News Archives What you've missed

Week 15 (9th January 2007)

Flixton Cons A sent a message out this week, It was "Catch us if you can, were concentrating on the league now" 14 wins from 14 and 7 points clear, the disappointment was evident at crashing out of the Knockout Cup at Home the previous week. And it was their B team who received the backlash, hammered 7-0 with fine contributions from James Leadbetter (49) & Paul Keeling (40). In 2nd place Urmston Cons A welcomed an improving Timperley Cons (4th), the visitors upset their hosts and ran away with a cheesy grin & 5 points. The highlight a Mark Miller 35, scant consolation….me thinks! 3rd place Mens A took full advantage to close the gap to just 2 points by despatching Stretford Cons A (6th) 6-1, helped by a Roy Allen 39. Up to 5th, Woodheys leapfrogged Stretford with an impressive 7-0 whitewash of Mens B (11th). Brooklands (7th) won 6-1 away at bottom side Stretford Cons B. The mighty Excel (8th) won again, and won well and a 6-1 win earnt them their highest league position for 3 or 4 years. Looking forward to week 16, Timperley Cons entertain the Invincible Flixton Cons, its one to watch.!

In Division 2, Top of the table clash between Rail A & Flixton Exes A saw Flixton thrash Rail 6-1, and to add insult to injury, Flixton snook into Top Spot. Mr Lavelle from Mens C knocked in an impressive 43 against Linden B to claim the highest break in Division 2, he now holds 3 out of 4 highest in his Division.

The Singles & Doubles Handicaps progress nicely, not too many upsets, barring me in the Individuals, fellow team mate Dexter Cook took my scalp to set up a mouth-watering clash with Mark Miller. There is still some players of quality left in the draw, and at this stage its hard to pick a clear favourite. In the Doubles Old Grandfather Time Steve Starkie and his partner Dereck Manion crashed out at home (Sorry boys…!), also looking at the Quarter-Final line up its hard to see past Beckley & Ennis of Timperley, a fine pairing who have both hit form at the right time. All current round matches must be completed by the 20th of January so get your skates on.

Week 14 (19th December 2006)

Some cracking ties this week with the run up to crimbo, Flixton Cons A remain 2 points clear at the top by beating their B side 6-1, that's 13 straight wins in the league now! In 2nd Urmston kept the pressure on with a 5-2 win at Flixton Con C (8th) which saw 3 breaks from Mark Miller , 43, 36 & 22. With Timperley (4th) entertaining Mens A (3rd) it was Starkies men who came up trumps 5-2 helped by a Mark Beckley 36, but not without resistance by a P Brettel 40. The gap for 3rd spot has now closed to just 2 points. Heading the also-ran department, the up & down Stretford Cons A (5th) succumbed to Brooklands (7th) 5-2. In 6th, Woodheys A (6th) thrashed bottom side Stretford Cons B 7-0 thats 3 wins in a row and looks like they are back on track after a disastrous mid season spell. This season we seem to have 4 sections in the 1st Division and top of the 3rd bit are Flixton Cons C and they were closed down by Sale Excel (9th) and recent up-turn in form saw their 3rd win in a row 5-2 away at Mens B (11th) helped by a in form Gary Walker 35.

In Division 2, Top potters Rail A grasped defeat from the jaws of victory losing to Sale Excel B 4-3, and now level on points Woodheys B (2nd) appear with a solid 5-2 win. At close rivals Flixton Exc's A (3rd) .

The team Knockouts were played last week with the losers parachuting into the Don Webb Trophy, and surprisingly 5 Division 2 teams made it through to the 2nd round. A big congratulations go to them, check out the progress and draws for both cups, see who's in, and see who'll win.

Week 13 (5th December 2006)

Half-way house, Flixton Cons A stay top and remain unbeaten with a 6-1 win at Urmston Cons B (12th). In 2nd spot Urmston Cons A close the gap to just 1 point with another 7-0 win, this time away to Flixton Cons B (10th), Phil Wood must have settled in then, he produced a fine 48 break closely followed by a Mark Miller 39. Mens A stay 3rd with an impressive 6-1 away victory at Flixton Cons C (8th). Timperley (4th) entertained Stretford Cons A (5th) and a tight game resulted in the home team taking the honours 4-3 to edge 1 point to the good. Brooklands (7th) had the chance to exchange places in the table with Woodheys A (6th), however it was the home side who battled through to win 5-2. Sale Excels miserable times are behind them, with renewed vigour bottom side Stretford Cons B surrendered 5-2 with the help from Sales Brent Wills 32, but with resistance from Stretfords Kenny Cooper 31.

