by the Clifton Lion took the game all the way to the final ball. Just as the Clifton side were looking to get their first frame on the board unruffled execution followed as the Derwent player made it 5-0.

John Street exhibiting a weakened side owing to Peter O’Hagan’s County Singles Semi-Final commitments did not falter as they were to beat home side Senhouse A 5-1, a win that gives their Captain Steven McLeod some team selection dilemmas next week.

Third placed Railway club were to win 5-1 at home to Senhouse B with first frame of the evening proving crucial. With the break at 29 and facing a black off the spot with reds well placed Senhouse B’s Shaun Ayre was well and truly in command. A surprising miss followed and Railway’s Paul Graham didn’t look back winning the game with some assured potting.

After the League’s oldest player, 76 year old Barrie Haigh was beaten convincingly by Railway’s Craig Davies and Neil Henderson defeated Senhouse B’s Neil Bower the score was 3-0.

Breaks of 27 by Railway’s Steve Garroway and Kevin Basnett were to follow and the score was 5-0.

With another whitewash on the cards second placed in the leading player standings, Railway’s Barry Collins was to take the table against Michael Spark. Spark, another frustrating opponent for Collins was to produce one of the pots of the evening on the final blue and clear pink and black to pip his younger adversary.

Derby clash saw home side Ellenborough take on Maryport Social A in what ended in a 4-2 win for the away team. A solid performance from the Social squad was highlighted with a classic one frame encounter between Sal Kacmack and Ellenborough’s Simon Holm.

After trailing by 43 points with just 43 remaining Simon grafted his way back into the frame and with just the brown remaining Sal was faced with a snooker. A good escape was to follow but just to prove what a cruel game snooker can be the brown dropped into the pocket to seal the tie for the Social B player.

MATCHES PLAYED ON THE 5th MAR 2008

SEATON’S ALANS FIGHT BACK.

Mid table Division 1 clash in the Cockermouth & District Snooker League between home side Seaton Legion and Ellenborough lived up to its pre match billing. The two teams were unable to be separated in what resulted in a spirited fight back from Seaton’s two Alan’s, Evans and Cannan from a position of 3-1 down.

A real ding dong battle started with Legion player Scott Messenger verses Tony Lambert. Scott, a competitor who is capable of some impressive performances on his day was on song and after a couple of small contributions ran out an easy winner 58-2.

The second frame of the night saw Scott’s Brother Lee face Ellenborough stalwart Gary Little. Lee made a confident start with an early lead but it was the Maryport man who has shown some fine form this season step up a gear to win the frame 57-33.

With score at 1-1 Ellenborough’s Martin Murray’s fine long potting was just too much for County Doubles Semi-Finalist Karl Newton. The Legionnaire could not get into his stride and was beaten convincingly 48-2.

With experienced League player Mark Tatton up against Ellenborough’s leading player Simon Holm a close contest always looked likely. As punches were traded like two heavyweight boxers a fine uppercut in the form of a 17 break was enough for Simon to KO his Village opponent, 57-46 and a 3-1 match scoreline.

The precarious scoreline was not to discourage Legion veteran Alan Cannan as he faced Michael Moore. A real dogged encounter with a number of easy pots missed by both players was not to end without real drama. As the game went all the way to the black, a pot up the length of the side cushion from Alan that wouldn’t have looked out of place coming from any professional exponent was to decide the game, 44-33.

Seeing the gap close for the Seaton outfit Captain Alan Evans was next in the spotlight against Ellenborough’s Steve Edmondson. Another tie was to prove that these two teams will be difficult to separate at the end of the season saw the Maryport player start the better of the two gladiators. Again, as in the previous clash the it was Seaton competitor who showed great resistance to sink the final black and win the frame 51-50 in a fitting end to fine contest.

The next match involving Maryport Social A and Workington’s Railway Club was a real turnaround. The Social side going down to their opponents in the Team KO the night before were keen to negate this and a 4-2 win did not disappoint.

The tie started with Maryport’s Gary Southern versus Paul Graham. A 31 break by Gary looked to be decisive but in a frame that eventually went all the way to the blue it still had to be closed out. A fine pot was to follow by the Maryport man and the game was won.

League leading player Ivor Messenger faced a slippery opponent in the form of Railway’s Steve Garroway. As Steve started confidently with a 31 break the Social player’s unbeaten run looked in jeopardy but with a fine snooker by Ivor resulting in an equally meticulous escape the frame turned as the white was to go in off. With the last four reds presenting themselves Ivor produced a 28 break that was to see his younger adversary off.

With Maryport’s Wayne King asphyxiating Barry Collins and Kevin Henderson falling over the line in a close encounter against Railway’s Paul Graham the score was 4-0.

