30 Mar 2011 ‘Team Cup Finalists decided’

Hurst A inflicted a whitewash over Laughing Fish and will now play in the Team Cup Final on Finals Night, where they will play Mill House Z who had a more torrid time against Hurst B. The Plate Final will be contested between Woolpack (who beat St Francis 4-1) and Plough Plumpton who won through against Bravos by the odd frame. Well done to all teams involved – report from Bob Hall.

27 Mar 2011

Zeds opened up a 26 point lead following their 4-1 home win over the Bells. Graham Daniels opened up with a good 5440 and the old warrior, John Turner, took out Doug Mahy for a 2-nil lead, but the best score of the match, a sparkling 8400 went to Bells Nick Brown in the last. Greyhound took full advantage with a big leap forward over Eight Bells by beating the Laughing Fish 4-1 in a low-scoring match.

Hurst A lost ground in the chase for the Div One title when they fell 1-4 to Watermill A, 5K’s from Rodney Storr and Kim Stenning inflicting some of the damage. The Worlds End side stand just 2 points adrift of second place as the Lower Beeding Plough inflicted a 4-1 defeat on their namesakes from Plumpton Green, Geoff Parsons running up 6k. There were 5ks for both Dilly Williamson and Andy Farmer-Wright as the Brewers Arms regained the leaders’ place with a commanding 5-0 win over Horns Lodge.

The first two frames of the Hurst B match against Bravos saw the best that division 1 has to offer. Adam Bateup hit a 6500 break, finishing with a score of 11480, taking the division’s highest score and break from Steve King who won frame 2 with a score of 10780. Determined play in the next saw Richard Spurrier (5040) beat Chris Kirkham but a Darrell Skinner win in the fourth over Carol Buxton meant a decider was the order of the evening. A ladies’ contest ensued with Colleen Park holding her own for Hurst B against Lynne Moyes-Robb to give the hosts the win. Terry Gasson (7650) starred in the USC’s 4-1 win over Watermill B.

– Precis of Report from Roy Wells

17 March 2011

This week all Premier played each other and likewise all 1st Division - so no bonus points were up for grabs.

Hurst A are Div 1 Top Dogs following a good win over closest rivals Brewers, whilst the Greyhound lost ground when they were brushed by Plough Plumpton who have found some tremendous form recently.
Watermill B are once again off the bottom, after beating their fellow-strugglers Woolpack 4-1 at home.

All results were in and these reports lodged on the British Bar Billiards Forum within 24 hours of the matches being played. Many thanks to our team of on-the-spot reporters (Ron, Henry, Bob, Clive, Mark, Ian, Ros and Richard) - Clive T.

Plough P/G 5 v 0 Greyhound

Chase Newman 7890 - 180 Trevor Rees *
Darren Newnham * 8550 - 900 Geoff Fairs
Dave Knight 5130 - 4640 Ted Stringer *
Jan Bithell * 4040 - 2550 Neil Burchell
Ron Sheridan 3400 - 3130 Peter Burchell *

A very enjoyable evening with the Greyhound. Nice birthday cake to finish the evening off.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE - Ron Sheridan.

Laughing Fish 3 - 2 Watermill A

Chris Ashford 1950 - 4630 Chris Nikolaj
Les Whiteman 2360 - 1980 Geoff Rose
Jim Ashford 1510 - 2960 Kim Stenning
H 14560 - 560 Norman Cragg
Andy Brooks 3590 - 1530 John Staplehurst

Table was not easy. My score was acheived by staying on the break - Norm didn't have the best of luck during his goes at the table. Good night with the Watermill guys, came down the last! - Henry Brooks

hurst 3 arms 2

bob 9250 trevor 2330
pete e 7210 dilly 2920
jenny 1170 andy 4970
lorraine 5310 jock 3240
pete h 1280 derek 4900

both andy and derek played tactical games by leaving and putting more balls on bulke line but mama hall was the superstar tonight taking the match - Bob Hall

St Francis 1, Mill House Z 4

Peter Geal 1680, tommo 3510
Bob Ellis 1430, SuperG 3000
Roger Wallbank 1530, BarryT 2020
ManlyHarveys BP, Alan Downs 3750
SpecialOne 4880, Mick Holmwood 2790

Table providing a good test for all players tonight. Accuracy rewarded, complacency punished.
Exhibition from TSO in the last game. Good selection of sarnies. – Clive Thompson

Watermill B - 4, Woolpack - 1

Paul 1520 - Lyn 2290
Good opening play from Lyn left Paul playing catch up for most of the game and a few of those white wooden things meant a good win from Lyn and a good start from the Woolies

The Flying Dutchman 1600 - Nigel 630
Tricky game this one, both players struggling a bit with all the balls on the table but some steady work from TFD leveled the match.

The Pub Landlord 3510 - Ann 1270
Ann struggled a bit early on but played some great shots later, but some lucky shots from TPL (along with some good shots) gave the home team a 2-1 lead.

Brighton Gav 2600 - Jan 1520
Good solid play from both players with Jan a bit unlucky on more than one occasion. Good work from Gav sealed a team win for the Bees.

Mark 1890 - Malcolm 1810
Very close game for the finale. Malcolm off to a good start off the break and Yours Truly matching him. Nip and tuck all down to the last ball which I managed to sink in the 100 for an 80 point win.
Many thanks to the Woolies for a good fun evening, some good close games and result could have gone either way, and to Vicky (Pasta Queen) for the food. – Mark Ridley

Horns Lodge 0 Hurst B 5

Tom Massey 720 Colleen Park 2820
Mike Letham 880 Steve King 3670
Roger Dudman 190 Chris Kirkham 1490
Dave Tiffin 1040 Iang 4320
Kevin Stevens 1340 Darrell skinner 3030

a very enjoyable evening & the table was very nice & quite quick - Ian Giffen

Eight Bells 2 Plough LB 3

Table was playing beautifully, with 6k from Doug and 3 scores just shy of 5k for the oppostition.

