CityAirExpress CARRICK & DISTRICT POOL LEAGUE (NI)

Brian Brady Memorial Competition

2012-02-19T22:33:00.000Z

This Tuesday, 21st February, sees our annual Competition in memory of Brian Brady. Brian (pictured right) was a founder member of our League and as well as a talented player he was also a leader who encouraged less able players to get involved in our sport for the friendship and fun aspect it brings.

The Leagues top 7 teams at the Xmas break will play off in Whitehead GRSC with the bottom 7 playing off in Whiteabbey RBL. The innovative format is best of 7 frames with 3 singles, 2 doubles (Scotch) and another 2 singles. The match ends when a team gets to 4. Names are drawn out of a hat, first the 5 singles, then the 2 doubles. If a team has more than 5 players the player/s not drawn out for the singles are drawn into the doubles pairings first. A player can only play a maximum of 1 singles and 1 doubles if the draw permits.

Top 7 draw 1st Round (Played in Whitehead GRSC)

MSC Trojans v Scorpions
Spartans v Pirates
Castle v Monkstown
Rockers v Bye

Bottom 7 draw 1st Round (Played in Whiteabbey RBL)

Greenisland v Valkyries
Eastway v Whitehead Trojans
Teddy Bears v Alpha
Barbarians v Bye

Each bar is played down until there are 2 teams remaining then those 4 teams will play the Competition to a finish on Tuesday 20th March, venue TBC. 2nd Round ties are redrawn.

Night at the Races

2012-02-19T17:50:00.000Z

Monkstown Pool Team and MSC Trojans Pool Team will be jointly hosting a "Night at the Races" on Friday 2nd March. Entry is only £5 per person and it starts at 8:00pm. After the racing there will be a disco.
Everyone welcome to come along for a good nights fun and craic.

Martin the Spartan is Seniors Champ

2012-02-18T22:57:00.002Z

Congratulations to Ellis Martin from Larne. The Spartan stalwart is the new 2012 Carrick & District League Seniors Individual Champion. He beat fellow Spartan player Kenny English in the Final of the Competition which was held in the Greenisland WMC on Saturday 18th February. Ellis's win earns him an invite to the Northern Ireland Masters Competition in May as our League's Senior representitive.

Final
Ellis Martin (Spartans) 5-3 Kenny English (Spartans)

Frames
Martin, English, Martin, Martin, Martin, English, English, Martin

In the picture - The 2 Finalists, Ellis Martin (left) and Kenny English (right)

League Seniors Individual

2012-02-16T01:20:00.000Z

Below are details of our 2011/12 season Seniors Individual Competition

What - Carrick & District League 2011/2012 Seniors Individual Competition
Where - Greenisland WMC
When - Saturday 18th February 2012
Time - Starts 1pm
Cost - £5 per person
Who - Open to any League registered player who has played in 4 League matches
Dress Code - No
Age - Players must be over 42 on 1st January 2012
Format - Knockout

Result from Wednesday 15th February

2012-02-16T00:48:00.002Z

HEADLINES

MONKSTOWN CONSOLIDATE 5TH SPOT ~ VALKYRIES MOVE OFF THE BOTTOM

Monkstown 9-5 Valkyries. Monkstown took the early initiative with a 3-1 lead but Valkyries kept biting at their heels and trailed by only 3-4 at the half time interval. And an upset was a possibility when the visitors then levelled at 4-4, but that seemed to galvanise the hosts who ran off 5 of the next 6 frames. Best scorer on the night was Monkstown's Ronnie Nelson with 3/3

Results from Monday 13th February

2012-02-14T01:04:00.008Z

Home & Away Cup Quarter Finals 1st Leg

Spartans 7-7 Castle
Pirates 7-7 Scorpions
Rockers 9-5 Greenisland
Barbarians 10-4 Whitehead Trojans

Barbarians 10-4 Whitehead Trojans. Only a point seperated these 2 teams in the League so a tight Cup tie was expected. But Michael Lowry's Barbarians had other ideas as they raced into a 6-1 interval lead with wins for H.Regan (2), M.Porter (2), Lowry himself and G.Harrington. Trojans sole point was scored by T.Scott-Heyes. Regan with his 2nd successive hat trick made it 7-1 before the visitors dragged themselves back into the tie with a brace from Captain G.McCormick and the experienced S.Hamilton. But 3 in a row from Harrington, Lowry and P.Akehurst put Barbarians well in control of the tie. The 14th and final frame was won by G.Jones to give the Whitehead team a glimmer of hope in the 2nd Leg. Barbarians will approach the 2nd Leg in a professional manner without complacency, but they are definitely looking good for Semi Final spot on the strength of this performance.

Spartans 7-7 Castle. The Leagues top 2 teams were paired against each other in the Home and Away Cup Quarter Final. R.Hawkins won Frame 1 to get the hosts off to a good start, but T.McCorry and A.Toner soon had Castle in front with 2 fine finishes. K.English levelled the match at 2-2 with a long black before Castle again edged in front with Toner notching up his 2nd. The next 2 were shared, E.Martin for the home side and D.Irwin for the visitors to give Castle a 4-3 interval lead. Martin won Frame 8 to make it 4-4 but a Castle brace from Meredith and McCorry opened up the first 2 frame gap of the evening. A great finish from English gave Spartans hope but yet again Castle replied, McCorry getting his hat trick with a superb 8 ball clearance to ensure Castle would go in to the 2nd leg with at least a draw. But Tommy Maguire's team have been digging deep this season when needs be and English finished superbly to mark his hat trick and bring the scoreline back to 6-7. It looked like Castle would take the honours though as Irwin was on for a break and dish, but a horrendous kick on his 6th colour let in Hawkins who typically grinded his way back into the frame. He got badly out of position on the black but to his team mates relief he sunk it from distance to leave it all to play for in the 2nd Leg in Greenisland.

Results from Tuesday 7th February

2012-02-07T16:27:00.001Z

HEADLINES

SPARTANS STAY TOP ~ ROCKERS AND CASTLE KEEP THE PRESSURE ON ~ BARBARIANS STUN PIRATES ~ BOTH MONKSTOWN TEAMS WIN ~ SCOPRPIONS HELD AT HOME

MSC Trojans 9-5 Teddy Bears
Pirates 7-7 Barbarians
Scorpions 7-7 Whitehead Trojans
Rockers 11-3 Alpha
Castle 9-5 Greenisland
Eastway 4-10 Monkstown
Spartans 10-4 Valkyries

Pirates 7-7 Barbarians. Pirates let a golden opportunity slip in their quest to win the League title this season. They led 3-0 through P.McCaffrey, C.Carson and H.McMurtry, but the away side then replied with G.Harrington and P.Akehurst registering. The next 2 frames were shared giving Pirates a slender 4-3 interval lead. In the 2nd half McCaffrey, S.Carson and R.McMurtry scored for the home side with H.Regan replying twice for the Barbarians. Pirates were now on the hill at 7-5 up with 2 to play, but Barbars Captain M.Lowry won the 13th to ensure the match would go the full distance before the destination of the points was known. And it was J.Regan who stunned the hosts by potting the final black of the night to deny Pirates the 3 points they badly desired.

Spartans 10-4 Valkyries. Stablemates Spartans and Valkyries met for the 3rd time in 4 weeks, this time in a League fixture. Spartans raced into a 3-0 lead before the Valkyries registered their first score. Any possible upset was quickly dismissed when the League leaders took 5 out of the next 6 frames to secure the 3 points at 8-2. Credit to Valkyries as they kept on fighting and pulled it back to 8-4 before a brace of frames ended the match at 10-4 for Tom Maguires team. On target for The Spartans were E.McDowell (3), R.Hawkins (3), K.English (2), S.McWhirter (1) and D.Lowe (1). For Valkyries it was S.Peoples (2), S.Lennon (1) and L.Ruddock (1)

Result from Thursday 2nd February

2012-02-03T22:33:00.000Z

Home & Away Cup 1st Round 2nd Leg (1st Leg results in blue)

Greenisland (8) 7-3 (6) Alpha (Greenisland win 15-9 on aggregate)

Greenisland will play The Rockers in the Quarter Final. 1st Leg at The Rockers

Northern Ireland Mens & Mixed Doubles Championships

2012-02-01T18:52:00.002Z

The 2012 Northern Ireland Mens Doubles and Mixed Doubles Championships, take place this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday 4th & 5th February respectively. Pictured right are current Mens Champions Davy Tosh and Lee Caulfield, both from Coleraine, and below Mixed Doubles Champions Dee Irwin (Belfast) and Sara Greenberg (Newtownabbey)

Details of entry are below. Please note registration closing times.

What - 2012 Mens Northern Ireland Doubles Championships
When - Saturday 4th January 2012
Where - Ballymena United SC
Time - Registration closes at 11:30am (for both players)
Cost - £15 per team if NIPA affiliated, or £20 unaffiliated
Who - Open to anyone who is eligible to play for Northern Ireland
Dress code - NIPA dress code applies
Format - Scotch Doubles

What - 2012 Northern Ireland Mixed Doubles Championships
When - Sunday 5th January 2012
Where - Ballymena United SC
Time - Registration closes at 11:30am (for both players)
Cost - £10 per team if NIPA affiliated, or £12.50 unaffiliated
Who - Open to anyone who is eligible to play for Northern Ireland
Dress code - NIPA dress code applies
Format - Scotch Doubles

Results from Tuesday 31st January

2012-01-31T00:51:00.004Z

Home & Away Cup 1st Round 2nd Leg (1st Leg results in blue)

MSC Trojans (4) 3-5 (10) Castle (Castle win 15-7 on aggregate)
Spartans(12) 3-0 (2) Valkyries (Spartans win 15-2 on aggregate)
Monkstown (6) 3-7 (8) Scorpions (Scorpions win 15-9 on aggregate)
Barbarians (9) 6-4 (5) Teddy Bears (Barbarians win 15-9 on aggregate)
Eastway (7) 7-8 (7) Whitehead Trojans (Whitehead Trojans win 15-14 on aggregate)
Greenisland (8) P-P (6) Alpha

Barbarians 6-4 Teddy Bears. With Barbarians having built up a sound 4 frame advantage from the 1st leg the Teddy Bears were hoping to get off to a good start. But it was veteran H.Regan who took the first, potting 6 reds and the black for a 1-0 home lead. And it was soon 2-0 as M.Porter broke and dished in the second. But the Bears came right back with a brace of their own, A. Moore taking advantage of a foul to clear up his 7 colours and the black and A.Lyndsey with a tidy finish of his own. The next could have gone either way but G.Harrington just edged it to give the hosts the lead again. The last 2 before the interval went to the visitors with A.Moore, and A.Lyndsey with his 2nd, giving the Bears a 4-3 advantage and hope of staging a comeback in the tie. But it wasn't to be as a 3 frame burst from Regan, Porter and Harrington sealed a 6-4 win on the night and 15-9 overall win over the 2 legs for Michael Lowry's Barbarians.

Eastway 7-8 Whitehead Trojans. This must go down as the match of the round. The 2 teams couldn't be seperated after 28 frames of pool over the 2 legs in Whitehead and Rathcoole. The tie then entered a sudden death play off frame and with the clock ticking towards the midnight hour the tension in the room was tangible. Cometh the midnight hour cometh the man and Trojans Captain Gordon McCormick potted the 29th black of the tie to send his team into a Quarter Final tie against the Barbarians. Credit to both teams for a battle right to the end.

Spartans 3-0 Valkyries. With Spartans having built up a commanding lead in the first leg, a shock result wasn't expected when the teams met again. And the tie was over after the 3rd Frame as the hosts secured the 3 they needed to take them into the Quarter Finals where they will face Castle who overcame MSC Trojans by a 15-7 aggregate. On target for Spartans were D.Lowe (2) and S.McWhirter (1).

Quarter Final draw

Spartans v Castle
Barbarians v Whitehead Trojans
Rockers v Alpha/Greenisland
Pirates v Scorpions

End of Season Prizegiving

2012-01-29T23:07:00.000Z

The City Air Express Carrick & District Pool League "End of Season Prizegiving" will be held in Whiteabbey Royal British Legion Club on Friday 25th May 2012

Que Sara Sara

2012-01-29T21:39:00.002Z

Congratulations to Sara Greenberg who along with Coleraine's Julie Henderson are the new 2012 Northern Ireland Ladies Doubles Champions. Sara who Captains Monkstown Pool Team won the title on Sunday 29th January in the Ballymena United SC. Sara had reached the Final of the Ladies Individual Championships the previous week only losing out to the excellent Michelle Roonay from Enniskillen.

Well done Sara, you've done our wee League proud

Double delight for McCorry & Johnston

2012-01-29T19:56:00.003Z

Congratulations to Johnny Johnston (Rockers) and Tom McCorry (Castle). The duo are the new 2011/2012 season Carrick & District League Doubles Champions.

At the Competition in Monkstown SC, they defeated last seasons winners Kenny English (Spartans) & Stephen McWhirter (Spartans) 4-1 in the Final. They had survived a scare in the 1st Round, when trailing 2-0 and looking down and out against Clem Howard (Castle) & Colin Montgomery (Scorpions), but fought back to win 3-2.

After being part of the winning 3-a-Sides team earlier in the season, McCorry is now on course for what would be a fantastic treble of wins in, 3-a-Sides, Doubles and Individuals. A feat only achieved before by Paul Kerr in the 2006/2007 season.

Frames
McCorry/Johnston, McCorry/Johnston, McCorry/Johnston, English/McWhirter, McCorry/Johnston

Home & Away Cup draw

2012-01-29T11:06:00.001Z

The draw has been made for the Quarter Finals of the Home & Away Cup. Ist Leg ties to be played Monday 13th February and 2nd Leg ties to be played Monday 5th March.

Valkyries/Spartans v Castle/MSC Trojans
Teddy Bears/Barbarians v Whitehead Trojans/Eastway
Rockers v Alpha/Greenisland
Pirates v Scorpions/Monkstown

Results from Tuesday 24th January

2012-01-26T00:06:00.003Z

HEADLINES

WINS FOR TOP 4 BUT ONLY JUST FOR SPARTANS AS MONKSTOWN FIGHT BACK ~ MSC TROJANS UP TO 6TH ~ ALL SQUARE BETWEEN BEARS AND VALKYRIES ~ GREENISLAND WIN AWAY

Barbarians 5-9 MSC Trojans
Whitehead Trojans 3-11 Rockers
Monkstown 6-8 Spartans
Castle 9-5 Eastway
Teddy Bears 7-7 Valkyries
Alpha 4-10 Greenisland
Pirates 10-4 Scorpions

Pirates 10-4 Scorpions. Pirates couldn't have wished for a better start as they continued their wonderful season challenging for the League title, what a breath of fresh air they have been. S.Carson, P.McCaffrey and C.Carson with a classy finish, raced them into a 3-0 lead, but the Scorpion sting wasn't extinguished altogether and C.Montgomery Jr and C.Rafferty brought them back into match at 3-2. The next 2 frames went the way of the hosts through H.McMurtry and P.McCaffrey to give Roy McMurtry's Pirates a 5-2 lead at the interval. It got better into the 2nd half for the home team with an S.Carson whitewash and a win for the experienced A.Corrigan guaranteeing them at least a point at 7-2. Scorpions rallied to take the next brace of frames but Pirates done their frame difference no harm at all by winning the final 3 frames of the match courtesy of C.Carson, H.McMurtry and the ever improving P.McCaffrey with his hat trick on the night.

Barbarians 5-9 MSC Trojans. It started well for the hosts with wins for NI Seniors players H.Regan and M.Porter. But the visitors retaliated with a fine treble, courtesy of wins from J.Murdoch, A.Mackie and R,McMaw. J Regan levelled at 3-3 but the all important 7th frame went to the visitors through M.McIlvenny. After the interval it was soon level again with another Porter success as the match looked like it would go the distance. But a 5 frame burst from MSC Trojans gauranteed Rab Browns team the 3 points that move them up to a credible 6th in the League table, only 2 points behind their stablemates Monkstown. The final frame of the match was won by Barbarian P.Akehurst.

Monkstown 6-8 Spartans. It's never over till it's over. Although Monkstown took a 1-0 lead, League leaders The Spartans then proceeded to take the next 6 matches on the first half of the card to enjoy a very healthy lead at a venue they invariably struggle at. And when the visitors increased the lead to 7-1 after the interval it looked like game set and match. Not the case though, as Monkstown reeled off 4 on the trot to trail only 5-7. In the crucial Frame 13 G.Russell was unlucky when going for game but not for the first time this season Larne man E.Martin ripped out a precise clearance to edge his side over the line much to the relief of his team mates. And it was just as well, as P.Henderson won the last for the hosts with probably one of the quickest break and dishes the League has ever seen. With Spartans Manager T.Maguire absent, stand in R.Hawkins was delighted to head back down the coast with the 3 points. Highlights of the night were another 3/3 for E,Martin, a position perfect break and dish from E.McDowell and that rapid clearance from P.Henderson. Scorers as follows. Spartans, Martin 3, McDowell 2, English 2, Lowe 1. Monkstown, P.Henderson 2, R.Henderson 1, Greenberg 1, Russell 1 and Charles 1.

League Doubles draw

2012-01-25T01:23:00.005Z

The draw for the 2011/2012 Carrick League Doubles has taken place. And there are some interesting ties in prospect. The Competition will be played to a finish in the Monkstown Club this Saturday 28th January. Entry is £10 per team.

Could all players in blue be available to play from 12 noon

Could all players in red be available to play from 1.30pm

1/ R.Butler/A.Arbuthnot v S.McWhirter/K.English
(winners play J.McIlroy/M.McCourt)

2/ C.Montgomery/C.Howard v S.Lennon/W.Morrison
(winners play J.Johnston/T.McCorry)

3/ I.McCalmont/S.Peoples v A.Galloway/G.Burns
(winners play P.Roberts/D.Irwin)

4/ G.Russell/S.Walker v G.Fee/G.Jones
(winners play A.Corrigan/P.McCaffrey)

5/ P.Harris/S.Clarke v S.Greenberg/Ryan Henderson
(winners play D.Montgomery/M.McIlvenny)

6/ P.Henderson/Robert Henderson v A.Carson/T.Larmour
(winners play R.Baird/T.Scott-Heyes)

7/ R.McMurtry/H.McMurtry v M.Kitson/J.Kitson
(winners play C.Webster/Derek Whiteside)

8/ A.Mackie/A.McMeekin v S.Carson/C.Carson

Prelims in blue are best of 3 frames.
1st Round proper matches are also best of 3 frames.
Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Final are best of 5 frames

Once a player touches the table, discussion between players in a team is not allowed

A one minute shot clock may be used if a match is deemed to be going to slow.

Each round after above, to be redrawn

Results from Tuesday 17th January

2012-01-17T11:30:00.007Z

Home & Away Cup 1st Round 1st Leg

HEADLINES

SPARTANS START DEFENCE OF CUP WITH COMFORTABLE WIN ~ SCORPIONS EDGE MONKSTOWN ~ MSC TROJANS WITH UPHILL TASK ~ WINS FOR GREENISLAND & BARBARIANS ~ WHITEHEAD TROJANS & EASTWAY BATTLE OUT A DRAW

Valkyries 2-12 Spartans
Scorpions 8-6 Monkstown
Alpha 6-8 Greenisland
Whitehead Trojans 7-7 Eastway
Teddy Bears 5-9 Barbarians
Castle 10-4 MSC Trojans
Bye - Pirates
Bye - Rockers

Teddy Bears 5-9 Barbarians. Michael Lowrys Barbarians met Brian Flemings Teddy Bears for the 2nd week in a row hoping for a similar outcome as last. And veteran H.Regan got them off to a good start but a win for R.Williams soon levelled up the match. The visitors then had a purple patch with M.Porter (2), P.Akehurst, J.Regan, H.Regan and Captain M.Lowry himself all winning to secure at least a draw with a 7-1 lead. Back came the Bears with A.Lyndsey and B.Fleming reducing the arrears to 3-7. But H.Regan with his hat trick ensured the Barbarians would take a lead of sorts into the 2nd leg when the two sides meet in Greenisland. A.Moore and A,Lyndsey again scored for the hosts but a win for P,Akehurst in the final frame gave the away side a 4 frame advantage, although it is still all to play for in this tie.

