Riley is the Under 23's Champion

It’s another competition and another win for the Titans golden boy, Riley Patterson. He was crowned the CDPL U23s champion last night in one of our league’s finest venues, Grange Bar.
Quarterfinals: William McCullough won 4-3 against Adam Crossett
Semi Finals
James Robertson won 5-4 against William McCullough
Riley Patterson won 5-4 against Lewis Neill
Final
Riley Patterson won 6-4 against James Robertson
Well done young man.

With that final black we see the curtain coming down on the 2025/26 season kindly sponsored by SKC GAMING NI.

All that's left is the have our end of season celebration event POOL TOGETHER sponsored by Impact Network NI on 26/06/26 and we are done. 

Hopefully see you all there and again in the following season kicking off in September.

Final League Match of the season

The final league match results, league table and player of the year sponsored by SKC Gaming NI Ltd
The Whitehead Trojans welcomed the Larne Q Club to the Rangers club for the last game of the season. The match started with Mark Abram winning with some great potting. The Trojans Stephen Hamilton won the second frame to even up the match but the Q Club then took control of the match by winning the next 3 frames Rorie McAllister, Ian McCalmont and Ciaran O'Toole. The last frame was between Girvan Fleming and Rorie McAllister the match went down to black ball. Q Club player Rorie left the black ball safe on the bottom cushion with white ball half way up the table. Trojans Girvan Fleming saw that there was no good safe shoot so he just hit the ball as hard as he could. The black ball went round the table off four cushions and went into the bottom left pocket. The teams then set down for burgers and chips, thanks to Jared McFadden for cooking the food.
The second half started the same as the first with Mark Abram winning the first frame. The second frame was won by Jared McFadden with 3 great shoot to win the frame the next 3 frames were won by the Q Club . Trojans Gary Fitzsimmons won the 12 frame and the last 2 frame were won by Q Club winning the match 10 - 4 . Top players of the night Mark Abram 3/3 and Ciaran O'Toole
Other results are in the image below:

The final league table is on the left of the homepage. Well done to Titans and tanks to all players and teams for a great season.

Mulhollands' Players Memorial Shield IT'S SPARTANS AGAIN !!!

The preliminary rounds of the Players Memorial Shield, sponsored by Mulhollands Funeral Directors.

Results were: Trojans 2-8 Spartans; Whiteabbey Legion 8-5 Times Bar Tigers; Bay City Bowlers 8-5 Pink Ladies; Q Club Titans 8-5 Colts; Galacticos 0-8 Blues; Q Q-Club Larne 8-0 The Stadium Bar.

First round results were:
Bowlers 4 Titans 8
Blues 3 Q Club 8
Scorpions 6 Grange 8
Spartans 8 Legion 6


Semi finals took place in Q-Club Larne on 9th June.

Q Club 8-6 Grange Ballyclare
It was Memorial Shield sponsored by Mulhollands Funeral Directors, action on Tuesday night as Q Club and Grange played in the first Semi Final.
Q Club got off to a fast start to go 2-0 up via William Irvine and Ciaran O’Toole. Thomas Fleming and Michael Wilson would level
things up though with 2 good clearances. The Grange would take the lead at half time 4-3 getting the best of the 2 doubles matches.
Going into the second half it was the Ballyclare men who kept the momentum going with the pair off Uel Wallace/Gary Neeson making it 5-3. The last doubles match was a must win for Q Club and Ciaran O’Toole/William Irvine edged them over the line to keep the match finely poised. Richard Kitson made it 6-4 to the Grange but the Larne men found a turn of foot and managed to take the last 4 frames to move into the Final. Highlight being the last frame and a reverse dish from Q Club vice captain Rorie McAllister.
In the other semi the Spartans beat Titans 8-5.


The Final was played on Tuesday 16th June in The Times Bar, York Road, Belfast.

Kenny English's Spartans Pool Team added to their impressive record in the Mulhollands Funeral Directors’ Players Memorial Competition by once again bringing the trophy back to Whitehead Glasgow Rangers Supporters Club.
Spartans opponents were the Q. Club, Larne and it was they who raced into a 2-0 lead courtesy of wins for William Irvine and Ciaran O'Toole. Robert Hawkins steadied the ship for Spartans with a double on the black in Frame 3 but Kyzler Todd restored the two frame advantage in Rack 4. When we reached the interval Spartans had moved ahead 4-3, Stephen McLaughlin winning his Singles Frame and the pairings of Kenny English/Billy Pawson and Mark Millar/Alan Johnston winning both Doubles matches.
To the second half and the first two frames of Doubles were shared, Ian McCalmont/Kyzler Todd winning for Q. Club and Robert Hawkins/Stephen McLaughlin for Spartans. Back to Singles Frames next for the rest of the match and although Ciaran O'Toole registered his second win of the night for Q. Club, a fantastic finish from Mark Millar and another win for Stephen McLaughlin put Spartans on the hill. And just as he had done on Sunday at the NIPA Counties Final event it was the experienced Alan Johnston who kept his nerve to reverse dish on a dry break and give Spartans their sixth win in the annual Carrick League Players Memorial.
Big thanks to the Times Bar for hosting the final as we remember all those players who graced our League but are no longer with us.