Ros 3330 - Kieran Budd* about 2k
Doug* 6270 - Steve Whyte about 2.5k
Denise 1710 - Mark Webber* 4930
Tony D* 1110 - Geoff Parsons 4570
Trevor 170 - Steve Vizor* 4860

Well played Kieran - he really had me on the run until I got the break back near the end of the game.
Thanks to the Bells for the lovely Thai green curry - Ros Appleby

13 March 2011

Mid Sussex A have wrapped up the Home/Away Interleague Division Two with three matches to spare. This much was decided when Eastbourne visited Littlehampton (the other sole contenders) in the postponed match and came away 4-3 winners. This leaves Littlehampton, along with four other teams on 6 points and unbeaten Mid Sussex A (expertly captained by Lorraine Hall) on a massive 14 points. Mid Sussex A will next season become a First Division side for the first time since the divisions were formed. – Clive Thompson

13 March 2011

Hurst B went to the United Services Club and finished up with an infrequent drawn match. Colleen Park started the match well for Hurst, and this was followed by a drawn frame between Terry Gasson for USC and Hurst’s Ian Giffen. A Graham Sparksman 5830 and an Andy Guy win made it 2.5 to 1.5 Steve King then hit a strong 5K break to finish with a score of 10,730 to draw the match

No joy for Horns Lodge when visiting Hurst A: Peter Hall put Hurst into the lead, which was followed by a tremendous 14,490 from son Rob Hall. Tom Massey took frame 3 for the Lodge but a battling effort from Peter Edwards came out on top. With the match won, Jenny Edwards put in a great 5380 to take the last frame.

Greyhound step above the 8 Bells after beating them 4-1 at home this week, and Watermill A also stole a march on Plough PG after beating them 3-2 – again at home Watermill B buzzed over to Crawley and got little change from Mill House Z, Clive Thompson top-scoring with 6080.

The Brewers Arms won well this week to keep top spot in division 1. Dilly Williamson took frame 1 but a splendid 15,230 from Henry Brooks levelled it. Derek Taylor’s 7870 meant that the Arms regained the lead but a Ray Carpenter win made the decider necessary. A cracking 10,920 from Richard Jeffrey and the Arms had it.

Woolpack played Bravos on home ground this week and forced a decider. A couple of handy breaks saw Adam Bateup finish with 7500. Malc Fuller then hit 7830 to make it 1-all. A hard fought third frame saw victory eventually go Paul Moyes-Robb’s way but victory for Nigel Bransby evened things up again. Lynne Moyes-Robb won a good decider. – Precis of report from Roy Wells

06 Mar 2011

Mid Sussex Ladies once again gave their all in the Sussex One-Day Interleague held on the 5th March 2011 at Roffey S & SC.: They finished fourth in a strong field of five but do Mid Sussex credit by being one of only three Sussex Leagues still able to field a Ladies team.

On the day, Ding Johnson, guesting for the team, won 7 out of her 8 frames, whilst captain Lorraine Hall broke even on wins to losses, but averaged an impressive 4446 per frame.

You can read all about it by checking the County/Interleague tab. – Report from Clive Thompson

05 Mar 2011

Zeds stumble this week against an inspired Bravos side at The Brewers. A massive 15,050 from Adam Bateup and a 7820 from Richard Spurrier secured the match result. A 7K break for Graham Daniels resulting in a score of 11940 earned a second point to Zeds

Plough PG remain ever hopeful in second place with another solid performance at home, this week against the Brewers Arms. Chase Newman started the match off with a 7160 which was promptly followed by a 13,010 personal best from Darren Newnham. The home took the match with a 5410 from Ron Sheridan before the Arms got on the board with a 6860 from Richard Jeffrey. Jan Bithell (5790) took the last to make it a good night for the Plough.

Watermill A went to the Eight Bells who had made some late alterations to the table which the visitors took more kindly to than the home side – to which 8140 from Kim Stenning in the last frame bears testament.

Saints took home advantage in their match against the Greyhound, winning by the odd frame. Shaun Morris started things off, with 7790 and a Matt Geal 5420 in the next put Saints 2 up.

28 Feb 2011

Mid Sussex put their usual effort into the County Annual One-Day Interleague competitions held last weekend at Roffey Social & Sports Club, Horsham: The section for 'B' and 'C' teams was held on the Saturday, and the 'B's improved on last year's bottom placing by finishing a creditable third behind the strong Worthing 'B' and Brighton 'B', with Greyhound's Trevor Rees the side's top performer. Whilst on the Sunday it was the turn of the A's in Division Two of the 'A' teams' section. On the day, Eastbourne turned out to be the surprise package, winning all their matches and earning promotion, but it was very tight for second place, with Horsham runners-up level on points with Billingshurst (but with superior team average) and Mid Sussex just a half-point behind in fourth place. Peter Edwards was highest ranked of our players with 3 wins, one tie and just one defeat. – report from Clive Thompson.

26 Feb 2011

Zeds keep the pressure on the opposition with a good home win over Hurst B, a big 8k from Clive Thompson claimed the match.

Plough PG came a cropper this week against Hurst A at the Hurst club. Rob Hall produced a sparkling 10K break and a final 15K score to put Hurst 2 up and Dave Knight hit a 5K in the last leg to give Plough their second point.

Watermill A kept in touch with Plough thanks to a hearty win over Saints at home. A 7K from Kim Stenning decided the match.