Valkyries 2-12 Spartans. Spartans eased to a big first leg advantage against their stablemates the Valkyries in Whitehead GRSC. On the scoresheet for the away side were D.Lowe (3), R.Hawkins (3), E.McDowell (2), S.McWhirter (2) and K.English (2). J.McIlroy had registered the Valkyries initial strike before S.Lennon defeated Spartans Captain T.Maguire early in the 2nd session.

Interleague round up

2012-01-16T11:24:00.002Z

The Carrick teams done themselves proud at the annual NIPA Interleague event in The Queens Hall, Newtownards. Derek Whitesides 'B1' team (pictured right) lifted the 'B' Team event in style with Andy McMeekin in fantastic form scoring 100% with 10/10. Colin Montgomerys 'A' team reached the Semi Final easily winning Group One, only losing out to eventual winners Coleraine after a great effort. Top point scorers for Colins team were Rockers Captain John McClean on 75% and Pirates starman Steven Carson on 71%. Rab Brown's B2 team done remarkably well, winning their group to make the semi final knockout stages losing out 10-17 to the Carrick B1s.

Well done and thanks to all the players who proudly represented Carrick and especially to Derek Whiteside's B1s who brought home the first ever trophy from an Interleague event to our fine League.

Home & Away Cup 1st Round Draw

2012-01-16T07:54:00.000Z

The draw for the 1st Round of the Home & Away Cup was made at the League Delegates meeting on Monday 12th December in Greenisland, and is as follows. Ties to be played on 17th & 31st January 2012.

Valkyries v Spartans
Scorpions v Monkstown
Alpha v Greenisland
Whitehead Trojans v Eastway
Teddy Bears v Barbarians
Castle v MSC Trojans
Pirates v BYE
Rockers v BYE

Interleague Teams

2012-01-13T10:53:00.000Z

The N.I.P.A Interleague Competition is fast approaching. The 'B' team event is on January 14th 2012 and the 'A' Team event the following day, Sunday 15th January. Both are played in the Queens Hall, Newtownards. Carrick's 3 team Managers have been busy selecting their squads and are as follows -

A' Team	B1' Team	B2' Team

C.Montgomery Sr (M)	Dk. Whiteside (M)	R.Brown (M)
A.Arbuthnot	G.Crawley	R.McMurtry
P.Harris	J.Johnston	D.Montgomery
Dn.Whiteside	J.Meredith	M.McIlvenny
R.Butler	T.Whiteside	A.Corrigan
S.Carson	P.Roberts	A.Mackey
T.McCorry	L.Wright	H.McMurtry
A.Toner	R.Henderson	T. Scott-Heyes
D.Irwin	G.Russell	S.Lennon
P.Henderson	J.Thompson	G.Burns
C.Howard	D.Lowe	M.Lowry
C.Rafferty	G.Harrington	A.Galloway
J.McClean	A.McMeekin	P.Charles
	M.Wilson

Results from Tuesday 10th January

2012-01-11T00:19:00.006Z

HEADLINES

McCORRY KEEPS CASTLE IN LEAGUE RACE ~ ROCKERS ALL AT SEA AS PIRATES MOVE UP TO 3RD ~ EASTWAY WIN RATHCOOLE DERBY MATCH

Spartans 7-7 Castle
Pirates 8-6 Rockers
Scorpions 7-7 MSC Trojans
Eastway 8-6 Alpha
Greenisland 8-6 Whitehead Trojans
Barbarians 8-6 Teddy Bears
Monkstown P-P Valkyries

Pirates 8-6 Rockers. Roy McMurtrys Pirates brought League Champions The Rockers onto the good ship Brown Cow and proceeded to make them walk the plank. After losing the corresponding away fixture on the opening day of the season by a massive 12-2 scoreline The Pirates had a point to prove. And in a fantastic match they done just that. It started well for the visitors with Captain J.McClean ousting A.Corrigan after he snookered himself on the black whilst going for a break and dish. The consistent P.McCaffrey levelled only for Darren Whiteside to give The Rockers the initiative once again. But Pirates then took 4 in a row courtesy of S.Carson, H.McMurtry and C.Carson x2 including an 8 ball clearance. After the break R.Butler replied for the Champions but Pirates guaranteed themselves at least a point when they took the next 2. Back came Rockers with Arbuthnot and McClean again, keeping their hopes of a draw alive but it was to no avail as Pirate H.McMurtry ensured the 3 points would stay in the Brown Cow with a fine win. P.Harris won the final frame of the evening to give a final scoreline of 8-6 to the Pirates.

Spartans 7-7 Castle. What a match ! Castle Captain Derek Whiteside could see the coveted League Title slipping away before his very eyes as a Martin & McDowell inspired Spartans raced into a 5-1 lead with some delightful pool. He knew a home win would all but end his teams hopes of regaining the crown they last won in the 2009/10 season. But C.Howard took the vital 7th frame to keep their hopes alive going into the interval. And the comeback continued into the 2nd session with the visitors drawing level at 5-5 before Man of the Match E.Martin finished superbly to restore Spartans lead. A.Toner levelled for Castle again as the match came down to the business end. And it looked all but over for S.McWhirter in Frame 13 as he was well snookered with his opponent having 3 balls over pockets just waiting for the kill. But the Larne man used the middle jaw to escape the snooker and pot his last colour at the same time to land plum on the black for a 7-6 Spartan lead. But the opposite happened in the final frame as T.McCorry also looked dead and buried but ripped out one of his trademark clearances from nowhere to earn Castle a point and keep the Title race very much alive.

Carrick League Doubles

2012-01-09T14:09:00.000Z

Carrick League Doubles will take place on Saturday 28th January in Monkstown SC.

The draw will be done at the next League Committee meeting on Monday 23rd January in the Brown Cow, Carrickfergus.

Could all Team delegates please bring their Doubles pairings to the meeting that night or contact Rab Brown in advance on 07899 913785

Hangover Cup

2011-12-30T10:33:00.001Z

Carrick & District Pool League will be holding a Hangover Cup Competition on Sunday 1st January in the Greenisland WMC. Entry is £5 per person and all proceeds will go to our Leagues nominated charity for 2011/2012, the Laurel House Cancer Unit in Antrim. Glenn Burns from the Greenisland Pool Team has very kindly pledged to add £50 on to whatever we lift on the day to go towards the Laurel House fund. We already have £100 for the fund which was lifted at our Charity Shield opening fixture of the season between Castle and Rockers. We chose this charity in memory of the late Robert Kennedy who passed away earlier this year.

Come along and have a fun day out, whilst having a great day of Pool but try not to end up with an even bigger hangover on the Tuesday !!!! :)

Kick off is 1pm, format tbc.

Results from Tuesday 20th December

2011-12-20T09:44:00.012Z

HEADLINES

LEAGUE CAMPAIGN REACHES THE HALF WAY MARK AND IT'S AS YOU WERE AS TOP 5 ALL WIN AGAIN ~ 31st DECEMBER TRANSFER AND SIGNINGS DEADLINE APPROACHES

Monkstown 9-5 Teddy Bears
Valkyries 3-11 Castle
Spartans 11-3 Alpha
Eastway 3-11 Whitehead Trojans
Greenisland 5-9 Pirates
Rockers 9-5 MSC Trojans
Barbarians 4-10 Scorpions

Pictured right - Partners Clare Webster and Paul Roberts were on opposing sides when the Valkyries entertained Castle in Whitehead. Castle kept up their League challenge with an 11-3 win.

Below right - Barbarians players Hugh "Santa" Regan (the beard is his own !!!) and Michael Lowry relaxing before their match with Scorpions in Greenisland last night.

Monkstown 9-5 Teddy Bears. With these 2 teams meeting for the first time it was anyone's guess how the result would pan out. But it was the home side who came storming out of the blocks in the first half taking it by a 6-1 scoreline, leaving the Bears with a mountain to climb. On the scoresheet for Monkstown were R.Henderson (2), P.Henderson, G.Russell, R.Nelson and P.Charles. D.McIlwaine notched up the visitors only score. The second half was much tighter and the Bears who have aquitted themselves well in their debut season in the League came out on top by 4-3, but it was Monkstown who took the 3 points courtesy of a 9-5 overall scoreline. Registering for Monkstown after the interval were P.Henderson, Russell and Charles. For the Bears it was debutante A.Moore, A.Lyndsey and R.Williams (2). An Xmas buffet to welcome the visitors into the League was well received and a party atmosphere made for a good night for all.

Rockers 9-5 MSC Trojans. Rockers entertained MSC Trojans in their final match of 2011 and Captain J.McClean took advantage of a bit of loose play to put his team 1-0 up. Rockers stalwart A.Arbuthnot made it 2-0 before great finishes from G.Crawley and R.Butler gave the hosts a comfortable 4-0 lead. M.McIlvenny reduced the arrears to 1-4 but the Champions secured the final 2 frames of the first session to hold a healthy 6-1 lead. It was to get better for the home side as P.Harris controlled the 8th frame to put Rockers on the hill, and an unbelieveable wafer thin cut on the black by Crawley soon secured the 3 points for Rockers. To their credit Trojans didn't crumble and D.Montgomery ripped out a superb clearance. This was followed by another 3 on the trot for the away side to bring it back to 4-8. But Harris had the last word winning his 2nd in style as Rockers sent a Christmas message that they will be fighting tooth and nail to retain their title

Spartans 11-3 Alpha. Spartans never reached the heights from the previous evenings Knock Out Cup success and a determined Alpha team got in amongst them early on and were unfortunate to trail 4-3 at the interval. But the interval done the hosts a favour as they regrouped and took all 7 frames in the 2nd half for an 11-3 win, although the scoreline was a bit harsh on the visitors. Spartans scorers were E.McDowell 3, R.Hawkins 3, S.McWhirter 2, K.English 2 and Manager T.Maguire 1. Replying for Alpha were A.Hall with a fine finish, M.Kitson and L.Carson.

Spartans Quest

2011-12-20T00:41:00.005Z

Knockout Cup Final Result

Spartans 8-0 Scorpions

After the most comprehensive Final win in recent memory in the Carrick & District Pool League, Tommy Maguires Spartans are the 2011/2012 Knock Out Cup Winners. Jonny Thompsons Scorpions didn't really do a lot wrong, Spartans just done everything right. The standard of Pool was awesome with clearance after clearance from the pumped up Whitehead Team.

1-0 Ellis Martin with a precise 8 ball clearance
2-0 Ed McDowell with a pinpoint 8 ball clearance
3-0 Neil McKelvey with a break and dish including the shot of the night from his last red to the black
4-0 McDowell again with a 7 ball clearance
5-0 Martin follows suit with another 7 ball clearance
6-0 McKelvey with yet another 8 ball finish
7-0 McWhirters turn, as he clears 7 and the black
8-0 Scrappy, but Darren Lowe didn't mind as he potted the final black of the match to give Spartans their 1st ever Knock Out Cup Final success.

Back row - Kenny English, Tommy Maguire, Darren Lowe, Neil McKelvey
Front row - Ed McDowell, Robert Hawkins, Stephen McWhirter, Ellis Martin

Thanks go to the Greenisland Working Mens Club for hosting the Final and providing sandwiches and to League Chairman Derek Whiteside for refereeing the match

City Air Express Knock out Cup Final, Monday 19th December

2011-12-18T21:29:00.001Z

It's an even call as Jonny Thompson's Scorpions take on Tommy Maguire's Spartans in the 2011/2012 season Knock Out Cup Final. Scorpions who have underachieved in their League campaign this season will hope to win some silverware via the Cup and will be galvanised by a dramatic 8-7 play off frame win over Castle. Spartans who lost 8-7 in the Final after an agonising play off frame last term to The Rockers, will hope to go one better this time. Scorpions have the talents of J.Nelson, G.McCorry, and C.Montgomery Sr & Jr in their ranks with Spartans hoping E.McDowell, E.Martin, S.McWhirter and K.English are firing on all cylinders.

For any spectators wishing to attend, kick off is 8.15pm in the Greenisland WMC, everyone welcome.

Results from Tuesday 13th December

2011-12-15T01:03:00.000Z

HEADLINES

TOP 4 ALL WIN ~ ALPHA MOVE OFF BOTTOM WITH FIRST WIN ~ TEDDYS GET GOOD POINT AT SCORPIONS
MSC TROJANS OUTSCORE GREENISLAND

Scorpions 7-7 Teddy Bears
Rockers 11-3 Barbarians
Pirates 8-6 Eastway
Monkstown 3-11 Castle
MSC Trojans 10-4 Greenisland
Whitehead Trojans 3-11 Spartans
Alpha 8-6 Valkyries

Pirates 8-6 Eastway. After the previous weeks two defeats to Spartans in the Cup and League pirates were looking to get back to winning ways and wins for S.Carson (2) and P.McCaffrey put them into a 3-0 lead early on. It looked ominous for Eastway as a now rampant Pirates side moved 5-0 ahead courtesy of wins from brothers Joe and Hugh McMurtry. M.Greer registered Eastways first score but McCaffrey cancelled that out in the last frame before the interval as Pirates led 6-1. The rout continued with S.Carson completing his hat trick for 7-1. But Eastway dug their heels in to make the Pirates endure a nervy finish, they took 3 in a row through T.Greer, L.McCord and T.Larmour. It was now 7-4 ad Eastway had thoughts of going home to Rathcoole with a point, but to Manager Roy McMurtrys relief, A.Moore won the 12th frame to ensure all 3 points would stay with the Brown Cow team as they continue their great season up towards the top. But again Eastway dug deep and deservedly took the last to frames through J.Kitson and T.Greer to finish only 2 behind at 8-6

MSC Trojans 10-4 Greenisland. An amazing second half whitewash gave Rab Browns team a big win against a Greenisland team who were wishing the half time interval had never came, as they led 4-3 after the first 7 frames. Scorers for Greenisland in that first half were G.Burns, R.Croft, D.Baird and H.Warwick with a fine 8 ball clearance. Replying for the hosts were J.Murdock, D.Montgomery and current European Wheelchair Champion R.McMaw. But whatever Brown said to his Trojans at the break worked. Wins for McMaw (2), Montgomery (2), Murdock, McIlvenny and A.McMeekin put them in 7th heaven, a reversal on last weeks 2nd session when they lost 1-6 at Eastway. MSC Trojans now move up to 6th only 3 points behind stablemates Monkstown.

Whitehead Trojans 3-11 Spartans. This first ever derby match in Whitehead GRSC was expected to be an easy win for the more experienced Spartans side. And so it turned out to be as they raced into a 6-0 lead courtesy of wins for E.McDowell (2), E.Martin, R.Hawkins, D.Lowe and S.McWhirter. A great clearance from G.Jones stopped Spartans securing a first half whitewash. Martin, McDowell and McWhirter added to the Trojan woes to ensure the Spartans would remain top of the league as they strolled to the 3 points. Two on the trot with fine finishes from Jones again and T.Scott-Heyes, gave the scoreline some respectability for Gordon McCormicks men, but McWhirter and Hawkins ended the night on a high for Spartans Manager Tommy Maguire.

Condolences

2011-12-14T19:45:00.000Z

The Committee of the Carrick & District Pool League would like to offer their condolences to N.I.P.A Chairman Trevor Harte on the passing away of his Mother on December 12th after a long illness.

Knockout Cup Final venue

2011-12-13T10:40:00.000Z

The Knockout Cup Final venue has been confirmed. It will be played in the Greenisland Club on Monday night, 19th December.
Jonny Thompson's Scorpions will play Tommy Maguire's Spartans in what should be a close and exciting match between the two teams.

Knockout Cup Final
Scorpions v Spartans (Greenisland Club, Monday 19th December)
Referee - Derek Whiteside

Results from Tuesday 6th December

2011-12-06T16:26:00.009Z

HEADLINES

SPARTANS WALK THE PLANK BUT COME BACK TO STEAL THE 3 POINTS ~ CASTLE WIN LAST FRAME DECIDER ~ ROCKERS STILL IN TOUCH ~ VALKYRIES GET THEIR FIRST POINTS TO MOVE OFF THE BOTTOM ~ EASTWAY & MONKSTOWN WIN ~ BARBARIANS DRAW AT GREENISLAND

Castle 8-6 Teddy Bears
Monkstown 12-2 Alpha
Valkyries 8-6 Whitehead Trojans
Spartans 9-5 Pirates
Eastway 9-5 MSC Trojans
Greenisland 7-7 Barbarians
Rockers 10-4 Scorpions

Monkstown 12-2 Alpha. Monkstown started off really well with 2 a piece from the Henderson brothers Paul and Robert giving them a healthy 4-0 lead. A.Carson put a temporary stop by securing Alpha's first frame. But another 4 frame burst by the hosts gave Monkstown the 3 points with an 8-1 lead, the frame winners being G.Russell, R.Nelson, and the Henderson brothers again, both notching up their hat trick. L.Carson won the 10th for Alpha but Monkstown completed a 12-2 rout with the final 4 frames from G.Russell (2) and R.Nelson (2), both players also scoring a hat trick on the night. Monkstown consolidate 5th position as they look forward to next Tuesday when they entertain Derek Whiteside's Castle.

Valkyries 8-6 Whitehead Trojans. Visiting Manager Gordon McCormick was hoping to get 3 points to open up a gap from the bottom 3 teams, but Clare Websters Valkyries team had other ideas as they raced into a 2-0 lead courtesy of wins from A.Galloway and L.Ruddock. But back came the Whitehead Trojans through Scott-Heyes, G.Jones and A.Matthews to lead 3-2, a position from which they expected to push on from. Valkyries levelled through the experienced J.McIlroy before G.Fee restored the hosts lead at 4-3 at the interval. Valkyries who have been rooted at the bottom of the table all season then run off 4 in a row with Ruddock, McIlroy, M.McCourt (clinical 8 ball clearance) and C.Webster (superb break and dish) guaranteeing their team at least a point as they now led 7-4. Jones won his 2nd of the night but it wasn't enough to save his team as Webster won her 2nd to loud cheers to give the Valkyries 3 well earned and welcome points. R.Baird won the final frame for Trojans but even a close 6-8 scoreline couldn't mask the disappointment of defeat.

Spartans 9-5 Pirates. If Spartans do happen to go on and win this seasons League, they may well look back at this top of the table clash as key. An out of sorts Spartans struggled to reproduce the form that seen them win 8-3 at Pirates the night before in the Knock Out Semi Final. Roy McMurtrys cueists were on their way to running out at least a draw but a missed opportunity in Frame 10 let K.English in to level the match at 5-5 instead of Pirates leading 6-4. Spartans then kicked on and took the remaining 4 frames for a 9-5 win. The relief in the air was tangible. Back to the start and it looked like dejavu from the night before as Hawkins and McDowell gave the hosts a 2-0 lead, but Pirates came storming back to take 4 on the trot through C.Carson, H.McMurtry, S.Carson and P.McCaffery with a fantastic 8 ball clearance. E.McDowell who has been in fine form recently brought the scoreline back to 3-4 in Pirates favour at the half way mark. S.Carson regained the visitors 2 frame advantage with a pinpoint clearance, but a trademark tactical McDowell win brought it back to 4-5. After English made it 5-5 in the 10th, wins for N.McKelvey, English again and E.Martin gave Tommy Maguire's team the 3 points they desired. D.Lowe then consolidated the win with a cracking long last colour and black. Pirates will feel unfortunate and rightly so, they have a resilience about them this year and will still feel a top 3 finish is within their grasp.