POOL TOGETHER - SAVE THE DATE

SAVE THE DATE!!!


CDPL POOL TOGETHER celebration on Friday 26th June is generously sponsored by Impact Network NI and kindly hosted by Greenisland Working Men's Social Club

Listening to a meaningful song can improve mental health by reducing stress, lifting mood, and helping people process emotions in a healthy way in the company of friends.

If you will be at this event we ask you to suggest a song for the dj that means something to you to add to the mindful playlist.

The annual Carrick District Pool League doubles tournament concluded last night in Grange Bar. In the first semi final Rab Butler and Derek Whiteside faced off Ryan Scott and Jackie Murdock. Jackie and Ryan eventually progressed 5-3 in this epic battle. They started thirty minutes before the other semi final and ended thirty minutes after that final was over.
The other semi final had Gary Neesan and Richard Kitson taking on father and son pairing of Chris and Jack Carson. The father and son pairing progressed to the final rapidly winning 5-1.

The final was a show of great tactical frames and exceptional finishing. Chris Carson and Jack Carson ran out deserved winners 6-2 lifting their second doubles title in three years. Well done to all and thanks to Grange Bar for hosting in their immaculate venue.

Titans at the double In The corn Blinds KO Cup

The Titans completed a superb league and cup double after sealing an impressive 8-5 victory in a high-quality contest over the Grange.
One of our Carrick & District Pool League’s most prestigious cup competitions concluded last night. The AcornBlinds NI Ltd Knock Out Cup final took place in one of the leagues finest q sports venues, Q-Club Larne.

Grange pool team from Ballyclare travelled to Larne to face the league champions elect, Titans.
Both teams battled hard throughout the night, with several close frames keeping the match finely balanced, but the champions once again showed the experience and composure that has made them the team to beat this season.

There were standout performances all around for the Titans, but the moment of the night belonged to “the crafty pensioner,” Alan Corrigan, who produced a moment of pure class in the deciding stages.
With the pressure on and the frame there to be won, he calmly stepped up and drilled a fantastic long black up the rail to seal the victory in style.
The winning pot sparked huge celebrations as the Titans wrapped up an outstanding campaign, securing the league double and further cementing their place as deserved champions winning 8-5.

Aaron Watters lifts the Bottom Half Singles

A massive well done to the inaugural champion of the Carrick District Pool League bottom half singles, Aaron Watters (pictured in left in red).
In the semis Aaron won the deciding frame 5-4 against Steve Simpsy from Times Tigers.
Phil Watson (pictured right in grey) reached the final by defeating Trojans Girvan Fleming 5-3.
In the final Aaron raced to a 3-1 lead before Stadium’s Philip Watson pegged him back to 4-3. The Colts star held his nerve and took the final two frames becoming a worthy winner.
Well done sir.
A big thanks to Greenisland Working Men's Social Club for hosting the finals night.

Mulhollands Players Memorial Shield draw

Carrick District Pool League are delighted to announce a brand new partnership.

Mulhollands Funeral Directors are sponsoring the Players Memorial Shield. They provide funeral services to communities in County Antrim via branches in Larne and Carrickfergus.

Through this competition we honour those players who have graced Carrick District Pool League.

This annual event helps us to remember and honour our former pool players with dignity and respect.

The prelims are on Tuesday 19th May

1. Trojans v Spartans
2. Legion v Tigers
3. Bowlers v Ladies
4. Titans v Colts
5. Galacticos v Blues
6. Q club v Stadium

 
On Tuesday 26th May
1v2
3v4
5v6
Scorpions v Grange




The semi and final will take place in Q-Club Larne on 9th June.

The format is 5 singles and 2 scotch doubles. then 2 scotch doubles and 5 singles, Randomly drawn If its 7-7 a player will be randomly drawn for a 1 frame shootout.


https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18uXB7LayR/

Stevie McLaughlin Masters Champion

Congratulations to Stephen Mclaughlin (of Spartans pool team) on winning this seasons Masters tournament sponsored by SKC Gaming NI Ltd
Stevie overcame a tough run to the final taking down Davy Blair, Darren Whiteside,, Aaron Farr and Paul Kerr to meet Gary Neesaon in the final.
Gary in the other half took out Darren Haddock (who knocked out Alan Johnston in prelims), Mark Porter, Harry Warwick and Kenny English to reach the final.
The final was a tactical affair with Stevie McGlaughlin winning 6-4. A big thanks to Grange Bar for hosting it.

Titans are the champions!!!