Eight Bells have a game in hand over the teams ahead of them but would have liked a better result than the 2 points they got this week. Andy Farmer-Wright put 6K past Doug Mahy but Nick Brown grabbed the last for the Bells with a win over Derek Taylor. A poor result for Bravos keeps them mid-table in division 1 whilst the good home result for Plough LB still sees them at the bottom of the premier. Mark Webber (6k) and Steve Whyte (7k) starred for Plough.Woolpack had an excellent win this week at home against the United Services Club. Anne Stockinger, Nigel Bransby, Malc Fuller and John Brocklehurst all triumphant. – précis of weekly report by Roy Wells.

19 Feb 2011

Mill House Z went away to the United Services Club and started with a 5K from Graham Daniels which proved to be the best of the evening. USC fought well but to no avail and another maximum pushed Zeds another point in front of Plough PG

A good performance from Plough PG at home to the Laughing Fish: The match started with a Jan Bithell 5K; then a 6K from Ron Sheridan, and 8K from Dave Knight secured the match for the home side.. Another 8K, this time from Darren Newnham, saw the end of Henry Brooks’s 100% win record. Dad Andy Brooks took the last from with 5K for the Fish.

Hurst B leapt back from last week’s whitewash to dish out one of their own when defeating Plough LB at home. Steve King was star performer with 6K Bravos also picked up a bit this week with a home win over Greyhound. (5k each for Adam Bateup and Richard Spurrier).

12 Feb 2011

The Zeds returned to form with a vengeance, crushing Woolpack 5-0 at home with 7340 from Mick Holmwood and 6180 from Clive Thompson.

Meanwhile, Plough Plumpton moved into second place over resting Eight Bells whose match at the Laughing Fish was postponed.until 20^th Feb: Darren Newnham (8490) Jan Bithell (6650) Dave Knight (5450) and Chase Newman (5010) featured strongly in the 5-0 defeat of Horns Lodge..

There was 6960 from Trevor Rees as the Greyhound took all five against Hurst B, and a splendid 9530 from Bob Hall and 5410 from Peter Edwards helped Hurst A to a win over St Francis by the odd frame. Consolation for the beleaguered Saints skipper in the form of a “ silver service tray with his own delights on them and a nice bottle of port to help him relax” courtesy of the home skipper: Ex-President’s perks, apparently.

Mid Sussex's Interleague 'A' team are setting a cracking pace in the Division Two of the Home & Away competition, and stand on the threshold of admission to the 'top table' for the first time since the current system of promotion and relegation was introduced back in the 1990's. With just 4 matches to go, they stand top with the maximum 12 points having won all of their six games, and currently hold a 6 point advantage over second-placed Littlehampton, who have a game in hand. (See County/Interleague tab for further details.) - Clive Thompson 08/02/2011

05 Feb 2011

The Zeds travelled to the Horns Lodge and lost their 100% record, going down to the division 1 minnows. They actually raced into a 2-0 lead but this evaporated thanks to good wins from Geoff Winson, Dave Tiffin and the experienced Chris Farrow. It makes little difference, however, to the firm hold the Zeds have on the Premier division.

The 8 Bells keep a precarious hold on second place following their home defeat to Plough PG. Jan Bithell put Plough into an early lead and 5K from Darren Newnham gave the visitors a 2 point lead. Ros Appleby pulled things around in the third, and a 10K break and score from Nick Brown made it all square. The decider was a close run thing, Ron Sheridan winning by a small margin.

The Laughing Fish move a place up the table with a good away win against St Francis, Henry Brooks once again the star of the show with a 11,600 which included an opener of 10k.

It was derby day at the Brewers with Bravos as hosts. Richard Jeffrey (5k) and Adam Bateup (opening break of 7K) were the highest scorers on each side as Arms ran out 3-2 winners. Likewise visiting Greyhound were back on track with a 3-2 win at USC with Graham Sparksman (9k) starring for the home team and Trevor Rees (6K) for the visitors. And at the Hurst Club the home (B) team ran out the winners against Watermill A, with Norman Cragg hitting a 5k break (7k score) for the visitors whilst Steve King (5k) pulled it round for the homesters. – Precis of a report from Roy Wells

31 Jan 2011

The Redhill Team Invitation once more proved to be an enjoyable weekend. - Another excellent day of bar billiards at St Nicholas School, to complete a hectic weekend..................

Congratulations to this year's Invitation Winners Worthing, captained by Kevin Tunstall, and to the Runners-up Redhill A, which is a reversal of last year's honours. But it was close, with both teams finishing on 36 points, but Worthing taking it on countback. Third and fourth was also a tie with Brighton taking it from Portsmouth - again on countback. Mid Sussex were fifth. Redhill B, Tunbridge Wells and Redhill Ladies completed the lineup.

A high standard of play was maintained throughout the competition, and a fuller transcript of the event may be added later.

Mid Sussex's players all performed well on the day but were unable to repeat their success of the last two years, finishing fifth behind (in turn) Worthing, Redhill A, Brighton B and Portsmouth.
Kevin Hall was our star performer with six wins out of seven, including one table playout for 16k-plus which took the team's highest break award.

Mid Sussex's team record:
Mid Sussex 6, Tunbridge Wells 1;
Redhill A 7, Mid Sussex 0
Mid Sussex 5, Redhill B 2
Redhill Ladies 2, Mid Sussex 5
Mid Sussex 1, Portsmouth 6
Worthing 5, Mid Sussex 2
Mid Sussex 5, Brighton B 2

Mid Sussex - Kevin Hall (6 wins), Clive Thompson(4 wins), Henry Brooks, Lorraine Hall (capt.), Rob Hall, Adam Bateup (all 3 wins), Peter Edwards (2 wins).

