RANKINGS & MATCH REPORTS

7 March 1999 - Suffolk v Cambridgeshire <top> <rankings>

MEN’S A

The first match of the Pool season saw Suffolk paired against the 1998 National Champions, Cambridgeshire. The match started well for the A team, with Suffolk winning the first five frames. For the rest of the first session of 11 frames, Suffolk were outplayed and found themselves 6-5 down.

Each session was close with the second going to Suffolk 6-5. In the third, Suffolk built an advantage, winning 7-4 to lead 18-15. Cambridgeshire took the final session 6-5 but it was not enough to stop Suffolk recording an impressive 23-21 win overall.

Notable performances were recorded by Steve Kane, Sam Bemment and Simon Goldsmith who each won all four of their games.

Due to players being unable to attend (captain Tony Holgate missing because of international duty), the A team needed support from a relative newcomer to county pool, Phil Cullingford. He was drafted in from the B team after having achieved a 74 percent average during the course of 1998.

MEN’S B

Suffolk B got off to a shaky start going 4-0 down but then pulled back six consecutive frames to finish the first session 6-5 up. In the second, Cambridgeshire pulled back to level at 11 frames all. After the third session Cambridgeshire had crept into the lead 17-16.

Suffolk dug in and managed to pull the match round, finally winning 23-21.

There were great performances by Dave Wilson, Jamie Cann and Stephen Lish each winning four out of four frames. Newcomer Chris McClements, who came in as a reserve for the third and fourth sessions, won both his frames.

LADIES

A great victory for the Suffolk Ladies against a strong Cambridgeshire team.

Suffolk had a slow start only winning the first session 6-5 but they were up against the best side Cambridgeshire has fielded for four years. In the second session, Suffolk got their act together to pull ahead 14-8. In the third, Suffolk relaxed and extended their lead 21-12. They eventually won the match 26-18 which is a great start to their league campaign.

Captain Haley Harding was pleased with her team’s performance and the great support and team spirit. Kim O’Brien had a good day, winning four out of four frames - the only ladies player to do so. The match also saw great performances to first-season players Clare Seaman and Donna Green who both won three out of four frames. Fifteen-year-old Leah Willett also played very well winning three out of four.

JUNIORS

Suffolk Juniors lost their first match of the season 31-13 to a very experienced Cambridgeshire team. Cambridgeshire are the All-England National Junior champions. Suffolk tried hard to cope with the pressure, as it was a county debut for many. The juniors have been struggling for a team and many of least year’s team are now over age.

There are practice sessions for any players under 18 who want to learn the world rules and would like a chance to make the team. Sessions take place every other Saturday at the Premier Pool Club, Duke Street, Ipswich. For further information, contact Robbie or Terry at the Club on tel 01473 226050.

11 April 1999 - Bedfordshire v Suffolk <top> <rankings>

SUFFOLK HIT THE FRONT IN THREE TABLES

Suffolk travelled to Bedfordshire for their second match of the season and came away with the Men's A and B teams and the Ladies' team all winning. There was also an excellent performance from the juniors, who came away with a draw.

MEN’S A

There seems to be no stopping the A team since winning the league last season for the first time.

Suffolk won with an impressive score of 29-15, with special praise for Sam Bemment of Lowestoft who won four out of four and is currently at the top of the region's rankings with 8/8. Darren Mitchell of Sudbury played very well to also win 4/4.

Jamie Cann has returned to county pool after giving up two years ago. He started the first game this season in the B team and, as a result of winning 4/4 and playing very well, was moved up to the A team for this match and won 3/4.

MEN’S B

Another good result for Suffolk B beating Beds 24-20.

Suffolk were off to a good start going 3-1 up. Beds responded taking the next three then Suffolk did likewise to go on to lead the first session 6-5.

After the second session, Suffolk had fallen behind 10-12. In the third session they restored their one frame lead and an excellent fourth session finished the match off with them winning 24-20.

Excellent performances again came from Dave Wilson, winning 4 out of 4 (that makes 8 out of 8 this season), and newcomer Andy Ross, winning 3 out of 4 on his first appearance for the county.

If the team carry on this way, there is a good chance we will see them at the All England Finals next year.

LADIES

The Ladies' team got off to an impressive start, going 8-3 up after the first session despite having problems coping with the brand new and extremely fast pool tables. They proved how strong they are by taking the second session 7-4 to open up a lead of 15-7.