And now it’s official, Q Club Titans are the champions of the Carrick District Pool League after an outstanding, undefeated season.
With 3 points for a win and one game remaining the second placed Times Bar Scorpions are 4 points behind.
Scorpions will finish second as Galacticos fell at the final hurdle against Bay City Bowlers and are now 7 points adrift.
Paul Kerr is officially the player of the year for the fifth time with a record breaking +50 frames under his belt.
A big thanks to SKC Gaming NI Ltd for their continued commitment and support in their partnership with our league.
Match reports will follow.
On Tuesday night Times Bar Scorpions hosted Whitehead Trojans in the Carrick and District Pool League sponsored by SKC Gaming NI Ltd.
Davy Blair took out a great finish to get the ball rolling for the Scorpions. Stephen Johnston soon made it 2-0. Darren Whiteside, Paul Kerr, Darren Haddock, a second for Stephen and a second for Davy Blair and the scorpions went into the half time interval a commanding 7-0 up.
Trojans Stephen Hamilton stopped the rot with a classing black. Paul Kerr secured all 3 points soon after, spurring on his team mates to romp home with the next six frames in a row. Darren Whiteside took the quickest break and dish of the night in under a minute. Darren Haddock and Davy Blair both had hat tricks and great pressured finishes.
Paul Kerr also had a hat trick and his personal tally this season is an outstanding +50 at the top of the player of the year.
Final score Times Bar Scorpions 13- 1 Trojans securing at least second place in the league.

Masters 2025/26

Carrick District Pool League Masters was drawn last night  Live on (1) Facebook

Matches are races to 4. Top half of the draw is in Grange Bar Ballyclare and bottom half of the draw is in Greenisland Working Men's Social Club.

Prelims Start at 7:30 sharp. Players are advised that they will lose a frame every 5 minutes they are late after 7:30.

First round players should be at the venues for 8pm sharp. If a table is free and your opponent is ready to play you will lose a frame every 5 minutes you are late (after 8pm).

If your name is in the draw and you do not turn up you will still be charged £10 for entering the competition.

 
Unpaid fees will prevent you playing in the league next season.

Thanks again to our league sponsor SKC Gaming NI Ltd

Titans March on with the biggest win of the week

The Carrick District Pool League sponsored by SKC Gaming NI Ltd the top and bottom of the table stayed the same.
League leaders Titans romped to an emphatic 3-11 away win against Greenisland Colts.
In the Times Bar Derby between second placed Scorpions and Tigers a cagey frame started proceedings and a great black by David Robert Blair secured the frame. Aaron Leslie was unusually lacklustre in the second but still had a chance and was clinically punished by an on fire Steve Simpsy who would end up player of the match with what turned out to be 3 smashing finishes.
Stephen Johnston won a scrappy third. Paul Kerr was much the same in the fourth followed by another tense frame in which Darren Haddock took out a decent finish.
Simpsy put the white off the table to give Cinto a chance at the reverse dish but he missed the black. Simpsy snookered him and even though Cinto hit the black, Simpsy took them out superbly well.
Davy Blair took out a lovely finish against Bug to make it 5-2 Scorpions at the interval.
Second half started with a great break and dish from Steve Simpsy. Aaron Leslie capitalised on a foul by Sam Sloan to put another one on the board. Paul Kerr made it 7 with a patient frame before Davy Blair secured all 3 points with another great finish (probably finish of the night).
Darren Haddock somehow managed to lose a frame he should never have lost. Paul won another cagey one against Tom McGurk and Darren Haddock wrapped it up when he should have been beat. Final score Scorpions 10 Tigers 4.
This result maintains second place in the league, for now.
Third placed Galacticos could only manage a draw at 5th placed Q-Club Larne.
4th placed Spartans had a 10-4 victory over Railway Blues.
sixth placed Grange put Whiteabbey Legion to the sword with a 10-4 win.
Bowlers went down 5-9 to Stadium Bar in a live streamed match Facebook
Propping up the league, Pink ladies went down to a 12-2 defeat by Trojans.

We go into Easter with a fortnights international break as some of our players head to Gibraltar to represent Northern Ireland in the European Pool Championships.
We wish them all the best of luck.

Titans go 4 clear as Galacticos hold Scorpions

Old rivals, Scorpions and Galacticos met in Greenisland with second place on the line in the Carrick District Pool League sponsored by SKC Gaming NI Ltd.
The hosts took the lead with a sublime finish from Aaron Rolston. Paul Harris made it 2-0 after an edgy frame before Stephen Johnston pulled one back for the visitors in another gritty affair. Paul Kerr equalised with a sublime break and finish in the next.
Chris Carson took out a composed finish in the next to restore the home team's advantage before Johnston equalised for the visitors with another patiently won frame. Gary Wallace put the home team ahead at half time after being given an unlikely chance by Davy Blair.
Rolston took the first of the second half to give the Galacticos a 5-3 lead with another pinpoint finish. Jason Hefferon pulled one back for the visitors before Chris Carson re-established the home team's two frame advantage with a sublime reverse dish.
Aaron Leslie took the next and the game was set for the next three frames to be tense.
Scorpions captain Lee McIlreavey and Galacticos elder statesman Paul Harris fought out the next but an uncharacteristic in off by Paul let Hatchet in with two visits to equalise.
Paul Kerr then put the away team ahead for the first time in the tie capitalising on an in off in the break and clearing the table. Chris Carson held his nerve in a tense last frame to split the points.
All in all a draw was a fair result.

