🎱🏆 Week 10: Where’s The Cue Ball Going? 🏆🎱
With just four matches remaining after this week, plenty of movement is still expected. Some teams will be looking to extend their lead, while others aim to close the gap and leapfrog those above them. This week delivered several tight contests, including the shock result of the season as Shepperton Sports held Three Tuns to a draw, setting up a fascinating final four weeks.
There are some mouth-watering fixtures ahead that will separate contenders from pretenders and ultimately decide a few teams’ fate. Roll on next week.
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🏆 Division 1 Highlights
NRS 5 - 7 WR Sports A
A fascinating contest that stayed close throughout, featuring several moments of real brilliance – none more so than two reverse dishes, both taken against Ethan Coates. The first came in frame five, where Jason Willerby seized his opportunity superbly, followed by another in frame seven as Captain Vinny Mitchell stepped up to not only “clear the streets of Addlestone” but also completely clear the pool table.
The opening six frames saw honours even, with both sides locked at 3–3. NRS made the stronger start after the turnaround thanks to Vinny’s dish, but WR Sports A responded well, with Ben Reading, Rob Malik and Daniel James all picking up wins to take a 6–4 lead. Vinny Mitchell struck back to keep things tight before a high-quality deciding frame saw Ethan Coates bounce back from earlier setbacks to defeat Jason Willerby and secure a 7–5 victory for his team.
Another solid win for WR Sports, who closed the gap on Three Tuns to just five points following their shock draw against Shepperton Sports.
Shepperton Sports 6 - 6 Three Tuns
In many ways, this was the shock of the season so far – but a brilliant and hard‑earned result for relegation‑battling Shepperton Sports. A superb start saw Shepperton race into a 3–1 lead, with wins from Terry Linacar, Charles Smith and Allyn Sutton. Three Tuns responded well, however, as Rob Mutter and Martin Court pulled things level at 3–3 after the opening six frames.
The second half saw Shepperton regain the advantage when Gary Weltiner defeated George Smith, but Three Tuns then took control by winning the next two frames and looked on course to push on for victory. That momentum was halted by Shepperton’s Player of the Match, Allyn Sutton, who stepped up superbly to claim his second win of the night. Lito Estrella followed up with an impressive victory over Rob Mutter to make it 6–5, ensuring at least a draw for the visitors.
The final frame saw an intriguing rematch between Captain David Miah and Martin Court. David was looking for revenge and a big win for his side, but it was not to be. Martin Court, typically composed under pressure, held his nerve to take the frame and secure the draw.
A night to remember for Shepperton Sports, and one Three Tuns will not have been expecting. Despite the dropped points, Three Tuns remain top of Division 1 and firmly in the title race as they look to reclaim the league crown from reigning champions WR Sports A.
Sunbury Con Club B 6 - 6 Staines Cons D
The second draw of Division 1 saw both sides finish level at 6–6 in a tightly contested match, with little to separate the two teams throughout the night.
Sunbury Con Club B made the brighter start, opening up a 3–1 lead with the only reply for Staines Cons D coming from Marcus Cummings, who defeated Ami Heard in frame three. Captain Jay Harmes was unable to build on that momentum after a defeat to Liam Keefe, but the ever‑reliable Tony Sparrow and Adam Gray stepped in to level the match at 3–3.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Sunbury again taking the initiative thanks to back‑to‑back wins from Patrick Casey and Paddy McLaughlin to move 5–3 ahead. A strong performance from Paddy, who may have had one eye on Liverpool that night – a shame his team couldn’t do what he did and get the win, eh?
Staines Cons D responded superbly, fighting back to level the match at 5–5 before Chris Armstrong gave his side hope of a victory by edging them 6–5 in front. However, it was not to be, as Adam Gray once again proved decisive, securing the final frame and ensuring both teams shared the points.
Egham & Hythe Whites P - P SS&NR Club
Game was postponed by SS&NR Club, match due to be re-scheduled.
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🏆 🏆 Division 2 Highlights
Jolly Butcher 3 - 9 Egham & Hythe Youth
Another excellent win for Egham & Hythe Youth, making it seven victories in a row across the league and cup against a Jolly Butcher side who are always good fun to play.