Results from Monday 5th December

2011-12-04T15:09:00.003Z

KNOCK OUT CUP SEMI FINALS

HEADLINES

PIRATES SUNK ~~~ SCORPIONS STING HARD IN PLAY OFF FRAME

Pirates 3-8 Spartans
Scorpions 8-7 Castle

Jonny Thompsons Scorpions will face Tommy Maguires Spartans in the Knockout Cup Final on Monday 19th December (Venue TBC). In The Brown Cow, the hosts The Pirates, offered little resistance to the rampant Spartans but it was a night of very high drama in The Light House Bar in Whiteabbey as The Scorpions edged out Castle in a play off frame after the match had concluded at 7-7. Castle had led 3-1 but a super 6 frames in a row burst put the Scorpions on the hill at 7-3. Back came Derek Whiteside's Castle to level the match at 7-7 and force the match into a single frame sudden death shoot out. And the hero of the hour for the hosts was Colin Montgomery Sr who held his nerve to sink the final black of an intriguing match. Unlucky to Castle, who played their part in one of the best matches of the season so far. In the Brown Cow, Roy McMurtrys Pirates never found the form that has seen them deservedly rise to 2nd place in the League table. A pressure black by Kenny English in the last frame of the first half was key, as it gave his team a 5-2 lead instead of a much closer nailbiting 4-3 lead. Scorers for Spartans were Ed McDowell (3), Ellis.Martin (2), Kenny English (2) and Stephen McWhirter (1). For Pirates Steven Carson (2) and Alan Corrigan (1).

Results from Tuesday 29th November

2011-11-29T00:52:00.025Z

HEADLINES
AS YOU WERE FOR TOP 4 ~ MONKSTOWN UP TO 5TH ~ SCORPIONS PREPARE FOR CUP SEMI FINAL WITH BIG WIN

Rockers 11-3 Teddy Bears
Scorpions 11-3 Greenisland
Barbarians 6-8 Eastway
MSC Trojans 3-11 Spartans
Pirates 12-2 Valkyries
Whitehead Trojans 6-8 Monkstown
Alpha 1-13 Castle

Pirates 12-2 Valkyries. Pirates pre match plan was to score heavily as frame difference could be crucial, come the end of the season. That turned out to be the case, but the result could and should have been closer, especially in the first half. P.McCaffery put the hosts 1-0 up and C.Carson doubled it against an unfortunate J.McIlroy. McCaffery made it 3-0 with when he got the rub off the green against A.Galloway. H.McMurtry and C.Carson made it 5-0 before the experienced McIlroy registered the visitors first point. A.Corrigan completed the first half scoring with a fine clearance for Pirates as they now led 6-1. McCaffery got the better of Galloway again for 7-1 and Corrigan with his 2nd made it 8. H.McMurtry added to the rump with a cheeky black to the centre pocket in off his opponents colour before brother and Team Captain Roy McMurtry piled on the agony. Valkyries registered their 2nd and final frame of the night with Galloway getting onto the scoresheet but further wins for R.McMurtry and C.Carson gave Pirates the 3 points and the improved frame difference they desired.

Whitehead Trojans 6-8 Monkstown. Newcomers Whitehead Trojans pushed Monkstown all the way. seasoned campaigner S.Hamilton opened the scoring, but Sara Greenberg's Monkstown team came storming back with 3 on the trot through P.Charles, P.Henderson and R.Henderson. A.Matthews stopped the rot for Trojans and G.Fee levelled proceeding at 3-3. But the away side took the last frame before the interval with another win for the consistent R.Henderson. Back came Trojans again with R.Baird getting on the scoresheet for 4-4, but Monkstown moved up a gear with S.Walker and P.Henderson opening up a 2 frame advantage as the match neared the business end. Gordon McCormicks Trojans were'nt going to go down without a fight and Matthews won again for 5-6 with 3 to play. But then as they have done so many times, the Henderson brothers of Robert and Paul got Monkstown over the line with a brace to secure the 3 points which moves them up to 5th in the table. Hamilton won the final frame of the evening for the hosts.

MSC Trojans 3-11 Spartans. Spartans were apprehensive about this fixture against the MSC Trojans on the tight Monkstown Club table. So Manager Tommy Maguire brought a very strong squad up to take on Rab Browns lads. R.Hawkins edged the opener for Spartans, as did E.McDowell in the 2nd. A.Mackey finished well to bring the Trojans back to 1-2, but McDowell with his 2nd point restored the away sides 2 frame lead at 3-1. Although Trojans came back to 2-3 through J.Murdock. the visitors led 5-2 at the break courtesy of wins for E.Martin and S.McWhirter. A long black by N.McKelvey increased the lead as did a tidy finish by McDowell. Spartans were on the hill and the 3 points were soon in the bag when McKelvey cut a wafer thin 8 ball into the corner pocket for 8-2. McWhirter and Martin increased the lead to 10-2 before the experienced D.Montgomery pulled one back for the hosts. Hawkins won the final frame of the night for the visitors, as Spartans stay top of the League table by 2 points.

Castle take 3 A Sides

2011-11-26T21:17:00.002Z

Well done to Castle trio of Trevor Whiteside, Tom McCorry and Paul Roberts. They are the new Carrick & District Pool League 3 A Sides Champions. After an exciting day of pool with some nailbiting matches, they beat Rockers trio John McClean, Jonny Johnston and Gee Crawley in the Final to take the title.

Frame 1 - Gee Crawley cleared the table but hung the black. Tom McCorry didn't need a second invitation and duly cleared up to give the Castle lads the lead.
Frame 2 - After a dry break from Castle's Trevor Whiteside, John McClean missed his 7th and final colour for what would have a break and dish. Whiteside cleared up all his balls but left the black hanging over the middle pocket. McClean then potted a very fine cut on his last ball and potted the black with an even more difficult cut to level at 1-1
Frame 3 - Jonny Johnston broke for Rockers and went on to pot 6 of his 7 colours. Paul Roberts got in but didn't make the most of the chance he had been given and allowed Johnston back to the table. When he failed to finish Roberts cleared up to put Castle back in front at 2-1
Frame 4 - After a very tight tactical exchange, McCorry cleared all his 6 remaining balls and the black to increase Castle's lead to 3-1.
Frame 5 - Johnston broke well, but hung the black to just miss a break and dish, Whiteside potted a few and laid a tight snooker, but Johnston got out of it and potted the 8 ball to keep the Rockers trio in it at 2-3.
Frame 6 - Probably the worst frame of the final, but Roberts didn't mind as he edged it over Crawley to put Castle on the hill at 4-2.
Frame 7 - McCorry broke dry, Johnston potted 7 reds to leave himself a straight black to the middle. But to the amazement of all watching he rattled it out of the pocket. Fast forward 62 seconds, after 7 yellows and a black by McCorry and Castle had won their first trophy of the season and deservedly so

Prelims
Castle Conquistadors 5-4 Ballbreakers
HAFMC 5-4 Resevoir Underdogs
Last 8
Coral Castle 5-1 Spartans Quest
Castle Conquistadors 5-3 Rock 'n Rollaz
The 3 Musketeers 5-0 JLC
HAFMC 5-0 Chosen Few
Semi Finals
Coral Castle 5-3 The 3 Musketeers
HAFMC 5-3 Castle Conquistadors
Final
Coral 5-2 HAFMC

Resevoir Underdogs (Brown, A.McMeekin, McIlvenny)
Spartans Quest (English, Hawkins, McDowell, McWhirter)
Castle Conquistadors (Irwin, Howard, Toner)
Coral Castle (McCorry, Roberts, T.Whiteside)
JLC (McIlroy, Ruddock, Webster)
Ballbreakers (Galloway, Lennon, Morrison)
RocknRollaz (Harris, Arbuthnot, Butler)
HAFMC (McClean, Crawley, Johnston, Lewis)
3 Musketeers (H.McMurtry, McClenaghan, Scott-Heyes)
The Chosen Few (Lowry, Burns,Vance)

Thanks to the Greenisland WMC for hosting the event and to our Pool League Committee member Rab Brown on running the days events.

Next Delegates Meeting

2011-11-25T01:34:00.001Z

The date of the next Delegates Meeting has been put back a week to Monday 12th December 2011. Time and venue are still the same, 7:30pm in the Greenisland WMC.

The change is to avoid a clash with the Knock Out Cup Semi Finals which are being played on the original scheduled date, the 5th December.

Carrick 3 Man Team Event

2011-11-24T11:53:00.009Z

This Saturday, November 26th, sees the Carrick League 3 Man Team Event take place in the Greenisland Club.

Registration on the day closes at 11:45am sharp. Teams can register 4 players total and can use their reserve in a match, but he/she can only replace the same player in any one match.

Entry is £5 per registered player and this year there will be prize money for the Winners and Runners Up

Entries to be phoned/texted to Rab Brown on 07899 913785

Entries so far

Resevoir Underdogs (Brown, A.McMeekin, McIlvenny)
Spartans Quest (English, Hawkins, McDowell, McWhirter)
Castle Conquistadors (Irwin, Howard, Toner)
Coral Castle (McCorry, Roberts, T.Whiteside)
JLC (McIlroy, Ruddock, Webster)
Ballbreakers (Galloway, Lennon, Morrison)
RocknRollaz (Harris, Arbuthnot, Butler)
HAFMC (McClean, Crawley, Johnston, Lewis)
3 Musketeers (H.McMurtry, McClenaghan, Scott-Heyes)
The Chosen Few (Lowry, Burns,Vance)

Results from Tuesday 22nd November

2011-11-22T13:35:00.015Z

HEADLINES

SPARTANS GO CLEAR AT TOP ~ CASTLE WHITEWASH ~ MONKSTOWN STALL THE PIRATES ~ MSC TROJANS OVERCOME VALKYRIES ~ ALPHA MAKE THEIR POINT ~ ROCKERS KEEP UP THE CHALLENGE ~ SCORPIONS REGAIN THEIR STING

Castle 14-0 Whitehead Trojans
Monkstown 7-7 Pirates
Valkyries 5-9 MSC Trojans
Spartans 12-2 Barbarians
Eastway 5-9 Scorpions
Greenisland 4-10 Rockers
Teddy Bears 7-7 Alpha

Greenisland 4-10 Rockers. Captain Harry Warwick knew this was always going to be a hard match for his Greenisland team, so he was more than pleased when the consistent G.Burns got them off to a winning start. But The Champions responded in style reeling off 6 in a row to take us up to the interval. And they made sure of gaining at least a point by taking the first frame of the second session, though the hosts rallied to 4-8 with a treble of needed wins. Any notion Warwick had of a comeback for a point were soon extinguished by a classy A.Arbuthnot break and dish in frame 12. Rockers went on to take the last 2 for a solid 10-4 victory. On the screcard for the winners were Crawley (3), Arbuthnot (2), Harris (2), Butler (2) and Captain John McClean (1). On target for the home side were Burns, Lennon, A.Harris and D.Harris with one a piece.

Monkstown 7-7 Pirates. Monkstown couldn't have hoped for a better start against the League's 2nd placed team The Pirates, as they sped into an interval lead of 5-2. P.Charles registered twice as did P.Henderson. G.Russell got the other with R.McMurtry and S.Carson replying for the visitors. But as results between these two teams are usually close a Pirates fightback in the 2nd session would not have been a surprise, especially as they had a very strong line up still to come for the said session. But it was R.Henderson who won a marathon first frame for Monkstown after a sublime shot on his last colour to land perfect on the black, which he duly potted for 6-2. Then as expected Pirates started to sail with a 4 frame burst from C.Carson (2), P.McCaffrey and S.Carson again. The match now stood at 6-6 with 2 frames to play and it would have taken a brave man to bet on a winner. Advantage Monkstown as R.Henderson edged Frame 13 to gaurantee the hosts at least 1 point on the night but it was the experienced A.Corrigan of the Pirates who sunk the final black ball of the night to give his team a point too in a thrilling 7-7 draw.

Valkyries 5-9 MSC Trojans. Valkyries nearly caused a big upset as they entertained MSC Trojans at their new venue of Whitehead GRSC. Although Clare Webster's team won the first frame, the improving Trojans won the next 6 on the trot to lead 6-1 at the interval. It seemed the Valkyries were going to be on the end of a heavy defeat, but a 4 frame burst of their own brought them back to 5-6 much to the disbelief of the away side. And when R.McMaw hung a tricky black in Frame 12 it looked like the hosts would level the match. But McMaw got a second chance and made no mistake to restore a 2 frame advantage. The away side then closed out the match winning the remaining 2 Frames. Valkyries scorers were A.Galloway 2, J.McIlroy 1, L.Ruddock 1 and C.Webster 1. Scoring for the MSC Trojans were A.Mackey 2, R.McMaw 2, R.Brown 2, M.McIlvenny 1, M.McMeekin 1 and A.McMeekin 1.

Spartans 12-2 Barbarians. Spartans won this match very convincingly, although the scoreline could have been closer than it ended up. E.McDowell was in fine form for the hosts, shooting a hat trick including an amazing clearance on his first visit to the table in Frame 2. The score at half time was 6-1, J.Regan being the visitors only point scorer. It was a similar 6-1 scoreline in the 2nd half, this time G.Harrington being the Barbarians frame winner. Spartan scorers on the night were McDowell 3, Hawkins 2, English 2, Martin 2, Lowe 2 and McWhirter 1

Condolences

2011-11-16T16:43:00.000Z

The Committee of Carrick & District Pool League would like to offer their condolences to Monkstown player Ronnie Nelson on the passing of his Mother yesterday the 15th November.

Speedy recovery Derek

2011-11-16T12:22:00.003Z

The Committee of the Carrick & District Pool League wish our Chairman and Castle Manager Derek Whiteside a speedy recovery.

Derek will be having an operation on Thursday 17th after he broke his arm and ankle when he tripped on the footpath and fell on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after returning from Coleraine where he had been helping with refereeing and officiating duties at the Northern Ireland Special Pool Festival in the Lodge Hotel.

Results from Tuesday 15th November

2011-11-16T00:33:00.012Z

HEADLINES

PIRATES STORM THE CASTLE ~ GREENISLAND UP TO 5TH ~ MSC TROJANS WIN BIG DERBY MATCH

Pirates 8-6 Castle
Whitehead Trojans 9-5 Alpha
Scorpions 5-9 Spartans
Barbarians 11-3 Valkyries
Eastway 5-9 Rockers
Teddy Bears 6-8 Greenisland
MSC Trojans 8-6 Monkstown

Teddy Bears 6-8 Greenisland. S.Lennon opened the scoring for the visitors but this was short lived as R.Williams broke and dished to level at 1-1. H.Warwick and P.Akehurst gave Greenisland a 3-1 lead before D.McIlwaine reduced the arrears for the Bears. A brace from G.Burns and D.Baird secured a healthy 5-2 interval lead for the away side, in which both sides enjoyed a bowl of stew. The next 4 frames were shared, Burns and Lennon for the visitors, McIlwaine and B.Fleming for the hosts. At 7-4 up Greenisland only needed one more frame to win the match but the Bears are resilient and wins for Williams and P.Patterson ensured we would have a last frame decider. But Greenisland's Baird held his nerve to give the visitors a narrow 8-6 win and 3 points that sees them leapfrog the Teddy Bears into 5th spot.

Whitehead Trojans 9-5 Eastway. New boys Whitehead Trojans welcomed Alpha down to the Whitehead GRSC for this League match. The hosts went 2-0 up courtesy of R.Baird and S.Hamilton but Alpha's P.Templeton reduced the arrears to 2-1. A.Matthews and Trojans Captain G.McCormick took the next 2 to give the home side a 4-1 lead. The last 2 before the break were shared A.Hall for Alpha and Baird again for the hosts. After G.Jones gave Trojans a 6-2 lead Hall replied with his second win of the evening to make it 6-3, but the 3 points were guaranteed for the Whitehead team courtesy of another Matthews and McCormick double. Alpha took 2 out of the remaining 3 frames through M.Kitson and Templeton to give a final scoreline of 9-5. Best for the home side was Captain McCormick on 3/3 and for the visitors A.Hall and P.Templeton both scored 2/3.

Pirates 8-6 Castle. The experienced Castle team were paper favourites in this joint top of the table clash in the Brown Cow Inn, Carrickfergus. But Roy McMurtrys Pirates hadn't read the script. They raced into a 3-0 lead as they strived to continue their good start to the season. A.Corrigan defeated A.Toner, S.Carson edged out D.Irwin and Corrigan with his second in a long drawn tactical frame against Paul Roberts were the scorers. The next 2 were shared, T.McCorry for Castle and P.McCaffrey for Pirates leaving the score at 4-1. J.Meredith with a tactical win and T.Whiteside won the final 2 of the first half and seemed to have kick started the now all to common Castle comeback. But the Carson brothers of Chris and Steven had other ideas and soon restored the hosts 3 frame advantage at 6-3. Needing just one for a guaranteed point, Pirates S.Carson looked to be on his way to getting it until a roll off handed the frame to C.Howard. An Irwin win ensured a nervy finish but Pirates weren't going to be denied at least a point and McCaffrey made it 7-5 to the Brown Cow team. Enter Irwin again with a pinpoint break and dish over A.Moore to take the match to the 14th and deciding frame but it was Pirates Manager Roy McMurtry who was joyous when McCaffrey with his 3rd of the match started the home team celebrations with an 8-6 win, a result that even only a year ago most would have thought unthinkeable. Pirates, move into 2nd place joint top on points with Spartans, and should now be considered genuine title contenders. A double header on 5th (Knockout Cup Semi Final) and 6th December (League) against The Spartans could be key in their quest fo any honours this season.

Scorpions 5-9 Spartans. Jonny Thompsons Scorpions entertained the League Leaders at the Lighthouse Bar in this City Air Express Carrick Pool League fixture. But it was the visitors who edged ahead through E.Martin. The lead was short lived though as C.Rafferty cleared the table after a dry break from E.McDowell. And the home team went ahead when J.Nelson finished in a precise manner in Frame 3. The next 2 were shared, R.Hawkins for the visitors and J.Nelson with his second for the Scorpions. K.English and E.McDowell won the final 2 frames before the interval to give Spartans a 4-3 lead going into the 2nd half. Frame 8 was pivitol, an English win against Scorpion talisman Nelson gave the visitors a bit of breathing space at 5-3. Martin made it 6-3 But a quickfire 8 ball clearance from C.Montgomery kept the match very much in the balance at 6-4. W.Smyth was unlucky in Frame 11 when a miscue let in S.McWhirter to finish and put Spartans on the hill. But another delightful Rafferty clearance brought it back to 7-5. With news filtering through that rivals Castle had dropped points at Pirates, Tommy Maguire urged a big effort from his remaining 2 players as he knew one more frame would keep his team top of the table with this tricky fixture out of the way. And he was answered in Frame 13 by McWhirter who sunk the black to give Spartans the vital 3 points. Hawkins completed the evening off for the away side with a tidy finish to give a final scoreline of 9-5.