Week 12 (28th November 2006)

Top potters Flixton Cons A cruise to a 6-1 win against visiting Mens B and remain top with breaks from Barry Carmody 54 and a Paul Keeling 38, however just over their shoulders Urmston Cons A in second white-wash their own B-team 7-0 with a 62 & a 20 from Mark Miller and a 32 from Jonny Hawken. They trail by just 2 points! Mens A remain in 3rd spot after a fine 5-2 victory versus Flixton Cons B, highlighted by a Pete Unsworth 31. Timperley Cons beat Brooklands 5-2 to keep the pressure up in 4th lead by a Mark Beckley 35. Stretford Cons who just about qualify to be included in the chasing pack also win 5-2. Woodheys A compounded Sale Excel A to their 8th straight defeat, a nervous captain watched as Dave Moore created a splendid well crafted 53, then a 25 clearance.

In division 2, Rail A lead the pack despite a 4-3 home loss to Linden B, and their nearest rivals Flixton Exes A & Woodheys B both could only muster 4-3 wins.

Week 11 (21st November 2006)

Flixton Cons A make it 10 out of 10, with a 7-0 battering of bottom team Stretford Cons B and Paul Keeling was in the balls again with this weeks highest break of 36. They will take some stopping, scoring over 5 points per game. In second Urmston Cons A lead by top stat-man Mark Miller 33 cruised to a 6-1 win over Mens B (10th). Matching them point for point, Urmston Mens A brushed aside Urmston Cons B (12th) 6-1 to remain level on points in 3rd spot. Timperley Cons (4th) were victorious at Flixton Cons C (8th) helped by a Mark Beckley 35, however a 5-2 win would be considered a stumble to most at the top. Stretford Cons A (5th) beat Flixton Cons B 6-1 after raiding United Services for some players. Steady Brooklands (7th) won 5-2 at Sale Excel (11th) who cant buy a win at the moment, its a 7th straight woeful defeat….! In a nutshell this week all the top teams won and all the bottom teams lost and no home wins were recorded!

In division 2, Rail A extend their lead to 4 points at the top with an impressive 6-1 win at Urmston Social B, and in 2nd spot Flixton Exes A cling on with a 5-2 win matched by Woodheys in 3rd

The team Knockouts have been drawn and need to be played by the 12th of December, this year its all 27 teams in the hat and the losers go through to the Don Webb Trophy.

The Individuals draw has been made and can be viewed, some choice battles are in store 40 points separate young buck Mark Miller (-20) Urmston Cons A v veteran Kevin King (20) Brooklands, Steve Starkie (5) takes on fellow team-mate Mark Beckley (5) and in the Pairs a couple of potential classics, its Miller & Hawken (Urmston Cons) take on Ennis & Beckley (Timperley) and my old adversary Starkie & Manion (Timperley) v Cook & Myself (Excel). Let battles commence!

Week 9 (7th November 2006)

As the vultures circle in Sale over the decaying remains of the United Services team, its Urmston Cons who win the race for the signature of Phil Wood, arguably their best, he holds last years singles title, and with the Con men from Urmston pushing for that elusive title, it's a very welcome edition to an already healthy squad. However at the Top it was Flixton Cons A who took their unbeaten run to eight by brushing aside Sale Excel 5-2 with fine contributions from Barry Carmody (48) the 4th highest to date and top stat-man Paul Keeling (33) who remains unbeaten & unbeatable this term? In Second Urmston Cons A paid a visit to the surprise early leaders Woodheys (now 5th..!) and compounded them to a straight 4th successive defeat, its table toppers Flixton next…..!. Timperley Cons again won 7-0 against Urmston Cons B, masterfully lead by Steve Starkie (32) break that is…. and having dropped only 6 points from the last 6 games, formidability is an early warning sign for the men at the summit. Mens A slipped to 4th despite a comprehensive 6-1 victory at Stretford Cons B helped by a R Shelmerdine (36).

In division 2, despite a slip up at Flixton Exes B, Rail A's 4-3 loss keeps them top, however the gap has closed with Flixton Exes A side comprehensively beating Rail B 6-1. In the Stats, Top boy Mr Beever's 100% league record disappeared at the hands of the artful dodger Bob Stapley, however his South West Cricket Team did climb to 3rd as compensation…!

Week 8 (31st October 2006) - Halloween….!