How the teams finished............winner of the highest break for each team is given alongside.
1 Worthing 36pts (Kevin Tunstall 19k)
2 Redhill A 36pts (Geoff Jukes)
3 Brighton B 27pts (Mal Spier)
4 Portsmouth 27pts (Chris Newson)
5 Mid Sussex 24pts (Kevin Kall 16k)
6 Redhill B 18pts (Karl Tidy)
7 Tunbridge Wells 16pts (Bryan Stevens)
8 Redhill Ladies 12pts (Genette Nicholls)

Clive Thompson, 31/01/11

30 Jan 2011

Quarter-Final (CUP) – played on Wed 26^th January 2011

Watermill A 2.5, Mill House Z 3.5 @ St Francis

Watermill B 1 Hurst B 4 @ Mill House

Brewers Arms 0 Hurst A 5 @ Watermill

Plough L/B 0 Laughing Fish 5 @ Brewers

Quarter-Final (PLATE) – played on Wed 26^th January 2011

Greyhound 0 Plough P/G 5 @ Hurst Club

HHUSC 2 St Francis 3 @ Horns Lodge

Brewers Bravos 5 Horns Lodge 0 @ United Services

Eight Bells 2 Woolpack 3 @ Laughing Fish

A sensational match between Watermill A and the Mill House reached a tied situation, with Barry Timson then beating Norman Cragg when the first game had to be replayed.

But the biggest shock of the week came in the Plate, when lowly Woolpack overcame high-flyers Eight Bells, with Jan Hinkins winning the decisive game.

Four teams were on top form, Hurst A, Laughing Fish, Plough Plumpton and Bravos all whitewashing the opposition. – Lorraine Hall, Competitions Secretary

22 Jan 2011

Mill House end the first half of the season with a very comfortable cushion of 17 points. This week’s game against Plough LB was not quite as comfortable although the Zeds did get the expected win, Alan Downs, Clive Thompson (6650) and Graham Daniels being the Zeds’ winners.

Ros Appleby battled through travel problems on her way to the match between Eight Bells and the Horns Lodge, found herself on first but managed to pull off the win to get her side on its way - Trevor Appleby, Doug Mahy and Nick Brown also winning, plus Geoff Winson for the Lodge. Poor Doug only had 2 goes on the table, the first with an 8K break, the second a 7K effort resulting in a fine score of 15,740 !

Plough PG move up to third place following a whitewash of the Saints on their own table. Darren Newnham (6190) was the pick of a strong bunch. Meanwhile Laughing Fish very nearly grabbed all the points at Watermill B. Martin Range toughed it out with Jim Ashford to claim a half point but it finished four-and-a-half to a half to the Fish.

Brewers Arms carry a four-point lead at the top of division 1 through to the second half, helped by a maximum away to Hurst B. Richard Jeffrey (6880) Derek Taylor (5590) Trevor Greenyer (5830) Andy Farmer-Wright (6470) and Dilly Williamson (6200) all showing good form.

Hurst A stay in second place in the lower division after taking on and beating Bravos at the Brewers, despite a resolute 9060 from Adam Bateup. –précis of report by Roy Wells

Zeds gained a close victory away to Greyhound this week. Trevor Rees with 7020 was star of the show and forced a decider, but Barry Timson got ahead and stayed there to claim the match.

The Bells suffered one of their worst defeats for some time as they crashed at home to Saints.. Peter Geal, nominated Man of the Match by his skipper, had a comfortable win over the usually very reliable Nick Brown. The Bells’ only point came from Denise Mahy, but the captains’ game went to Shaun Morris over Ros Appleby.

Watermill A were at home against the Woolpack and made up for last week’s drubbing with one of their own. Norman Cragg with an opening 6K was pick of the crop.

Close rivals Plough PG had a shock, going 0-2 behind against Watermill B, but first Dave Knight (5590) and then Ron Sheridan brought them back into it, leaving Darren Newnham (6430) to win a captains’ decider.

Brewers Arms sit alone at the top of division 1 this week after defeating the United Services Club. Trevor Greenyer (5330) Richard Jeffrey (7870) and Andy Farmer-Wright (6740) won for Brewers while Andy Guy and Graham Sparksman won for the Club.

Second-string Bravos find themselves moving down the table after yet another defeat, this week away to the Laughing Fish – for whom Henry Brooks scored 7140. Adam Bateup and Richard Spurrier were Bravos’ only winners.

The Hurst Club derby took place this week with the A team as hosts. As one might have expected, all games went with the break and the B side came out on top. Peter Edwards (10,110) and Rob Hall (8970) won for the As, whilst Steve King (6860) was the pick for the B’s - Precis of a report by Roy Wells.

10 Jan 2011

Colleen Park played a starring role for Mid Sussex In the Sussex Ladies Singles competition, held yesterday as an all-day event at Hurstpierpoint Social Club. Following some early close clashes in which Lorraine Hall went out to Bella Stoner, who in turn went out to Ros Appleby, Colleen overcame Ros in the Semi-Final to reach her first Sussex Final. Gina Sherrat then proved too strong and took the title. It was good to see three Mid Sussex players in the last four, the other being Jan Bithell.

In the Sussex Ladies Doubles, held on the Saturday, Hurst A players Lorraine Hall and Jenny Edwards finished runners-up to Bella Stoner and Gina Sherrat. The other two pairs were Ros Appleby and Helen Cleeveland, and Jean Brackenridge and Sandra Race. All pairs played each other in a round robin, with Gina and Bella winning all their matches: Lorraine and Jenny were best of the rest, all of whom finished on 2 points.

One-time Mid Sussex league player Gareth Lloyd yesterday became the Sussex Mens Singles Champion: Facing three-time World Champion Kevin Tunstall in the Final, Gareth won by 18,660 to 18,130 clinch the title, both players exhibiting perfect play in their respective break games. Brewers trio Richard Jeffrey, Adam Bateup and Richard Spurrier, Hurstpierpoint duo Rob Hall and Peter Edwards, and Dave Ingram (Plough Plumpton) all had good days with at least one sizeable break each, and picked up some useful Sussex Ranking Points.