Colt’s travelled up the Road to the Times Bar on the Shore Road to play the Times Tigers
This is Usually a Close Encounter Between the Two Teams tonight was par for the course. The first four frames were shared 2-2 before Tigers took the next three frames to open up a 5-2 lead at the break.
It was a game of Two Half’s as the Colt’s won it 2-5 to take a share of the Spoils.
Tigers 7-7 Colts

Sara-Lou and Richard mixed doubles champions

On Wednesday 25th March the Carrick and district pool league held their inaugural Mixed doubles championships in Greenisland Working Men’s Club.

 

Teams were randomly drawn together and after a gruelling night the finalists emerged.

Colin Beckinsale (Colts) and Wendy Long (Pink Ladies) took on Richard Kitson (Grange) and SaraLou Graham (Pink Ladies). Donald score Colin/Wendy 2 Richard/SarahLou 5.

With some great pool on display it was the pairing of SaraLou and Richard who went down in history as the first CDPL Mixed Doubles champions. Well done to both and thank you to all who took part.

Big Score Lines in week 21

This week was week 21 of the Carrick & District Pool League sponsored by SKC Gaming NI.

Times Bar Scorpions entertained Railway Blues. 

The first two frames were shared. Blues struck first through their captain Ryan Stewart and Colin Rafferty drew level. Paul Kerr broke and dished to put Scorpions in front.

Darren Haddock added another before Stephen Johnston broke and dished to make it 4-1. Davy Blair took out a nice finish and Stephen Johnston added his second to make the half time score 6-1. Knowing that frame difference could come into play, the Scorpions kept the frames coming in. A few could have went either with the exception of yet another break and dish from Paul Kerr for his hat trick. Stephen Johnston achieved a hat trick too. Colin Rafferty had 2/2. Final score Times Bar Scorpions 12 Railway Blues 2. 

Jean makes it 3

A big congratulations to Larne's Jean Mcilroy for taking down the annual Carrick District Pool League ladies Championship 2025/26. This is Jean's third Ladies title in Carrick District Pool League with her first coming in 2012.

Jean, who is registered for Q-Club Larne pool team defeated Kathy Wilson in a thrilling final, eventually winning 5-3. 

A big thanks to Greenisland Working Men's Social Club for hosting this competition. 

Granges Lift the 3 A Sides

The League's annual three a sides finals night did not let us down on Wednesday night on some of the best tables in the league. The venue was Q Club Larne.

Greenisland Colts put up a good fight to reach the semis but were out gunned by the Railway Blues 5-2 with Gareth Curlett taking a great black to reach the final.

Scorpions made it to a deciding frame but Granges’ Stephen Herron ripped out a classy dish to secure an all Ballyclare final.

At 4-0 up the Granges’ Wayne Lewis broke in the final frame and went on to dish when it mattered. 

Final score Granges 5 Railway Blues 0. 

The final was dedicated to the late Tyler Mcconnell who was a friend to all of the finalists.

A big thanks to the Q-Club Larne for hosting the 3 a sides finals night in their superb venue.

Here's a little montage of the night's action (click)

Titans March On

Tuesday night was a clash with the league leaders, Titans vs Whiteabbey legion in the Carrick District Pool League sponsored by SKC Gaming NI Ltd.
Titans that raced out of the gates first with 3 commanding frames from Stuart,Riley,Andy. Last year’s player of the season, Rab Butler stepped up to show his class and pull one back for the legion. Dean, for the titans, was next with a clinical break and dish followed by a win for Ryan and another break and dish for boy wonder Riley Patterson. A technical battle was won by Stuart to give the Titans a 7-1 lead.
Mark Porter pulled out a great finish to bring the visitors to 7-2. Ryan McKillop for the titans to take the win making scoreline 8-2. Andy Arbuthnot grabbed the next frame taking the score to 8-3. Riley Patterson pulled out yet again another break and dish also followed by another break and dish by Stuart Kelly. The crafty pensioner Alan Corrigan took the win to see the match out 11-3 Titans.
Players of the night
Riley Patterson 3/3 with 2 B/D'S
Stuart Kelly 3/3 with 1 B/D
Second placed Times Bar Scorpions travelled to second from bottom Bowlers.
Scorpions’ Lee Mcilreavy started well with a reverse dish.
Recently frowned grand master, Stephen Johnston soon made it 0-2. Paul Kerr, open singles champion made it 0-2 with a patient win. Aaron Leslie had a reverse dish and DarrenWhiteside made it 0-5. Paul Kerr broke and dished before Aaron Leslie made it 0-7 at the interval.
Bowlers Aaron Reid got a frame on the board before Aaron Leslie secured his hat trick and 3 points for the Times Bar Scorpions. Paul Kerr made it 1-9 and Bowlers’ Matt Millar made it 2-9. Lee McIlreevy and Stephen Johnston added to the Scorpions’ tally before Sammy Millar took a respectable final frame. Final Score Bowlers 3 Times Bar Scorpions 11.