Missing one of their two “old boys” on the night, with Dan Reilly unavailable, Mark Court stepped in to babysit the kids. Egham & Hythe Youth couldn’t have asked for a better start, racing into a 6–0 lead, kick‑started by Mark's opening‑frame win over Chris Jefferson. Jolly finally got on the board in frame seven as Chris defeated Harvey Hamblin, with Chris, playing only his third match and showing plenty of promise - a solid addition to the Jolly team.
Egham & Hythe Youth quickly brushed that aside, winning the next two frames to secure the match at 8–1. Amrik Mann then picked up a strong win against Stan Sims, who had impressed in his opening two frames, before Dexter Reilly continued the momentum with a composed win over Leo Cooper, who has enjoyed an excellent season so far, to make it 9–2.
The final frame produced another John Virgo moment – “Where’s the cue ball going?” – as Max James looked to increase the win, only for the white to follow the black in once again, this time against Jason Anidjah.
Nevertheless, a convincing 9–3 victory for Egham & Hythe Youth, who now firmly place themselves in the promotion race in Division 2.
London Stone 6 - 6 Eddies
The third draw of the night across both divisions saw London Stone and Eddies share the honours in a closely fought 6–6 draw.
With little to separate the two sides, each team claimed one half of the match. Eddies took the opening half 4–2, with London Stone’s points coming courtesy of wins for Chris Butler against Gerry Hurley and Nick McDonald against Jon Martin.
Eddies looked to build on their early advantage, but London Stone, inspired by Captain Nick McDonald, turned the momentum in the second half.
London Stone then took the four of the final six frames to secure the draw, with Nick in fine form, winning all three of his matches — including the decider against Jon Martin — to level the tie.
WR All Stars 11 - 1 Egham & Hythe Ladies
After back-to-back league defeats, WR All Stars needed a big performance in this fixture to keep the title race firmly in their favour – and that’s exactly what they delivered.
Egham & Hythe Ladies, who play every week in great spirit and continue to grow and enjoy the game, knew they were in for a tough challenge against Division Two leaders WR All Stars.
The opening six frames all went the way of the All Stars, with wins from Joe Delcourt, Ryan Fastnedge, Michael Punter, Stacey Cox, Tom Parsons and Stewart Harmes, giving the visitors a commanding 6–0 lead.
The second half followed a very similar pattern, starting with a superb reverse dish from Michael Punter, who is enjoying an excellent season.
The match quickly ran away from the Ladies as WR All Stars stretched their lead to 11–0 before Karen Hyman stepped up to defeat Stewart Harmes and earn a well‑deserved point for her team.
The 11–1 victory, including a dish, puts WR All Stars firmly in control of the league, opening up a six‑point advantage over second‑placed Sunbury Con Club A.
Staines Cons New 5 - 7 Sunbury Con Club A
Sunbury Con Club A continue to shake up Division Two, and another impressive victory has seen them climb into second place following a superb away win at Staines Cons New.
Sunbury made the stronger start, racing into an early 3–1 lead thanks to wins from new signing Kevin Pallett, followed by Ben Pryce and John Ward. Staines Cons New responded well, however, drawing level after victories from Dean Casey and Perry Baker, with Perry overcoming dubutant Kevin Pallett and Dean defeating Ross Lindie.
With the scores locked at 3–3 after the first six frames, momentum swung in favour of the hosts as Staines Cons New moved 5–3 ahead and looked on course for a crucial win in the promotion race. But Sunbury were far from finished.
Ross Lindie led the fightback, inspiring his side and shifting the momentum back in Sunbury’s favour as they claimed the final four frames to seal an excellent 7–5 victory.
The win lifts Sunbury Con Club A into second place, one point clear of Egham & Hythe Youth and four points ahead of Staines Cons New.
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🎱 Dishes:
- Jason Willerby (Reverse Dish) vs Ethan Coates (Frame 5)
- Vinny Mitchell (Reverse Dish) vs Ethan Coates (Frame 7)
- Michael Punter (Reverse Dish) vs Lucy Allen (Frame 7)