Pirates ahoy

Jacqs Pool Team will be playing out of a new venue from now on. They are moving to the splendid Harbour Point and will be known as the Pirates from next season. Captain Jim Millar is delighted with the move and his team will be sporting new tshirts at their first fixture against Eastway, as both teams battle to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon at the end of the season

CityAirExpress League Results from 9th February

Spartans 11-3 Jacqs
Although Jacqs went 1-0 up, the result was never in doubt as Spartans went on the rampage. The home side led 5-2 at the interval and took the first 4 of the 2nd session to lead 9-2. Jacqs pulled another one back but the final 2 frames went the way of the Spartans for a comfortable win. There was nearly as much interest in events at the Scorpions Pit where League leaders Castle were playing. Text messages with frame by frame updates were being received as Spartans hoped for a slip up by Derek Whiteside's men. It was still deadlocked at 5-5 when the Spartans headed for home. Best performers of the night were Ed McDowell and Robert Hawkins for the hosts with 3/3, and Jim Millar for the visitors with 2/3. Stephen McWhirter had a faultless break and dish in frame 11.

Eastway 9-5 Greenisland
Well done to Eastway as they registered their first League points of the season. And they did it in some style with a great 9-5 win over an improving Greenisland team. The Rathcoole side came out of the traps running and led 4-0 before going into the interval with a 5-2 lead. With belief comes confidence and Tom Larmours boys took the 2nd session by 4-3 to get an important 3 points. With 2 matches to come next Monday & Tuesday against nearest rivals Jacqs it's feasible they may move off the bottom of the table where they have been anchored all season.

Other scores
Rockers 11-3 Monkstown
Scorpions 7-7 Castle

CityAirExpress League Result from 8th February

Castle 11-3 Greenisland
Castle hoped to take advantage of nearest rivals the Spartans reverse in Arthur Wards last week by getting their postponed match against Greenisland played as soon as possible and hopefully putting more pressure on the chasing pack. T.McCorry put them ahead with fine finish against Castle old boy G. Harrington and the in form P.Roberts swiftly doubled the lead with some clinical potting. A. Harris somewhat fortuitously pulled one back when A. Galloway went in off the black. But it was of little significance as the Castle men then reeled of 7 in a row. D. Irwin beat M.Devlin, T. Whiteside beat M.Lowry albeit with a fluke black and Irwin easily ousted H.Warwick. Roberts with a trademark tactical frame overcame Devlin and Irwin made it 3/3 on the night against the hapless Lowry. Roberts joined Irwin on 3/3 after beating Harris and McCorry pulled off a another crisp finish against N.McCandless. Castle now led 9-1. Glen Burns pulled off a great finish for the visitors as Derek Whiteside stood aghast to reduce the score to 2-9. But T.Whiteside put in a superb frame for the hosts beating veteran J.O'Neil. Galloway had no luck on the black for the 2nd time, potting it midway through the frame to gift it to young Harrington but T.Whiteside, not to be outdone by Irwin and Roberts also moved to 3/3 defeating his own personal arch nemesis Warwick in the final frame. An important win for Derek Whiteside's Castle, who move 10 points clear of nearest challengers the Spartans, as they head up to Grays Lane tonight to take on the formidable Scorpions team managed by Jonny Thompson. Greenisland, who can look back on untaken chances, travel to Eastway tonight.

CityAirExpress League Results from 2nd February

Monkstown 10-4 Geenisland
Although there were a few close frames, Monkstown led the way from start to finish. In the first session wins from P.Henderson and G.Russell (2 each) and P.Charles gave the hosts a 5-2 lead. H.Warwick and M.Devlin replied for Greenisland. Devlin with his 2nd win gave the visitors hope taking the first frame of the 2nd half to reduce the arrears to 3-5, but a 4 frame burst from Monkstown courtesy of wins from R.Henderson, P.Henderson, P.Charles and S.Greenberg ensured all 3 points would stay ay the MSC. The final 2 frames were shared, R.Henderson for Monkstown and W.McCandless for Greenisland. Best performer on the night was the very consistent P.Henderson with 3/3. G.Russell and P.Charles both took 2/2.

