Princeville Patriots, who have gone winless in 2016 thus far, faced Littlemoor Baptists in a basement battle. This is a far cry from the Patriots who had title aspirations at the halfway stage, now suddenly find themselves trying to avoid the wooden spoon. Prior to tonights game, three of the Patriots were involved in Bradford Sunday School League Billiards. J.Butcher and D.Hardcastle of Princeville "A" found themselves part of a whitewashing against reigning champions and current leaders Eastbrook, whilst captain K.Tomlinson was subject to a heavy defeat for Princeville "B" against Bradford Deaf Centre.
First up was I.Tomlinson and League Secretary/Press Officer D.Howarth, along with D.Hardcastle and P.Allan. Ian started off very well against Dave, who was cueing beautifully and scored frequently on most visits to get almost 50pts at one stage. Dave struggled to find any momentum, finding himself in the proverbial long grass but even some regulation shots were glaringly missed. From the middle phase onwards, Ian was in sight to record a comprehensive victory but scoring opportunities became increasingly limited and at times relied on a few flukes to get the scoreboard ticking. With less than 10 minutes to go, Dave went all John Virgo and instructed team mate Peter to "pot as many balls as you can". Ironically it was Dave who played like a snooker player on Big Break as he kicked into overdrive, significantly reducing his lead and momentarily looked like snatching an unlikely win at the death. But he was always up against the clock and one unenforced error too many meant Ian won by 19pts. A well deserved win, but possibly an opportunity missed to have made it one sided.
Meanwhile on the other table, Don found himself on the back foot against Peter, often playing shots that rattled the jaws and lost by 38pts.
At the half-time tea interval, Ian called an emergency team meeting and cited that the players are not looking out for each other mid-match and analysing game scenarios. A fair point to make given in-game communications levels have dropped off from last season and has potentially cost the team points.
Next up was J.Butcher and G.Tudor along with K.Tomlinson and R.Allan. After the early exchanges, James got off to a flying start and controlled his match throughout. Graham struggled to keep in contention, finding himself awkward long range strokes and even scoring shots from closer range were not converted. Bearing in mind of the half-time team talk and analysing the other tables progress, James looked to take the initiative and looked good for a big win. On the other table, Keith found himself often trailing behind against Ralph and was roughly 40pts at one stage. Although credit to Keith he did pull it back to within parity, however it wasn't enough as Ralph kicked on towards the end and sealed a convicing 50pt win. Back on the other table, James completed a 65pt win but securing the aggregate point proved to be in vain as the Patriots lost by 5pts and found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline.
This result has put the Patriots 1.5pts adrift from bottom and a long way from any title aspirations, a complete contrast from 12 months ago. Next week the Patriots travel to Pudsey and play against league leaders St Andrews Foxes.
EXCLUSIVE: Footage of D.Howarth playing against the clock
Thursday, 28 January 2016
Thursday, 21 January 2016
Patriots v Congs Match Report (from November 2015)
After missing a golden opportunity to become genuine title contenders with a 4-1 defeat to St Andrews "A", Princeville Patriots play their final game of 2015 at home to high flying Pudsey Congs. The earlier fixture, played during a balmy first day in October was one to forget as three compatriots of the Patriots got comprehensively outplayed. Only two positives occured during that night, James Butcher being a sole winner for the Patriots and Ian Tomlinson's visit to Grandma Nicholls Fish and Chip Shop.
First up was the Tomlinson duo, Keith playing A.Stevens and Ian against D.Hirst. Ian got off to a bright start, the equivalent of an limited overs opening batsman making use of the 1st Powerplay. In comparison, Dave was like Joe Sayers at the crease, getting a feel of the conditions before kicking on.
After a 22 break early doors, Ian suddenly hit a prolonged dry scoring run. Whilst some scoring opportunities were difficult to come by, other times execution was lacking. Dave went to work in reducing a 50pt deficit by scoring in instalments and got to parity by the halfway stage. From there it was Nip and Tuck as Ian started to score again, neither player was able to pull away from each other with any lead no greater than 13pts.
In the last eight minutes, both matches were level pegging. Keith v Albert at 155 each, Ian and Dave at 170. In the last three minutes, Ian posessed a slender lead of 6 and played pot yellow, double baulk. With Dave missing, Ian was in position to win but a missed attempt of a 2nd pot yellow, double baulk meant kept Dave's chances alive. The final 90 seconds was very tense stuff as the scores were level at 185 each, Ian missed a half-chance shot to retain posession and run the clock down. The next shot, Dave missed a cannon but ended up getting a middle pocket in-off and ended the match with a break of 10.