Another excellent result for the Maryport team after last week’s victory over table toppers John Street was halted somewhat with wins in the final two frames from Workington player’s Neil Henderson & Kevin Basnett.

John Street wiped out any memories of previous weeks losses in their contest against home team Clifton. An early 1-1 scoreline suggested another disappointing result but the powerhouse side proved their credentials to win 5-1. There were two significant contributions of the evening first coming from Simon Frazer in the shape of a 33 break and the other one being a 41 from break aggregate leader Peter O’Hagan.

The final contest of the week between home side Senhouse B and Derwent A displayed yet another fine comeback to end the tie in a draw, 3-3. A 3-1 home scoreline looked menacing but with fine wins from Keswick old hands Vince Peet and Carl Arthur the fight back was concluded.

^{MATCHES PLAYED ON 5th MAR 2008}

COLIN SEAL’S WIN

Division 2 matches in the Cockermouth & District Snooker League got underway this week with fourth placed Maryport Social B facing Flimby Club. In a closer contest than the scoreline suggested the Social side worked their way to a 5-1 victory with the two team captains taking the limelight in the final frame of the evening, Maryport’s Colin Sealby and Geoff Banton.The Flimby man had shown the better form recently not having lost a frame in the league for five weeks but an early lead for the Maryport player looked ominous. Just as the tie was showing signs of a run away win for the Social B Captain Geoff grafted his way back into the frame with just blue, pink and black left. However this was all in vein as Colin potted the balls he required to seal the win, 63-32 and keep his team’s title hopes on track.

Left to right: Flimby Captain Geoff Banton shaking hands with Maryport Social B Captain Colin Sealby.

Earlier the tie had started with Social B player Ryan Ismay verses Ian Tinnion. Ryan a definite Cumbria Snooker star of the future started the frame with some fine potting but after taking on a somewhat risky final blue it was the Flimby player who was faced with a frame clinching opportunity. With a good blue ball pot followed by a fortunate pink the long straight black presented it’s self as game ball.Ian produced the pot of the night only to see white follow the black into the same pocket, frame to Ryan 52-45.

The second frame of the night saw experienced Maryport cueist Pete Donachy take on probably the youngest player in either Division, Flimby’s Paul Vickers. A scrappy game saw an out of touch Pete requiring three snookers with just the green remaining and after an excellent pot by the Flimby youngster the match score was level.

With the next two players up, Shane Kane verses Flimby’s Ricky Walby an evenly matched encounter developed but with the aid of a couple of snookers the Maryport player lead by 18 points with just 18 points remaining. However with Ricky still in the game with just the black remaining a cool pot from Shane sealed the frame, 46-32.

The Maryport side now 2-1 up next Division 2 break aggregate leader Paul Lister was to cue up against Flimby’s Phillip Banton. Yet another frame was to be decided on the colours but after a confident yellow to pink clearance from Paul he sealed the tie 63-20.

With the match win now within touching distance Social B’s Paul Alford was to take the table against Dave Teasdale. Even though the Flimby player is currently ranked a few places higher than his opponent a number of smaller breaks from Paul ensured that the match victory was achieved with a 67-38 frame scoreline.

 Home team Brigham were to take on form team Derwent B. With Derwent B’s high-quality recent results and the fact that the last meeting between the two team’s ended up in a 4-2 away win for the villagers, a close contest was on the cards. With blows traded the aforementioned billing did not disappoint, 3-3.

Glasson versus Station Rd saw the Maryport side win their earlier season away fixture against their opponents 4-2. From a position of 2-1 down the Town side produced an excellent comeback aided by wins from Clive Lister, Peter Collins and Paul Johnstone to see them as 4-2 victors.

After last weeks 6-0 win at the hands of Brigham, Workington Legion were looking to widen the gap at top against bottom side Trades Hall.The Trades players not to be overawed by their table topping opponents refused to lie down and a 3-3 result was thrashed out.

In Division 1Senhouse A not having won a match since December 12th and Derwent A feeling confident after last weeks win against Seaton Legion; this was always going to be a difficult fixture for the Workington side. A solid performance resulted in a 5-1 win for the Keswick team and one that sees them alleviate their possible relegation woes.

Home team John St. Club looked towards opponents Maryport Soc A to over turn their earlier season away defeat, but with notable performances from Maryport players Ivor Messenger & Julian Plaza a 2-0 lead was established. Social’s super sub Garry Southern added a 36 break in his victory against Allan Stephenson and even though John Street’s Steven O’Hagan managed a 31 against Wayne King the score advanced to 4-0.

Peter O’Hagan & Simon Frazer closed out the last two frames for John St. with breaks of 33 and 25 for Peter and 28 for Simon to ease the pain, 4-2.

Clifton Lions put an end to their recent run of defeats with a 3-3 draw against Seaton Legion but still require a number of significant performances to climb from the bottom of the table.