Rockers 14-0 Jacqs
John McClean's Rockers were on fire in this local derby match in Jacqs Bar, Carrick. They took the game to Jacqs right from the start and though Jacqs might have got a couple of frames on the board, the Rockers were totally irresistible. R.Butler, S.Carson, A.Arbuthnot and Captain J.McClean himself all won 3/3, with J.Johnstone winning 2/2.

Scorpions 9-5 Spartans
This top 4 battle at the Scorpion Pit in Arthur Wards Bar, North Belfast opened up with C.Howard defeating J.Kane in a tactical battle to put the hosts 1-0 up. C.Montgomery Sr looking dead and buried laid a deft snooker to claim 2 shots from which he finished well against S.McWhirter. 2-0 now. J.Thompson could have made it 3-0 but a great pot and finish by E.McDowell gave the visitors a point on the board. R.Hawkins done well to get back into the frame and force W.Smyth into a difficult clearance, but clear up Smyth did with a 3 ball clearance which included 2 doubles, 3-1 now. Hawkins also had the misfortune of refereeing the next where no balls were potted with near on 30 minutes played. Eventually a miss from McDowell let in C.Rafferty for a fine finish, 4-1 now. K.English kept Spartans in it with atypical finish that has seen him rise to 2nd in the Player of the Year table, but C.Howard increased the lead again to 3 frames finishing well against S.Hamilton. 5-2 at the interval for the home side. Back came the Spartans again with Magic McWhirter justifying his name with a great clearance to get his revenge on Montgomery from frame 2. McDowell brought it back to 5-4 with a pinpoint 8 baller against C. Howard. Montgomery then won his 2nd frame defeating Kane, 6-4 now. All the Scorpions were sporting their new black tshirts dedicated to Willie "The Glove" Lucas except Rafferty who claimed his was in the wash ! But the said Rafferty escaped the mandatory "non uniform" fine by pulling off the frame swinging shot of the season against English. He was in all sorts of trouble with his opponent ready to step in for the kill, but potted a delightful ball into the top corner pocket from a difficult angle, while at the same time freeing up the corner pocket with the combination onto English's red. He duly finished to the applause of both sets of players. 7-4 now. Smyth won again in a tactical battle against Kane to secure the 3 points for Jonny Thompson's Scorpions. English beat G.Thompson for the 2nd time with a treble on the black which kissed in off his opponents yellow ball. He swears he played for it. R.Hawkins gifted J.Thompson the final frame of the evening with an uncharacteristic miss on the black after having done all the groundwork. Well done to Colin Rafferty and Wes Smyth both winning 2/2 as Tommy Maguires Spartans' title ambitions took a devastating blow.

Other Results
Castle 11-3 Eastway

Well done Carrick League

Well done to Carrick League. We defeated the Northern Ireland B2 team by 19-14 in Whitehead GRSC, Sunday 31st January. Captained by Kenny English we lost the 1st session by 7-4. But an 8-3 win in the 2nd, and a 7-4 win in the 3rd gave Carrick an overall win of 19-14. Best Carrick performers on the day were Ed McDowell, John McClean and Paul Henderson all on 100% with 3/3. Trevor Whiteside for the B2s also won 3/3.

What next !!!

We thought last weeks 13 ball clearance from Hugh McMurtry of Jacqs would be hard to follow, but in the Home & Away Cup match between Jacqs and Scorpion, Colin Montgomery only proceeded to pot the black 3 times in the same frame and still lose the frame !!! He broke, potted the 8 ball, broke again, potting the 8 ball for the 2nd time and finally when the frame did get underway he potted the black only for the white to go in off and gift his opponent the frame. It certainly is a funny old game at times.