Last seasons Champions United Services A have withdrawn from the league with immediate effect. They're absence leaves a free Tuesday for the first division teams so we can all spend a Tuesday evening with our partners….! Yeah thanx a bunch Services...We want our trophy back. Anyway back to business. Last weeks leaders Flixton Cons A were first to benefit from a gap in the fixture list with a week off Messes Leadbetter & Co were seen 'Trick or Treating' around the Flixton area, however Urmston Cons A beat the Excel 5-2 and rose to 2nd place with a Steve Groves 47, Mark Miller made a Pumpkin of me but not without a fight. Woodheys (3rd) were thrashed at Mens A (4th) 6-1. Timperley Cons (5th) demolished Mens B 7-0 including a Mark Beckley 37, it looks like Starkies mob are back in the groove. Flixton teams had a good week, the B team displaced Brooklands 4-3 in their own back yard and the C team thrashed Urmston Cons B 6-1.

In Division 2, Its Rail A who still lead despite a close 4-3 loss to the impressive South West Cricket.

Week 7 (24th October 2006)

Bump….Bump….Bump, Woodheys drop to 2nd and return to earth at the hands of Stretford Cons A as they were thrashed 7-0 and it don't get any easier with some tricky challenges ahead. Flixton Cons A go top by 3 points as they brushed Brooklands (4th) aside 6-1 helped by a Barry Carmody (37) & Mark Halsor (32). Urmston Cons A (3rd) were left to play with themselves for the night as Champions Services could not raise a smile or a team at home!. Speculation of the un-thinkable still goes on. Timperley Cons (7th) look as if they have buried their disastrous start by demolishing Stretford Cons B 6-1 away! Mens A (5th) came to the Excel and took all the points, why on earth they are not pushing for a medals come the end of the seasons is beyond me, an impressive outfit watch this space.

In Division 2 Rail A are flying a second successive 7-0 victory sees them eek out a 6 point lead at the top over their sister 'B' side and that's 20 points from the last 21 for them. Are they coming straight back up?

Week 6 (17th October 2006)

Woodheys stay top by 3 points despite a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Timperley Cons, in 2nd Flixton Cons A won 4-3 at bitter rivals Urmston Cons A in the tie of the week , and what proved to be a closely fought battle less than 30 points securing the aggregate. Elsewhere saw the impressive Mens A beat a 4 man Services team 6-1 that look a shadow of last seasons league winning side, and also fuels rumours of the champions throwing in the towel. I had my cue & case nicked from the Excel which compounded a miserable night after a 5-2 defeat to Stretford Cons A ( It was a Peradon & Fletcher antique cue, and I miss it dearly!!!!). On a brighter note if there is one, Division 2 saw a couple of 7-NILS for Rail A (Top) & Flixton Exes A (2nd).

Week 5 (10th October 2006)

Woodheys just seem to get better & better, they spanked Flixton Cons C 6-1 with a fine contribution from their golden boy Mike McDonnell (43), they are now 5 points clear. There is no talk of peaking early down that A56, its Starkies mob up next for them, the start a tricky run! Urmston Cons A (2nd) took Brooklands (5th) apart 5-2 and eased into second place. Flixton Cons dropped down to 3rd with a tight 4-3 win over Mens A (7th). Champions United Services (4th) are looking better with a 6-1 win over Stretford Cons A after an in-different start, helped mainly by a Phil Wood (37). Timperley Cons (6th) are back in their stride, brushing aside Sale Excel (8th) 5-2, however at 4-0 up and a couple of Inter-leaguers to play, the resilience and attention to detail of the Excel's rearguard saw them earn a little respectability helped by a 33 by the leagues top hot shot Dexter Cook, hands off, he's not for hire...! (Rumour has it an Interleague scout was seen in the building). As for naughty Mens B (9th), they were punished by Joe Bayley for no results, rules is rules….!At the foot, both new teams are finding it hard to pick up the pace.

In Division 2, its all Rail both winning 6-1 and dominating the top 2 spots. Woodheys B drop 2 places to 4th, and its South West Cricket who steal 3rd helped by a nice Beever 35. (couldn't resist it). Attention half decent players, we are five weeks into the season and there is only 3 registered breaks over 50, I'm not angry, I'm not upset, I'm just a little disappointed…!

Week 4 (3rd October 2006)

What's going on here then? Woodheys A are unbeaten & top of the league, and also they are dominating the Stats too….! Not without just deserves though, what is in their beer? After beating Flixton Cons B 6-1 they assume a 3 point lead at the top. Right on their heels are Flixton Cons A who just nudged past Stretford Cons B 4-3 to keep their unbeaten record. Urmston Cons A are lurking around the top and also remain unbeaten after a close 4-3 win at Mens A. Timperley Cons have finally won a game! After a woeful start they break their duck in style by hammering the Champions Services 6-1, however they still lie in the bottom half of the table. In division 2, Rail B remain unbeaten and share the lead with Woodheys B.