A staunch comeback from a position of3-0 down was kick started by Ellenborough leading player Simon Holm in their 3-3 draw with home side Senhouse B. A result that sees both team’s hold their position in the table.

Railway were face with a bye and even though the gap at the top has widened to three points the top two teams have now faced the same amount of games played.

^{MATCHES PLAYED ON 27th FEB 2008}

^{GARROWAY GALVANISES VICTORY}  

What a difference a week makes in the Cockermouth and District Snooker League as rollercoaster Division 1leaders John Street Club crashed to a defeat at the hands of the Railway Club.

A result for Railwaymen which was galvanised with a fine performance form Steve Garroway in the final frame of the evening against John Street's current County Individual Semi finalist Peter O’Hagan. Even though the match win was established Railway's Garroway was determined to have the final word. The frame got underway with an early lead for the John Street player, but with the tie finely poised Garroway produced a colours clearance as classy as it was tenacious to take the frame 59-45 and a 5-1 match victory.

Before the match kicked off it was evident to see that the Railway players were keen to erase memories of last weeks defeat at Ellenborough and the match started with Railway's Paul Graham drawn against Steven O’Hagan. Steven made all the early running but a studiously constructed 28 break by Paul piled on the pressure and he eventually closed out the game 57-15.

The next frame featured John Street's Steven McLeod verses Kevin Basnett. With Steven making all the early running he established a substantial lead but Kevin was not to be deterred and ground out a win, 67-40.

With the match at 2-0 Railway’s Craig Davies was facing a player who has only lost two games this season, Mark Tunstall. The early running was with the John Street player but after some fine potting and even better safety play Craig was in front with just two balls left. What seemed to be an straightforward final pink leading to a certain back ball game a surprising miss by Mark presented Craig with a difficult game ball but he duly obliged to take the frame 62-50 and a 3-0 Railway lead.

Railways Steven Little fought the next game to the colours after an early frame deficit, but showing great resilience John Street's Tony Elliott clearedbrown to black in winning the frame 62-32 thus reducing the match scoreline to 3-1.

A comeback was on the cards but Railways leading player, Barry Collins faced Simon Frazer. The Railway Player was poised to take the frame easily with the addition of a 38 break, but with the John Street player not to be discouraged the frame went all the way to the colours. However, with an excellent clearance from Barry it saw him pinch the frame 64-35 and guarantee the match victory and one that sees the Railway Club close the gap at the top to just a point.

The next match saw third placed home side Maryport Social A draw 3-3 with Senhouse B. Wayne King started the match for the Maryport side and in his typical grinding style strangled Neil Bower into submission with a 58-34 frame scoreline.

Social’s Kevin Henderson won the next game with some consistent play against Nigel Carruthers and frame three saw Senhouse’s Simon Burns produce a win after requiring a snooker with just pink and black left against Sal Kacmack.The third frame saw Division 1 leading player and former County Champion Ivor Messenger take the table. In a scrappy game against Senhouse’s Shaun Ayre that went all the way to the pink, it was the Maryport man who continued his unbeaten run.

With the match score at 3-1 in favour of the home side a win looked on the cards but after Senhouse wins for both Andy Aitken and Barrie Haigh a resolute comeback was complete.

Seaton Legion travelled to the Derwent Club with the Keswick side looking for some much needed confidence in a season that has seen them win only one match. The Legion team started positively but after contributions of 25 & 40 from Keswick’s Vince Peet and a solid 25 from team mate Andrew Sharpe the lakesiders forged a 4-2 win.

Senhouse A verses Clifton match was unfortunately cancelled and this season’s surprise package Ellenborough faced a bye this week.

Division 2 starts with home side Station Road taking on Maryport Social B. This was a fixture that had produced an earlier season 4-2 win for the Maryport outfit but it was roles reversed this time as the match ended with a 4-2 win for the Workington team. The tie of the night was between two of the Divisions top three ranked players, Station Road’s Clive Lister verses Paul Lister. After some reverent play from both players it was Clive who took the frame with the aid of a 25 break to keep his place at the top of the Division 2 rankings.

With the top teams tightly packed in Division 2 this defeat for Social B sees them slip to fourth from last weeks top spot.

In another performance turnaround Workington Legion trounced Brigham 6-0. This is a win that sees them back at the top of the table by two points with the evening’s top break of 29 coming from the Legion’s Mark Lavin.

Derwent B proved again that last weeks 5-1 win against top team Workington Legion makes them genuine title contenders with 6-0 victory over home side Trades Hall.

This result sees the Keswick young guns move into second place.With Glasson not having won since December and Flimby losing 6-0 last week both sides were looking for some belief. A close game always seemed on the cards and the two teams could not be separated, spoils shared 3-3.

