The Carlisle Individual Billiard Leagues came to a conclusion last night with both leagues’ final positions still undecided.
In the Red league, Brian Sloan finished at the top without playing a match, because despite Neil Walby winning his final match against Stuart Burgess 289-258 and finishing level on points with Brian, it wasn’t enough to overhaul him on total frame points scored over the season.
In the White league, Paul Cowing just needed a victory and bonus point against John Metcalfe in their match to clinch the title from Peter Stanyer.
Going into the evening, Peter was two points ahead, but Peter had played all of his matches for the season. Paul duly won his match 377-242, which included multiple 20 odd breaks, a 31, 39 and 44 to finish the season off in style.
David Midgley played Nigel Lewthwaite and both players struggled to find their true form.
The highlight was a 45 break from Nigel Lewthwaite who looked set to push on and win the game having pulled back the 60 point handicap after 30 minutes.
Dave clawed away with breaks in the teens though and left Nigel little to go at. With five minute to go Nigel was about to play the wrong ball and Dave shouted up to prevent the foul.
Maybe the sporting gods influenced the last few shots as with only three points in the game the buzzer went with Dave winning 267-264.
In a friendly knock about after the game Nigel had a 65 break!
In a high-scoring game between Michael Waring and Mark Taylor, Mark had 56 to pull back on the handicap.
His superior billiards skills saw him put together breaks of 25 and 32 (57 combined) to even the scoring.
Michael works hard at his cueing though and his strong potting game and improving billiards saw him grab a valuable three points as he won 327 to 319 with a bonus point consolation for Mark.
David Turley is settling into the 60 minute timed format and plays a very thoughtful game, often using his tactical knowledge from playing pool at a very high level.
His game against John Metcalfe saw John register a 28 break, while Dave had a 22. Match score Dave 316, John 268.
Archie Walker played two games, winning 296 to Peter Dean’s 276 in his first match and then losing in the second to Nigel Lewthwaite.
The score was Nigel 305 (breaks of 29 and 36) to Archie Walker 228. Nigel has had an unpredictable season.
Dave Midgely was watching the game and said “For a spell in the middle, Nigel was in fine form (helped along by a couple of flukes!), but in full flow Nigel has a great in off game. I’m sure he’ll be back on song challenging for the top spot in the future.”
In the other game tonight it was the battle of the carpet fitters – Dave Midgley vs Paul Scott.
Midge stretched out his lead with a few fine cuts as he piled on the pressure! Scotty came back a-tacking and bolstering his score with some straight gluing – I mean cueing!
The game finished with Midge on a roll and breaks of 22, 20,2 1 and 34 saw him over the line 364 to 273 (Scotty had a 22).
The final league tables are available on the Carlisle League website. All the players are now taking a break for a few weeks, whilst the Tuesday Night Snooker League and individual competitions come to a conclusion.
When the new billiards season start date is announced, if anyone wishes to take part, keep an eye out on social media and let the organisers know.