CITYAIREXPRESS Home and Away Cup 1st Round 2nd Leg Results

Monkstown 2-7 Rockers (Aggregate 8-15)
Defending Home & Away Cup Holders The Rockers took a narrow 8-6 lead into this 2nd leg against a very capable but unpredictable Monkstown side. And Captain J.McClean steadied the visitors nerves as he ripped out a 7 ball finish for a 1-0 lead. And A.Arbuthnot soon doubled the lead winning a scrappy 2nd frame. R.Henderson who Captained the Carrick 'B' Interleague side at the weekend, outpotted J.Johnstone to pull one back for the home side. But 4 frames in a row which seen some great potting from R.Butler, S.Carson, J.Johnstone and A.Arbuthnot put the Rockers on the hill at 6-1 as the match reached the interval. R.Henderson delayed the inevitable with his 2nd win of the night, but the Rockers reached the Semi Finals where they will meet town rivals the Castle, when young S.Carson produced a clinical finish against G.Russell.

Eastway 4-3 Spartans (Aggregate 6-15)
Although the damage had been done at Whitehead last week in the first leg with a 12-2 win, Spartans still travelled up to Rathcoole with a very strong team. But all credit to Eastway as they recorded their first win of the season with a deserved victory on the night. Spartans progress to a Semi Final clash against The Scorpions courtesy of a 15-6 aggregate over the 2 legs. J.Kane, E.McDowell and R.Hawkins scored the 3 points for the visitors whilst man of the match M.Greer with a double, J.Kitson and M.Kitson assured the home side of the win.

Jacqs 2-8 Scorpions (Aggregate 9-15)
Greenisland 4-5 Castle (Aggregate 8-15)

Semi Final draw (23rd February & 16th March)
Spartans v Scorpions
Rockers v Castle

Plate Semi Final draw (23rd February & 16th March)
Eastway v Jacqs
Monkstown v Greenisland

Interleague 2010

Pictured right are the Carrick 'A' and 'B' teams who took part in the recent NIPA Interleague Competition in Ballymena United SC.

Our 'A' team lost narrowly to a very good Ballymena 'A' team by 12-11 but went on to win the plate Competition beating Ballymena 'B' 6-1 in the Final.

Our 'B' team done very well too, beating Ballyclare 'B' 12-6 to reach the Quarter Finals of the main event, before pushing defending Champions Sixmilewater 'A' all the way losing out 12-7.

3 of our Leagues female players also took part, playing for the Northern Ireland Ladies team. Clare Webster had a nice double on the day, winning the first point for the Ladies with a fine clearance and she also won the ballot first prize of a hamper.

C&DPL Committee would like to thank all the players who took part for their behaviour on the day, you were a credit to our League. Well done lads and lassies.

CITYAIREXPRESS Home and Away Cup 1st Round 1st Leg Results

Highlight of the night and possibly the season so far may have been a 13 ball break & dish clearance by Jacqs Hugh McMurtry in their away match up at the Scorpions. Hugh broke and potted 4 reds. In his next shot he potted 1 red and 1 yellow still leaving an open table. He opted for yellows and cleared the remaining 6 followed by the black to leave his bemused opponent Colin Rafferty with only 2 reds but without ever having got out of his chair for a shot. Well done to Hugh, magnificent stuff.

Spartans 12-2 Eastway. Spartans will take a big lead into next weeks 2nd leg after a strong showing in Whitehead. The Eastway lads played well enough but Spartans were more clinical with their finishing on the night. Point scorers for the home side were E.McDowell 3, R.Hawkins 3, S.McWhirter 2, K.English 2, J.Kane 1 and S.Hamilton 1. Replying for the visitors were R.Whiteside and M.Greer.

Other results
Scorpions 7-7 Jacqs
Castle 10-4 Greenisland
Rockers 8-6 Monkstown

Hawkins wins Pyramid

It's well done to Robert Hawkins of Whitehead Spartans (pictured right) as he was crowned Carrick & District League Pyramid Champion 2010. 16 players battled it out to a finish in Whitehead GRSC on Sunday 17th January. Hawkins took the 1st prize of £100 with Paul Harris of the Rockers receiving the Runners Up prize of £50. Beaten Semi Finalists Keith Hunter and Ed McDowell both received £25 each.
Last 16
Kenny English 2-3 Keith Hunter
Roy McMurtry 0-3 Trevor Whiteside
Sara Greenberg 3-2 Michael Lowry
Robert Hawkins 3-1 Adam Moore
John McClean 2-3 Paul Harris
Andy Galloway 3-2 Colin Montgomery Sr
Eddie Niblock 0-3 Darren Whiteside
Ed McDowell 3-1 Jonny Thompson
Quarter Finals
Keith Hunter 3-1 Trevor Whiteside
Sara Greenberg 0-3 Robert Hawkins
Paul Harris 3-1 Andy Galloway
Darren Whiteside 1-3 Ed McDowell
Semi Finals
Keith Hunter 0-3 Robert Hawkins
Paul Harris 3-0 Ed McDowell
Final
Robert Hawkins 3-1 Paul Harris