The rest of the scores are below:

Cinto is the Grandest Master

Congratulations to Times Bar Scorpions' Stephen Johnston on winning this seasons Grand masters. Stephen won 4-1 against Alan Johnston in the final. 

The Lisburn man had a tough route to the final overcoming last years champion Joe Patton and David Craig along the way.

Cinto adds the grand masters to his seniors title that he won last season. 

Who would bet against him in the upcoming Masters for over 50's?

A big thanks to Grange Bar for their exceptional pool room for finals night.

Paul Kerr lifts his 3rd Open Singles Title

Congratulations to Paul Kerr on winning the 2025/26 Open Singles competition. Paul came through a tough field. In the quarters he was one nil down and won the next 4. In the semis he was 1-0 down and won the next 4. In the final he had to dig deep against Rhys McGlaughlin after an uncharacteristic miss to go 3-2 down. He won the next 4 in a row. Well done Paul.

Paul won it in 2007, 2017 and now is 2026. The Belfast Man ages like a fine wine.

He also sits at the top of the POTY 

Chris Carson is the seniors champion

Congratulations to Chris Carson on becoming the 25/26 SKC Gaming NI Ltd Seniors Pool Champion.
Chris overcame a Michael Wilson 5-3 in the final with two world class finishes, from 3-3 to claim the silverware in his first year of being a 'senior'.
In the Quarter Finals Michael G Love beat last year's champion, Stephen Johnston 4-3, then an equally tough opponent in Wayne Lewis in the semis 4-3.
Chris’s beat Darren Whiteside in the quarter Finals 4-2, then Alan Johnston 4-1 in the semis.
A Big thanks to Greenisland Working Men's Social Club for hosting the finals night.

Titans stretch their lead at the top of the table

In the Carrick District Pool League sponsored by SKC Gaming NI Ltd The Trojans welcomed the league leaders, Titans, down to sunny Whitehead.
The match started with two very quick frames with Riley Patterson and Dean McDonagh winning their frames and showing why their team is sitting top of the league with some great potting.
Trojans Christopher Hobson won the next frame with great potting also for the Trojans. The next five frames were won by the Titans with man of the match Riley Patterson with two break and dishes on the night.
Frames 9 and 10 were won by Trojans Stephen Hamilton and Gary Fitzsimmons. The Titans then took back control of the match winning 3 out 4 last frames of the night. Final score was 10 - 4 to Titans


Second placed, Scorpions welcomed high flying Spartans to Times Bar. Spartans struck first with a solid win for the experienced Robert Hawkins after a near break and dish. Mark Miller tried to be cagy but it was a foul break and Paul Kerr soon levelled with a reverse dish before Aaron Farr put the Spartans 2-1 up with a reverse dish of his own. Scorpions levelled again through Aaron Leslie. Stephen Johnston put the Scorpions 3-2 up. Mark Millar levelled once more and Aaron Farr gave the Spartans a narrow 4-3 lead at half time. There wasn't much separating the two teams and after the break the Scorpions dug deep. Aaron Leslie, Paul Kerr and Stephen Johnston rallied to a 6-4 lead but Spartans would not roll over. Kenny English, Aaron Farr levelled once more. Robert Hawkins took the win after Davy Blair inadvertently pooted the black mid frame. The final frame of the evening went to Lee McIlreavey with a reverse dish to secure 2 points for a hard fought 7-7 draw.


Third placed Galacticos had a flattering 4-10 victory over Grange bar.
Greenisland Colts won 9-5 over Bay City Bowlers.
Pink Ladies went down 2-12 to Railway Blues.
Whiteabbey Legion fought back to secure a bonus point in a 6-8 defeat to Times Tigers.


More reports to follow.

Bottom Half Singles to last 4

From a registration of thirty-four players we have reached the semi-finals in this season’s inaugural bottom half singles competition. This competition is only for the players from the teams in the bottom half of the league at the time of registration.

In Greenisland Workingman’s Club,  Times Tigers’ Stephen Simpson had a tough draw but overcame Julie Anne Cromie in the preliminary round 4-0. Ricky Topping was toppled by a score line of 4-1 in the first round. In the second round Simpsy came through an epic and won the decider 4-3 against Stephen Hamilton. In the quarter finals Simpsy overcame a gallant Harry Warwick in another decider 4-3 to reach the semis.

In Whitehead Glasgow Rangers Supporters Club, Colts Aaron Watters was in the zone as he romped to a 4-0 victory over Tom McGurk in the first round. Big Cujo John McClean went down 4-2 and in the semis it was Joe Patton’s turn to feel Aaron’s wrath with a solid 4-0 win to secure safe passage to the semis.

In Grange Bar Ballyclare, Stadium’s Phil Watson disposed of his team captain Chris McCurry 4-1 before a tight 4-3 encounter with Aaron Crossett. In the quarter finals it was nip and tuck before Big Phil took the decider 4-3 against John Fulton to reach the semis

Also in Grange Bar Ballyclare, Whitehead Ranger’s Girvan Fleming began with a comfortable 4-0 against Lewis Neill. In the second Round it was Andy Macky suffering another 4-0 defeat. In the quarter finals Steven McWhiter went down 4-0 and Girvan reached the semis without dropping a frame.

