EABAonline
The Amateur Billiard Player : November 1998

WEST COUNTRY NEWS

by Colin White

The Sandford Orcas League attracts players from a large rural area bounded roughly by Mere (Wilts), Yeovil (Somerset), Wincanton (Somerset) and Sherborne (Dorset). The longest all round distance teams have to travel is about 48 miles which probably by urban standards is a long way. We have at present 16 teams of three players in two divisions, but the total number of individuals registered for last season, including reserves was 74. We play games of 150 up off floating handicaps ranging from a maximum of owe 50 to unlimited plus values, the adjustments being +5 or -5 as the player wins or loses.

A useful rule is operated by the league by which in the event of only two players being available for a match one of these players may, on being chosen by lot, play a third substitute game.

Notwithstanding the usefulness of this rule in times of flu epidemics and etc. teams try to present 3 players on most occasions as this is much more satisfactory and enjoyable.

The annual prize giving and social evenings usually held in May are always well attended and the number of competitions run with their related cups, shields and trophies is a tangible reminder of the strong support given to the league during its long existence of 70 years.

Results for 1997-98

League Div 1 Winners   Mere Prince of Wales
League Div 1 R/up   Yeovil Liberal A
League Div 2 Winners   Wincanton B
League Div 2 R/up   Sherborne C
Knock-out Cup winners   Alweston A
Knock-out Cup R/up   Sandford Orcas B
Highest Break (80) Carroll Walters Sherborne A
Minus h´cap best break (41) G Went Alweston A
Highest aggregate Brian Gillard Mere P of W
Highest average Peter Davie Mere P of W
Individual Knock-out Peter Davie Mere P of W
Teams Representative Cup Peter Davie Mere P of W
Captain's K.O. Cup Joe Dunigan Yeovil Lib A
Scratch Cup Steve Warren Bradford Plains
Condign Cup (over 60s best performance) Colin White Mere P of W
Wooden Spoon Carroll Walters Sherborne A*

* Such is the nature of the beast called Handicappus Frustratus that Carroll Walters, with a season's starting handicap of +235 and being runner-up in the scratch competition, is now also the proud (?) possessor of the wooden spoon.