CITYAIREXPRESS League Results 12th January

Scorpions 9-5 Jacqs First of all the Scorpions would like to thank their opponents Jacqs, our local friends and staff from Arthur Wards Bar for their taking part in a 1 minute silence held before kick off as a mark of respect to Scorpions Legend ‘Willie ‘The Glove’ Lucas.

The evening kicked off in fine fashion as C. Howard quickly ripped out an 8 ball clearance with apparent ease after some nice potting from S. Millar. C. Rafferty made it 2, with another fine clearance against an unlucky R. McMurtry. H. McMurtry controlled the next with J. Thompson down to 1 red, however the half chance came, Thompson potted, whipping the white round 3 cushions to land plum on the black. W. Smyth continued the good start with a tactically astute display to spoil the much anticipated return of B. Fleming. The long running fixture between these 2 teams of G. Thompson and J. Millar did not disappoint with a game of cat and mouse, Thompson earned himself 2 shots, keeping both teams on the edge of their seats, leaving a long fine cut on the black which didn’t even touch the sides to make it 5 in a row. C. Montgomery can count himself very unlucky in the next as he missed position on the black by a whisker for a superfast dish, H. McMurtry strapped him tightly to the torture chair and grinded out a ray of hope for Jacq’s. S. Millar then avenged his 1st frame by ripping out a classy pressure finish against C. Howard.
The 2 ‘Big’ men started the 2nd session as Big Wes Smyth steadied the homeship in the 2nd session with a fizzical clearance and jaw-dropping black against Big Roy McMurtry. In-form S. Millar met C. Howard for the 3rd time and delivered yet again with another cracking finish, developing the black perfectly to make It 6-3. Jaq’s well and truly on the comeback trail made it 4 frames from 5 as H. McMurtry met C. Montgomery again, with the same result after a tit-for-tat tactical game. Scorpions newest recruit C. Rafferty showed how far he’s came in a short space of time with the perfect grind and finish against B. Fleming to put the Scorpions on the hill. J. Thompson went for the jugular in the next but a tough miss put J. Millar right back in control, until some excellent sportsmanship as Jim called his own foul, leaving Thompson the finish and 3 points for the Scorpions. R. McMurtry reduced the deficit in the next with a pin-point finish against G. Thompson. J. Thompson then finished the night how it began with a clinical 8 ball rip-out for 3/3.

Rockers 7-7 Castle. What a match we had in prospect here as Champions The Rockers tried to put the brakes on a Castle side that were top and unbeaten to date in the League. And neither side dissapointed. Castle's P. Roberts accepted the donation of the first frame when A.Arbuthnot potted his penultimate colour but unluckily sent the black into the opposite corner pocket. But it was soon 2-1 to the home side as R.Butler outpotted A.Galloway and S.Carson did likewise against T.McCorry. D.Whiteside played a fine tactical frame to beat D.Irwin and Rockers Captain McClean increased the lead to 4-1 beating T.Whiteside. Castle were in trouble but they have a resiliency about them this season and they trailed only 4-3 at the interval as an 8 ball clearance from Irwin and a win from J.Meredith reduced the arrears. The in form Butler scored again against P.Roberts, 5-3 Rockers, but back came T.Whiteside for Castle beating his cousin Darren to bring it back to 5-4. The next 2 were also shared, Irwin beating Carson again and McClean outpotting Meredith. Arbuthnots bad luck continued as he screwed the white into the centre to gift Roberts the 12th frame. With the scores at 6-6 up stepped Butler to put the Rockers on the hill, winning his 3rd frame of the evening. D.Whiteside went for a clearance in the final frame of the night but his last ball hung in the jaws, allowing McCorry to take out a delicate finish and ensure a priceless point for the League leaders. Castle will be delighted with this point knowing that their 2 nearest rivals, Rockers and Spartans meet on the 25th of the month.