In the Mens Doubles Plate Competition, Hurst A’s Rob Hall made it to the Final with partner Kevin Stoner, but they finished runners-up to last year’s main event winners Barry Holt and Dave France.

A full transcript of all the weekend’s games can be found on the Sussex website. - Clive T

08 Jan 2011

News highlight of the week was undoubtedly Dave Ingram’s fantastic 19,520 against the Brewers, the highest away score in our League in living memory. Dave’s score was made in two bites, a 9k for starters followed by a play-out of 10k. Also featuring strongly in a good match, Adam Bateup returned to his best form with a 7K break resulting in a 10,850 score. Plough PG now share third place following this useful away win at Bravos.

A crushing defeat for Watermill A at the Mill House sees them equal third: 6070 from Alan Downs and 5770 from Graham Daniels were the pick for the Zeds. Erstwhile visitors to the Watermill, 8 Bells stay in second place, albeit a little further behind the leaders. Nick Brown with 5060 was one of their trio of winners.

St Francis still occupy a mid-table position with a whitewash of Horns Lodge, Shaun Morris (6100) playing a captain’s innings.

01 Jan 2011

All matches postponed due the snows of 1 December were fulfilled over the Christmas period.

Zeds travelled out to Isfield to play the Laughing Fish, and had the match points safely in the bag before Henry Brooks won the last frame with an impressive 14K.

There was a rare home defeat for the Eight Bells – but not before a crisp 6K from Doug Mahy made a decider a necessity. Watermill A stay in contention in third place in the Premier, following a good away win against Horns Lodge; meanwhile Plough PG move into 4^th place after their home win over the Woolpack, Dave Ingram 8K and Chase Newman 6K for the homesters and Malc Fuller 5k for the visitors.

There was a good score on either side in the match between Brewers Arms and Greyhound: With the match already won for the home team, Andy Farmer-Wright hit a cracking 8k, and Trevor Rees came back with an 8K of his own in the last to avoid the brush.

The Zeds hold the top position well after a cracking game at The Brewers Arms. Alan Downs played well with 7K against Trevor Greenyer in the first. Mick Holmwood had 7K5 on the board with his opponent going nowhere. Richard Jeffrey then hit a wonderful 7K4 break in 6 minutes to get within spitting distance of Mick but failed on the last ball. Nip and tuck in frame 3 with Barry Timson losing by just 20 points to Dilly Williamson. Another tight game in leg 4 as a last ball winner from Clive Thompson made his 6K count over Derek Taylor's 5K8. A 5K from Andy Farmer-Wright in the last seemed to be enough but one magnificent time clearing break turned the tide in Graham Daniels’ favour.

The 8 Bells stay in second place, beating Bravos at home. A good start saw Doug Mahy steadily getting the advantage over Adam Bateup and finishing with 5K. Meanwhile Watermill A played a whitewash game against Plough LB to stay third.

Laughing Fish keep a mid-table position, winning at home to the United Services Club. A 14K from Henry Brooks took the match but in a late flourish, 5K from Terry Gasson secured the last point for the Club.

Plough PG were at home this week against Hurst B and Jan Bithell opened the scoring for Plough. Darren Newnham opened with a 5K break and finished with 6K8 to take frame two.. Steve King was off early and an 8K from Dave Knight was more than enough to take the leg and the match. Chase Newman kept the momentum going, but the brush was finally avoided with a timely 5K from John Lear.

12 Dec 2010

The Zeds stay on top after a good home win over Hurst A. Barry Timson tasted defeat for the first time this season against a good 6K score from Peter Edwards, but a superb 10K from Graham Daniels capped a 4-1 win for the hosts.

Meanwhile at the Hurst, Eight Bells matched the performance. A closing break of 11K and a score of 12K for Nick Brown made the whitewash a possibility but a resolute effort from Chris Kirkham put the hosts on the board. (Extract from Roy Wells’ report)

02 Dec 2010

Heavy Snow has disrupted the week’s programme, with all matches being called off.

27 Nov 2010

The Zeds lengthen their lead at the top of the Premier after dishing out a drubbing to Plough PG. A Barry Timson 5K in frame one, and an impressive 7K7 from Graham Daniels and Zeds went 2 up. Dave Knight made an effort to get near a Mick Holmwood 5K but it was match won after 3 frames. Alan Downs and Clive Thompson then applied the brush.

Saints stay in 4th place despite an away defeat at the United Services Club. A Shaun Morris 6K in the second pulled Saints level. Graham Sparksman swung the advantage back to the home side with 5K in the third, and after a further frame apiece that’s how it finished.

The Greyhound slipped a place after a defeat at home to Hurst A despite a fine 6k from Trevor Rees, which allowed Laughing Fish to join Saints on level points thanks to a win at Plough L/B. Henry Brooks hit 8K5 to dispel myths about this top and give Fish the match.

Bravos maintain their lead at the top of Division One by defeating Horns Lodge. First the Lodge went 2-0 up, then Adam Bateup (8K) and Richard Spurrier (5K) hit back before Paul Moyes-Robb secured the match win for the home side. (Precis of Roy Wells’ report)

20 Nov 2010

After winning their catch-up game against the Horns Lodge, the Zeds went to the Bells with a 5 point lead. This was extended after an emphatic win at the Bolney venue. The first game was a captains’ match and a 5K from Clive Thompson put the Zeds on their way. Doug Mahy must have felt comfortable in leg 2 with 5K on the board but a 5K break and a 6K score from Alan Downs saw the visitors 2 up. Nick Brown put a stop to the Zeds rush with a sparkling 8K but that was Bells' all as Barry Timson took frame 4 and a 7K from Mick Holmwood gave a well deserved win to the current leaders.

