On behalf of the Patriots, we would like to congratulate St Andrews "Foxes" on winning the 2015/16 Pudsey Billiards League, causing an earthquake in more ways than one. Leeds Beckett University can confirm their Human Geography & Planning Department installed a seismometer within the confines of St Andrews Methodist Church and recorded 0.83 on the richter scale at approximately 9.25pm, when skipper Tony Ward secured the title winning points in defeating Dave Howarth.
Back to the anti-climatic derby in hand, first up was I.Tomlinson and former Patriot D.Bowers. The game started off rather slowly, caused by a damp atmosphere but Ian started to get some momentum in scoring regularly in visits. A little while later Dave also got going and both players were within a few points at around 160 at the halfway mark. Ian advanced further from there, albeit with a couple of fortunate shots, including one where he got a double kiss and his cueball hit a side cushion to go in-off in the middle pocket. Credit to Dave who still got stuck in when things did not go his way, but Ian sealed a 18pt victory to put Patriots on the board.
On the other table it was skipper K.Tomlinson against A.Holdsworth. As often is the case this season, Keith found himself on the back foot and Alan built a handy lead of around forty points through accumulating points when given a chance. At one point, Keith did reduce the deficit but just couldn't find another gear. Spectators attending the World Snooker Grand Prix in Llandudno with ear pieces may have accidentally tuned in to Keith's in-play analysis, bemoaning his shot selection of "Rubbish" "What are you doing", "Don't go there", "Think Keith", "You're not suppose to go there" and even a Homer Simpson moment of "Woo-Hoo" when he self-claimed to have got an in-off red at the middle cushion for the first time this season. Eventually Alan secured a 38pt victory to level things up at the halfway stage.
"Visiting" player J.Butcher inadvertently found himself on tea duty and was keen in producing the strongest brew as possible, after last week an "all-milk" cup of tea was produced. During the tea interval, an itinerary of the Pudsey League Cup Semi-Final was discussed with the entire knockout stage being played under one roof of the Horton Bank Methodist Church. Spectators are strongly advised to get there early as seating/standing room is very limited. Plans of a second church bench installed directly behind the current seating area have been knocked back due to stringent Health and Safety measures, though ideas of broadcasting both semi-finals live on Youtube with "expert" commentary provided have been mooted so all Pudsey League players (and any Billiards fans) can watch.
Next up was S.Kershaw and J.Butcher along with B.Lawson and D.Hardcastle. On the main table, James made a start but missed out on building a substantial lead as he had the red and white ball favourably positioned for a string of in-off shots in the middle pockets, but played the cue ball rather sloppily. Since then, scoring opportunities became very limited as Stephen got into his stride and scored healthily during visits. Any attempts for James to stop the flow was to put the opposing cue ball and play double baulk, but even that limited success largely down to being away from the table. Stephen eventually recorded a well deserved 30pt win.
Over on the other table, Bernard got off on the front foot against Don and largely led throughout by 15-20pts. Though credit to Don he did reduce the deficit into singles, but simply ran out of time as Bernard secured a 3rd win which resulted in a 4-1 win to the "B" team.
This result leaves Princeville Patriots rock bottom of the Pudsey Billiards League, a very disappointing campaign when last season the Patriots were pipped to title success by half a point. As one player said "We got what we deserve", as the team did not perform as a unit and any success largely came from individual performances.
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| Last weeks Patriots tea maker |
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| Artists impression of the Pudsey League Cup Semi-Final venue |