With the third and fourth sessions going 6-5 in Suffolk's favour the final score was 27-17, keeping them at the top of the table.

Great performances were given by Vikki Layton and Debbie Pullen winning four out of four, and newcomer Carly Smith, an England international who has moved from Cambridgeshire and won 3/4 in her first game of the season.

JUNIORS

The youth match started well for Suffolk, who quickly took a 2-0 lead. From then on it was evenly divided before Bedford took the last three frames of the session to lead 6-5.

Beds started the second session well, taking four of the first six frames before a rally by Suffolk saw them win the next three frames to square the match at 10 frames each. However, Bedford won the next two frames to lead 12-10 at the end of the second session.

Suffolk edged the third session 6-5 (winning four in a row). The match was now poised at 17-16 to Bedford going into the last session.

A closely-fought contest continued right up until the end with the final result being a 22-22 draw. While Suffolk may have felt a little unlucky on a couple of occasions, an exciting match was enjoyed by all.

Special mention for George Barker, who won all four of his frames, and Scott Jordon, Dewi Evans and Mark Keeble, who each won three out of four.

Suffolk's next match is away to Norfolk, which will be a very testing game for both the Men's and Ladies' Teams.

16 May 1999 - Norfolk v Suffolk <top> <rankings>

MEN’S A

MEN’S B

Not so good news for the B team this month, losing to Norfolk 24-20.

Suffolk looked good at the start of the first session winning four out of the first six frames. Norfolk fought back to finish the first session 6-5 up.

The second session spelled even worse news for Suffolk taking only four out of the eleven frames to trail 13-9.

The start of the third session was not good for Suffolk but then at 17-10 down the match started to turn round with Suffolk winning nine out the next eleven frames levelling the match at 19 all. Norfolk made a final push to win the match 24-20.

Great results from Suffolk players Kevin Byford, Paul Slinger and new to Suffolk this year, Justin Saunders each winning three out of four.

Suffolk B are now in third place in the region, but only five points behind the leaders, Cambridgeshire. They will now be looking for a good result when they play at home to Essex on 13 June 1999.

LADIES

JUNIORS

13 June 1999 - Suffolk v Essex <top> <rankings>

MEN’S A

MEN’S B

Not good news again for the B team this month, losing at home to Essex 24-20.

Overall it was a close competition with Suffolk losing by only one frame in each of the four sessions.

Excellent performance by Mark Collins winning four out of four. Paul Slinger, Colin Segger and, Justin Saunders each won three out of four.

Suffolk B have dropped to fourth place in the region on 95 points , 13 points behind the leaders, Norfolk. There are still six matches to play and a couple of good results could easily make up this difference.

LADIES

JUNIORS

11 July 1999 - Hertfordshire v Suffolk <top> <rankings>

MEN’S A

Following a hot sticky day in a pool club in Hertfordshire, the Suffolk Men’s A Team came away with a disappointing final result of 26-18.

Last season Hertfordshire had a weaker side but this year they have come back extremely strong. They have knocked Suffolk off of top position and Suffolk are now going to have to work extremely hard to retain their title in the ensuing second half of the season. An excellent result for new A-team player, Paul Slinger who won three out of four.

MEN’S B

An excellent result for Suffolk B team this month, beating Hertfordshire 27-17.

Good performances from Suffolk players Andy Ross, Bryan Bumstead, Steve Lish, Phil Cullingford and John Huggins each winning three out of four. Nobody won less than two frames.

Suffolk B are now in third place in the region on 126 points, only five points behind the leaders, Norfolk. They now have every chance of closing that gap and going on to win the regional league. The grand prize being to go to play in the national finals at Great Yarmouth early next year.

LADIES

The Ladies could not have wished for a better start against Hertfordshire who always seem to give Suffolk a good run for their money. Suffolk took the first and second sessions 9-2 giving Suffolk a 18-4 lead. But like so many times this season, the Suffolk Ladies took their feet off the pedal and Hertfordshire won the third and fourth sessions 6-5 with Suffolk eventually winning 28-16.

Only one player won 4 out of 4 - Alex Roper. If she keeps this result up she will surely make the England trials next year. Also with an excellent performance was Donna Green from Kesgrave winning 3 out of 4; this being her third full match for Suffolk.

JUNIORS

Suffolk knew that they had to put in a strong performance against Hertfordshire. The match was played in very hot, humid conditions which didn’t help either team.