MSC Trojans 8-6 Monkstown. What a win for Rab Brown's MSC Trojans in this big derby match in Monkstown. It was a close match all evening and the home side had a slender 4-3 lead at the interval courtesy of A.Mackey, A.McMeekin, M.McMeekin and M.McIlvenny. On the scoresheet for Monkstown were S.Walker, R.Henderson ans S.Greenberg. The points went the way off the MSC Trojans when they won the second session by the same 4-3 scoreline as the first. D.Montgomery, A.Mackey, R.McMaw and R.Brown were the victors with P.Charles and G.Russell (2) replying for the visitors. The Trojans are now in 8th position, only one spot behind their stablemates Monkstown, but for now the "bragging rights" belong to Rab Browns team at least until next April when the 2 teams meet again in the second half of the season.

Results from Monday 14th November

2011-11-14T11:41:00.001Z

Knockout Cup Quarter Finals

MSC Trojans 5-8 Pirates
Castle 8-4 Whitehead Trojans
Spartans 8-2 Teddy Bears
Scorpions 8-0 Eastway

Round up
The first team to reach the Semi Finals was Jonny Thompsons Scorpions with a quick fire 8-0 demolition of near neighbours Eastway. Derek Whiteside's Castle again got off to a shaky start trailing 0-3 to Whitehead Trojans, but again they turned up the gas taking 8 out of the next 9 frames for a convincing 8-4 victory. In Whitehead, Spartans put the ghost of an 6-8 League defeat to the Teddy Bears behind them with a solid performance for an 8-2 win. The closest match was at Monkstown, where Rab Browns MSC Trojans pushed the high flying Pirates all the way before going down 5-8.

Semi Final Draw (ties to be played Monday 5th December)

Scorpions v Castle
Pirates v Spartans

Results from Tuesday 8th November

2011-11-08T17:41:00.011Z

HEADLINES

SPARTANS ARE ROCK SOLID ~ PIRATES & CASTLE KEEP IN TOUCH ~ BEARS UP TO 5th ~ NO JOY FOR EITHER TROJANS

Spartans 10-4 Rockers
Teddy Bears 10-4 Whitehead Trojans
Alpha 4-10 Pirates
Castle 11-3 MSC Trojans
Monkstown 9-5 Barbarians
Valkyries 4-10 Scorpions
Greenisland 9-5 Eastway

Greenisland 8-6 Eastway. Grenisland hosted Eastway and as previous results show there isn't much between these two teams. The hosts got off to a great start with wins for S.Lennon and G.Burns, but M.Greer pulled one back for Eastway. The next 4 frames were shared, A.Harris and H.Warwick for Greenisland and L.McCord and T.Larmour for the visitors, to give Greenisland a slender 4-3 interval lead. Eastway won 2 out of the next 3, courtesy of G.Orr and M.Greer again. With A.Harris winning for the home side the match now stood at 5-5 and looked as if it would go all the way. But an unpredictable 4 frame final burst with wins from R.Croft, D.Baird, A.Harrison and W.Morrison ensured that the 3 points on offer would stay in the Greenislad Club. Best on the night were A.Harris (Greenisland) on 3/3 and M.Greer (Eastway) on 2/2/

Castle 11-3 MSC Trojans. With two of the joint top 4 teams playing each other, Castle wanted to capitalise and make a statement about their title ambitions. But they got off to their now obligatory shaky start even though a sublime 8 ball clearance by A.Toner from a D. Montgomery dry break put them 1-0 up. The visitors equalised despite J.Murdock hanging his last yellow. It looked simple for T.McCorry to increase the home advantage but he hung his penultimate red to let Murdock back in for a sitter. The away side then took the lead when A.McMeekin took the chance that was presented to him. Castle levelled vwhen D.Irwin played a fantastic shot to get on his last ball in a tight frame and M.Wilson restored the home lead with a great long black at the end of a tactical frame. In the 6th J.Meredith took advantage of a cushion foul to increase the lead to 4-2. In the final frame of the first half R.McMaw showed why he is current European Wheelchair Champion with some great shooting, culminating with a great cut on the black to give his Captain Rab Brown hope for the second period. But Castle came out with new vigour after Manager Derek Whiteside's team talk with one of the quickest second halves in memory. Meredith started the ball rolling with a break and dish before Toner made it 6-3 with another 8 ball clearance. Irwin then juggled the black for another break and dish but A.Mackey unsuccessfully tried to lay a snooker to leave Irwin a tap in.Next it was C.Howard turn to rip out an 8 ball clearance followed by a somewhat fortuitous win for Irwin. Wilson and Toner completed the rout with 2 super 8 ball clearances to Castle a 7-0 second half scoreline. Summing up it was a game of 2 halves, with MSC Trojans showing how much they have improved and pushing Castle all the way in the first half. The second however, was all Castle. A big performance with some breathtaking pool from a team who look ready now to push on with a serious challenge for the title. A big test awaits them next week with a visit to Roy McMurtrys high flying Pirates.

Monkstown 9-5 Barbarians. The first half started off close. H.Regan put the visitors ahead with a good finish, but alas this would be the only time the Barbarians would lead in the match. G.Russell and R.Henderson put Monkstown ahead at 2-1 before the in form H.Regan levelled the match again. The tit for tat continued with P.Charles edging the hosts ahead and visitors Captain M.Lowry equalising once again. Much to the relief off Monkstown Captain S.Greenberg her team then reeled off 4 in a row courtesy of Russell, R.Henderson, Charles and Greenberg herself. M.Porter put a temporary halt to Monkstowns charge but the destination of the 3 points was soon decide with a P.Henderson win. Russell with his hat trick made it 9-4 to the hosts but J.Regan took the last for the Barbarians with the help of a prematurely potted black.

Spartans 10-4 Rockers. Never in Manager Tommy Maguire's wildest dreams could he have predicted this result against the Champions. He and his assistant R.Hawkins took a gamble by using only 5 players on the night rather than spreading it out thinly between 8 or 9. And how those players repaid him with Spartans best performance for a long while. E.Martin started the ball rolling with an unlikely clearance before E.McDowell broke and dished against his old mentor Darren Whiteside. S.McWhirter finished superbly against R.Butler as the hosts raced into a 3-0 lead. W.Lewis stemmed the tide with a superb 8 ball clearance, but E.Martin finished well again against an unlucky Whiteside who got a kick on his final colour. Back came The Rockers with scintillating Pool, Arbuthnot broke and dished against K.English and P.Harris straight onto the table after arriving late broke and dished against McWhirter. Spartans now led 4-3 and with the 7 frames in the first half only lasting about 35 minutes the standard of Pool spoke for itself. After the break, the first half was always going to be a hard act to follow. First up McDowell took advantage of an unlucky in off from Lewis, to restore the home sides 2 frame advantage, and in frame 9 K.English got his revenge on Arbuthnot with the finest of nicks on a long black in the corner pocket. In the next when N.McKelvey making his debut was unlucky when going for his finish Rockers stand in Captain R.Butler laid a few great snookers before finishing off the frame. What a frame the 11th was between McDowell and Harris. The advantage swung one way, then the other about 8 times before a relieved McDowell finished when Harris juggled the black from a long shot down the rail. 7-4 to the hosts and the guarantee of at least a point. But Spartan confidence was high and it was fitting that new boy McKelvey ensured all 3 points would stay in Whitehead, when he took out a pinpoint 8 ball clearance against Lewis. E. Martin with a faultless 7 ball clearance and a McWhirter win sent Spartans to the top of the League table, albeit on frame difference only. Tops for Spartans were deadly duo McDowell and Martin both on 3/3.

Result from Tuesday 1st November

2011-11-02T01:18:00.001Z

Knockout Cup 1st Round
MSC Trojans 8-7 Alpha

MSC Trojans 8-7 Alpha. What a match these 2 teams produced, Alpha led most of the way with the hosts needing to win 4 out of the final 5 frames to force a deciding play off frame at 7-7. And the hero of the hour was Jackie Murdock, who won the play off frame to send MSC Trojans into a Quarter Final tie at home to Roy McMurtrys high flying Pirates. But well done to Alpha who played so well and just missed out on that Quarter Final spot.

Results from Tuesday 1st November

2011-11-01T17:12:00.010Z

HEADLINES

BIG 4 ALL WIN, BUT ONLY JUST FOR CASTLE ~ EASTWAY KEEP ON FORM ~ MONKSTOWN STING SCORPIONS

Eastway 10-4 Teddy Bears
Greenisland 2-12 Spartans
Rockers 14-0 Valkyries
Scorpions 5-9 Monkstown
Barbarians 6-8 Castle
MSC Trojans 12-2 Alpha
Pirates 11-3 Whitehead Trojans

Pirates 11-3 Whitehead Trojans. Pirates Captain Roy McMurtry's team talk was not to underestimate The Trojans, and this was shown to be wise councel as the visitors raced into a 2-0 lead. But the Pirates are a resilient side this season with their new summer signings and they soon had it back at 2-2 after Frame 4. In the next it was Trojans Captain Gordon McCormick who restored his sides lead. But thats where it ended for the away side, as it turned out to be their last win of the night. Wins from A.Corrigan and R.McMurtry put the Pirates 4-3 ahead at the interval. Although the hosts won all 7 frames in the 2nd half, some of them could have gone either way. 2 frames from S.Carson, including a fantastic black down the rail, sandwiching 1 from older brother Chris put the Pirates on the hill at 7-3, and it was soon all over as P.McCaffrey won the next. Further strikes from C.Carson, A.Corrigan and H.McMurtry sealed the scoreline and kept Pirates joint top of the table on 12 points.

Barbarians 6-8 Castle. In a rerun of last weeks Cup match, Barbarians hosted the Castle in this League match. Castle were looking for a similar result of the scoreline but Michael Lowry's Barbarians had other things in mind. P.Roberts looked to have got Castle off to a winning start but ran out of position on the black. Castle old boy G.Harrington continued his stirling form against his old club by edging balls into a clearable position before finishing it off. A.Toner won a tit for tat safety game against veteran campaigner H.Regan to level at 1-1, but wins from M.Porter and Regan himself in a scrappy frame against C.Howard, gave the hosts a 3-1 advantage. J.Meredith scored for Castle but M.Lowry potted a great last yellow to make it 4-2 Barbarians. Porter with his 2nd gave the home side a somewhat 5-2 interval lead against Derek Whiteside's League Title hopefuls. Castle were under the cosh but like so many times before came out fighting. McCorry edged out Regan after a tactical exchange before Irwin done similar to reduce the arrears to a single frame. Howard potted a great black to level at 5-5 and Irwin with his 2nd ripped out a fine finish to put Castle ahead for the first time in the match at 6-5. Toner guaranteed Castle at least a point with a trademark finish as Castle led 7-5 now. But back came the Barbarians with a solid win from Harrington to ensure the destination of the points would not be decided until the final frame. It looke like the hosts had earned a point, but debutante J.Regan narrowly missed the black in Frame 14 and the experience of Meredith finally got Castle over the line at 8-6. Barbarians after a poor start to the season can hopefully build on this performance and Castle are very much in the title hunt as we head into the 7th League match next week.

Scorpions 5-9 Monkstown. Monkstown started off better than they could have hoped for, racing into a 4-0 lead courtesy of R.Henderson, G.Russell, P.Henderson and P.Charles, but still didn't take anything for granted. D.Millar and W.Smyth reduced the arrears but R.Henderson with his 2nd win of the evening kept the away team in the driving seat as Monkstown led 5-2 at the interval. Scorpion J.Nelson won the opener of the 2nd half but G.Russell with his 2nd restored the 3 frame advantage. The next 4 frames were shared, J.Nelson again and C.Rafferty for Scorpions and R.Nelson and R.Henderson (hat trick) for Monkstown who now led 8-5 securing the 3 match points. P.Henderson won the final frame of the night for the visitors as they move up to 5th position in the table.

MSC Trojans 12-2 Alpha. MSC Trojans moved up to 8th in the table with a convincing win over basement team The Alpha. They won both sessions by a 6-1 scoreline for an overall win of 12-2. On song for the hosts were, D.Montgomery (3), A.McMeekin (3), J.Murdock (3), A.Mackey (2) and R.McMaw (1).

Rockers 14-0 Valkyries. Table toppers The Rockers easily defeated The Valkyries in Whiteabbey RBL in this League fixture. And in the process they have done their frame difference no harm at all by completing a whitewash of 14-0 against the bewildered visitors. On the scoresheet were W.Lewis (3), R.Butler (3), P.Harris (3), A.Arbuthnot (3) and J.Johnston (2).

Greenisland 2-12 Spartans. With Greenisland having moved up to 6th position in the table there was always the chance of an upset in this fixture. But Spartans set out their stall early on racing into a 4-0 lead. The hosts claimed the 5th with an 8 ball clearance from D.Baird but E.Martin restored the advantage with a pinpoint break and dish. Spartans then moved up a gear winning 7 out of the next 8 frames for what turned out to be a comfortable victory. On the scoresheet for Tommy Maguires men were, E.Martin (3), K.English (3), E.McDowell (3) and R.Hawkins (3). Baird and Morrison replied for Greenisland.

Results from Tuesday 25th October

2011-10-25T16:41:00.005+01:00

HEADLINES
ROCKERS ROCKED AT EASTWAY ~ PIRATES AHOY ~ SCORPIONS BACK ON FORM ~ CASTLE COME FROM BEHIND

Knockout Cup 1st Round

MSC Trojans P-P Alpha
Monkstown 7-8 Pirates
Greenisland 4-8 Scorpions
Barbarians 4-8 Castle
Eastway 8-6 Rockers
Spartans 8-2 Valkyries
Byes - Whitehead Trojans & Teddy Bears

Draw for Quarter Finals (Ties to be played Monday 14th November)

MSC Trojans or Alpha v Pirates
Castle v Whitehead Trojans
Spartans v Teddy Bears
Scorpions v Eastway

Barbarians 4-8 Castle. Barbarians got off to a good start in this local derby, Castle's J. Meredith potted a superb doubled black against H.Regan only to watch in awe as the white followed it in to give Michael Lowry's side the early impetus. It didn't look good for Castle as T.McCorry's dry break let M.Porter in for a clear run, but a missed black let McCorry off the hook and he swiftly ran out an 8 ball clearance.Unperturbed, the Barbarians rallied again with Regan edging a tight frame against C.Howard and then extended the lead to 3-1 when Castle old boy G.Harrington took advantage of a somewhat fortuitous 2 shots from the unfortunate A.Toner and ripped out a tidy finish. P.Roberts got Castle back into it with a typical patient frame, he lined up all his balls, got 2 shots and ripped them out. This started the visitors on a bouyant 5 frame run. McCorry pulling off another trademark finish, M.Wilson taking advantage off a missed black to finish and Roberts finishing with the aid of 2 fortunate shots. Shot of the night next as Howard potted his last red used Porters yellow for position and whipped in a highly improbable looking black. Castle now led 6-3. Harrington reduced the arrears to 6-4 with an extremely brave fibish culminating with a great black, but Wilson put Castle on the hill with a pinpoint clearance. And it was soon all over as the steady Meredith closed out the 13th frame and match to set up an intersting Semi Final at home to League new boys Whitehead Trojans.

Spartans 8-2 Valkyries. As expected Spartans cruised into the Knockout Cup Quarter Finals although the scoreline could have been closer than it ended up. They raced into a 5-0 lead before the visitors took 2 out of the next 3 to reduce the arrears to 6-2. But the hosts took the next 2 for an 8-2 win. Scorers for Spartans were R.Hawkins 3/3, T.Maguire 1/1, K.English 1/1, D.Lowe 2/3 and A.Wright 2/3. A.Galloway and K.McCormack both with good finishes were on target for the Valkyries.

Condolences

2011-10-20T20:51:00.000+01:00

The Committee of the Carrick & District Pool League would like to offer their condolences to Alpha players Angela & Lynn Carson and their family on the sad news of the death of their mother today, 20th October.

Results from Tuesday 18th October

2011-10-19T00:29:00.016+01:00

HEADLINES -- Rockers back on top -- Barbarians get 1st win -- Battle of the Trojans ends all square -- Greenisland up to 6th

Rockers 11-3 Monkstown
Teddy Bears 5-9 Pirates
Alpha 5-9 Barbarians
Spartans 11-3 Eastway
Castle 9-5 Scorpions
Valkyries 3-11 Greenisland
MSC Trojans 7-7 Whitehead Trojans

Valkyries 3-11 Greenisland. Greenisland travelled the 2 miles or so down the road to Carrick, to face the Valkyries in the Brown Cow. And they took the early advantage by winning the first 2 frames through S.Lennon and G.Burns. But back came the hosts to level at 2-2 with wins for A.Galloway and G.Thompson. Greenisland then took control of the match winning 9 out of the next 10 frames to secure the 3 points and 6th spot in the table for Manager Harry Warwick. J.McIlroy ended the night on a high for the Valkyries winning the 14th and final frame. Best scorers on the night were G.Burns and S.Lennon for the visitors, both on 3/3.

Castle 9-5 Scorpions. Castle, still bouyant after beating the Rockers last week, needed to concentrate on the job in hand against Jonny Thompsons Scorpions. And nerves were settled when ex Scorpion C.Howard got out of 5 snookers before eventually winning the first frame of the night. D.Irwin doubled the lead, but J.Nelson broke and dished to get the visitors off the mark. A.Toner restored the 2 frame advantage in an uncharacteristic tactical frame for the Portrush man. The next 2 were shared, Rafferty for the Scorpions and Irwin with his 2nd for Castle. C.Montgomery took out a fine finish to keep the Scorpions in the match at only 4-3 down at the interval. It was nip and tuck stuff as Howard broke and dished only for Rafferty to again bring the deficit down to a single frame at 5-4 Castle. But the hosts then turned the screw with a McCorry break and dish and a clearance from Toner from his opponents dry break. Nelson won the 12th frame for the visitors to keep their hopes alive but wins for Meredith and McCorry again gave Derek Whiteside's Castle the all important victory which keeps them joint top of the table on 12 points with Rockers, Pirates and Spartans. Great attacking pool all night from both sides.

MSC Trojans 7-7 Whitehead Trojans. In the"Battle of the Trojans" it was the Whitehead men who raced into a 4-0 lead with wins from veteran S.Hamilton, T.Heyes, A.Matthews and Captain G.McCormick. The Monkstown lads though took the next 2 courtesy of wins from J.Murdock and D.Montgomery but the improving T.Heyes won his 2nd to give the visitors a healthy 5-2 interval lead. Whatever the home Captain Rab Brown said to his team definitely registered as they came out all guns blazing winning 5 in a row to lead 7-5 with 2 to play. On the board were Captain R.Brown himself, M.McMeekin, A.McMeekin, D.Montgomery with his 2nd of the night and a tidy break and dish from J.Murdock for his 2nd of the night too. But new boys Whitehead Trojans are grinding out results and after Heyes notched up his hat trick in the 13th, the reliable S.Hamilton won them a point by winning the final frame of the match. All in all a fair result.

Rockers 11-3 Monkstown. After last weeks setback against Castle, The Rockers knew they had to up their game for this tricky fixture against Monkstown. In a scrappy start to the match, the home side led 3-0 although it could easily have been 2-1 to the visitors. The Champions increased their lead to 6-1 at the interval with P.Henderson being the only point scorer for Monkstown after ripping out an unlikely clearance. But the Rockers kept up the pressure with 4 more frames including a breathtaking finish from A.Arbuthnot. R.Henderson replied for Monkstown, the irresistable R.Butler restored the 9 frame advantage with a difficult pinpoint finish. The away side secured the 14th and final frame courtesy of a wonderful clearance from R.Nelson. For The Rockers, Butler, Arbuthnot and Harris all scored the maximum 3/3. On paper it looks like a hammering, but it could have been a lot closer as several frames were very close.

