Editorial
Ralph Macklin
This season has seen the usual crop of tournaments won, or nearly won, by players who learned to play in the Teesside Boys Billiards League, Ranging from the success of Russell in the UK professional championship, to Allan Scott winning the EABA Under 16 title. The League celebrates its twenty-first birthday this year. It is a remarkable example of what can be achieved if the will is there, and a remarkable example of the high standards that can be attained - and not just in billiards - if training can be given from an early age. Many others have been involved over the years but it was Ralph Macklin who started the whole thing going. There are not too many people who can claim such an achievement.
Hugh Nimmo & Dick Watts
Neither Hugh nor Dick has been too well recently.. All readers will wish them a speedy recovery and a return to the game.
Geza Gazdag
Geza has recently been on the wrong end of the, "Slings and Arrows." After a long illness involving spells in hospital Mrs.Gazdag died in January of this year. During his wife's illness, Geza was himself taken ill, had two operations in the space of ten days, lost two stone in weight (he could hardly afford this,) and had to rely on being taken to see his wife as she was in a hospice some 25 miles from home. His friends have rallied round and the latest is that he is making some improvement. Keep going Gazza - the game's not over yet.
Jim McCann
Jim McCann's claim to a Derbyshire record (5 consecutive championship wins) which was queried in the last issue (P.20), has been verified by David Rees who was the previous record holder (4 wins.) The late Herbert Beetham won 3 consecutive Derbyshire Championship but did not then enter again. Beetham presented the trophy which is still played for.
ABC Turnout and Handicaps
The turnout at the last two tournaments was very disappointing. It's hard to pinpoint the exact reasons. Anybody out there got any views on this? A few players have pointed out that, when the tournament is pro/am, they receive 50 start from either Martin Goodwill or David Causier, but do not receive this start when the tournament is exclusively amateur. Furthermore, some players receive an extra 50 points in a pro/am, and so, if opposing either Goodwill or Causier, would be in receipt of 100 points. Against players on the scratch mark they would receive 50, yet in amateurs- only everyone plays on level terms. This does seem inconsistent. Over to you Derek Townend. The first ABC of next season will be at Guildford on September 11th - contact Derek for confirmation and further details.
Referees
The EASB now has a scheme in place for the re-classification and upgrading of all referees who were qualified under the old system. Referee Tutors (Area coordinators) have been appointed. Details from Freya Broad, EASB, 27 Oakfield Road, Clifton, Bristol. BS8 2AT
The Sound of Not-so Distant drums
I must confess to having spent the odd half-hour or so watching snooker from The Crucible. Was anybody, like me, was irritated almost beyond measure, by the incessant lunatic, drumming, which was considered necessary as a background to the, "Shot of the Tournament," competition. Why oh why do they do it?
The Academy of Academic Billiards
Some readers have asked why there has been no news of late from the Professors of Billiards Theory. The main reason has been a lack of space, they will hopefully be back next issue.
Readers News and Views always welcome