Suffolk got off to a fine start taking the first 3 frames. Hertfordshire then rallied to lead 5 frames to 4 before Suffolk took the last 2 of the first leg to go into the second leg leading 6 frames to 5.

The first half of the second leg was evenly contested but with the score poised at 8 frames all, Suffolk kicked into a higher gear and rattled off the next 6 frames to put them 14 frames to 8 in front at the end of the second leg.

Suffolk now full of an extra confidence knew that they could win this match and proceeded to pull further ahead to lead the match at the end of the third leg by 22 frames to 11.

At the start of the fourth and final leg, Suffolk needed just 1 frame to clinch their first victory this season and they did it in style taking 8 of the available 11 frames to run out comfortable winners by 30 frames to 14.

This win now only leaves them 2 points adrift of third place.

A strong solid performance by all the Suffolk team but special mention for both Craig Canham and Paul Keeble who each won all four of their frames and were jointly awarded a Man of the Match Award.

Fine individual performances by Sam Jeffrey (the youngest player in the team) who won 3 out of 4 frames and James Bouldin who also won 3 out of 4 frames to record his first wins this season.

Team Manager, Mike Collins, was very pleased with this result and congratulated all his players on a job well done. However, Suffolk Youth have recently lost a couple of excellent players this season and need to boost its squad for the remaining half of the season. Regular training sessions are held on alternative Saturdays at the Premier Pool Club, Ipswich and any player under 18 years of age is very welcome. Further details can be obtained from the Club on 01473 226050.

8 August 1999 - Cambridgeshire v Suffolk <top> <rankings>

MEN’S A

Suffolk A beat Cambridgeshire A 27-17, a great win after falling at the previous hurdle which put Suffolk firmly back at the top of the leader board. Sam Bemment maintained his assault on the Region 4 individuals title with 2 out of 4; as did Alan Mower who achieved 3 out of 4. Seven out of the rest of the team also achieved 3 out of four which is the best start we could have wished for for the second half of the season. We look forward to equally good performances as we have some excellent prospects pushing through from the B-Team.

MEN’S B

Unfortunately, Suffolk B did not do so well this month, just losing to Cambridgeshire 23-21.

The first two sessions went well with Suffolk winning each one six frames to five. In the third session, everything started to go wrong with only four of Suffolk's players able to take frames. At the start of the fourth and final session, Suffolk were trailing 17-16 and were only able to take 5 out of the 11 frames to end up losing by just two frames.

Good performances this month from Suffolk players Justin Saunders, Andy Ross, Julian Adams and Phil Cullingford each winning three out of four.

LADIES

Unfortunately no report this month, as Cambridgeshire Ladies were unable to field a team.

JUNIORS

On Sunday 8 August, Suffolk Youths travelled to Wisbech to take on the All England National Champions (Cambridgeshire) in this Region 4 match.

Due to illness etc, Suffolk only had nine players available for this fixture and therefore went into the match already having had to concede eight frames.

However, a fine spirited performance by the youngsters matched Cambridgeshire all the way through this match but eventually losing by 26 frames to 18 frames (8 frames difference being the frames conceded due to the lack of available players on the day).

Team Manager, Mike Collins was delighted by the way the team equipped themselves on the day.

Special mention to G Barker and D Evans who both won all their four frames and to 11 year old S Jeffrey who won 3 out of 4 frames. In his fourth frame he didn’t get a shot as his opponent cleared from the break.

Additional players are needed; full details available from the Premier Pool Club, Ipswich.

12 September 1999 - Suffolk v Bedfordshire <top> <rankings>

MEN’S A

A good result from the Suffolk A team beating Bedfordshire 25 to 19. This result puts us firmly in contention for the East Anglian title with three games to go. It is unfortunate however that other match results have gone against us with Norfolk superseding us at the top of the league, albeit by only two points. Good results were again attained by Steve Kane and Sam Bemment (4 out of 4) maintaining their push at the top of the Region individual rankings and also by Richard Kear and Richard Sweny who both achieved three out of four.

MEN’S B

Suffolk B came a close second to Bedfordshire losing by just two frames with a final result of 21:23. Suffolk got off to a good start taking 5 out of the first 7 frames but then went on to lose the next 4 to go 5:6 down after the first session. Suffolk came back with 5 wins in succession to then lose the next 6. Entering the third session 10:12 down, Suffolk again could only take 5 out of the 11 frames going into the final session 15:18 down. To win overall, Suffolk now needed 8 frames during the last session but in the event were only able to get 6.