^{MATCHES PLAYED ON 20th FEB 2008}

SECOND DIVISION TITLE RACE HOTS UP

Scores from Division two in the Cockermouth & District Snooker League this week (Wed 20th Feb) have really tightened up the title race with the result of the night going to Derwent B, an excellent 5-1 home win against last weeks top team W’ton leg. With just over half the season gone this sees the Keswick boys secure a spot in the top four and close the overall gap on the top team to just two points. The match saw notable victories from Keswick players Chris D’Leny and Andrew Austin against Eric McMullen and G Fitzwilliam respectively. Two players definitely riding on the back of confidence gained from their County Doubles plate win against Div 1 players Ivor Messenger & Sal Kacmack.

Other matches in the second division start with a Maryport Soc B 6-0 win in their match against Glasson, a result that has seen them climb to the top of the table on a better frames against aggregate over W’ton Leg. The tie of the night was between two of the Divisions top players, Maryport Soc. B’s Paul Lister and Glasson’s Dave Chapman.

Unfortunately this did not quite live up to its billing with the Social player winning the frame convincingly 67-13 and a 31 break to boot. Station Rd. also trounced Flimby by the same scoreline, 6-0 this adding to the Flimby villagers earlier season misery in which they only won one frame in their previous encounter.

No result in from Brigham verses Trades Hall.

In Division 1 the Railway club dented their title hopes with a defeat at the hands of Ellbra, 4-2. The match started in a positive fashion for the Railwaymen with a win from Kevin Basnett against Martin Murray but through sheer determination the Maryport outfit ground out a victory with the top break of the night coming in the battle of the Little’s, a 26 from G Little against Railway’s David Little.

Table leaders John St. proved yet again why they are the team to beat with a crushing win, 6-0 against Derwent A. Another disappointing result for the lakesiders against John St this season which has seen them not win a single frame in their two meetings. They were two significant offerings during the evening, first coming from John St’s Steven McLeod, a 26 break in his victory against Trevor Hildreth. The second contribution was from break aggregate leader Peter O’Hagan, a 71 against Derwent’s John Thwaites. This is another break over 25 from Peter this season, one that has seen him notch up eleven breaks in twelve matches played.

 In another one sided encounter Senhouse B flattened Clifton 6-0, their second defeat by the same scoreline in as many matches, with the only consolation coming in the form of a 27 break from Clifton’s Captain Richard Nelson in his frame against A Aitken.

Seaton Leg. verses Senhouse A produced a 4-2 win for the home team, a result that put an abrupt end to run of five defeats from the Legion team and one that surely keeps their top four hopes alive.

Even though Maryport Soc. A had a vacant date this week their position in the Div 1 table did not alter keeping them in third.

^{MATCHES PLAYED ON 13th FEB 2008}

^{JOHN STREET PEGGED BACK}

Another excellent week in the Cockermouth and District Snooker League that has seen some solid results from the top two teams in both Divisions consolidate their positions.

In the First Division John St. produced a 4-2 away win against Ellenborough with the highlight a 60 break from Peter O’Hagan in his frame against M Murray.

Second placed team Railway closed the gap with a 6-0 win over Clifton, only the third 6-0 score line from either division this season and the first from any team other than John St.

Other matches in the first Division saw Maryport Soc B beat Senhouse A 4-2 with the night’s top break of 36 coming from the leagues only Pro Pool tour exponent, Garry Southern.

Seaton unfortunately added to their recent run of a defeats that has seen them lose five games in a row, a 4-2 defeat against Senhouse B. Coincidently a same score line reversal of their seasons earlier meeting. Shaun Ayre producing a 29 against Paul Mostyn being the best break of the match.

The Second Division games must start with Station Rd. Verses Derwent B .This resulted in the fourth and fifth placed teams ending their match in a stalemate but the evenly matched encounter did not go without notable performances. The Divisions top player, Station Rd’s Clive Lister showed why the aforementioned position is occupied by constructing an excellent break of 40 against Mark Forsyth but this match cannot go without reference to the last frame of the night, Station Rd’s Paul Johnston verses Tom Mattinson. This resulted in probably the highest scoring frame of the season so far in either division 71-76, with the Keswick player pinching it.

Other Second Division clashes start with W’ton Leg verses Glasson.The Legion remains top of the table with a 4-2 win, but with Dave Chapman prevailing in the last game of the night against Eric McMullen this offered some consolation for the Maryport team.

Flimby verses Brigham produced a 4-2 score line for the home team, again another earlier season turnaround with Brigham’s N Walker manufacturing his sixth win on the spin against R Vickers.

Finally Maryport Soc B constructed the Division’s biggest win, 5-1 against Trades Hall closing the gap at the top by a point on W’ton Leg. Social B player Paul Lister, who is currently divisional break aggregate leader added to his tally of fine breaks with a run of 26 against F Peel.