The semi final’s night will take place in Greenisland on TBC

Steven Simpson vs Aaron Watters

Phil Watson vs Girvan Fleming

Q Club Retain the Knockagh Cup

 

Q Club Pool team lift the Knockagh for the second time in as many seasons. The Larne men overcame Whiteabbey Legion in the final.

Grange Lift the Castle Cup

Grange pool team won the Castle Cup for the first time with a topsy-turvy playoff win against the Times Bar Scorpions.

The Ballyclare men took control early doors with nice finishes from Stephen Hereon, Richard Kitson and Ryan Scott opening a 3-0 lead, before the experienced duo of Darren Haddock and Paul Kerr brought the Belfast men back to 3-2. Michael Wilson and Robin Blair both won to restore the three-frame advantage at 5-2 to Grange after the first session. Stephen Johnston and Michael Wilson shared the next two to make it 6-3, before Kerr, Johnston and Haddock reeled off the next three to level things at 6-6. The 13th frame was a long tense affair with Kitson eventually punishing an uncharacteristic in-off from Kerr to put Grange on the hill. In the battle of the Blair's, Robin looked like he was about to hand Grange the win, but missed his last yellow and Davy had a tap in to force the decider. With the other two finals finished, a large crowd gathered as Wayne Lewis and Aaron Leslie played out a tense playoff. After a safety battle, a telling snooker from Lewis forced the mistake from Leslie and the Ballyclare man cleared up to secure the Cup for Granges . The final was played in great spirit and unfortunately there had to be a loser but the congratulations and commiserations between the players at end was great to see.

Well done men.

Bay City Bowlers win their first silverware

The Bowlers made the trip to the Grange Bar on Tuesday night to take on the Tigers in the Harbour Cup, sponsored by Amber Castle Entertainment. With the cup very much up for grabs. The Bowlers have shown real improvement this season, although a combination of good opposition play and the occasional “what was I thinking?” shot has sometimes made them their own worst enemy.

With a few loyal travelling supporters along for moral support (and pressure), the Bowlers got off to a dream start. Sammy Miller opened proceedings by taking the first game, before Ricky Rocket and Davie Craig followed suit to race into a 3–0 lead. The Tigers, clearly unimpressed with this plan, decided to fight back and took the next two frames to make it 3–2.

Aaron Reid, carrying on from last week’s good form, steadied the ship with a win, only for the Tigers to spoil the party once again and pull it back to 4–3 at the break.

The second half began well, with Sam getting things going for the Bowlers. True to form, the Tigers refused to lie down and dragged another game back, ensuring the Bowlers had to earn every single point. 

Wins from Davie Craig and Aaron Reid then put the Bowlers within touching distance of the title.

Davie Craig had the chance to finish it in style but kindly left the door open by missing an easy black near the pocket, keeping the Tigers’ hopes alive. Step forward player of the night, Sammy Miller, who played sublimely and finally put the Tigers to bed, earning the Bowlers their first piece of silverware.

The match was played in great spirits throughout, with plenty of laughs, banter, and top-class craic enjoyed by all.

Final score 8-5

Seniors down to last 6. Cinto still standing.

 

The Seniors competition got underway on Tuesday. The reigning Champion, Scorpions Stephen 'Cinto' Johnston is still standing. We had 354 participants and are now down to six. the remaining quarter finals will commence at 7:30 on 11th February on 11th February in Greenisland Club.

Titans Too Tough for Galacticos but a point was a bonus

Whitehead Trojans vs Railway Blues, at the Grange Bar Ballyclare on a chilly Tuesday night, with Storm Chandra brewing outside. The weather was looking pretty rough, with heavy rain and strong winds forecasted, but the Trojans still made the journey.

The teams have had a mixed bag of results recently. Their last meeting ended in a 7-7 draw, so it'll be interesting to see how things play out tonight.

Stephen Hamilton got the Trojans off to a good start winning his first frame of the night after Ryan Stewart went in off on his break. Robin Kerr, Josh McIroy (a magnificent swerve shot after running out of position on the black), Gareth Curlett and Wes Smith won the next four frames convincingly giving the blues a 4-1 lead. Stephen Hamilton then won his second frame of the night before Chris Hobson won the final frame of the session. 4-3 at the break with everything still to play for. 

Second session began with a win for the blues, Craig Laughlin winning his first frame of the night. The Trojans fought back well winning the night two, Stephen Hamilton making it 3/3 on the night and Matthew Thompson, 5-5. Wes Smith produced an incredible shot the get onto the black in the 11th frame then Josh Mcilroy put the blues on the hill after a scrappy frame, 2/2 for McIlroy. The penultimate frame was won by Gordon McKintry. 7-6 to the blues with one frame to play. Craig Laughlin held his nerve to to take out a lovely finish and get the win for the Railway! 

A highly competitive game played in great spirit! Thanks to the Trojans for making the journey and all the best for the rest of the season.