Watermill A Team stay in third place following an away win against Hurst A. Watermill went 2-0 up before Pete Hall (5k) and Lorraine Hall (also 5k) drew Hurdst level.. Into a decider where Chris Nikolaj prevailed.

Elsewhere, Plough LB visited Plough PG and came away with a miserable return for their effort, Dave Knight (5k) and Jan Bithell (also 5k) engineering a 4-1 home win, whilst Bravos’ hold on the Division One lead was weakened following a home defeat to Hurst B. A splendid 8K score from Steve King in frame 4 secured the match for the visitors. - précis of a report by Roy Wells.

Eight Bells player Doug Mahy made a 5430 break and 9050 score at the Woolpack – but all in vain as his side – hitherto unbeaten this season - were surprised by bottom team Plough LB. This does however offer Bells the opportunity to defend the ‘Plate’ won last season………

In the other matches, Kim Stenning made 5990 at the Watermill A narrowly beat the Woolpack at the Hurst; Mill House edged out the Plough Plumpton at the Brewers with three scores of 5k+ by the Zeds; One good score on each side (Paul Jobbins 6760 and Adam Bateup 8640) as the Hurst B beat the Bravos at the Eight Bells;

Brewers Arms clicked into gear at the St Francis, with 6060 from Dilly Williamson and 5630 from Trevor Greenyer as they beat Greyhound 4-1; Finally 5650 from Henry Brooks as the Laughing Fish whitewashed United Services at the Watermill. And there were similar 5-0 scorelines in favour of Hurst A and Watermill B over St Francis and Horns Lodge respectively. – Results from Lorraine Hall, Competitions Secretary.

The World Championship Pairs, started on the Friday evening, was won by last years Runners-Up, Keith and Steven Sheard from Oxon, who beat the Kent pair of Curt Driver and Mark Brewster in the Final. The Worthing/Mid Sussex pairing of Tony Jenner and Rob Hall reached the last 16.

The Singles…..how the Mid-Sussex players fared……

David Ingram (reserve for Plough PG) beat Kevin D'Avione (Jersey) and got to the Sheet Final (last 32) but lost to Oxford’s Mark Trafford.
Graham Sparksman (USC) beat Keith Vibert (Jersey) but then lost to Dave Ingram.

Caroline Jones (Surrey) lost to Trevor Appleby (Eight Bells) who then was comprehensively beaten by eventual Semi-finalist Steve Mariner.
Rab Wallace (Jersey) lost to Kevin Hall (Hurst A) who got to the sheet final (last 32) before losing to Chris Newson.
Ian Thomas (BRI) lost to Colleen Park (Hurst B) who then lost to Chris Newson
Michelle Baden (Jersey) bt Lorraine Hall (Hurst A) and Ros Appleby (Eight Bells) lost to Roy Le Page (Guernsey) But both ladies reached last 32 of the Plate.
Bob Hall, John Lear, Bernie Lawrance and Rob Driver all fell at the first hurdle.

The Doubles.

Dave Ingram and Colleen Park lost to Jersey’s Harry Barbet and Alan Le Blond;

Bob Hall and partner Tony Jenner beat Brighton’s Vince Watts and Terry Coghlan. And won again before losing to eventual winners the Sheards.

Lorraine Hall and partner Sandra Race lost to Surrey’s Gary Powell and Colin Robbins.

Former World titleholders the two Kevins (Hall and Tunstall) beat Bob Chapple and Terry Kenny (Guernsey) but then lost to an unfancied Jersey pair in the next round.

Graham Sparksman teamed up with former Mid Sussex player and Cornwall émigré Bernie Lawrance to play former titleholders from Guernsey Trevor Gallienne and Bob Le Moignan. Dave Ingram writes:”Bernie and Sparky had so many chances to cause a shock by knocking out Trevor and Bob that I could hardly believe my eyes…..and I was the one scoring the game! Having taken the first frame they just couldn’t make it count in the second game after Trevor opened with less than 1000, which must be classed as a lost opportunity.”

The Zeds made the most of their game-in-hand with a whitewash of the Horns Lodge which now gives them a 5-point advantage over Eight Bells. A very pleasant evening with lots of banter, although only one player managed 5k on the night. Geoff Winson played some impressive shots, and would have been the Lodge’s top-scorer had he not gone for broke on the last ball. - Clive T.

31 Oct 2010

Mill House close to within 1 point of the Bells following their whitewash of Saints at home this week.

Eight Bells were at the Plough LB and came away with a 3-2 win with Nick Brown taking the decider. Earlier, Doug Mahy kept up his 100% record with a win in frame 2 and wife Denise put the Bells in front. The best of the match came from Mark Webber with a 5K to level the match at 2-all.

Watermill A stay in third place despite a crushing defeat at home to the Laughing Fish but no match details are to hand, and meanwhile Greyhound and Plough PG both have 21 points following their encounter at the Keymer venue.

Bravos sit comfortably on top of division 1 with an all-points victory away to the United Services Club. A 5K from Adam Bateup in the final frame was the highlight.

Hurst A went to the Brewers Arms, and a splendid 8K from Dilly Williamson put the Arms on their way, but a 5K from Hurst Skipper Rob Hall pulled it back to 1-all before the Brewers eventually ran out winners, whilst Hurst B dished out a good win over Horns Lodge with Steve King the pick of the bunch with 6K.

A message from Andy Farmer-Wright for players going to the Brewers Pub, Burgess Hill.
"Do not use the Focus/Do-it-all car park (evenings) as there is now a £60 fine and clamped if left overnight" - Graham Sparksman.

The Channel Island of Jersey hosts the 30^th Bar Billiards World Championships during the weekend of 5^th – 7^th November at the Merton Hotel, St Helier and a strong contingent of Mid Sussex League players are taking part. Good luck to all our players in their quest for honours ! – Clive T.

A good home win for Eight Bells over Greyhound keeps them in a strong position at the top: 6K for Nick Brown; 5k for Ros Appleby and a 5K for Doug Mahy saw job well done.

Mill House stay in touch with a game in hand following a good 4-1 away win against Watermill B. Alan Downs put up 5K in the first and a Graham Daniels 7K was enough for the second.. A 5K for Barry Timson gave Zeds the win before Martin Range won a captains match to put a point on the board for the Bees. Mick Holmwood took the last. Watermill’s A Team stay in third place and Saints stand alone in fourth place after a whitewash of Plough LB.

The Laughing Fish keep a lowly position in the Premier after another home defeat, this week to the Brewers Arms. The usual seesaw start, with Richard Jeffrey taking leg 1 for the Arms, Jim Ashford then squaring it. Henry Brooks hit 6K in the third but a Derek Taylor 6K brought it to a decider. A tough fifth frame eventually saw Dilly Williamson hit 6K and the points come back to Burgess Hill.

Bravos are still top of Division One following their home win over the Woolpack. The match was won as Richard Spurrier hit 7K in the third, and a magnificent 14K for Adam Bateup took frame 4. A good opening break for Malc Fuller was enough for the Woolpack man to avoid the brush for his team.

Bravos stay at the top of Div 1 and The Zeds move into second place in the Premier following a good match at the Ifield venue. Adam Bateup won the first A but Zeds took the lead through Graham Daniels (10k) and Barry Timson. An Alan Downs gave Zeds the match but the last leg went to Richard Spurrier who defeated Zeds skipper Clive Thompson.

Plough Plumpton moved up a place with an away win at the Brewers Arms. A Ron Sheridan 5K took the first, but Andy Farmer-Wright did enough to make it all square. A Chase Newman 5K gave Plough PG the lead back but a sparkling 9K from Richard Jeffrey levelled it up again. Into the last, where Dave Knight was able to secure the match for Plough.

A welcome win for Hurst A in their match against the Laughing Fish: Frame 1 saw Bob Hall put 11K on the scoreboard but a 14K break and a 15K score from Henry Brooks , the best so far this season for an away player, saw honours even. A 6k game from Pete Hall was cancelled out by a Jim Ashford win and here we are at 2 all again. A determined game from Lorraine Hall in the last frame gave Hurst the match. – précised from Roy Wells’ weekly report.

13 Oct 2010

Woolpack 2, Hurst B 3

08 Oct 2010 “Ladies to the fore”

This week was definitely Ladies week in Mid Sussex: Despite Hurst A going down to a heavy defeat at the Plough, Plumpton, Lorraine Hall took her frame with the help of a fine 4130 break – whilst for the home team, Jan Bithell took out the in-form Bob Hall with a good score of 4010.

Likewise, defeat by the Hurst B at the hands of the visiting champions was softened by a fine display by Colleen Park who returned a win and score of 3350. And at the Eight Bells, Ros Appleby (2690) and Denise Mahy (3230) saw off illustrious opposition in the form of the Brewers Arms.

To crown it, wins for Lynne Moyes-Robb and Nikki Hinkins for the Bravos – against Premier opposition Plough, Lower Beeding.

Top scores of the week came from Graham Daniels (10950), Henry Brooks (9990), Darren Newnham (9140), Dave Knight (8750) and Adam Bateup (8330).

08 Oct 2010

Continuing with the Ladies theme, on the previous Sunday Lorraine Hall had captained Sussex Ladies A to victory in the annual Inter-Counties Championships at Reading. Jan Bithell also featured in the team, Brighton trio Jean Brackenridge, Bella Stoner and Sandra Race being the other members.

Sussex B were also pitted into the top division – along with Oxfordshire and Surrey A – and finished last despite inflicting defeat on Oxon and Surrey along the way, which certainly helped the A team’s cause. Again, there was a strong Mid Sussex contingent with Hayley Tunstall (Hurst A), Ros Appleby (Eight Bells), Colleen Park (Hurst B) and Margo Thompson (Mill House Z) turning out for the B’s. The team was skippered by Brighton’s Sheena Wood.

02 Oct 2010

The leading pack is reduced to a pair with Eight Bells and Watermill A locking horns at the top. Bells went to Hurst A and came away with a good away win: Rob Hall hit a 6K to get the show on the road but it was all Bells after that. Doug Mahy scoring 7K , Nick Brown scrambling a win despite losing an opening 6K in the third leg, and Ros Appleby taking the match winner despite spirited opposition from Pete Hall. Meanwhile in the Watermill derby, a solid score of 7K from Kim Stenning decided the issue for the A side

St Francis retain custody of third place, coming from behind to win at the Brewers Arms. Wins for Richard Jeffrey and Derek Taylor (7K) put the Arms 2 up. Saints pulled level through Matt Geal and Shaun Morris (5k) and Peter Geal finished things off.

Unbeaten Mill House Z entertained the unbeaten United Services Club and came up trumps. Being a player short put the Club at a disadvantage and a Graham Daniels 5K put the Zeds 2 up. Another 5K score, this time from Barry Timson saw match won. Clive Thompson put in the best of this match (8K) in the 4^th after the Club’s Ray Pratt had defeated Margo Thompson for a much needed point.

A 6k7 for Doug Mahy helped Eight Bells to another 3-2 win, this time over the Laughing Fish. Henry Brooks and Nick Brown also scored over 5k.

6K from Dilly Williamson for his new team helped Brewers Arms to overcome Watermill B. In the matching fixture up the road again it was the A team who triumphed, but there was consolation for Bravos captain Adam Bateup who hit 5k. Also in Burgess Hill, Woolpack entertained the Mill House, but failed to take a point, Graham Daniels with 8590 being the pick of the Zeds.

United Services kept the momentum of a great start to the season going, with another win over Premier opposition, this time defeating Plough Lower Beeding, Graham Sparksman returning 5k.

Highest-scoring match of the week was the Hurst B v Greyhound affair, with 9680 from Paul Jobbins - and 7550 from Paul Goodwin and 5k from Peter Burchell for the away team.

19 Sep 2010 “Mid Sussex players honoured”

Kevin Hall and Dave Ingram both received call-ups to the Sussex ‘A’ side for the Inter-Counties championships played today at the Post Office Club, Reading. Both have been selected for ‘B’ before, and were in fact part of the Sussex B team which won the All-England Counties’ Second Division two years before, but it is a higher honour to be picked for Sussex A , and one that no Mid Sussex player has been granted since Tim Peacock featured regularly for the County back in the 1970’s.

The new season kicked off on Wednesday, with some startling results, not least the turning over of two Premier teams by First Division opposition.

Woolpack were off to a flier with a 3-2 at the Plough Lower Beeding, with Malcolm Fuller winning against his former teammates. And a solid all-round performance saw the United Services Club triumph 4-1 at the Greyhound, Ted Stringer being the only winner for the home side – on his debut.

In a clash of two promoted sides, Eight Bells won at the Plough Plumpton, with Darren Newnham scoring 6350 and Chase Newman 8770 for the homesters, while Nick Brown returned a score of 10,520 and Doug Mahy 6170 for the visitors. Bells’ captain Ros Appleby then secured the points for her team.

The other promoted side, St Francis, also kept their momentum going with a good win at the Laughing Fish, despite Henry Brooks’s daunting display to the tune of 15,530. Shaun Morris got to grips with the table too for the visitors – he managed 7200.

The Hurst A started their new life in the lower division by whitewashing the Watermill B with a combined team tally of 34,230: Kevin Tunstall, Lorraine Hall and Bob Hall all topped 7k, with Pete Hall and Hayley Tunstall not far behind and completing the nap hand.

In the Brewers Arms local derby, the New Model ‘Arms’ beat their second string the Bravos 4-1, with Richard Jeffrey drilling in 7240 for Arms, and Adam Bateup 6400 for Bravos, whilst down the road at Worlds End, Watermill A managed to edge out the Hurst B 3-2.

New team Horns Lodge could not muster a team together in time for their visit to Champions Mill House Z and it is hoped they will be able to continue.

A few selections to choose from for the Berks Open held in Reading on Sunday, with both Bob Hall and Sandra Race reaching the last 16: Bob overcame Hayley Tunstall in the First Round to then defeat Dave Ingram in a close game before finding World Champion Phil Collins a bridge too far. Sandra was fortunate to have a bye in the first before defeating England No.1 lady Pauline Withey, but unfortunately encountering Nigel Senior - the eventual winner proving too strong.

But the hero this time around has got to be Kevin Hall in reaching and winning the Plate Final - first losing to Pauline before defeating all-comers to make the Final and then winning a close game against Kent’s Gerry Fitzjohn.

27 August 2010- ANNOUNCEMENT.

"The Committee has met for its league formation meeting, and have agreed the following format for the forthcoming season.
1. There will be two Divisions of 8 teams, both divisions playing each other (30 games).
2. Jersey week in November will be kept free.
3. Charity League has been dispensed with for this season.
4. CKRBL replaced in league by new team Horns Lodge.
5. Third team (St Francis) promoted.
6. Brewers Droops to be known henceforward as Brewers Arms.
Your committee have again had to resolve the perennial problem of how to squeeze a quart into a pint pot ------------ we cannot have 'all-play-all' in the League games AND play the Charity Cup games as well and so hope you can all accept the decision that has been made with your best interests at heart.

Over recent years we have successfully increased the number of teams in our league, which has unwittingly caused this dilemma.
The League will be underway again by the end of September, and fixtures are due for publication within the next couple of weeks".

Hurst A regular Hayley Tunstall with husband Kev regained the National Mixed Doubles title on Sunday at Reading. Dave Ingram and Colleen Park (Hurst B) stormed their group but succumbed in the Semi-Final to the runners-up Mark Trafford and Pauline Withey of Oxford.

Kevin Hall made the last 16 of the Bucks Open, and it took eventual winner and current world champion Phil Collins to knock him out.

And Mid Sussex had three in the last eight of the Plate: Hayley Tunstall beating Sandra Race but going on to lose in the semi-final to eventual winner Dave Ingram, who landed his 26th trophy of the season.

05 July 2010 "Bob is Plate Finalist in 2010 Kent Classic"

20 June 2010 “2^nd Brewers One-Day Open Singles”

A well-appointed competition was staged on Saturday at the Brewers Arms, which has now been extended into next door, enabling the hire of four tables – this time without having to call on use of the Barn.

The winner of the main was Henry Brooks and the runner up was Mrs Chris Newson of Portsmouth. Losing Semi-finalists were Dave Ingram and Darrell Skinner. Winner of the plate was Mr Chris Newson and the runner up was Worthing’s Tony Jenner.

Henry Brooks also won the Highest Break prize with 12,600 in the Final, and the Ladies Highest Break prize was shared between Mrs Chris Newson (Portsmouth) and Jean Brackenridge (Brighton) – both of whom recorded 5990.

Various tributes on the organisation, hospitality and atmosphere of the event can be found on the British Bar Billiards Forum. The event was followed up on the Sunday by a friendly "Blind Pairs" competition using the same tables. A final word from the organiser:

“Thanks all, it would not be such a great day without you all there. Will be putting all the scores up soon and congrats to all.” - Cheers, Adam Bateup (organiser)

I am opening this competition to all in Sussex as I am a bit low on entries at the moment - so welcome to one and all !
All the info you may need is on the Mid Sussex Proboards thread. Anyone interested in submitting an entry can send me a private message or email me . Thanks all, Adam Bateup.