Our Billiard League is now well advanced, although the half-way stage has not quite been reached. Since my comments last month, Battersea Rise and Tulse Hill, the two leading halls, according to the handicaps allotted, met on November 28 at Tulse Hill, when Tulse Hill gained a sweeping victory by an aggregate of 1441 to 885 by Battersea. Of the six Tulse Hill players the only one to lose was their number one, M. F. Smith, who went down to R. Latta, by 250 to 191. Latta proved himself the more consistent player, and fully deserved his win. He struck his form early, compiling a neat 52 break, and with minor runs, led by just over 100. Smith was some time in finding his touch, but later, with consecutive breaks of 78 and 50, overhauled his opponent by 191 to 178. Latta, however, with the balls well placed, ran out winner, with a 72 unfinished, a masterly break in which he chiefly exploited the top-of-the-table game.
Two seasons ago Battersea Rise, who then won the Championship Shield, possessed a very strong team, consisting among others of H. W.
Bond, Edwards, R. Latta, and Tipping; of these stalwarts only R. Latta now represents them, and having regard to their weaker team, they appear to be rather heavily handicapped as backmarkers. The position of the halls up to December 8, was as follows:—
| Matches | Aggregate | |
| Hall | Played | of Points |
| Lewisham | 5 | 6,942 |
| Battersea Rise | 6 | 6,901 |
| Tulse Hill | 5 | 6,891 |
| Streatham | 5 | 6,556 |
| Wimbledon | 5 | 6,442 |
| Clapham | 5 | 6,367 |
| Vardens Road | 5 | 6,283 |
| Chelsea | 4 | 5,806 |
| Thornton Heath | 4 | 5,700 |
From the above figures it will be seen that Battersea Rise are relatively in a much lower position, having played the most matches.
Chelsea and Lewisham, who both receive a liberal handicap, are well fancied to provide the ultimate winner, with Tulse Hill a good third.
There is, however, some way to go, and there should be a good struggle.