The Cleveland Billiards League, which is run over the Summer months, has now been completed, with the team from the East Cleveland village of Carlin How emerging as winners. The League is one of the oldest in the country having been established in 1896. Historically, Carlin How have always been strongly connected with the Billiard League, but this was the first time in several years that they had been represented. Their last league championship was 17 years ago.
Saltburn Conservative Club pulled of a shock win in the final of the England Cup Team Billiards by defeating the highly regarded Redcar WMC team. Ian Walton took the first game 200-108 against Richard Beckham and John McCabe sealed a 2-0 victory with a win over Gary Beckett 200-91.
Lee Lagan (North Ormesby Institute) turned in one of the best performances ever seen in the Redcar League, when playing off a handicap of -100, he ran in a break of 213. His opponent, playing from +50, could only contribute six points as Lagan completed his victory 200-56.
The League was saddened by the news that one of their most talented players, Previn Shukle, had died from cancer at the age of just 20 years. Previn, who represented the Elm Tree club in the League, reached the final of the British under-16 Championships in 1994 Elm Tree Challenge
A special billiards challenge match was held at the Elm Tree Club between members of their Junior and Senior teams. The Juniors are currently Champions of the Boys' Billiards League and the senior team includes National CIU Champion Tony Mackinder. With the seniors conceding 40 points in the 30 minute matches they started well, winning the first two games, but then the Juniors struck back to take the next three. This included a fine 43 point victory for Martin Shutt over Tony Mackinder. Both sides included "ringers" for the final game, Peter Gilchrist appearing for the Seniors, and Chris Shutt for the Junior team. Gilchrist made breaks of 82 and 100 to lead 220-15 with 13 minutes left. Chris then made a break of 76, but when he broke down Peter played out time with an exhibition of various trick shots, which entertained a capacity crowd of around 120 people. The event was a huge success and may well become an annual event at the club. Full results (Seniors first) : Steve Best 180, Glen Blythman 119; Brian Durham 121, Scott Casey 118; Mark Graham 119, Jeff Henderson 136; Peter Jennings 107, Billy Bousfield 113; Tony Mackinder 123, Martin Shutt 166; Peter Gilchrist 307, Chris Shutt 91.