Spartans 11-3 Eastway. Spartans got their title bid back on track with a solid performance against Tom Larmour's Eastway.The 3 M's, McWhirter, McDowell and Martin all won to give the hosta an early 3-0 lead. R.Whiteside pulled one back for the Rathcoole lads before Martin won his 2nd in a tactical frame that lasted over 30 minutes. McDowell with his 2nd and K.English made the interval score 6-1 for the absent Tommy Maguire's Spartans. McDowell and Martin completed their hat tricks straight after the break to ensure the 3 points would be staying in Whitehead. McWhirter and English made it 10-1 before G.Orr with some fine potting marked another on the Eastway scorecard. An unbelieveable cut on his last colour gave M.Greer an easy black as the visitors ended the match on a high, but R.Hawkins sunk the final black off the night to keep their title ambitions very much alive even though the scoreline was slightly flattering.

Results from Tuesday 11th October

2011-10-12T01:05:00.010+01:00

HEADLINES -- Castle Rock the Rockers -- Teddy Bears have a picnic -- MSC Trojans all at sea

Rockers 5-9 Castle
Spartans 6-8 Teddy Bears
MSC Trojans 2-12 Pirates
Barbarians 7-7 Trojans
Greenisland 7-7 Monkstown
Alpha 4-10 Scorpions
Valkyries 3-11 Eastway

Greenisland 7-7 Monkstown. The visitors got off to a good start courtesy of a P.Henderson win, but a four frame burst from the GI's through the in form G.Burns (2), S.Lennon and P.Akehurst settled the home teams nerves. The next two were shared, P.Charles for Monkstown and Lennon with his second for Greenisland to give an interval score of 5-2 for the hosts. Burns with his hat trick made it 6-2 before Monkstown brought the score back to 6-5 through the Henderson trio of Paul, Robert and new signing Ryan. Greenisland were guaranteed at least a point when D.Harris finished well but the spoils were shared on the night at 7-7 with another double from the Hendersons, Paul and Robert.

Rockers 5-9 Castle. Castle Manager Derek Whiteside told his players before kick off "WIN or we can't win the League, even after only 4 matches into the new season" A tall order indeed against the League Champions, the team that Castle just can't seem to beat recently. So it was little surprise when Rockers Captain J.McClean capitalised on a P.Roberts missed clearance to put the home side 1-0 up. More Castle misery as T.McCorry couldn't really get in to his swing and A.Arbuthnot made it 2-0. But then Castle new boy A.Toner pulled one back with a pinpoint finish after the usually reliable R.Butler missed his. It was soon 2-2 when Castle talisman D.Irwin defeated Darren Whiteside. Clem Howard unluckily went in off to the middle whilst trying to unblock a pocket but that didnt worry P.Harris who cleared to put The Rockers ahead again at 3-2. Castle levelled again at 3-3 with a sublime frame from Irwin and an unbelievable clearance from T.Whiteside put the visitors 4-3 ahead at the half time interval. Howard then gave Castle a two frame advantage with a nice black off the cushion but the Champs rallied again and kept it just a frames distance with a fine Darren Whiteside clearance against Toner. Up stepped McCorry in the next for Castle, with a trademark 90 seconds break and dish to put Castle into a 6-4 lead and the visitors were guaranteed at least a point as Irwin notched up his hat trick of wins. The honours of achieving the 3 vital points went to Toner with another good finish. Arbuthnot pulled one back for Rockers against P.Roberts but T.Whiteside finished the match off with a delightful clearance culminating with a breathtaking black. A long awaited win for the Castle lads and proof that this seasons title race will be exhilirating and full of drama.

Spartans 6-8 Teddy Bears. What a match beteen these two Rangers Supporters Clubs. The experienced successful Whitehead Spartans against new boys the Teddy Bears from Carrick who although unbeaten were expected to crumble at Sparta where the hosts have a very strong home record. But Brian Flemings lads did not read the script at all, they came down the 5 mile coastal trip and made their mark, leaving with all 3 points and not only that, they are top of the League. After a pulsating first half, Spartans led 4-3 at the break then 5-3. But after that it was the Carrick lads who ran the show as they took 4 out of the next 5 frames to lead 7-6 with one to go. It all looked hopeless for the pending hero of the hour, veteran D.Millar, with his last 4 colours seemingly not in a clearing position, but he pulled out a super finish to seal the match much to the delight of all his team mates as they heard the news that with The Rockers loss at Castle, the Teddy Bears were top of the League.

MSC Trojans 2-12 Pirates. The Pirates are now full sail ahead in the League this season. After a first match reverse to League Champions The Rockers, Roy McMurtry's shipmates have won 3 in a row, none more convincing than this demolition of MSC Trojans. It looked like it was going to be a tight match all the way after the first 4 frames were shared at 2-2, A.Corrigan and J.McMurtry on the board for the visitors and J.Murdock and D.Montgomery for the hosts. But an amazing 10 frames in a row gave Pirates the 3 points and left the MSC Trojans reeling. C.Carson started it off with a 6 ball clearance in the first of his 3 wins which also included a tidy break and dish in the last. Further wins for R.McMurtry, S.Carson (2), P.McCaffrey, J.McMurtry and A.Corrigan wrapped up a splendid nights work for the Pirates but gave Rab Brown a lot of thinking to do before his MSC Trojans host Whitehead Trojans next Tuesday.

Interleague Captains

2011-10-11T00:58:00.000+01:00

Carrick & District Pool League will be taking 1x 'A' Team and 2x 'B' Teams to the annual Northern Ireland Pool Association Interleague event. It will be held in the Queens Hall, Newtownards on 14th & 15th January 2012. The Captains for each team are as follows -

'A' Team - Colin Montgomery (Scorpions) on Sunday 15th January
'B1' Team - Derek Whiteside (Castle) on Saturday 14th January
'B2' Team - Rab Brown (MSC Trojans) on Saturday 14th January

Results from Tuesday 3rd October

2011-10-05T00:51:00.004+01:00

Teddy Bears 7-7 MSC Trojans
Barbarians 6-8 Pirates
The Trojans 8-6 Scorpions
Alpha 0-14 Rockers
Greenisland 2-12 Castle
Monkstown 11-3 Eastway
Valkyries 2-12 Spartans

Alpha 0-14 Rockers. The League Champions "Whiteabbey RBL Rockers" travelled to the League's wooden spoon holders "The Alpha". Although the hosts were unfortunate in losing 2 out of the first 3 frames, including an in off on the black, they had no answer to the clinical professionalism of the Rockers in the next 11 frames. W.Lewis, J.Johnston, R.Butler and A.Arbuthnot all scored 3/3 with Darren Whiteside on 2/2.

Teddy Bears 7-7 MSC Trojans. The visitors got off to a great start by winning the first 4 frames through A.McMeekin (2), J.Murdock and new European Individual Wheelchair Champion R.McMaw. It looked ominous for the Rangers Club team, but a splendid 4 frame burst of their own levelled the match at 4 a piece. On the scoreboard were P.Patterson, A.Lindsay, D.Millar and B.Fleming. It was nip and tuck the rest of the match and probably only fair that at close of play the honours were shared in a 7-7 draw. M.McIlveany (2) and McMaw again, scored for MSC Trojans whilst Patterson, Millar and Lyndsay all registered their 2nd frame of the night for the Teddy Bears.

Valkyries 2-12 Spartans. As expected, Tommy Maguires Spartans won this match very comfortably. They led 7-0 at the interval and were on 10-0 before M.McCourt registered a frame for the hosts. Spartans went to 12-1 but the final frame of the evening was won by L.Ruddock for the Valkyries. On the scoresheet for Spartans were K.English (3), E.Martin (3), R.Hawkins (2), D.Lowe (2) and A.Wright (2)

Trojans 8-6 Scorpions. Well done to new boys The Trojans, who caused a big upset by beating Jonny Thompsons Scorpions. The ground work was done in the first half of the match when the hosts racked up a 5-2 lead. A point was guaranteed when they took the first 2 after the interval but 2 frames later A.Matthews sealed the win much to the delight of Manager G.McCormick. Scorpions rallied, albeit too late, with a brace from C.Montgomery Sr either side of a D.Millar win to take the last 3 frames of the match. Scoring for The Trojans were S.Hamilton (2), A.Matthews (2), G.Jones, W.Ross, T.Scott-Heyes and G.McCormick

Results from Tuesday 27th September

2011-09-27T23:39:00.009+01:00

Spartans 9-5 Monkstown
Rockers 12-2 Whitehead Trojans
Valkyries 2-12 Teddy Bears
Eastway 5-9 Castle
Greenisland 11-3 Alpha
Scorpions 6-8 Pirates
MSC Trojans 11-3 Barbarians

Eastway 5-9 Castle. Derek Whiteside's Castle men continued their stuttering start to the season against a constantly improving Eastway team. They looked to be coasting at 2-0 with wins from D.Irwin and T.Whiteside but Tom Larmours Eastway had different ideas and played some great stuff with great finishes from R.Whiteside, Larmour himself and a sublime potted black out of a snooker from T.Greer. The home side led 4-3 at the interval. Castle had to dig deep and wins from J.Meredith and P.Roberts helped them settle before T.McCorry put the visitors over the line to ease the pressure. It was a fine performance from Eastway and neutrals would say they deserved a point. Worrying times for the Castle though.

Greenisland 11-3 Alpha. Greenisland entertained Alpha but it was the visitors who took an early lead through N.McAllister capitalising on a missed black. But the hosts reeled off the next 6 frames in a row courtesy of G.Burns (2), W.Morrison, H.Warwick, A.Harris and S.Lennon to take a commanding interval lead of 6-1.Burns then got his hat trick of frames for the second week running to put Greenisland on the hill at 7-1. It was tempoarily halted as McAllister's notched up his and Alpha's second frame of the match. Greenisland then ran out another 4 in a row to seal the points with Harris, Morrison, Akehurst and Lennon on the scoreboard. L.Carson played well to win the last frame of the evening for the away side.

Rockers 12-2 Whitehead Trojans. The Rockers maintained the defence of their title by swiftly taking a commanding 6-1lead at the interval, only losing the single frame to ex Spartan S.Hamilton. The Whieabbey RBL lads carried on the momentum in the 2nd half with another 6-1 scoreline with Hamilton again being the only point scorer for the visitors. Arbuthnot, Butler and Harris all scored the maximum 3/3 as the Champions sent out an ominous statement as they stormed to top position in the League table.

MSC Trojans 11-3 Barbarians. This was a tighter match than the scoreline suggests.The first 4 frames were shared before recently crowned European Individual Wheelchair Champion Rab McMaw won in 2 visits to give the hosts the edge at 3-2. Rab Browns team never looked back after this, reeling off another 4 in a row to lead by 7-2. M.Porter pulled 1 back for the visitors but another 4 frame burst gave the MSC Trojans a convincing 11-3 win which moves them up to 6th in the table.

Spartans 9-5 Monkstown. Monkstown opened up brightly with S.Walker playing a perfect positional shot off his last colour to land plum on the black, but it was soon 1-1 when new boy E.Martin making his home debut finished very precisely. A massive fluke from S.McWhirter on his last colour and an easy black, gave the hosts the edge at 2-1. R.Hawkins and K.English made it 4-1 and a wonderful double pot from E.McDowell followed by a long black put Spartans further ahead at 5-1. R.Henderson finished well to pull one back for the visitors to give an interval score of 5-2 to the home side. A wonderful quick fire break and dish from G.Russell and a win for P.Henderson brought Monkstown back to 4-5 on the night. But delightful pool from Martin with his 2nd frame of the night and another McWhirter win put Spartans on the hill at 7-4. The points were soon secured for the Spartans with a tidy finish from English and D.Lowe got on the scoresheet to make it 9-4. P.Henderson potted the black out of a snooker to give Monkstown the final frame of the evening.

Results from Tuesday 13th September

2011-09-14T00:49:00.009+01:00

Rockers 12-2 Pirates
Castle 5-9 Spartans
Teddy Bears 8-6 Barbarians
Valkyries 5-9 monkstown
The Trojans 7-7 Greenisland
MSC Trojans 5-9 Scorpions
Alpha 2-12 Eastway

Rockers 12-2 Pirates. Rockers sent out a message to the other 13 teams that they are 100% committed to holding on to the title of Champions. They destroyed an improved Pirates team by 12-3 in their new home venue of Whiteabbey RBL to sit joint top of the table with Easatway who won the Rathcoole derby match 12-2 against old rivals The Alpha.

Castle 5-9 Spartans. Castle, hoping to regain the title from Rockers this season, got off to a disastrous home start as they trailed Spartans 1-6 at the interval. 2 from E.McDowell, 2 from S.McWhirter including a long doubled black, 1 from debut boy E.Martin and a super 8 ball clearance from K.English put Tommy Maguires team in dreamland. D.Irwin notched up Castle's solitary frame. It got even better for the visitors in the 2nd half as Martin and English secured the 3 points with wins apiece. Castle took 3 in a row courtesy of a break & dish from Irwin, a trademark T.McCorry finish, and a delightful pot black off 3 cushions from C.Howard. M.Wilson was unlucky, potting the black but going in off to gift Spartan D.Lowe another but P.Roberts won the final frame of the night for Castle.

The Trojans 7-7 Greenisland. New boys The Trojans were delighted with a point from their League debut especially as they trailed 2-6 at one stage. They worked their way back in to the match at 5-7 and wins in the last 2 frames from A.Matthews and W.Ross gave Gordon McCormick's boys a 7-7 draw.

MSC Trojans 5-9 Scorpions. A.Mackey got the MSC Trojans into an early lead in a 2 visit finish, but a 4 frame Scorpion burst from W.Smyth, D.Miller, G.Thompson and J.Thompson soon put the visitors in control. R.McMaw and J.Murdock replied for the home team with good clearances to reduce the interval deficit to a single frame. After the break J.Thompson (2/2) eventually won the first frame for the Scorpions after a delay in play to get a ruling on a possible deliberate foul. C.Montgomery increased Scorpions lead to 6-3, but Murdoch with his 2nd win of the match kept the hosts in the match at 4-6. But it wasn't to be for the Monkstown lads as Scorpions took the next 3 courtesy of Miller (2/2), C.Rafferty and G.Thompson (2/2). D.Montgomery brought up the rear for MSC Trojans with a win in the 14th and final frame.

Charity Shield result Tuesday 6th September

2011-09-06T23:08:00.001+01:00

Rockers 8-6 Castle

Rockers defeated Castle 8-6 in the season opener, the Charity Shield at the Harbour Point Bar. In a cracking match the reigning Champions stormed into a 5-0 lead and it looked all over bar the shouting. But Castle staged a marvellous comeback to level at 5-5. Rockers then led 6-5, Castle levelled again at 6-6 only for John McCleans Rockers to take the next 2 frames and secure the first trophy of the season.

Well done to all the players as £100 was raised on the night which will go towards the Leagues nominated Charity for the season, the Laurel House Cancer Unit in Antrim.

HERE WE GO

2011-09-06T00:48:00.003+01:00

Its lift off in the Carrick & District Pool League tonight, as the Champions The Rockers take on Runners Up Castle in the Charity Shield to officially open the season. The venue is the Harbour Point and managers John McClean and Derek Whiteside will be hoping to get an early psychological boost over their great rivals by lifting the first trophy of the 2011/2012 season.

The nominated Charity for the Carrick League for the 2011/2012 season is Laurel House Cancer Unit in Antrim. This was nominated by the family of the late Robert Kennedy, who passed away recently. Robert was a regular in our league since it began in 1995. During this coming season we will be holding a Scotch Doubles Memorial Competition in his memory.

The draw for the first round of the Knockout Cup was made and ties are as follows. Matches are played on Tuesday 25th October and each round is redrawn.

MSC Trojans v Alpha
Monkstown v Pirates
Greenisland v Scorpions
Barbarians v Castle
Eastway v Rockers
Spartans v Valkyries
Bye - Trojans
Bye - Teddy Bears

This season, we will be introducing 2 new singles Competitions. The Ladies Individuals and the Seniors Individuals. Like our Open Individual, to compete in either or both, players must have played in at least 4 League fixtures. To enter the Seniors players must be 42 or over on 1st January 2012 in line with EBA and NIPA guidelines.

Monkstown Comps

2011-08-30T18:44:00.000+01:00

The weekly Competition held in the Monkstown Social Club over the summer months is now over with the last one taking place on Tuesday the 23rd September. The 2011/12 campaign kicks off next Tuesday 6th September 2011 with the Charity Shield between The Rockers and Castle.

The big kick off

2011-08-16T12:21:00.009+01:00

The 2011/2012 Carrick & District Pool League season will kick off with the Charity Shield match between Rockers and Castle on Tuesday 6th September in the Harbour Point bar.

The first set of League matches start on Tuesday 13th September and the random fixture generator has thrown up a cracker. Last years 2nd and 3rd placed teams, Castle and Spartans will meet in Greenisland. Both teams have been actively strengthening during the summer recess and will be looking to get their title challenge off the mark with a win, expect a classic. Elsewhere, Roy McMurtrys Pirates travel to Champions The Rockers hoping that his new signings can get the Harbour Point boys off to a winning start. But everyone knows the Champs have strength in depth and are still the team to beat. New boys from Whitehead, The Trojans kick off at home against an experienced Greenisland team who hope to improve on last years 9th place finish whilst other new boys Teddy Bears face a tricky trip to take on Michael Lowrys Barbarians. A local derby sees Alpha take on Eastway in Rathcoole, who would bet against an upset here for an Alpha win. MSC Trojans host Jonny Thompsons Scorpions and last but not least, the revamped Valkyries entertain Sara Greenbergs Monkstown in a tricky opening tie.

Castle v Spartans
Rockers v Pirates
The Trojans v Greenisland
Alpha v Eastway
MSC Trojans v Scorpions
Valkyries v Monkstown
Teddy Bearsv Barbarians

Matches will start 15 minutes earlier this season at 8.15pm If 2 team Captains agree, the match can be started earlier. Home teams have exclusive use of the match table from 7.45pm to 8.00pm with the away team on from 8.00pm to 8.15pm

At Committee level Derek Whiteside was re-elected as Chairman, Hugh McMurtry as Vice Chairman, Debby Walker as Secretary and Robert Hawkins as Treasurer. A big welcome to Rab Brown who was voted on as Competitions/Events Conveynor. Best wishes go to Trevor Whiteside who resigned his general Committee post.

2011 AGM

2011-07-25T16:01:00.000+01:00

The 2011 Carrick & District Pool League AGM will be held on Monday 15th August at 7:30pm in the Monkstown Social Club. Everyone is welcome to attend. Could all Captains wishing to enter a team into the League for the 2011/2012 season which is due to start in September please bring along the £75 annual registration fee, a list of player names (12 maximum) and the name of the venue they will be playing from. The first fixture of the new season will be the "Charity Shield" between League Champions The Rockers and Runners Up Castle, date TBC.

2010/2011 Champions

2011-07-22T14:02:00.001+01:00

Pictured right are the 2010/2011 CITY AIR EXPRESS
Carrick and District Pool League Champions "The Rockers"

Back L-R, Steven Carson, Paul Harris, Rab Butler
Front L-R, Andy Arbuthnot, John McClean (Captain), Darren Whiteside

Monkstown weekly competition

2011-07-09T14:30:00.001+01:00

The weekly competition in Monkstown SC will be taking a break this coming week due to the 12th July holiday. It will resume as normal on Tuesday 19th July.