Monkstown 10-4 Eastway. Eastway still searching for their first League points of the season got off to a flying start with wins from R.Whiteside and D.Willis. Monkstowns Captain S.Greenberg steadied the ship for the home side with a long difficult black to reduce the deficit to 1-2. But it was soon 1-3 as D.Willis registered his 2nd win of the evening. Again Monkstown fought back with a classy 7 ball clearance from P.Henderson. Monkstown then took the initiative winning the final 2 frames of the 1st session courtesy of R.Henderson and S.Gardner. It looked as this match was going to go all the way when M.Greer levelled the scores at 4-4, but a fantastic run of 6 frames in a row ensured all 3 points went to the home side. Best for Monkstown were Greenberg, Gardner, P.Henderson and R.Henderson all winning 2/2 whilst best for Eastway was D.Willis with 2/3.

Spartans 12-2 Greenisland. Spartans romped to a 12-2 win against Greenisland as they tried to close the gap on Castle at the top of the table. The 3 points were never in doubt although a couple more frames on the board for the visitors would have made for a more realistic scoreline. Point scorers for Spartans were J.Kane 2, R.Hawkins 2, S.McWhirter 2, E.McDowell 2, S.Hamilton 2 and K.English 2. A.Harris replied twice for Greenisland. Pictured top right are the Greenisland team sporting their new shirts supplied by Pebbles of Carrickfergus.

Harris & McClean storm to Doubles Title

Well done to Rockers duo of Paul Harris and John McClean (pictured right) who have just been crowned Carrick & District League Doubles Champions 2010. In the Competition, which was held on 9th January in the Monkstown Club they made their way to the Final with victories of 3-0, 3-1 and 3-2. In the Final they met their Rockers team mates of Andy Arbuthnot & Rab Butler. Harris & McClean led 2-0 but were pegged back their determined opponents who levelled the match at 2-2. Both sides had good chances in the deciding frame before a controlled finish under pressure from Harris assured them of the title.
It was particularly pleasing for the pair for different reasons. McClean was runner up in last years event and for Harris it is his 2nd success in consecutive seasons.

Before we started a 1 minute of applause took place in memory of Scorpions player Willie "The Glove" Lucas who died suddenly on Monday 4th January.

A massive thank you to the Monkstown Pool Team who raised £92.80 on the day to go to the Northern Ireland Chest Heart Stroke.

Fixtures cancelled

All fixtures in the Carrick Pool League have been cancelled this week as a mark of respect to Scorpions player Willie Lucas who died suddenly on Monday evening at his home in Antrim. Willie, affectionately known as "The Glove" had recently taken up the post of NIPA Chairman. It was his vision and drive that has seen the NIPA take giant strides forward as an organisation in the last 2 years. He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him across the whole Pool scene from his home town in Antrim to the International stage, where he was a regular figure. Our thoughts are with Willie's family circle. RIP Willie.

Willie's funeral will take place in the Church in Derriaghy (just off the M1 between Dunmurry and Lisburn) at 11.00 am on Friday 8th January

League Doubles Competition 2009/10 Season

When - Saturday 9th January 2010
Where - Monkstown Social Club
Time - Registration 12 Noon, play starts 12.30pm
Who - Players must be registered to our League and have played at least 2 matches
Ladies - 2 match rule does not apply to lady players
Teams - Register on the day
Cost - £8 per team
Dress code - No
Format - Knockout. Matches " best offs" depend on number of entries
Conferring - Once a player touches the table, he/she is considered to be in control of the table and cannot confer with his/her team mate until he/she finishes that visit to the table. Common sense and sportsmanship to prevail.