Meanwhile on the other table, Keith got Patriots up and running after securing a win after trailing the 1st half by around 20pts against Albert.
Next up was D.Hardcastle v C.Nelthorpe and J.Butcher v M.Hirst. The lead often changed in Don and Colin's game and despite a double figure break from anchorman Don, it was not enough as Colin secured a narrow victory by single digit points.
The match between James and Mick started off rather cautiously, albeit in challenging conditions with the table being sensitive to cooling moisture which resulted in a large amount of unforced errors from both players. During the middle stages, James finally got into gear and produced a workmanlike break of 25. From there Mick could not quite launch a comeback and looked uncharacteristically out of touch. Eventually James registered a 50pt win, which was enough to secure the aggregate and a 3-2 win for the Patriots. Not a bad result against a team who have set the tone in the league this season, but one where it could have easily been 5-0.
First up was the Tomlinson duo, Keith playing A.Stevens and Ian against D.Hirst. Ian got off to a bright start, the equivalent of an limited overs opening batsman making use of the 1st Powerplay. In comparison, Dave was like Joe Sayers at the crease, getting a feel of the conditions before kicking on.
After a 22 break early doors, Ian suddenly hit a prolonged dry scoring run. Whilst some scoring opportunities were difficult to come by, other times execution was lacking. Dave went to work in reducing a 50pt deficit by scoring in instalments and got to parity by the halfway stage. From there it was Nip and Tuck as Ian started to score again, neither player was able to pull away from each other with any lead no greater than 13pts.
In the last eight minutes, both matches were level pegging. Keith v Albert at 155 each, Ian and Dave at 170. In the last three minutes, Ian posessed a slender lead of 6 and played pot yellow, double baulk. With Dave missing, Ian was in position to win but a missed attempt of a 2nd pot yellow, double baulk meant kept Dave's chances alive. The final 90 seconds was very tense stuff as the scores were level at 185 each, Ian missed a half-chance shot to retain posession and run the clock down. The next shot, Dave missed a cannon but ended up getting a middle pocket in-off and ended the match with a break of 10.
Meanwhile on the other table, Keith got Patriots up and running after securing a win after trailing the 1st half by around 20pts against Albert.
Next up was D.Hardcastle v C.Nelthorpe and J.Butcher v M.Hirst. The lead often changed in Don and Colin's game and despite a double figure break from anchorman Don, it was not enough as Colin secured a narrow victory by single digit points.
The match between James and Mick started off rather cautiously, albeit in challenging conditions with the table being sensitive to cooling moisture which resulted in a large amount of unforced errors from both players. During the middle stages, James finally got into gear and produced a workmanlike break of 25. From there Mick could not quite launch a comeback and looked uncharacteristically out of touch. Eventually James registered a 50pt win, which was enough to secure the aggregate and a 3-2 win for the Patriots. Not a bad result against a team who have set the tone in the league this season, but one where it could have easily been 5-0.
Patriots v St Andrews "B" Match Report
Princeville Patriots were up against joint leaders St Andrews "B" in what was a season defining game. The Patriots needed to get into winning ways quickly in order to maintain any title aspiations.
First up was D.Hardcastle versus hot prospect N.Procter along with I.Tomlinson and S.Clark, who prepared for the game with a king size can of Dandelion and Burdock. This aroused suspicion within Patriots management that the opposition was using performance enhancing supplements and feel drugs test is required. The Patriots IT department have discovered that Dandelion Root "aids in liver health and stimulates digestion for improved hormonal balance." Whilst Burdock Root "is nourishing and cleansing for the liver, aiding in hormonal balance."
It is also discovered that the aforementioned ingredients are in a tea format and can be obtained from leading supermarkets. The Patriots vice-captain (who happens to be a green tea drinker) is planning to make an inspired purchase and supply the Patriots refreshments for next weeks fixture against Littlemoor.
Ian started brightly against Stuart and registered a break of 23 to give a nice lead. However the game slowed down during it's middle stages, where points were scored in fragments. Out of nowhere, Stuart kicked on (fizzing from the Dandelion & Burdock) and took the lead. He had the finishing line in sight, but got stranded in the nervous nineties. Ian who was never out of contention launched a comeback but narrowly missed out to lose by 8pts.