End of Season

2011-06-11T23:18:00.001+01:00

Carrick & District Pool League 2010/2011 season drew to a close with our end of year prizegiving on Friday 10th June. Thanks to everyone who turned up and made it a great night of craic. Music was by talented female duo Hi Maintenance and the Whitehead Rangers Club chef supplied the food. Photographers were in attendance from local press and the photos should be in the paper, week commencing 13th June.

One highlight of the night was when Pirates Pool Team member Hugh McMurtry entered the building dressed as a "Pirate", beard, sword, eyepatch, baggy silk trousers and make up to boot !!!

Have a great summer everyone and we hope to see all team Captains, old and new, at our AGM in August for team registrations for 2011/2012

The first fixture of the new season is already confirmed. It will be the Charity Shield between newly crowned Champions, The Rockers and Castle, venue to be confirmed.

Summer nights !!!

2011-06-09T14:20:00.001+01:00

Monkstown SC will be hosting a weekly "Blackball Competition" every Tuesday night over the summer, starting on 14th June. It is only £5 to enter and matches are best of 3. Kick off each night is 7:30pm

The club has just this week installed 2x new Supreme tables and will be using spotted whites, as players will be using them from now on in the Carrick League, NIPA and EBA events.

Spartans finish the season off in style

2011-06-08T01:11:00.003+01:00

Well done to Tommy Maguire's Whitehead Spartans who have just secured the final trophy off a long hard season in the City Air Express Carrick & District Pool League. They travelled to North Belfast with an 8-6 lead to play Jonny Thompson Scorpions in the 2nd leg of the Home & Away Cup Final.

Frame by frame

1. S.Burns settled the away teams early nerves by beating C.Rafferty in the opening frame.

2. Scorpion C.Howard ousted R.Hawkins with a tidy finish to reduce the deficit to 2 frames again.

3. J.Nelson let S.McWhirter back to the table with a finish on. McWhirter gladly accepted and sunk the black.

4. Vintage E.McDowell outbattled W.Smyth to give the Spartans a 3-1 lead as they edged towards the 7 needed to win the trophy.

5. A fluke on his last colour and a reverse double to the corner pocket gave K.English the win over Scorpion A.Toner.

6. Probably the pivotal frame, as McDowell edged Nelson in a 25 minute tactical battle. Spartans now lead 5-1 on the night

7. The last frame of the first half, with Scorpions needing a win, but up stepped Spartan D.Lowe with a pinpoint 8 ball clearance against Howard.

8. Spartans were on the hill now and up stepped man of the match McDowell (3 from 3) to take out a controlled finish against C.Montgomery to win the Cup for the visitors.

Home & Away Cup Final

Scorpions 1-7 Spartans (Spartans win 15-7 on aggregate)

Home & Away Plate Final

Bees 3-5 Rockers (Rockers win 15-7 on aggregate)

Well done Castle

2011-06-07T01:04:00.000+01:00

Well done to the Carrick players representing Castle Pool Team. They have just won the NIPA Willie Lucas Super 7s Competition held in Laverys Pool Hall, Belfast on June 5th. They topped their group and held off stiff challenges from The Rockers and Coast Road (Larne League) to take the title in a pulsating final which went to a single frame sudden death play off. Dee Irwin held his nerve to give Castle an 8-7 win which started the celebrations which went on until the early hours.

Also in the picture is Dayne Lucas (bottom right) who presented the trophy to Castle Captain Derek Whiteside.

Results from Tuesday 31st May

2011-06-01T00:40:00.002+01:00

Monkstown 6-8 Rockers
Castle 10-4 Eastway
Spartans 10-4 Bees
Scorpions 9-5 Barbarians
Dolly Mixtures 4-10 Greenisland
Alpha P-P Pirates

Dolly Mixtures 4-10 Greenisland

In the seasons final fixture for these two teams S.Lennon gave the visitors a winning start, only for the Dollys to take the next 2 through M.McCourt and L.Ruddock. The match stayed close with Morrison and Akehurst winning for the GIs and McCourt with her 2nd of the night for the hosts. The visitors took the half way advantage at 4-3 when Lennon notched up his 2nd of the night. Greenisland then had a purple patch withW.Morrison, H.Warwick, Akehurst and Lennon winning to secure the 3 points with the score now standing at 8-3. Ruddock replied with her 2nd to reduce the deficit but Warwick and Akehurst rounded off the night with wins to give Greenisland a comfortable 10-4 victory. Best on the n for the Dollys were M.McCourt on 2/2 and L.Ruddock on 2/3. For the visitors S.Lennon and P.Akehurst both scored 3/3. GI captain H.Warwick thanked the Ladies for their hospitality and congratulated them on their first season in the League and looked forward to seeing them next season.

Spartans 10-4 Bees

R.McMaw took the 1st for the Bees with a fine finish, but it was soon 1-1 with a quick frame from S.McWhirter. R.Hawkins put the hosts in front, followed by wins for S.Hamilton, D.Lowe and the recently crowned Carrick & District Individual Champion E.McDowell. Spartans now led 5-1 but A.McMeekin reduced the arrears to 5-2 going into the interval. McMaw notched up his 2nd of the night with a great shot on his last colour, but McDowell steadied the Spartan ship with his 2nd of the night too. A 4 frame burst for the home side from Lowe, McDowell, Hamilton and McWhirter put Spartans out of reach at 10-3. But Bees Captain A.Mackey finished well to give a final scoreline of 10-4 to Spartans. Best for Spartans was Ed McDowell with a hat trick and for Bees it was Rab McMaw on 2/3

Spartans Clean Sweep

2011-05-29T19:03:00.000+01:00

Carrick & District Pool League Finals Day took place in Whitehead on Sunday 29th May. And it was triple delight for Tommy Maguire's Spartans as his players won all 3 competitions, the 3 A Sides, the Doubles and the Individual.

3 A Sides Final
EMcDowell/KEnglish/SMcWhirter/RHawkins (Spartans) 5-3 JMcClean/SCarson/DnWhiteside (Rockers)/JThompson (Scorpions)

Doubles Final

KEnglish/SMcWhirter (Spartans) 4-2 CMontgomery Sr/CHoward (Scorpions)

Individual Final

EMcDowell (Spartans) 6-3 RHawkins (Spartans)

Frame by frame in the Final

1st - Nip and tuck but when Hawkins gained the advantaged he closed it out.
2nd - Again very open, but McDowell took it to level at 1-1
3rd - A long double on his last colour and a double on the black gave Hawkins a 2-1 lead
4th - McDowell in control from the start and finishes well, 2-2 now
5th - A Hawkins run out with another doubled black, 3-2 he leads now
6th - Hawkins breaks dry, McDowell clears in one visit
7th - A clinical McDowell break and dish gives him the lead for the first time in the match at 4-3
8th - Hawkins breaks dry again, and again he doesn't get back to the table. McDowell on the hill now at 5-3
9th - McDowell is Carrick Individual Champion for the 2nd time as he finishes with a precise 7 ball clearance

Pictured above are the 4 Spartan players who sweeped the board in the Carrick Pool League Finals Day
(l-r) Robert Hawkins, Stephen McWhirter, Ed McDowell and Kenny English

FINALS DAY

2011-05-27T10:13:00.006+01:00

The destination of 3 Titles will be decided this Sunday in League Finals Day in Whitehead GRSC. The Carrick & District Pool League 3 A Sides, Doubles and Individual winners will all be known by close of play on 29th May. Play starts at 12:30pm.

FINALS DAY Sunday 29th May 2011, Whitehead

1st - League 3 A Sides Final (best of 9)
McDowell, McWhirter, English, Hawkins (Spartans) V McClean, SCarson, Whiteside (Rockers), JThompson (Scorpions)

2nd - League Doubles Semi Finals and Final (best of 7)
Arbuthnot/Butler (Rockers) V Montgomery Sr/Howard (Scorpions)
CCarson/SCarson (Rockers) V English/McWhirter (Spartans)

3rd - League Individual (best of 11)
McDowell (Spartans) V Hawkins (Spartans)

Rockin all over the World !!

2011-05-25T01:17:00.004+01:00

It's all over. ROCKERS are the 2010/2011 CITY AIR EXPRESS Carrick and District Pool League CHAMPIONS. In a titanic clash with nearest rivals Castle, John McClean's men came out on top by 8 frames to 6. It was a great advert for our League as the pool from both teams was top quality from start to finish, with a large audience looking on. But unfortunately only one of the duo could be crowned as Champions. The pressure was more on Castle as for them it was a must win match while Rockers knew a draw would keep it in their own hands going into their final fixture next week at Monkstown. But now it will be a party atmosphere instead of a pressure cooker situatrion on the Monkstown tight tables. Match frames as follows -

1. Castle - Irwin was always in control against McClean. 1-0 to Castle.
2. Rockers - McCorry broke dry for Castle. It was his only shot as Arbuthnot cleared the table.
3. Rockers - Darren Whiteside broke and dished against cousin Trevor. 2-1 Rockers
4. Castle - When McKelvey got his chance against Butler, he ripped them out in 1 visit. 2-2
5. Castle - Roberts outpotted young Carson. 3-2 Castle
6. Rockers - Darren Whiteside was a joy to watch as he broke and dished again against Morton.
7. Rockers - Irwin was unlucky as he potted a good black but went in off after a cannon. 4-3 to Rockers at the interval.
8. Castle - When McClean slipped up going for his finish, McKelvey closed it out. 4-4
9. Castle - An accurate McCorry finish put Castle ahead for the 3rd time in the match
10. Rockers - Irwin goes in off from the break and Butler clears in 1 visit. 5-5
11. Rockers - The shot of the night from Harris, leaves him an easy finish to put his team 1 frame away from at least a draw
12. Castle - An in-off on the black from Darren Whiteside gave McKelvey the chance to complete his hat trick. He didn't refuse it. 6-6
13. Rockers - A delightful split on his last 2 colours by Carson put Rockers 1 frame away from the League title
14. Rockers are Champions - even a mis cue on the black by Butler didn't stop it from finding gravity as Rockers reclaimed the title they last won in the 2008/2009 season.

Well done to both teams on the night, it was a great match for the neutral, and just a pity there had to be a loser.
Pictured above, The Rockers Pool Team with the Knockout Shield which they won earlier in the season. John McCleans lads have now completed the"double"

Results from Tuesday 24th May

2011-05-24T10:37:00.003+01:00

Rockers 8-6 Castle
Bees 8-6 Eastway
Dolly Mixtures 6-8 Spartans
Alpha 5-9 Greenisland
Barbarians 6-8 Monkstown
Scorpions 6-8 Pirates

Dolly Mixtures 6-8 Spartans

This match kicked off early to give players the chance to head up to Jacqs Bar for what turned out to be the League decider between Rockers and Castle. But the Dollys were in no hurry as they turned in one of their best performances of the season. They led 4-3 at the interval and then by 6-4 needing only 1 frame to secure at least a draw. But Spartans finished very strongly taking all 4 to scrape home 8-6 on the night. Best for the Dollys were current Northern Ireland Ladies Champion Mary McCourt, Lyndsey Ruddock and Jean McIlroy all on 2/3, whilst Kenny English and Darren Lowe were on 2/2 for the Spartans

All roads

2011-05-22T02:33:00.001+01:00

All roads lead to Jacqs Bar in Carrickfergus on Tuesday night (24th May). The destination of the 2010/2011 Carrick & District Pool League title may or may not be decided in the penultimate match for both teams in the Rockers v Castle fixture. Quite simply -

A Rockers win over Castle will give John McClean's troops the crown with a match to spare.

A Castle win would make Trevor Whiteside's team big favourites, as they would go into their last game of the season knowing that a win at home to Eastway would be enough for them to retain the title.

A draw, and it's still open. The Rockers would probably need to win up at Monkstown which is never an easy place to pick up 3 points at the best of times, never mind for a League title.

It promises to be a great match and is a fitting end to a long and hard season in our League, so come early, it's sure to be standing room only. Best of luck to both teams.

Results from Tuesday 17th May

2011-05-18T01:08:00.006+01:00

City Air Express Home & Away Cup Final 1st Leg

Spartans 8-6 Scorpions

City Air ExpressHome & Away Plate Final 1st Leg

Rockers 10-4 Bees

City Air Express League

Castle 11-3 Barbarians

Spartans 8-6 Scorpions

This 2 legged Final is very much alive as Spartans travel to North Belfast in 3 weeks time with a 2 frame advantage from the first leg in Whitehead. The match panned out as follows.

Frame 1 - Spartans, a great pot out of a snooker gave Burns a black to the middle, he didnt miss.
Frame 2 - Scorpions, a neat Montgomery finish levels the scores.
Frame 3 - Spartans, Hawkins gets perfect position on the black on the bottom rail from his final colour.
Frame 4 - Spartans, J.Thompson juggles a long black and McWhirter happily accepts the gift.
Frame 5 - Spartans, a delightful clearance from English makes it 4-1 for the hosts.
Frame 6 - Spartans, a quick frame by McDowell puts Spartans 5-1 ahead.
Frame 7 - Scorpions, Rafferty didn't think he was going to get back to the table, but he did and duly finished
Frame 8 - Spartans, another big finish from English. 6-2 now and in control.
Frame 9 - Scorpions, again Rafferty gets a 2nd chance to finish, and again he delivers.
Frame 10 Spartans, a magical break & dish from McWhirter. 7-3 Spartans.
Frame 11 Scorpions, a scrappy one but visitors Captain J.Thompson edges it.
Frame 12 Scorpions, Smyth couldn't believe his luck when an easy missed black let him steal it
Frame 13 Spartans, Burns scores another for his double. 8-5 to the hosts.
Frame 14 Scorpions, a massive frame in the context of the match and Montgomery finishes in style to reduce the arrears to 2 for the return leg.

Results from Tuesday 10th May

2011-05-11T00:41:00.003+01:00

Eastway 4-10 Rockers
Greenisland 4-10 Scorpions
Monkstown 8-6 Pirates
Dolly Mixtures 3-11 Bees

Eastway 4-10 Rockers

Tom Larmours Eastway team welcomed the Rockers to Rathcoole for this League match. And although the hosts took the lead they were on the backfoot for the rest of the first session as Rockers took 6 frames on the trot. But Eastway put up a much better showing after the interval, only losing out by the odd frame in the 7. Best performer on the night for Eastway was the consistent Trevor Greer winning all 3 of his frames and for John McCleans Rockers, Andy Arbuthnot scored 3/3 as did Darren Whiteside who has just recently returned from the EBA European Master as Northern Ireland's top ranked 'B' team player.

Finals day line up complete

2011-05-07T23:47:00.010+01:00

Congratulations to team mates Ed McDowell and Robert Hawkins who have made it through to the Final of the Carrick & District Pool League Individual Final. It will be played on Sunday 29th May on Finals Day after our 3 Man Team event and Doubles event. The 2 Spartans battled through to the Semi Finals, McDowell facing another Spartan, Kenny English and Hawkins up against Rockers Captain John McClean. McDowell and English were locked at 3-3 when a terrible slice of bad luck for English handed McDowell the frame. He duly took the next to progress into the Final by 5-3. To get to the 2nd Semi Final, McClean had come from 3-1 down against last years Champion Dee Irwin to win 4-3. He repeated the feat again in the Quarters against team mate Andy Arbuthnot to make it 2 League Individual Semis in the one Season, also having reached the same stage in the Larne Pool League. Hawkins had reached the last 4 with 3-0, 4-2 and 4-2 wins. McClean was very unlucky in frame 7. When leading 4-2 he landed tight on his last colour with the black out in the open. After a bit of tactical play Hawkins took the frame. He levelled at 4-4 and took a scrappy decider to reach his first ever Carrick League Individual Final.

Prelims

E.McDowell 3-0 S.Lennon ; H.Regan 3-0 J.McMurtry ; Dk.Whiteside 3-2 L.Ruddock ; T.Whiteside 3-2 S.McWhirter ; K.English 3-1 S.Greenberg ; P.Roberts 3-1 A.Moore ; T.McCorry 3-1 W.Morton ; M.Lowry w/o P.Charles ; C.Howard w/o R.Brown

Last 32

S.Burns 3-0 J.McIlroy ; J.McClean 3-0 M.McCourt ; D.Montgomery 3-1 C.Webster ; S.Millar 3-1 D.Lowe ; D.Irwin 3-1 C.Montgomery Sr ; R.Croft w/o C.Carson ; E.McDowell 3-0 G.Harrington ; H.Regan 3-0 A.Galloway ; G.Russell 3-1 Dk.Whiteside ; W.Morrison 3-1 T.Whiteside ; K.English 3-1 J.Thompson ; P.Roberts 3-0 S.Carson ; A.Arbuthnot 3-0 M.Lowry ; C.Howard w/o Bye ; T.McCorry 3-2 J.Meredith

Last 16

S.Burns 4-1 H.Regan ; J.McClean 4-3 D.Irwin ; G.Russell 4-0 R.Croft ; A.Arbuthnot 4-0 P.Roberts ; K.English 4-2 W.Morrison ; R.Hawkins 4-2 D.Montgomery ; S.Millar 4-2 T.McCorry ; E.McDowell 4-1 C.Howard

Last 8

K.English 4-1 G.Russell ; E.McDowell 4-2 S.Burns ; J.McClean 4-3 A.Arbuthnot ; R.Hawkins 4-2 S.Millar

Semi Finals

E.McDowell 5-3 K.English ; R.Hawkins 5-4 J.McClean

Final
E.McDowell v R.Hawkins (Sunday, 29th May)

FINALS DAY Sunday 29th May 2011, Whitehead

League 3 A Sides Final (12.30pm, best of 9)
E.McDowell, S.McWhirter, K.English, R.Hawkins (Spartans) V J.McClean, S.Carson, Dn.Whiteside (Rockers), J.Thompson (Scorpions)

League Doubles Semi Finals and Final (2.00pm, best of 7)
A.Arbuthnot/R.Butler (Rockers) V C.Montgomery Sr/C.Howard (Scorpions)
C.Carson/S.Carson (Rockers) V K.English/S.McWhirter (Spartans)

League Individuals (5.00pm, best of 11)
E.McDowell (Spartans) V R.Hawkins (Spartans)

Subject to change, please check back regularly

CITY AIR EXPRESS 2010/2011 C&DPL INDIVIDUAL DRAW

2011-05-04T00:26:00.006+01:00

The 2010/11 Carrick & District Pool League Individual draw has thrown up some juicy ties. Defending champion Dee Irwin plays the in form Colin Montgomery Sr, old Spartan team mates Trevor Whiteside and Stephen McWhirter do battle and Castle pair Tom McCorry and Willie Morton meet.
The Competition will be played in Whitehead GRSC, the kitchen is open all day.

Prelims and 1st round matches are best of 5, with the Competition redrawn from the 2nd round onwards.