Pyramid Competition

The C&DPL Competition of 6 Pyramid Events kicked off on Sunday 2nd August. Points are given, 1 for each frame won, and 1 for appearance on the day. After the 6 Events are over the top 16 players will enter a Knockout Competition to obtain an outright winner. It will take place in Whitehead Rangers Club and the entry fee will be £5, payable at each event, including Finals day. Each Event winner will receive 50% of the total entry fee on the day and the Runner Up 25%. 20% will go into the pot for the Last 16 Knockout stage and 5% to the League. The system is such, that you don't have to play in all 6 Events. If you miss a couple you still have a fair chance to make the last 16 stage.

Well done to Spartans player Ed McDowell from Eden who won Event 6, earning himself £50.00 and 6 points.

Event 1 Winner - Eddie Niblock
Event 2 Winner - Ed McDowell
Event 3 Winner - John McClean
Event 4 - Winner - Darren Whiteside
Event 5 - Winner - Keith Hunter
Event 6 Winner - Ed McDowell

Draw for Finals Day Knockout Stage Last 16 - Sunday 17th January 2010

Play off
Keith Hunter 2-0 Derek Whiteside

Kenny English v Keith Hunter
Roy McMurtry v Trevor Whiteside
Sara Greenberg v Michael Lowry
Robert Hawkins v Adam Moore
John McClean v Paul Harris
Andy Galloway v Colin Montgomery Sr
Eddie Niblock v Darren Whiteside
Ed McDowell v Jonny Thompson

		1	2	3	4	5	6	Total
	Final Table	2/8/09	30/8/09	11/10/09	8/11/09	29/11/09	27/12/09
1	Kenny English	4	4	4	4	4	5	25
2	Ed McDowell	-	5	4	4	4	6	23
3	Robert Hawkins	5	4	3	4	3	2	21
4	John McClean	4	4	5	1	2	4	20
5	Sara Greenberg	2	3	2	4	4	4	19
6	Andy Galloway	3	3	4	3	3	2	18
=	Roy McMurtry	3	3	2	4	2	4	18
8	Eddie Niblock	6	2	3	3	-	3	17
=	Darren Whiteside	5	3	-	6	3	-	17
=	Trevor Whiteside	-	2	3	4	4	4	17
11	Colin Montgomery	4	-	4	5	3	-	16
12	Michael Lowry	3	2	2	4	2	2	15
13	Paul Harris	-	3	3	3	-	5	14
=	Adam Moore	-	3	-	3	4	4	14
=	Jonny Thompson	4	4	3	-	3	-	14
16	Keith Hunter	3	-	-	-	5	5	13
=	Derek Whiteside	2	2	1	2	3	3	13
18	Debby Walker	2	1	3	2	3	1	12
19	Hugh McMurtry	-	-	3	-	3	3	9
20	John Bell	4	4	-	-	-	-	8
=	Mary McCourt	-	-	-	3	2	3	8
22	Glen Russell	5	2	-	-	-	-	7
23	Joe McMurtry	-	-	2	-	1	3	6
24	Mark Carberry	-	-	-	5	-	-	5
25	Nathan Bell	4	-	-	-	-	-	4
=	Glen Harrington	4	-	-	-	-	-	4
=	Johnny Johnstone	-	-	-	-	4	-	4
=	Karen McCormack	-	-	-	-	-	4	4
29	Rab Butler	-	-	-	-	3	-	3
=	Dee Irwin	3	-	-	-	-	-	3
=	Stephen Knox	-	3	-	-	-	-	3
=	Jean McIlroy	-	-	-	-	-	-	3
=	Ady Toner	3	-	-	-	-	-	3
=	Clare Webster	2	-	-	-	1	-	3
=	Paul Welsh	-	-	-	3	-	-	3
36	Mark McKeen	1	-	-	-	-	-	1

It's Spartans again

Spartans love affair with the Brian Brady Memorial Shield Competition continued on Tuesday 22nd December in a frosty and cold Whitehead. But inside the GRSC it was a hot atmosphere as 8 teams battled it out to take the Shield. Tommy Maguire (pictured right celebrating) has now led his troops to victory in the Competition for the last 2 seasons and for 3 out of the last 5. And also a big well done to underdogs Greenisland who reached the Final with noteable wins over Jacqs and a strong Monkstown team. Spartans also had to do it the hard way as they met League leaders Castle and then current League Champions the Rockers on their route to the Final.