 

Stadium welcomed the Times Tigers to their bar for this weeks league action Tigers looked to start off well with John Fulton winning the break and with a good break he started to clear the table, John being a very capable player it looked inevitable to be a break and dish however a surprising miss stopped that in its tracks and Stadium player Thomas Orr stepped up to the table, cool, calm and collected he punished his opponents mistake with a nicely put together clearance, 1-0 to Stadium. Next game the exact same situation played out with Tigers Stephen Simpson unable to see out his chance at a break and dish, while Bryan Elwood stepped up to the plate and took his opportunity and taking the win to put his team to 2-0. Scott Pettigrew stepped up next to stop the rot and not let stadium continue to build a lead. Sam Sloan then took the next game after a back and forth game to take it back to even at 2-2. Phillip Watson somehow pulled out a win in the next following a turbulent game putting stadium back in the lead 3-2. Both captains stepped up next in a battle to either level the score or extend a lead,  after a great battle on the table it was Stadium captain Chris McCurry who came out victor with a beautiful double on his last ball which was also a combination shot with the white into the black, 4-2 Stadium. John was up again for the Tigers and very much the same as his first game he got a good break and went about clearing the balls this time he got down to the black although a break and dish was not on the cards for John yet again as he missed the black leaving it over the middle pocket, first game for Johnathan Drake of the Stadium and a big task to ask but he stepped up and went about clearing the balls, unfortunately for him though he missed the pot on his last ball although it did find a different pocket so did the white, a simple drop in black for John stopping the rot again and finishing off the first half. Scoreline 4-3 to Stadium

 After a close first half it was all still to fight for, Bryan got his 2nd win of the night edging Stadium closer to some points, 5-3. Yet again though tigers fought back with John winning to get the game back within one, 5-4. Chris then won his 2nd of the night and guaranteeing his team a point, 6-4. Stadium then started to gain momentum taking the next 3 with wins from Johnathan, James Robertson and Phillip, 3 points to Stadium and a bonus point denied to Tigers with the score being 9-4. Scott won the last frame of the night as consolation, match finished 9-5 to Stadium. 

Players of note: Bryan Elwood, Chris McCurry and Phillip Watson all winning 2/2 on the night

Honourable mention to John Fulton and Scott Pettigrew both with 2/3 wins

Colts raced out of the blocks against Times Bar Scorpions with a tidy win for Alan Harris, Joe Patton with a sublime break and dish with a smashing last red to get on the black and Aaron Watters via an in off the black from Stephen Johnston. Sensing danger the scorpions talisman Paul Kerr stopped the rot, Darren Haddock brought the arrears back within one and Davy Blair levelled. Aaron Leslie had a tasty reverse dish to take the a 4-3 lead.  Stephen Johnston made it 5-3 followed by another from Aaron Leslie and another from Stephen Johnston to put Scorpions on the hill at 7-3. Joe Patton was superb 3very tidy finishes in the match but Scorpions ran out 9-5 in a match that was much closer than the score line suggests.

With Scorpions getting three points it was imperative for Titans to do the same... And thats what they did against Galacticos. The bonus point has brought Galacticos level with Scorpions in second place.

In other matches Bay city Bowlers 6 Legion 8, Q Club 14 Ladies 0, 

 

No Change At The Top

On Tuesday 20^th January the Whitehead Rangers Trojans welcomed the Carrick’s Bay City Bowlers. The first frame was won by Trojans’ Stephen Hamilton when he doubled his last ball into the centre pocket leaving a straight black into the same pocket, Darren Clifford won the next frame for the Bowlers to level the match. The next frame was a very tight frame with Aaron Reid was very unlucky when he potted the black and the white ball followed the black into the same pocket. Frames 4,5 and 6 were won by Gary Fitzsimmons (Trojans) Richard Topping (Bowlers) and Gary Fitzsimmons (Trojans). The last frame of the first half was won by Matthew Thompson after Bowlers Stuart McBride made a mistake when he was awarded 2 shoot after Matthew missed his ball out of a snooker. Stuart lifted the white ball without asking the referee to lift it which is a foul and frame over.

The second half started with Gary Fitzsimmons with a great black winning his 3rd frame of the night. Bowlers’ Ian McMillan won the next frame. The Trojans then took control of the match winning the next 5 frames wins for Stephen Hamilton, Matthew Thompson, Girvan Fleming and Gordan McKinty.  Players of the night were Trojans Gary Fitzsimmons, Matthew Thompson and Stephen Hamilton all winning 3 out 3 frames.

Pink Ladies hosted Times Bar Scorpions in Greenisland WWMC. Scorpions’ Darren Whiteside got the ball rolling with a swift whitewash. Davy Blair made it 2 and Paul Kerr broke n dished sublimely to make it 3. Aaron Leslie made it 4 and David Blair chipped in his second to make it 0-6. Aaron Leslie nearly potted the cue ball and the black but held on to make it 0-7 at half time.