Players names in RED be available to play from 12:00noon
Players names in BLUE be available to play from 1:30pm
Players names in GREEN be available to play from 3:00pm

Best of luck to all participants

PRELIMS		1ST ROUND

Prelim 1		Winner of Prelim 1
Ed McDowell v Stuart Lennon		v Glen Harrington

Prelim 2		Winner of Prelim 2
Joe McMurtry v Hugh Regan		v Andy Galloway

Prelim 3		Winner of Prelim 3
Lyndsey Ruddock v Derek Whiteside		v Glenn Russell

Prelim 4		Winner of Prelim 4
Trevor Whiteside v Stephen McWhirter		v William Morrison

Prelim 5		Winner of Prelim 5
Kenny English v Sara Greenberg		v Jonny Thompson

Prelim 6		Winner of Prelim 6
Adam Moore v Paul Roberts		v Steeky Carson

Prelim 7		Winner of Prelim 7
Tom McCorry v Willie Morton		v James Meredith

Prelim 8		Winner of Prelim 8
Michael Lowry v Paul Charles		v Andy Arbuthnot

Prelim 9		Winner of Prelim 9
Darren Whiteside v Rab Brown		v Clem Howard

		Jean McIlroy
		v Stephen Burns

		Mary McCourt
		v John McClean

		Clare Webster
		v Davy Montgomery

		Roy McMurtry
		v Robert Hawkins

		Darren Lowe
		v Sam Millar

		Dee Irwin
		v Colin Montgomery Sr

		Richard Croft
		v Chris Carson

Results from Tuesday 2nd May

2011-05-04T00:10:00.001+01:00

Home & Away Cup Semi Finals (2nd Legs)

Pirates 3-8 Spartans (Spartans win 15-10 on aggregate)
Monkstown 3-10 Scorpions (Scorpions win 15-12 on aggregate)

Pirates 3-8 Spartans

Roy McMurtrys Pirates took the lead with a pinpoint finish from A.Moore. But Spartans dashed any thoughts of an upset with 7 on the trot through E.McDowell (2), S.McWhirter (2), K.English, S.Burns and D.Lowe. One of McDowell's finishes was a top drawer 8 ball clearance followed closely by efforts from McWhirter and Burns. The hosts rallied with a double, Moore winning his 2nd and a precise finish from R.McMurtry. But Pirates who had a great 7-7 result in the away leg lost the frame and match when Lowe took advantage of 2 shots in Frame 11 to tap in his last colour and the black.

Home & Away Plate Semi Finals (2nd Legs)

Greenisland 0-4 Rockers (Rockers win 15-3 on aggregate)
Bees 9-5 Barbarians (Bees win 15-14 on aggregate after a Play Off Frame)

The big run in

2011-04-20T01:19:00.002+01:00

Next week (Tuesday 26th April) sees a break in fixtures for the International week of Pool at the European Masters in Bridlington. All the best to all Carrick League players who are travelling to represent Northern Ireland through the NIPA.

But on their return what an exciting climax we will have to our league season as the Rockers and Castle battle it out to see who will be crowned 2010/2011 League Champions. Remaining fixtures are as follows -

Rockers - Eastway (a), Castle (h), Monkstown (a)
Castle - Barbarians (h), Rockers (a), Eastway (h)

Castle trail The Rockers by 2 points but with 3 points for a victory it is still anybodys title to win.

Results from Tuesday 19th April

2011-04-19T14:47:00.004+01:00

Bees 5-9 Rockers
Pirates 4-10 Castle
Alpha 3-11 Dolly Mixtures
Barbarians 8-6 Eastway
Scorpions 6-8 Spartans
Greenisland 6-8 Monkstown

Greenisland 6-8 Monkstown

Greenisland were the hosts in yet another enthralling encounter with their near neighbours Monkstown. G.Burns made it 1-0 to Greenisland but a wonder 5 ball clearance from R.Henderson levelled it. The visitors led 2-1 with a win for S.Walker but 3 in a row from, W.Morrison, H.Warwick and P.Akehurst put Greenisland in control at 4-2. The last frame of the first session went to Monkstown courtesy of R.Nelson. The in form R.Henderson made it 4-4 but gutsy Greenisland again took the lead through Captain H.Warwick. In keeping with the match pattern the visitors levelled through P.Henderson and Greenisland again edged in front at 6-5 through W.Morrison. But Monkstown found another gear winning 2 on the trot through S.Greenberg and R.Nelson to guarantee themselves at least a draw. But they soon had all 3 points in the bag as R.Henderson won again to give himself a 100% record of 3/3 on the night.

Scorpions 6-8 Spartans
Jonny Thompsons Scorpions entertained Whitehead Spartans in this 4th v 3rd clash at Grays Lane in North Belfast. The home side went 1-0 up with an 8 ball clear up from C.Howard, but Spartans pulled off a hat trick courtesy off S.Burns, E.McDowell and a K.English break and dish, to lead 3-1. The next 2 were shared, Howard again for the hosts and the experienced S.Hamilton for the visitors. McDowell won the last frame of the 1st session to give Spartans a welcome 5-2 interval lead. Scorpions half time team talk definitely worked as they levelled the match at 5-5 courtesy of Howard (3/3), C.Montgomery Sr and a delightful 8 ball clearance from Captain J.Thompson. And they should have went on to lead 6-5 but instead an outrageous fluked black by Spartan Burns made it 6-5 to the visitors. Back came Scorpions with a great cut on the black from G.Thompson to level it at 6-6 with only 2 frames to go. S.Hamilton won his 2nd of the night to ensure Spartans would take at least a point up the coast road but it was 3 points that went that way when Spartan R.Hawkins sunk the final black of the match to give absent Manager Tom Maguire a boost before their next match in the Semi Final 2nd leg of the Home and away Cup away to Pirates.

Bees 5-9 Rockers

Rockers had to win this match against the improving Bees to ensure they stayed top of the table with only 3 games remaining. And a classy first half performance as they racked up a 6-1 lead gave them the breathing space required to close the match out. Credit to the Bees, as they fought hard and won the 2nd session 4-3, but John McCleans boys had done the damage in the first half. Best performewas Andy Arbuthnot. The Rocker was a delight to watch as he ripped out 2 break and dishes and a 7 ball clearance for 3/3 on the night.

Irwin is top of the Pyramid

2011-04-17T21:01:00.008+01:00

The 2nd annual Carrick Pool League Pyramid Competition has been won by Castle's Dee Irwin with Scorpions Captain Jonny Thompson, the Runner Up. Finals Day was played in Whitehead on Sunday 17th April with 16 qualifiers vying for the top prize. Results as follows -

Winner Dee Irwin (left) with Runner Up Jonny Thompso

K.English v Bye
S.Greenberg 3-1 Darren Whiteside
C.Webster 3-2 M.lowry
D.Irwin w/o T.Whiteside
M.McCourt 3-2 J.McIlroy
J.Thompson 3-0 Derek Whiteside
R.Hawkins 3-1 C.Maule
H.McMurtry 3-2 G.Jones

K.English 3-1 S.Greenberg
D.Irwin 3-1 C.Webster
J.Thompson 3-2 M.McCourt
H.McMurtry 3-1 R.Hawkins

D.Irwin 3-0 K.English
J.Thompson 3-0 H.McMurtry

D.Irwin 3-1 J.Thompson

Congratulations Jonny & Lisa

2011-04-13T14:05:00.000+01:00

A big congratulations to Rockers player Jonny Johnston and his wife Lisa. The pair are the proud parents of a newborn baby boy. Rockers Captain John McClean has informed us that eight and a half pound "Alphie" has already signed a Junior contract with The League leaders "The Rockers".

All the best to Jonny, Lisa and Alphie.

Results from Tuesday 12th April

2011-04-13T00:20:00.010+01:00

Home & Away Cup Semi Final (1st Leg)
Spartans 7-7 Pirates
Scorpions 5-9 Monkstown

This seasons City Air Express Home and Away Cup continues to throw up surprises. Both home teams were expecting to take a lead of sorts into the 2nd leg in 3 weeks time but, Pirates and Monkstown hadn't read the script. Roy McMurtrys Pirates played some excellent stuff and were never behind in Whitehead where The Spartans were relieved to scrape a 7-7 draw from 5-7 down. Best for the home side was S.McWhirter on 2/2 and E.McDowell 2/3. For the visitors A.Corrigan and J.McMurtry both registered 2/3. It's all to play for up in the Harbour Point Bar on May 3rd.
And in North Belfast Jonny Thompsons Scorpions were on a high after knocking out League leaders The Rockers last week, but a bouyant Monkstown team soon brought them back down to earth as they left the Arthur Ward Bar with a splendid 9-5 advantage, requiring only 6 frames from the return leg on their home table. Monkstown raced into a 3-0 lead with wins from S.Walker, R.Hendrson and P.Charles. The next 4 were shared, Scorpions Captain J.Thompson and C.Howard for the hosts and the Henderson brothers Paul and Robert for the visitors. The confident Howard reduced the arrears to 3-5, but Monkstown were in the mood and P.Charles, R.Henderson and S.Greenberg added a hat trick of frames to make it 8-3 in Monkstowns favour. Scorpions were in trouble of getting a hammering but the experienced C.Montgomery and J.Thompson both won to bring it back to 5-8. Another for the home side would have left the tie well balanced at 6-8 but the reliable P.Henderson sunk the final 8 ball of the night to give Monkstown a 9-5 win to take back for the return leg. It would be hard to bet against them now on their tight home table, but watch out for a wounded Scorpion. Best on the night were R.Henderson 3/3, P.Henderson 2/2 and P.Charles 2/2.

Home & Away Plate (Semi Final 1st Leg)

Barbarians 9-5 Bees
Rockers 11-3 Greenisland

In the Plate Semi Final 1st Legs Barbarians go into the 2nd leg with a somewhat fotunate lead. It was nip and tuck for the whole night. The always impressive A. McMeekin took the first for the Bees, but Barbarians equalised through newcomer A. Wright. D.Montgomery put the visitors ahead again but it was level at 2-2 soon with a win for G.Harrington. H.Regan and Derek Whiteside gave the Barbars a 2 frame advantage but the Bees were having none of it and raced to a 5-4 lead courtesy of McMeekin, Montgomery and R.McMaw. But alas it was not to be for the Bees as Regan, Harrington, Wright, P.Gingles and Whiteside rattled off 5 in a row to give Barbarians quite a healthy lead to take to Monkstown for the 2nd leg. The game was a lot tighter than the scoreline suggested though, as 2 missed blacks in frames 12 and 13 cost the Bees a draw, but you can be sure they will be fired up to try and overturn it in the return leg.
Down in Jacqs Bar in Carrick, John McCleans Rockers turned on the style with an 11-3 drubbing of Harry Warwicks Greenisland team.

Home & Away Cup Semi Final Draw

2011-04-06T13:00:00.001+01:00

The draw for the City Air Express Home & Away Cup Semi Finals is as follows -

Spartans v Pirates
Scorpions v Monkstown

The draw for the City Air Express Home & Away Cup Plate Semi Finals is as follows -

Barbarians v Bees
Rockers v Greenisland

1st Legs to be played on Tuesday 12th April, 2nd Legs Tuesday 3rd May

Results from Tuesday 5th April

2011-04-05T23:40:00.014+01:00

(1st Leg 5-9) - Barbarians 4-6 Spartans ( Spartans win 15-9 on aggregate )
(1st Leg 7-7) - Bees 6-8 Pirates ( Pirates win 15-13 on aggregate )
(1st Leg 9-5) - Scorpions 6-7 Rockers ( Scorpions win 15-12 on aggregate )
(1st Leg 6-8) - Greenisland 8-6 Monkstown ( Monkstown win 15-14 on aggregate after play off frame )

What a night in the City Air Express Carrick & District Pool League as the Home & Away Cup took centre stage. The tension in the room was tangible at the Greenisland Club as Harry Warwicks men reversed a 6-8 1st Leg deficit to take the match to a play off frame. But Paul Charles was the toast of Monkstown when he sank the last black of the 29 frames at near 1:00am in the morning. Earlier in the same venue Spartans overcame a resilient Barbarians team with an aggregate 15-9 win. And up at Arthur Wards Bar, Scorpions led 14-9 but just couldn't get over the hill as the Rockers stormed back trying to force a play off frame. But Colin Rafferty held his nerve in a 45 minute frame to send Jonny Thompsons lads into the Semis with high hopes of ending the season with some silverware. The match in the Monkstown Club where Bees entertained Pirates was also a belter. Level at 7-7 from a fortnight ago it went to the deciding 28th frame with the Bees hoping of the win to force a play off frame. But Joe McMurtry had other ideas as he sent the Pirates sailing into the Semi Final against the Spartans.

Greenisland 8-7 Monkstown

What a match. Blackball Pool at it's most exciting. Harry Warwicks GIs trailing 6-8 from the 1st Leg in Monkstown a fortnight ago put in a tremendous effort to overturn the deficit. And they agonisingly missed out but only by way of a play off frame after they won 8 of the 14 match frames. The visitors had hoped to get an early lead to give themselves some breathing space but the GIs took the 1st 3 frames courtesy of S.Lennon, G.Burns and H.Warwick. Visitors Captain S.Greenberg and the consistent P.Henderson scored a double to make the aggregate score 10-9 in their favour. But both remaining frames before the interval went to the hosts for a 5-2 lead on the night but more importantly 11-10 on aggregate. Next frame was won by S.Greenberg, her 2nd of the night as the tension started to rise in this first to 15 two legged tie. But Warwick with his 2nd win and Lennon with his hat trick gave Greenisland a 13-11 lead. Back came Monkstown, the impressive Greenberg winning yet again and G.Russell levelling it at 13-13. P.Akehurst for the GIs put his team 1 frame away from what would have been a memorable victory, but P.Henderson showed no nerves as he won the 14th frame of the night to take it to a single frame play off. In the play off H.Warwick went for game for Greenisland but when he broke down P.Charles played a safe and controlled game until he got a chance for a finish and he duly delivered with the clock nearing 1:00pm. Best on the night were S.Lennon and S.Greenberg both on 3/3 in a tie that was a credit to both teams.

Barbarians 4-6 Spartans

Spartans travelled up the coast to the Greenisland Club to play the The Barbarians at their new venue. Barbarians trailed 5-9 from the 1st Leg in Whitehead, but weren't having any negative thoughts about the match outcome. Spartans took an early lead with a great clearance from S.Burns, but an equally as good a one from his younger brother A.Wright playing for the Barbarians, levelled the match at 1-1. Home side Captain A.Galloway led by example to give the Barbars a 2-1 lead with a fine finish. The next 2 were shared, K.English for the visitors and A.Wright with his 2nd of the night for the hosts. With the aggregate score now at 11-8 in Spartans favour an unlikely win from English again from a hopeless position gave them vital breathing space coming up to the interval. But step up Galloway with a pinpoint break and dish to put Barbarians 4-3 up at the break. Whatever Spartan manager Maguire said to his team certainly worked as wins from Burns again, R.Hawkins (8 ball clearance) and English put his side up to the 6 frames they needed to progress to the Semi Final stage of the Competition. Best on the night were Spartans K.English on 3/3 and S.Burns on 2/2. A.Wright and A.Galloway scored 2/3 for the Barbarians.

Pyramids 4 and 5

2011-04-03T23:16:00.000+01:00

The last 2 rounds of the Carrick & District Pool League Pyramid Competition were played out today, 3rd April in Whitehead GRSC. Winners were Kenny English and Robert Hawkins. The line up is now complete for Final day which is on Sunday 17th April with a 1.30pm start. Last 16 draw as follows -

K.English v Runner Up of Prelim (P.Harris/ A.Galloway/ G.Jones/ M.Kane)
S.Greenberg v Darren Whiteside
M.Lowry v C.Webster
T.Whiteside v D.Irwin
J.McIlroy v M.McCourt
Derek Whiteside v J.Thompson
R.Hawkins v C.Maule
H.McMurtry v Winner of Prelim (P.Harris/ A.Galloway, G.Jones, M.Kane)

All matches including Final best of 5, draw carries through

Event 1 - Winner ~ TREVOR WHITESIDE
Event 2 - Winner ~ DARREN WHITESIDE
Event 3 - Winner ~ CHRIS MAULE
Event 4 - Winner ~ KENNY ENGLISH
Event 5 - Winner ~ ROBERT HAWKINS
Finals Day - Sunday 17th April 2011

Results from Tuesday 29th March

2011-03-29T09:35:00.003+01:00

Bees 14-0 Alpha
Rockers 8-6 Barbarians
Dolly Mixtures 5-9 Scorpions
Eastway 7-7 Pirates
Spartans 7-7 Monkstown
Castle 9-5 Greenisland

Spartans 7-7 Monkstown

R.Hawkins put Spartans 1-0 up with a controlled opening frame and K.English soon doubled the home sides lead. But Monkstown came storming back to lead 3-2 through R.Nelson and the Henderson brothers Robert and Paul. The final 2 of the first session were shared, S.Hamilton for the Spartans and R.Henderson again for visitors. 4-3 to Monkstown at the break. In keeping with the match pattern the hosts then regained the lead at 5-4 courtesy of D.Lowe and Hawkins with his 2nd of the night. But it was short lived as a pinpoint 8 ball clearance from Nelson and another win for P.Henderson put Monkstown in the lead for the 3rd time in the match at 6-5. Back came Maguires Spartans yet again to guarantee themselves at least a point with frames for English and McWhirter. But the honours on the night were shared when P.Henderson won his 3rd frame to take a point back up to Monkstown SC, much to the delight of Manager Sara Greenberg. Best performers in the match were P.Henderson on 3/3 and R.Nelson on 2/2.

It's The Spartans again

2011-03-23T01:25:00.004Z

Whatever it is about the Brian Brady Memorial Shield it definitely seems to bring the best out in the Spartans Pool Team. The 4 Semi Finalists played the Competition to a finish on Tuesday 22nd March in Whitehead GRSC and it was the Spartans who prevailed to defend the trophy making it 4 wins in 6 years.

In the Semi Final they defeated old rivals Castle by 4-2 with K.English securing the 6th frame with a fantastic clearance. The other Semi Final was a classic match, with R.McMurtry's Pirates team playing the Ladies of the Dolly Mixtures. And the Ladies put on a great display to take the match to the deciding frame only for Pirates Sam Millar to break their hearts with a neat finish under pressure. D.Walker, L.Ruddock and K.McCormick had registered scores for the Dolly's.
In the Final Spartans went 2-0 up courtesy of S.Burns and S.McWhirter but The Pirates pulled one back with a good finish from Captain R.McMurtry. The first Doubles match was crucial and it went to Spartans pairing of Burns and McDowell after 30 minutes of play. Pirates now trailed 3-1 in this best of 7 match and it was soon all over as duo R.Hawkins and D.Lowe won the next Doubles to give Manager T.Maguire the trophy yet again

Semi Finals
Pirates 4-3 Dolly Mixtures
Spartans 4-2 Castle

Final
Spartans 4-1 Pirates

Pictured above is Brian Brady to whom this event is dedicated.

Condolences

2011-03-21T16:50:00.001Z

The Committee of the Carrick & District Pool League would like to offer their condolences to Castle player Dessie Cooper and his family on the sad news of the death of his father today, 21st March

Results from Tuesday 15th March

2011-03-15T17:52:00.004Z

City Air Express Home & Away Cup (Quarter Finals 1st Legs)

Pirates 7-7 Bees
Spartans 9-5 Barbarians
Monkstown 8-6 Greenisland
Rockers 5-9 Scorpions

Monkstown 8-6 Greenisland

This tie is still very much in the balance after a tight match at Monkstown. The hosts took the lead early when H.Warwick was unlucky to pot the black mid frame. But S.Lennon won a long black ball fight in the next to level at 1-1. The next 2 were shared, P.Henderson for Monkstown and W.Morrison for the GIs. The visitors took the lead for the first time courtesy of Captain H.Warwick but again the teams were level when P.Charles notched up a win. Lennon with his 2nd of the night gave Greenisland a 4-3 interval lead. Whatever Monkstown Captain S.Greenberg said at the interval must have worked as they reeled off 4 in a row to lead by 7-4, scorers were P.Henderson, G.Russell, R.Henderson and P.Charles. But back came the visitors yet again with a good finish from W.Morrison against S.Greenberg and a solid win from R.Croft. Greenisland were now hoping to take a draw back for the 2nd leg but P.Henderson had other ideas as he registered his 3rd win of the night with a whitewash, but more importantly giving his team a bit of breathing space for the return.