Quarter Finals
Spartans 4-2 Castle
Rockers 4-2 Scorpions
Greenisland 4-1 Jacqs
Monkstown 4-1 Eastway

Semi Finals
Spartans 4-2 Rockers
Greenisland 4-2 Monkstown

Final
Spartans 4-0 Greenisland

Charity Turkey Shoot Competition

We held our 2nd annual Turkey Shoot Competition on Saturday 19th December in Whitehead GRSC. All proceeds raised on the day go to the Leagues 09/10 Season nominated charity SENSE which supports people and families affected by deafblindness.
A great day was had by all, with Robert Henderson from Monkstown (pictured right) playing some sublime pool to win the first prize of a feathered friend. Glen Jones from Islandmagee also reached the Final. In a £1 a go Speedpool Competition, Rab Bultler from The Rockers Pool Team, eventually scooped the prize of a case of beer with a time of 56seconds. Thanks to Debby Walker who donated the beer. Debby also won the Spot the Ball Competition.
All in all we raised £159 on the day. If anyone who was unable to get down to Whitehead on Saturday would like to donate a few pounds to try and bring us up to the £200 mark, we would be most grateful and can collect it off you on Tuesday night at the Brian Brady Memorial Shield Competition.

Thanks again to everyone who took part and to McMasters Butchers, of Whitehead who donated the turkey.

CITYAIREXPRESS Results from Tuesday 15th December

Greenisland 8-6 Eastway. Greenisland moved up to 6th in the table leapfrogging Jacqs after a vital win at home to Eastway. But for a long while it looked as if the Rathcoole lads were going to register their first points of the season and at one stage they led by 6-3. But the home side dug deep to take the last 5 frames in a row to clinch the win and 3 points. Point scorers for Greenisland were A.Harris 3, G.Harrington 2, N.McCandless 1, M.Lowry 1 and H.Warwick 1. Replying for Eastway were M.Greer 2, R.Whiteside 1, J.Robinson 1, L.McCord 1 and T.Larmour 1. Man of the Match was undoubtably A.Harris for his 3 wins from 3 frames played.

Jacqs 2-12 Spartans. Spartans got back to winning ways after last weeks defeat to Jonny Thompson's Scorpions. Although Jacqs may feel a bit unlucky in a couple of the frames, the result was never in doubt. The visitors led 6-0 before Jacqs got a frame on the board. Their next winning frame brought the score back to 2-8 but Spartans reeled of the final 4 for a 12-2 win. Highlights were a fantastic pinpoint clearance from J.Kane in the opening frame, and H.McMurtry finishing off a frame with 3 doubles. Point scorers for Whitehead were J.Kane 3, S.McWhirter 3, R.Hawkins 3, K.English 2 and S.Hamilton 1 with H.McMurtry and R.McMurtry replying for Jacqs.

Monkstown 3-11 Rockers After Monkstowns 13-1 win over Greenisland last week they were highly confident that they would give the Rockers a good fight but Rockers A Arbuthnot started with a break and dish against S Walker which put a temporary halt to their plan. P Henderson levelled for Monkstown against D Whiteside then Captain Rocker J McClean put the away side in the lead again against R Henderson. R Butler sealed another point for Rockers against B Greene but all didn't seem lost for Monkstown as P Henderson & G Russell notched up another 2 points for the home side against J McClean & P Harris, bringing the score back to 3-3. Unfortunately for Monkstown that was all the fight they had and they failed to notch up another point in the rest of the match. The Rockers with some excellent play took the final 8 frames with wins by D Whiteside, R Butler x 2, Andy Arbuthnot x 2 including his second break and dish of the night, P Harris x 2, and a superb clearance from J McClean. Well done to A Arbuthnot & R Butler who won 3 out of 3.

Pictured right are Monkstown (above) and Rockers Pool teams before last nights match. Rockers went on an 8 frame rampage at 3-3 to win by 11-3
Monkstown. l-r Robert Henderson, Paul Henderson, Glenn Russell, Ronnie Nelson, Sara Greenberg (Captain), Scott Walker, Paul Charles
Rockers. l-r Andy Arbuthnot, Darren Whiteside, Rab Butler, John McClean (Captain), Jonny Johnstone, Paul Harris.

