2007-2008 NEWPORT & DISTRICT POOL LEAGUE
For immediate release
Friday, January 11th, 2008
WHEATSHEAF FAITHFUL STUN AUDCO HIGH-FLIERS
Newport Cup teams to play for new Neil Clark Memorial Trophy
NEWPORT (Shropshire): The Wheatsheaf produced the shock of the week in the Newport Pool League with a gritty 3-3 draw at high-flying Audco. The visiting draw specialists even had a pot for outright victory against the ‘snooker’ team, but had to settle for their fourth draw from five starts.
“We were woeful,” groaned 2006 Newport Open champion and Audco star Paul Trevor. “Skitty, our Nige, Oddy and Coop did us proud,” said a delighted Wheatsheaf spokesman.
Shakespeare continued their impressive run of form with a break-neck 5-1 win over New Inn. The home team disposed of the bottom side in less than an hour as they coasted into the top two for the first time – a mere point behind the King’s Head, who had a bye last week. Only Matt Hestor was on the losing end of the black for the buoyant home side.
Lilleshall Sports Centre kick-started their league season with a rampant 5-1 away win at the Sutherland Arms in Muxton. Neil Perkins pushed the visitors into a one-nil lead with a win over Kim Worrall, before Keith Warrington hit back to level the match by ousting Greg Heathcote after being pegged back from a seven-ball clinching pot.
Solid play from Ben Longstaff and Nick Clewey gave LSC the advantage heading into the doubles and all four players made no mistake to confirm the much-needed three points for delighted skipper Dave Price.
The Junction A’s visit to the Boat in Gnosall and the Navy Club’s trip to the Junction B were both postponed because several players were affected by the widespread stomach virus.
Meanwhile, league organisers have confirmed that cup contenders will now be playing for the honour of winning the new Neil Clark Memorial Trophy. This is a new trophy that has been introduced in memory of former league player and Newport resident Neil Clark, who lost a brave battle against a rare cancer-related disease in 2006.
“Neil was a great friend and colleague to many of us within the Newport Pool league for many years,” confirmed championship organiser Neil Perkins. “He was the captain of Arthur Foxcroft’s Fox & Duck pool team that won the league title several times in the 1990s and many of us have many happy memories from this time.
“Clarkie was a very gifted pool player and a top captain to play for. He never accepted second best. You had to be on your game. I have spoken to his father Barry and mother Ann about this new trophy and they are both fully supportive of the award, which we hope will become an institution within Newport Pool League circles.”
The Newport Pool League Cup is currently at the quarter-final stage, although the final is provisionally booked in the diary for Wednesday, May 21st at the Navy Club.
“We are delighted to support this award,” said Barry Clark. “Neil was well known in both bowling and pool circles in the town and we have done something similar in bowling.”
Would teams please ensure that all match forms are returned to the Railway Tavern as soon as possible after games to ensure that league tables are as accurate as possible. Please also text the result to 07831 123153.
2007-2008 Newport & District latest league table @ 11/1/08
Team P W D L F A Pts
King’s Head 4 3 1 0 19 5 11
Shakespeare 5 3 1 1 18 12 10
Junction A 4 3 0 1 15 9 9
Audco 5 2 3 0 17 13 9
Lilleshall SC 6 2 2 2 18 18 8
Sutherland Muxton 5 2 1 2 15 15 7
Boat Gnosall 3 1 1 1 9 9 4
Junction B 4 1 1 2 11 13 4
Wheatsheaf 5 0 4 1 13 17 4
Navy Club 5 1 0 4 10 20 3
New Inn 6 0 2 4 11 25 2
League matches still to be played to date.
Junction A v King’s Head
Audco v Boat Gnosall
Boat Gnosall v Junction A
Junction B v Navy Club
Ends
For further information:
Neil Perkins, NDP Publicity Services, Tel: 07831 123153
www.ndp-publicity.com