Once again outstanding performances from Justin Saunders and Stephen Lish, both winning 4 out of 4 and strong performances from Dave Welham, Andy Ross and Bryan Bumstead each winning 3 out of 4. Suffolk B will now require a good win against Norfolk on 10 October if they want a chance at playing in the National Finals.

LADIES

A slow start by Suffolk Ladies, missing three established players. Trailing all the way, until they managed to equal at 13-13 and only then showing their class and determination. With outstanding performances from Donna Green and Angie Smith. This being their first season and what a credit they are to the Suffolk side. Suffolk eventually won the match 25-19, showing a strength that will be hard to beat, with maximum wins both from Clare Seamen and Kim O'Brien. The whole team would like to wish Haley Harding and her new baby Zoe all the best.

JUNIORS

Suffolk knew that they had to win this match in order to improve their current position. In a closely fought first leg however, Bedfordshire held a single frame advantage leading 6 frames to 5.

The second leg was equally close but it was Suffolk coming out 6 frames to 5 in the end to level the mach at the half way stage at 11 frames each.

Suffolk then took the next 5 frames in a row plus a further 3 frames in the third leg to put them 19 frames to 14 in the lead. Sensing victory they were not going to let Bedfordshire off the hook and proceeded to win the next 5 frames before Bedfordshire managed to pull 2 frames back. Suffolk then completed the match by winning the last 4 frames.

An overall win for Suffolk by 28 frames to 16 on the day.

An excellent result with the Team Manager pleased by the performance and in particular with new signing Daniel Devido who won 3 out of 4 frames.

Leighton Mitchell won all his 4 frames as did Paul Keeble with both Craig Canham and Dewi Evans getting 3 out of 4.

Other new signings on the day performed well and the team overall is now a little stronger and ready for the remaining matches in the season.

10 October 1999 - Suffolk v Norfolk <top> <rankings>

MEN’S A

Suffolk A Team lost 18 - 26

MEN’S B

Suffolk B Team lost 11 - 33

Men's team manager too gutted to write a report for either A or B teams :-(

LADIES

A good win for the Ladies, beating Norfolk 30 - 14. This gives Suffolk ladies an excellent chance to come top in the region and go on to the National Inter-County Finals next March.

JUNIORS

No match.

14 November 1999 - Essex v Suffolk <top> <rankings>

MEN’S A

A close win for Suffolk beating Essex 23 - 21.

A solid 7 - 4 win for Suffolk in the first session. Essex fought back with a vengeance to take the second session 9 - 2 to leave Suffolk trailing 13 - 9. Sufolk kept their cool and took both the next two sessions to finally win 23 - 21. Excellent result for Phil Dyer winning 4 out of 4!

MEN’S B

A disappointing loss for the Men's B team 26 - 18. None of the Suffolk players did particularly well. The best results came from Phil Cullingford and Mark Collins, each achieving 3 out of 4.

LADIES

A poor performance all round by the Suffolk Ladies with an eventual loss 25 - 19. However, the many times Region Champions are still fighting and are still on target to win the 1999 Region 4 Championship.

Excellent performance by newcomer Zanya Archer winning 2 out of 2 frames in a very tense match.

JUNIORS

Suffolk Youths hoping to put one over the old enemy produced a lack lustre performance, eventually going down by 29 frames to 15 frames. Having to concede four frames at the start of the match, Suffolk never got into their stride and together with no luck running for them, found themselves 8 frames to 3 behind at the end of the first leg.

The match proceeded in much the same way throughout.

A disappointing performance on the day overall, but not to take anything away from Essex who on the day took their chances to deserve the result.

Suffolk players who did well were Craig Canham and George Barker who each won 3 frames out of 4.

Craig Canham received the Suffolk Man of the Match award.

12 December 1999 - Suffolk v Hertfordshire <top> <rankings>

MEN’S A

Suffolk A won 28 - 16

Report to follow

MEN’S B

An excellent result for the B team beating Herts 34 - 10. Unfortunately it has come a bit late for Suffolk this year and although it will make their ranking position a little more respectable, it will not be enough to qualify for the National Finals in March.

The average player score was 3 out of 4 and three Suffolk players, Julian Adams, Jon Huggins and Phil Cullingford each achieved 4 out of 4!

LADIES

No match. Herts Ladies withdrawn.

JUNIORS

Suffolk Juniors won 27 - 17

Report to follow

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