Other result
Castle 8-6 Scorpions

Carrick Select v NI Specials

The Northern Ireland Specials Pool Teams (pictured right) travelled down to the the picturesque seaside town of Whitehead in County Antrim for the 2nd time in recent months, to play a friendly match against a Carrick Select side (pictured below right).
In the Mens match the Specials got off to a great start winning the first 4 frames including a tremendous 7 ball clearance by recently crowned Specials European Champion Alan Bell. After the first session Carrick trailed 4-7. The second session was close, Carrick just edging it 6-5, but the Specials still led 12-10 going into the third and final session. Carrick finally found their feet and won it by a 9-2 scoreline to give a final result of Carrick Select 19-14 NI Specials. A very credible performance by the Specials who were without two of their star players Paddy Reid and Clifford Healy. Top point scorer for Carrick was Glenn Russell on 4/4. For the Specials it was Alan Bell on 3/5.
In the Ladies event Carrick ran out 12-4 winners. Best for Carrick was Maryjo McCourt on 4/4, with Valerie Taggart for the Specials on 2/6.
A great day of Pool was had by all. CITYAIREXPRESS Carrick & District Pool League would like to thank Whitehead GRSC for supplying home made chicken curry and Irish stew for both teams.

CITYAIREXPRESS LEAGUE RESULTS 8th December

Jacqs 5-9 Rockers. R.McMurtry won the opening frame to give the home side the lead in this local derby. But a solid win from R.Butler levelled the scores at 1-1. A devastating 3 frame burst from Rockers trio of J.McClean, P.Harris and D.Whiteside (break & dish) gave the visitors vital breathing space at 4-1 but despite 2 massive flukes in the 6th frame A.Arbuthnot couldn't contain H.McMurtry as the deficit was reduced to 2 frames. At the interval Rockers led 5-2 thanks to a win from J.Johnstone. The next 4 frames and the 3match points went the way of the defending Champions with victories from Rockers Captain McClean, Butler, Arbuthnot and Harris. Credit to Jacqs as they finished very strongly, winning the final 3 frames of the evening courtesy of wins from team Captain J.Millar, R.McMurtry, and H.McMurtry. Top cuemen of the night were J.McClean and P.Harris both winning 2/2.

Spartans 6-8 Scorpions. Christmas has come early for Derek Whiteside's Castle Pool Team as Johnny Thompsons Scorpions, who still have title ambitions of their own, got a vital victory down at Whitehead Rangers. It was the Spartans first home League defeat of the season, their only other home reverse was also at the hands of the North Belfast boys in the Knockout Shield. Not for the first time this season the home side got of to a poor start with a 5-2 interval deficit. And things got worse as the visitors reeled of the first 2 frames of the 2nd half to guarantee themselves at least a draw. But at last the Spartans came to life as they staged a comeback to trail 6-7 with one to play. Alas is wasn't to be for the seasiders as Scorpions Captain affectionately know as JT, pulled off a fantastic finish out of a snooker to take all 3 points back up the Shore Road. And what a match in store next week when they visit the League leaders Castle. Pointscorers for Spartans were, K.English 3, E.McDowell 1, J.Kane 1, S.McWhirter 1 and for Scorpions, J.Thompson 2, W.Lucas 2, C.Howard 2, C.Montgomery 1, C.Rafferty 1

Greenisland 1-13 Monkstown. It was going to happen sooner or later, Monkstown who have had a below par League campaign this season were going to thrash some one big time. And Greenisland just happened to be on the receiving end as the Monkstown team turned on the style. Point scorers for Monkstown were R.Henderson 3, P.Charles 3, G.Russell 3, P.Henderson 2 and S.Greenberg 2. H.Warwick was the sole frame winner for the home side. A great win for Monkstown who will try and use this as a platform to kick on, in the second part of the season after the Xmas break.

Other results
Eastway 3-11 Castle
Jacqs 5-9 Rockers