Sadly Paul Hunter has died at the age of 27 after a battle

with cancer on the evening of Monday 9th October 2006.

Week 1 (12th September 2006)

A very warm welcome to the new season, and in Division 1, and its business as usual for the recently crowned champions Services with an opening 7-0 thrashing of Urmston Cons B helped by a Keith Aldred 36. Welcome to the 1st Division Stretford Cons B, said the Woodheys team who gave them a 7-0 mauling. In Division 2 it was the B team of the Services who also recorded an 7-nil'er. Now't else happened of note.! Sincere apologies for the break in availability of this website, normal service has now resumed after some unforeseen problems with the server!

Week 29 (4th April 2006)

Timperley Cons are champions…….! But only for another week, they visited the Services in what was the penultimate week of this season with trophy in bag ready for the big hand-over, a tear in Mr Starkies eyes, a sense of doom & resignation. But where does he leave it, Sale or Didsbury? With the Services (136 pts) giving them a 6-1 spanking it looks like Sale. Whilst Joe Blessyn was clearing a space in his trophy cabinet, Didsbury (131) did not help themselves stuttering to an 4-3 win at Mens B. In 3rd Flixton Cons A (129) edge closer to 2nd with a 5-2 win at Urmston Cons B.

All those people who are thinking about the up & coming bowling season, please leave the building, your snooker season is obviously over for a reason…..wonder why? In Division 2 Flixton Cons C exchange places with the B team as champions with a fine win in their last week!

This week saw the final group Interleague match, in Chorlton, Congratulations to all the boys finishing top of the league, and setting up a crunch match against Bolton A in a week or so. See match report…..!

Week 28 (28th March 2006)

With only two weeks to go it's the Services (130Pts) who increase their lead at the top to 3 points with a fine display at the Excel, although a whitewash was expected by some, it wasn't to be, a Graham Walls 32 helped them win 6-1 as for the Excel, well they just turned up! In second place, an under strength Didsbury (127) if there is such an animal could only manage 5 points against Woodheys, including a solid 53 by Steve Roberts are they cracking? Yeah they're not bad…. Time will tell. Flixton Cons A (124) gave their B team a 6-1 thrashing to remain in 3rd. Performance of the week goes to Timperley (122), just short of 500 points thrashed Brooklands 7-0. And break-wise leading by example Captain Steve Starkie 55, Colin Hamer 40 & C. Owens 37. Urmston Cons A (118) beat Mens B 5-2 including a 53 from Captain Mark Miller, they are just in 5th, with Mens A hot on their heels. At the foot, its damage limitation for most, I fear for Urmston Cons B, they have a couple of toughies. Looking forward to the tie of the week, will Timperley lie down and allow the Services to tickle them on the tum? I doubt it, I am looking forward to watching this one if they let me in! Take a peek at the run-in. In Division 2, Flixton Cons C had to put the Champagne on ice for another week, the jitters crept in an were spanked by Linden 6-1! They need 3 points to ensure 1st Division snooker next term. Stretford are still favourites to finish 2nd

Week 27 (21st March 2006)

Whilst United Services (124 Pts) were resting on their comfortable 8 point cushion, it was the ever hungry Didsbury (122) in 2nd who were beavering away in Sretford, knawing the gap to just two, with a convincing 6-1 victory, watched closely by a couple of Services scouts. In 3rd, Flixton Cons A (118) stuttered at Mens B taking only 5 points, hardly title material, but a good solid win never-the-less. Champions Timperley Cons (115) won 5-2 at Urmston Cons B and remain in 4th, their only priority now is to polish the championship trophy and hand it over. Urmston Cons A (113), won 4-3 away at Woodheys the highlight, an impressive 63 from Mark Miller. At the bottom, it was Partington who had the best week, beating fellow strugglers and bookies favourite for the drop Rail, 4-3. An unchanged Excel scraped 2 points at Brooklands, both wins by their new boys, which eases the relegation fear their skipper. With the Services monitoring Didsbury's progress, maybe the leaders should have been more focused on the task ahead, a tricky local Derby at the new look Excel where they often struggle. With only 3 weeks to go, I can't call it, it looks like one of three, Flixton being the 3rd just….! Take a peek at the run-in.

In Division 2, Flixton are as good as Division 1 with a nervous 4-3 win at Woodheys 3rd placed Rail, beat Stretford (2nd) 4-3 to close the gap to 4 points, but was this their chance for promotion?

More Archives….!