Darren Whiteside was up against Joan Bustard, who made a fabulous debut, but it was Darren Whiteside who won the frame sealing the 3 points for the Scorpions. Paul Kerr made it 0-9 before Tracey Cooke experienced her second frame without a shot as Aaron Leslie ripped out a lovely break n dish. Lee McIlreevy made it 0-10 followed by Davy Blair and Darren Whiteside. The biggest cheer of the night came from Angela Willis’ fans as she took advantage, mopping up her remaining balls, after Lee McIlreevy went in off, in off to secure the Pink Ladies’ solitary frame. Final score Pink Ladies 1 Scorpions 13.

Times Tigers welcomed the Galacticos to the Shore Road. It was a sobering lesson for the Tigers in the first half with 2 wins each for Roger Smyth and Gee Crawley and a win each for Jack and Chris Carson and only Tom McGurk getting on the scoresheet for the Tigers.

The second half saw more of the same! Roger completed his hat trick of wins on the night and Chris Carson won his second. Tom McGurk grabbed his own second of the night to leave the score at 8-2 at this stage and the win guaranteed for the Galacticos and this sparked a little bit of hope for the Tigers. Scott Pettigrew grabbed another for the Tigers and then Tom McGurk grabbed his third of the night to bring the score to 8-4. Could the Tigers get an unlikely losing bonus point?? Nay said the Galacticos with another double from Jack and Chris to leave the final score 10-4. Special mention to Chris, and Roger for the Galacticos and Tom McGurk of the Tigers for 3/3 wins on the night! And to Gee and Jack with 2/3 wins on the night.

But spare a thought for the poor captain of the reigning champions, Mr Womb Ferret himself who was unlucky in both his games to brilliantly and impressively pot 6 balls and then foul and so go on to lose both!!  A great nights craic as always, with some fine darts thrown in for good measure and the beer was it's usual high standard!!

Tigers 4 Galacticos 10

In other matches: Grange 6 Q Club 8,  Colts 11 Stadium 3, Titans 9 Blues 5, Legion 5 Spartans 9.

The second half of the season is underway

Tuesday 13th January was the start of the second half of the league season.

The Times Tigers came to the Grange bar on Tuesday night to face the Railway Blues. The first time the teams met this season, the Tigers destroyed the Blues by a 10 frame margin! 

The Tigers started well winning the first two frames of the night, Scott and John with the wins! Blues pulled one back through Gareth Curlet with a good black. Johnny put the Tigers 3-2 up with a great finish! The Railway won the next 3 frames, Rambo, Sammy and Matthew taking the wins! Matthew had a fantastic break and finish giving the Blues a 4-3 lead at the break.

John took out a great finish to level the scores at the start of the second session. Robin and Skinny then put the Blues in a commanding 6-4 lead. The Tigers wouldn't lie down, winning frames 11 and 12, Stephen and Johnny getting the wins. 6-6 with everything to play for, Gareth Curlet held his nerve to put the Blues on the hill. The Railways January singing Rambo Crowe showed his class winning the final frame and giving the Blues their third league win on the bounce as Blues leapfrog Tigers in the table. A closely fought contest played in a great manner! Unlucky to the Times Bar Tigers and thanks for a great game.

The Bay City Bowlers welcomed league leaders Q Club Titans to Carrickfergus. It was an encouraging start for the home side, with Davie Craig putting early points on the board. Tight second and third frames followed, where Stuart Kelly first leveled and then Brian Kelly edged the visitors into the lead.

In the fourth, Craig once again demonstrated his quality with another well earned win. The next frame was closely contested, but the visitors began to build momentum. That shift became decisive when Brian Crilly produced a superb break and dish, sparking an onslaught that continued for the remainder of the match.

Despite the Bowlers’ best efforts, it was clear why Q Club Titans sit atop the league standings. The visitors led 5–3 at the break and then powered through the second half, claiming seven of the remaining games to secure a convincing 12–2 victory.

The match was played in great spirit, and the Bowlers wish Q Club Titans every success in their title charge.🎱

Times Bar Scorpions hosted the Grange. Gary Neesan, a seasoned campaigner, ripped out a beautiful reverse dish to get the ball rolling for the Ballyclare men. Lee Mcilreevy broke and dished in the next to level the scores. Johnny Mackay was a fraction off on his last ball for another break and dish letting Stephen Johnston in for an 8 ball clearance. In a more tactical game Darren Whiteside made it 3-1 to the Tigers Bay men. Paul Kerr soon made it 4-1followed by a Aaron Leslie vs former Scorpion Michael Wilson who looked to have played a great containing safety only for Aaron to play a wonder pot and sink the black. Paul Kerr round off the fist half with another for the Scorpions at 6-1. Grange are too strong to just roll over and Johnny Mackay won the first frame of the second half. Paul Kerr chipped in with his 3rd of the night for Scorpions before Michael Wilson added to the Grange's total after Lee McIlreevy snookered himself on his last ball (11) Steak v Hatch - YouTube. Aaron Leslie secured the points for Times Bar Scorpions. Uel Wallace and Thomas Fleming took the next couple for the Grange and the final frame went to Lee McIlreevy. Final Score Scorpions 9 Grange 5. 

In other matches: