Return to action for Carlisle billiards league

Mike Griffiths, left, with world star Dave Causier on a recent visit to Carlisle, played as a sub in last night’s Billiards League games.

Last night saw a return to action in the Carlisle Thursday Billiard league after a break for a week and there were some entertaining games.

Ian Cleminson is going along nicely this season and in a close game against Paul Heslop, he won by 307 to 300. Another 30 break from Ian and it was good to see Paul doing just enough to get a bonus point for scoring 300 in the hour.

Paul Whelan was Ian Cleminson’s second opponent and Paul set about pulling back a handicap of 98 with breaks of 26, 29 and 30. Paul did just enough and won by 273 to 267 and is moving in the right direction up the Red League table

John Metcalfe and Brian Sloan had a game that was a frame of two halves. Brian raced off into an early lead and after twenty minutes was in front by 45 points.

John was gradually able to eat into that lead in the next twenty, to get the scores back to level. Then Brian threw in a classy 30 break to take the lead again.

John responded with a 21 break and was eight behind with 90 seconds to go. In that time he was able to score an 18 break to nick the match by ten points (286-276).

Dave Midgely watched the match between Paul Cowing and Michael Waring and refereed the last 30 minutes.

He said: “I only caught the second half of the frame but enjoyed reffing it. Slowly but surely, Paul pulled back the handicap of 132 with a continual smooth scoring pattern that included a 35 and two breaks of 38.

“Paul has a great cue action and rarely needs to hit the balls hard. Michael Waring is playing some nice billiards and perhaps suffers at times from playing shots at a pace that leaves the balls in baulk.

“It was a great finish and the contrast in emotions was quite amusing! Paul Cowing was on 324 and said out loud “one more shot for the bonus” it was like the commentator’s curse as Paul missed a routine in off and remained routed on 324.

“Meanwhile, Michael had been stuck on 298 for three or four minutes, desperately hoping for a score to get the 300. In true last ditch style Mike hit the ball just before the buzzer, the buzzer went off and then the in off shot he’d played in the nick of time dropped in!

“It was a good win for Paul (tinged with disappointment) 324 to 300.”

In the battle of the two Peters, it was good to see Mark Taylor and Nigel Lewthwaite sharing the reffing duties.

Peter Stanyer played his normal strong billiards game with breaks of 34, 35 and 30. Peter Dean has yet to win a game, but he really does play some good billiards! Peter Stanyer grabbed another win and a bonus point with a 323 to 264 victory.

In the final game Mike Griffiths stepped in to play as a substitute player (much appreciated). The role of the sub players is to fulfil the games left to run following a withdrawal and although the sub can’t register a win it’s good practice and any breaks can count in the high break comp.

Mark Taylor scored breaks of 33 and 24 and the sub (Griff) scored 43,38,32,27 breaks. It finished Mark 291 vs sub 336.