Spartans 9-5 Barbarians

Spartans will be relieved to go to Greenisland for the return leg of this Home & Away Cup tie with a 4 frame advantage, as at one stage they trailed by 4-1. G.Harrington and P.Gingles got the visitors off to a good start before E.McDowell pulled one back for the hosts. When the Barbars won the next 2 through A.Galloway and Dk Whiteside Spartans Manager T.Maguire thought it was going to one of those nights. But a 7 frame in a row burst changed the dynamic of the tie, the point scorers being McDowell x2, English x2, Hawkins, Burns and McWhirter. The last 2 frames of the evening were shared, Harrington again for Barbarians, and Lowe for the Spartans. The tie is still wide open and the Barbars will still fancy it on their home table.

Results from Tuesday 8th March

2011-03-09T01:09:00.005Z

Castle 12-2 Spartans
Pirates 3-11 Rockers
Monkstown 9-5 Dolly Mixtures
Bees 6-8 Barbarians
Scorpions 14-0 Alpha
Eastway 9-5 Greenisland

Eastway 9-5 Greenisland

Greenisland got off to a good start with stalwart S.Lennon claiming a win. But back came Eastway to lead 3-1 with L.McCord, M.Greer and R.Whiteside all winning. Lennon with his 2nd, reduced the arrears, but Eastway Captain Tom Larmour opened up a 2 frame lead for the hosts once again. The final frame of the 1st session went to the GIs through W.Morrison. The in form Lennon completed his hat trick to level the match at 4-4, but Eastway's determination shone through as McCord and Greer made it 6-4. When G.Burns brought it back to 6-5 it looked like it would go all the way but the hosts closed the match out by taking the final 3 frames with wins from Whiteside, Greer and Larmour. Top performers on the night were M.Greer for Eastway and S.Lennon for Greenislan, both on 3 from 3.

Monkstown 9-5 Dolly Mixtures

Monkstown got off to a bad start when P.Charles potted the 8 ball prematurely to hand the game to D.Walker, but that was soon a distant memory as they ran off 6 in a row courtesy of R.Henderson (x2), S.Greenberg (x2), P.Henderson and P.Charles. The Dollys came out strong in the second half with wins for K.McCormick, L.Ruddock and D.Walker with her 2nd of the night. 6-4 now to the hosts and game on. But R.Henderson and G.Russell ensured Monkstown got the 3 points by taking the score up to 8-4. The final 2 frames were shared, K.McCormick with her 2nd for the visitors and P.Henderson with his 2nd for Monkstown.

Castle 12-2 Spartans

Any hopes that the Spartans had of becoming Champions this season were emphatically crushed by the Castle in the R.A.O.B club in this battle between 2nd and 3rd. A draw between these teams would gave League leaders the Rockers a massive advantage in the title race but now it could possibly hinge on one match when Castle visit the Rockers in the penultimate game of the season. But back to this match, Spartans came up the road from Whitehead with high hopes after beating the Rockers two weeks ago but by the half time interval it was effectively all over as the hosts raced into a 7-0 lead with wins from P.Roberts (2), T.McCorry (2), T.Whiteside, J.Meredith and D.Irwin. After the interval Irwin notched up his 2nd before E.McDowell finally got the visitors on the scoresheet with an 8 ball clearance. It was only a temporary blip for Castle as they heaped on the agony through Irwin again and T.McCorry with his hat trick.K.English finished in style in frame 12 but a break and dish from T.Whiteside and a whitewash from Meredith finished off the night for Castle in fine style. For the spectators it was something of an anticlimax as they expected a very tight match, for Castle it was a huge step in retaining their title, a feat that looked forlorn a few weeks ago. It's full steam ahead now to 24th of May in Jacqs Bar, unless that is, there is another twist in the story with one of the top 2 teams dropping unexpected points. Watch this space !!!

Change of venue

2011-03-08T13:16:00.000Z

To all Team Managers -

From Tuesday 15th March, Castle and Barbarians will be playing their home fixtures out of the Greenisland Club. Please make sure your players are aware of this change.

Doubles nears the business end.

2011-03-05T22:27:00.003Z

The CITY AIR EXPRESS 2010/2011 season Carrick & District Pool League Doubles Competition was played down to the last 4 teams in the Monkstown Social Club on Saturday 5th March 2011.

The Competition will be played to a finish on our Finals Day in Whitehead GRSC on Sunday 29th May with the 4 remaining teams drawn as follows.

Andy Arbuthnot/Rab Butler (Rockers)

Colin M'gomery/Clem Howard (Scorpions)

Chris Carson/Steven Carson (Rockers)

Kenny English/Stephen McWhirter (Spartans)

Thanks to the Monkstown Club for hosting the days play and to our sponsor CITY AIR EXPRESS.

Pictured above are four cueists who made it through to the Semi Finals. (left - right) Spartans player Kenny English and the Rockers trio of Andy Arbuthnot, Steven Carson and Chris Carson.

Good luck to all 8 players in the Semi Finals and Final.

League Doubles Draw

2011-03-04T10:42:00.002Z

The draw for this seasons Carrick & District League Doubles which will be held in the Monkstown Social Club on Saturday 5th March is as follows -

Prelims

Prelim1 Tom McCorry/ Trevor Whiteside vs Andy Galloway/ Hugh Regan

Prelim 2 Roberts Hawkins/ Ed McDowell vs Sara Greenberg/ Paul Charles

Prelim 3 Jonny Robinson/ Willy Mullan vs Rab Butler/ Andy Arbuthnot

Prelim 4 Dee Irwin/ Paul Roberts vs Tom Larmour/ Lee McCord

Prelim 5 John McClean/ Paul Harris vs Stuart Lennon/ William Morrison

Prelim 6 Paul Henderson/ Robert Henderson vs Richard Croft/ Glenn Burns

Prelim 7 Glenn Russell/ Scott Walker vs Clem Howard/ Colin Montgomery

Prelim 8 Lynn Carson/ Audy Hall vs Mark Kitson/ Deddy Walker

Prelim 9 Steven Carson/ Chris Carson vs Sam Millar/ Roy McMurtry

Prelim 10 Angela Carson/ William Fleming vs Mary Jo McCourt/ Lynsey Ruddock

Prelims 1 to 4 should be at the Monkstown club for 11:00 am

Prelims 5 to 8 should be at the Monkstown club for 11:45 am

Prelims 9 & 10 should be there for 12:30 pm along with last sixteen matches 7 & 8

Everyone else to be there for 1:30 pm

Last 16

1) Prelim 1 winners vs Prelim 2 winners

2) Prelim 3 winners vs Prelim 4 winners

3) Prelim 5 winners vs Prelim 6 winners

4) Prelim 7 winners vs Prelim 8 winners

5) Prelim 9 winners vs Prelim 10 winners

6) Hugh McMurtry/ Jim Millar vs Davy Montgomery/ Rab Brown

7) Adam Moore/ Brian Fleming vs Clare Webster/Derek Whiteside

8) Winner of 7) vs Kenny English/Stephen McWhirter

Results from Tuesday 1st March

2011-03-01T18:59:00.003Z

EASTWAY POOL TEAM

Scorpions 8-6 Bees
Barbarians 5-9 Pirates
Monkstown 12-2 Alpha
Rockers 9-5 Greenisland
Dolly Mixtures 2-12 Castle
Eastway 5-9 Spartans

Eastway 5-9 Spartans

Eastway put in one of their best performances of the season, pushing the Spartans all the way before falling just short at the end. The match was level at 5-5 and looked like going to the wire until a 4 frame burst by the visitors gave them the 3 points. The relief on manager Tommy Maguires face was tangible, before next weeks big clash with Castle in the Buffs Club. Spartans went 3-0 up courtesy of R.Hawkins, E.McDowell and S.Burns. The next 2 were shared, G.Orr for Eastway and K.English for Spartans. Leading 4-1 the visitors had hoped to kick on but Eastway took 4 out of the next 5 through L.McCord, T.Larmour (2) and G.Orr again. McDowell replied for the away team with a difficult long black. With the match poised at 5-5 the next frame was vital and S.Hamilton played a great tactical game to win it for the Spartans. In frame 12 a good black by English ensured at least a point, but the 3 were guaranteed when D.Lowe finished well to make it 8-5. Spartans took the next through Hawkins to finish the night of. Well played Eastway especially T.Larmour and G.Orr both with 2 wins on the night.

Monkstown 12-2 Alpha

Monkstown raced out of the blocks into a quick 4-0 lead with wins from S.Walker, P.Charles, R.Henderson and S.Greenberg. L.Carson got the Alpha on the scoresheet with a good finish, but further wins from Walker and Greenberg gave the hosts a 6-1 interval lead. A.Hall gave the Alpha some hope by winning the first frame of the second session but Walker (3/3), Greenberg (3/3), Charles (3/3), P.Henderson and R.Henderson completed the evening off for a comfortable Monkstown win.

Results from Tuesday 22nd February

2011-02-23T00:11:00.005Z

Spartans 8-6 Rockers
Castle 11-3 Alpha
Monkstown 6-8 Scorpions
Eastway 8-6 Dolly Mixtures
Pirates 10-4 Bees
Greenisland 7-7 Barbarians

Greenisland 7-7 Barbarians
Greenisland entertained the Barbarians and the first two frames were shared, H.Regan for the visitors and G.Burns for the hosts. The Barbars aiming for a creditable top 4 finish took the next 2 courtesy of Dk.Whiteside and S.Mitchell. But the GIs rallied and went into the interval 4-3 up with wins from R.Croft, S.Lennon and G.Burns. Barbarians came out with all guns blazing in the second half, P.Gingles and Mitchell giving them a 5-4 lead. It was nearly 6-4, but Barbars Captain A.Galloway was unlucky to pot the white as well as the black, the scores now level at 5-5. Burns won again to edge the GIs in front but Regan with his 2nd ensured the match would go to the wire, as he levelled it at 7-7. And it was the Barbarians who took first blood in the deciding two frames to guarantee themselves at least a point, but another Captains innings from GI Captain H.Warwick made it 7-7 and honours evens, both teams gaining a point. Man of the match must go to G.Burns with 3 wins from 3 frames played.

Spartans 8-6 Rockers

Tommy Maguires Whitehead Spartans have blown the title race wide open. It was a must win for the seasiders and they did just that in a pulsating match. Rockers never really reached the heights that had seen them win 14 from 14 before their short trip down the coast. R.Hawkins won the opening frame and it should have been 2-0 but a missed black was seized upon by A.Arbuthnot to level the scores at 1-1. The hosts regained the lead courtesy of a McDowell 8 ball clearance, and it was soon 3-1 with an excellent clearance from S. Burns. K.English finished well to increase the lead to 4-1, but a fantastic black out of a snooker by Arbuthnot reduced the arrears to 2 frames again. the last frame of the first session went to Spartans when D.Lowe cleared up his last 3 reds and the black. With 2nd placed Castle keeping abreast of proceedings by text, it was soon 6-2 as McDowell broke and dished, but 2 subsequent break and dishes from R.Butler and Darren Whiteside stoked up the tension in the room as Rockers aimed for a comeback. Frame 11 was vital and it was the experienced English who took it to guarantee Spartans at least a point. In the 12th Burns looked down and out, but an unexpected in off gave him an opportunity which he didn't refuse and he put Spartans over the line at 8-4. J. McClean with an excellent positional shot to get on his last colour and P. Harris with a clinical finish gave the Rockers the last 2 frames which could yet prove decisive if the league is decided on frame difference when all the fixtures are complete.

Result from Wednesday 17th February

2011-02-18T00:37:00.003Z

Rockers 13-1 Alpha

Rockers stormed to 5 point lead over Castle in the League table with a power performance against the Alpha. It was really scintillating stuff indeed.
Captain J.McClean led the way with a classy 7 ball clearance. But a temporary stop came when the visitors levelled courtesy off a great cut on the black from A.Hall. An 8 ball clearance from A.Arbuthnot restored the home sides lead and McClean doubled the advantage at 3-1. R.Butler made it 4-1 and an 8 ball clearance from P.Harris made it 5. Arbuthnot with his second of night made it 6-1 at the interval. The rout continued in the second half with Butler notching his second and Harris cleared the table after I.Carson went in off from the break to make it 8-1. It was soon 10 as J.Johnston got on the scoresheet and Arbuthnot ripped out another 8 baller. Butler took out an 8 ball clearance in frame 12 and Harris broke and dished in the next. And the final black of night was potted by young Rocker S.Carson for a 13-1 scoreline. The Rockers have sent out a very strong message to everyone ahead of their trip to Whitehead next week. "We're top and we aim to stay there"

Man of the match must go to Paul Harris who won all his 3 frames with only 1 visit to the table in each, tremendous shooting.

Result from Wednesday 16th February

2011-02-17T00:39:00.006Z

Spartans 11-3 Pirates.

Whitehead Spartans entertained the Pirates in this re-arranged League fixture on Wednesday 17th February. It was the visitors who took the opening frame with a good finish from A.Moore. But E.McDowell under pressure from A.Corrigan for a while got control and levelled the match at 1-1. The hosts moved up a gear after that winning 5 on the trot through D.Lowe, K.English, McDowell again, S.Burns and R.Hawkins. They continued their run in the first 2 frames of the 2nd half with McDowell getting his hat trick and D.Lowe making it 2/2. The McMurtry brothers of Roy and Hugh then steadied the Pirates ship with 2 fine finishes. 8-3 now to the Spartans but it wasn't long before the match concluded at 11-3 courtesy of 2 frames from English and 1 from Hawkins. This win keeps the faint Title hopes alive for the Whitehead team, but their next fixture is a "must win" as they entertain John McLean's League leaders the Rockers next Tuesday. What a match that one promises to be.

Pictured are the 2 teams before the kick off. Pirates top left and Spartans below left.

Brian Brady Memorial Shield Round Up

2011-02-16T00:43:00.004Z

The Brian Brady (pictured right) Memorial Shield Prelims and First Round matches were held on Tueday night, 15th February. The top 6 at the half way point in the League played off in Whitehead GRSC and the bottom 6 in Monkstown SC. Last years winners Spartans just scraped through their prelim against Monkstown and went on to beat the Rockers in their next match. Castle will meet Spartans in the last 4 on 22nd March after they overcame 2 difficult fixtures against Barbarians and Scorpions.
Up in the Monkstown Club the ladies of the Dolly Mixtures celebrated a fine win over the Alpha in their Prelim and they repeated the treatment over Greenisland to make it into the last 4. Well done to the girls. Eastway overcame the Bees but just missed out on a Semi Final spot when going down to the Pirates in a deciding frame.

Top 6 Results

Prelims
Castle 4-2 Barbarians
Spartans 4-3 Monkstown
1st Round
Castle 4-2 Scorpions
Spartans 4-1 Rockers

Castle will play Spartans in Semi Final on Tuesday 22nd March

Bottom 6 Results

Prelims
Dolly Mixtures 4-3 Alpha
Eastway 4-3 Bees
1st Round
Dolly Mixtures 4-3 Greenisland
Pirates 4-3 Eastway

Dolly Mixtures will play Pirates in Semi Final on Tuesday 22nd March

Rearranged League matches

2011-02-10T09:43:00.000Z

Dates have been set for the 2 outstanding League Fixtures.

Wednesday 16th February - Spartans v Pirates
Thursday 17th February - Rockers v Alpha

Results from Tuesday 8th February

2011-02-09T01:16:00.002Z

Scorpions 5-9 Castle
Rockers 12-2 Dolly Mixtures
Barbarians 4-10 Spartans
Alpha 5-9 Eastway
Pirates 6-8 Greenisland
Monkstown 10-4 Bees

Pirates 6-8 Greenisland. The first two frames were shared, A.Moore for the Pirates and P.Akehurst for the visitors. Pirates then took a 3-1 lead courtesy of the McMurtry brothers Hugh and Joe. But other brother Roy couldn't make the hat trick as he lost out to S.Lennon. J.Millar won frame 6 to put the hosts 4-2 ahead, but a 3 frame burst from the GIs put them into the lead for the first time in the match at 5-4. Pirates rallied to take the next 2 through A.Moore and S.Millar,now needing just 1 more to secure the draw. But for the 2nd time in the match the Greenisland lads took 3 frames in a row with wins for R.Croft, H.Warwick and W.Morrison and this time it was enough to seal a vital 8-6 for Harry Warwicks team.

Barbarians 4-10 Spartans. Spartans clung on to their outside hopes of winning the title with a solid 10-4 victory away to Barbarians. R.Hawkins missed a black for an 8 ball clearance and M.Lowry laid 4 successful snookers but couldn't stop Hawkins giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. It was soon 2-0 as E.McDowell clinically disposed of H.Regan and an S.McWhirter frame then made it 3. The hosts got on the scoreboard with a fine finish from the improving S.Mitchell, but K.English and McDowell again put the Spartans well in control at 5-1. H.Regan won the final frame of the 1st session to reduce the deficit to 3 frames again. Spartans turned on the style at the start of the 2nd session with English, McDowell, Burns and McWhirter all registering wins. But Barbarians got another 2 deserved frames courtesy of Mitchell and Captain A.Galloway. Hawkins won the last of the evening and Spartans headed down to Whitehead with all 3 points.

Results from Tuesday 1st February

2011-02-02T10:37:00.001Z

Bees 7-7 Greenisland

Castle 11-3 Monkstown

Eastway 7-7 Scorpions

Dolly Mixtures 3-11 Barbarians

Rockers P-P Alpha

Spartans P-P Pirates

In sympathy

2011-02-01T15:33:00.000Z

The Committee of Carrick & District Pool League would like to offer their condolences to Ed McDowell after the passing of his father today (Tuesday 1st February). Our thoughts are with Ed, Claire and the family at this moment. Spartans match with Pirates has been postponed tonight as a mark of respect.

Unlucky lads

2011-01-31T18:59:00.000Z

Carrick B1 & B2 teams under the Captaincy of Derek Whiteside and Andy Galloway respectively, travelled up to Ballymena on Sunday 30th January to take part in the NIPA Interleague 'B' Team event. And both teams done themselves and our League proud. The B1s reached the Final only losing out to a North Down & Ards team 12-11 after a play off frame in one of the best finals for years. The B2s side which included a lot of debutantes at this level excelled by reaching the Semi Finals, finishing their group 2nd out of 5 with the players gaining valuable experience in the unique atmosphere that is the "Interleague"

Pictured above right - Derek Whiteside receives the Runners Up prize from the NIPA's Pauline Lynch

Pictured right - Harry Warwick, Roy McMurtry, Alan Corrigan and Adam Moore relaxing between matches.

Fixture change

2011-01-26T01:41:00.000Z

Just a reminder folks of a couple of fixture changes on our calendar

1st February (13th League match) should read
Bees v Greenisland
Castle v Monkstown
Spartans v Pirates
Eastway v Scorpions
Dolly Mixtures v Barbarians
Rockers v Alpha

8th March (17th League match) should read

Bees v Barbarians
Scorpions v Alpha
Pirates v Rockers
Monkstown v Dolly mixtures
Eastway v Greenisland
Castle v Spartans