Meanwhile on the other table, Don was outdone by Norman who was in red hot form by stringing breaks of 18, 14 and 12 to lead by 40pts. Don countered with a 14 break of his own but it wasn't enough to stop Norman register a 34pt win.
Next up was K.Tomlinson v M.Barnes and J.Butcher v S.Boocock. Steve got off to a bright start, albeit aided with some good fortune and possessed a healthy lead of around 35pts. James on the other hand had contrasting fortunes, being left with very little in the way of scoring opportunities and was forced to bide his time. The game stalled in it's middle phase, Steve not cleanly taking scoring opportunities whilst James was kept in the proverbial long grass trying to remain composed under frustrating circumstances. Eventually James found some momentum and took the iniative, getting from 20pts behind to parity with 10 minutes raining and then kicked on to claim a much needed 29pt win. Both players expressed their dis-satisfaction of their substandard performances during the post-match verdict.
Meanwhile on the other table, Malcolm enjoyed being on the front foot throughout and although Keith did get close to parity from being nearly 40pts behind at one stage, it wasn't enough to prevent another 4-1 defeat.
The Patriots title aspirations effectively over without a whimper and have suddenly found themselves in a wooden spoon battle with Littlemoor. The last thing the Patriots need is for a certain league official (who shall remain nameless) to go all wax lyrical in any Pudsey League press releases.
A leading television pundit, who happens to be out of work because England Cricket are doing so well in South Africa is planning to do a special verdict on the Patriots chronic poor form thus far. He has warned if results don't improve quickly, players will be made to travel "economy class" in future away matches.
First up was D.Hardcastle versus hot prospect N.Procter along with I.Tomlinson and S.Clark, who prepared for the game with a king size can of Dandelion and Burdock. This aroused suspicion within Patriots management that the opposition was using performance enhancing supplements and feel drugs test is required. The Patriots IT department have discovered that Dandelion Root "aids in liver health and stimulates digestion for improved hormonal balance." Whilst Burdock Root "is nourishing and cleansing for the liver, aiding in hormonal balance."
It is also discovered that the aforementioned ingredients are in a tea format and can be obtained from leading supermarkets. The Patriots vice-captain (who happens to be a green tea drinker) is planning to make an inspired purchase and supply the Patriots refreshments for next weeks fixture against Littlemoor.
Ian started brightly against Stuart and registered a break of 23 to give a nice lead. However the game slowed down during it's middle stages, where points were scored in fragments. Out of nowhere, Stuart kicked on (fizzing from the Dandelion & Burdock) and took the lead. He had the finishing line in sight, but got stranded in the nervous nineties. Ian who was never out of contention launched a comeback but narrowly missed out to lose by 8pts.
Meanwhile on the other table, Don was outdone by Norman who was in red hot form by stringing breaks of 18, 14 and 12 to lead by 40pts. Don countered with a 14 break of his own but it wasn't enough to stop Norman register a 34pt win.
Next up was K.Tomlinson v M.Barnes and J.Butcher v S.Boocock. Steve got off to a bright start, albeit aided with some good fortune and possessed a healthy lead of around 35pts. James on the other hand had contrasting fortunes, being left with very little in the way of scoring opportunities and was forced to bide his time. The game stalled in it's middle phase, Steve not cleanly taking scoring opportunities whilst James was kept in the proverbial long grass trying to remain composed under frustrating circumstances. Eventually James found some momentum and took the iniative, getting from 20pts behind to parity with 10 minutes raining and then kicked on to claim a much needed 29pt win. Both players expressed their dis-satisfaction of their substandard performances during the post-match verdict.
Meanwhile on the other table, Malcolm enjoyed being on the front foot throughout and although Keith did get close to parity from being nearly 40pts behind at one stage, it wasn't enough to prevent another 4-1 defeat.
The Patriots title aspirations effectively over without a whimper and have suddenly found themselves in a wooden spoon battle with Littlemoor. The last thing the Patriots need is for a certain league official (who shall remain nameless) to go all wax lyrical in any Pudsey League press releases.
A leading television pundit, who happens to be out of work because England Cricket are doing so well in South Africa is planning to do a special verdict on the Patriots chronic poor form thus far. He has warned if results don't improve quickly, players will be made to travel "economy class" in future away matches.
Patriots v Deaf Centre Report
Princeville Patriots resume Pudsey Billiards League action after a seven week winter break with a trip to the Bradford Deaf Centre. The winter break proved to be too much for anchorman Don Hardcastle who arrived at the institute 40 minutes early.
Thursday nights at the Deaf Centre seem to be more laddish in nature, their players cracking open cans of Lager before starting play, a complete contrast to the tea and biscuits normally served on Tuesday night. Don also discovered a secret room to find one man and a dog performing tricks. Unconfirmed reports that the Bradford Deaf Centre are to enter this years Crufts.
First up was I.Tomlinson v I.Hussain and D.Hardcastle v I.Ford. Patriots Ian started off very brightly and remained on the front foot throughout, not even a mid-match telephone call from his daughter could change momentum. Ishaq enjoyed a better spell of play in the 2nd half but was always playing catch up and Ian won by roughly 30pts. On the other table, Don just could not find momentum as BDC Ian played well enough to win.
Next up was K.Tomlinson against an insurgent B.Robinson and J.Butcher against J.Dixon. Brian maintained a lead of sorts throughout his match, but Keith kept within distance points wise and found momentum towards the latter half. Sadly for Keith he could not find that killer instinct to gain and fell narrowly short.
Meanwhile James started rather brightly against Jeremy and controlled the opening phase with a lead of 45. From the middle phase, Jeremy found momentum with a combination of scoring multiple points from a shot and flukes (which are the norm within Bfd Deal) to eliminate the deficit. The plunging temperatures and lack of visits meant James was frozen out of the game in more ways than one. With 2 minutes remaining and 20pts behind, James tried to play his trademark "Jenny" in order to launch a late comeback but couldn't quite execute the stroke due to a lack of nap on the cloth.
Eventually Jeremy closed out the game, which gave Bradford Deaf Centre a 4-1 victory. Although it could have easily been a different result on the right for the Patriots, but a story all to common for a side who have dropped a number of points in this campaign.
Next up, the Patriots face Pudsey League joint leaders St Andrews "B" who recorded a superb 4-1 win against pacesetters Pudsey Congs. This was a good result for the Patriots as a late title charge is still possible and the fixtures work out favourably. However the good form must begin from now.
Thursday nights at the Deaf Centre seem to be more laddish in nature, their players cracking open cans of Lager before starting play, a complete contrast to the tea and biscuits normally served on Tuesday night. Don also discovered a secret room to find one man and a dog performing tricks. Unconfirmed reports that the Bradford Deaf Centre are to enter this years Crufts.
First up was I.Tomlinson v I.Hussain and D.Hardcastle v I.Ford. Patriots Ian started off very brightly and remained on the front foot throughout, not even a mid-match telephone call from his daughter could change momentum. Ishaq enjoyed a better spell of play in the 2nd half but was always playing catch up and Ian won by roughly 30pts. On the other table, Don just could not find momentum as BDC Ian played well enough to win.
Next up was K.Tomlinson against an insurgent B.Robinson and J.Butcher against J.Dixon. Brian maintained a lead of sorts throughout his match, but Keith kept within distance points wise and found momentum towards the latter half. Sadly for Keith he could not find that killer instinct to gain and fell narrowly short.
Meanwhile James started rather brightly against Jeremy and controlled the opening phase with a lead of 45. From the middle phase, Jeremy found momentum with a combination of scoring multiple points from a shot and flukes (which are the norm within Bfd Deal) to eliminate the deficit. The plunging temperatures and lack of visits meant James was frozen out of the game in more ways than one. With 2 minutes remaining and 20pts behind, James tried to play his trademark "Jenny" in order to launch a late comeback but couldn't quite execute the stroke due to a lack of nap on the cloth.
Eventually Jeremy closed out the game, which gave Bradford Deaf Centre a 4-1 victory. Although it could have easily been a different result on the right for the Patriots, but a story all to common for a side who have dropped a number of points in this campaign.
Next up, the Patriots face Pudsey League joint leaders St Andrews "B" who recorded a superb 4-1 win against pacesetters Pudsey Congs. This was a good result for the Patriots as a late title charge is still possible and the fixtures work out favourably. However the good form must begin from now.
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