19th September 2011
AGM
The league's AGM was held tonight in the Talbot.   Minutes can be found here.

14th September 2011
Open Knockout - Grand Final
The final stages of the knockout were played this evening at the Spital Vaults.   The 2011 Open Knockout Champion is Ray Lamb and the runner-up is Ted Randles.   A full report can be found on the Knockout page.

7th September 2011
Open Knockout - last 26
The "semi-finals" of the competition were played tonight, when the last 26 were whittled down to the last 8.   Semi-Finals were held at the Egerton Arms and Bawn Lodge, and the four highest scorers from each venue were as follows:-

Immediately after the semi-finals, a draw was made for the venue for the Grand Final (based on available neutral tables), and the Spital Vaults was drawn out of the hat by Margaret Walker.   The Grand Final will therefore be at the Spital Vaults on Wednesday 14th September.   See Knockout page for details.

28th August 2011
Lock Vaults move to Home Guard Club
After just one season, the Lock Vaults have moved to the Home Guard Club and the team will play from there next season.   The table was moved from the Lock Vaults this morning and is now set up in the Home Guard Club.  

The Home Guard Club's table is now surplus to requirements and is For Sale for £300 to any Chester pub / club wanting a bagatelle table.  Contact Barry Tipton if interested.
 

25th August 2011
Open knockout - week 13 - Red Lion, Handbridge
The last of the Open knockout events was held this evening in a vibrant Red Lion in Handbridge.  As well as the bagatelle, the pubs regular Thursday night quiz was on and there were lots of teams competing.   Sample question: Which TV series did the Ponderosa feature in?

After the first round of the bagatelle, the four highest scorers were Richard Evans (75), Chris Barlow (61), Barry Tipton (51) and landlord Andy Smith (47).    In the semi-final draw, Barry was drawn against Andy and Richard was drawn against Chris.     In the first semi-final, Barry went first and scored 24+34=58.  This proved too much for Andy who scored 26.    In the second semi, Richard scored 26+37=63 and Chris replied with 17+36=53.    In the final, Richard went first and scored 26+37=63 again, and Barry replied with 31+25=56.   Congratulations go to Richard who is a worthy winner, having got the three highest scores of the night.

Thanks go to Andy and all the staff at the Red Lion for their hospitality and also the excellent buffet which was much appreciated by everyone.    The Red Lion are putting a team into the forthcoming Winter League which starts on 19th October so, if you are interested in joining the new team, please make yourself known to Andy.

The draw for the semi-final stage has been made and can be found on the knockout page.

Quiz question answer: The Ponderosa was the name of the ranch owned by the Cartwright family (Hoss, Little Joe etc) and appeared in Bonanza.   Did you all know that?   Of course you did!

18th August 2011
Open knockout - week 12 - United Services Club
The United Services hosted this evenings knockout, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Chris Barlow (65), Bill Lloyd (60), Gordon Green (54) and Billy Williams (53).

In the semi-final draw, Gordon and Billy, the two 'home' players were drawn apart, with Chris being drawn against Gordon and Billy drawn against Brian.   In the first semi-final, Chris won the toss and chose to play first, but could not recapture his earlier form, and scored 21+7=28.  In reply, Gordon scored 18+21=39 to take him into the final.   In the other semi-final, Billy won the toss, chose to go first, and recorded the highest score of the night 32+37=69.   Bill missed the break by a fraction and also missed shots for the 8 and 9 etc. by the smallest margins, and he finished up with 16+3=19.    This meant that the final would be contested by the two 'home' players.

In the final, Gordon won the toss and chose to play first.   His first stick was the best individual stick of the night, 45, but proving what a tough table the USC is these days, he only scored 8 his second stick, finishing with 45+8=53.   Billy played solidly his first stick and scored 34, leaving him still needing 20 to win.  He scored 23 after 5 balls of his second stick and finished with 34+23=57.     Congratulations go to Billy for winning and to both Billy and Gordon for qualifying for the next stage.

Next week, the last of the Open Knockouts will be hosted by the Red Lion in Handbridge, and as they are  joining  the Winter League, it will be an opportunity for them to recruit some new players for their team!    Everything points to it being a great night.   We'll have a new venue, lots of tension, a great pub to have a drink in, and lots of prizes to be won.   I look forward to seeing you all there!

17th August 2011
Summer league - week 14 - Lock Vaults are the Champions!
The Lock Vaults finished the season 8 points clear of the rest with a fine away win at the Royal Oak in Hoole.  Dave Cooper popped along to present the team with their Champions trophies after the game.  Well Done and Congratulations to all the players.    The Talbot had a good away win at in-form Bawn Lodge, winning 374-429, top scorer was Rob Bawn for the home side with 81.   The United Services Club had a solid home win against the Spital Vaults 505-302 with captain Dave Cooper hitting an excellent 94.   With the USC getting 2 points for a home win, and the Talbot getting 3 points for an away win, it means the two teams have finished joint second.   The Union Vaults won away at the Egerton Arms to move up to joint 4th with Bawn Lodge.

11th August 2011
Open knockout - week 11 - Lock Vaults
The Lock Vaults hosted this evenings event, and after the first round the four highest scorers were John Ford (78), Paul Siddall (68), Mal Siddall (64), and there was a tie for 4th highest between Kev Siddall and Richard Evans (both 60).    In the play-off, Richard went through 54-64.

In the semi-finals Richard was drawn against Paul, and Mal was drawn against John.   In the first semi-final, Richard won the toss and chose to go first, scoring 18+34=52.  Paul replied with 34+23=57 and was able to put the cue down with 3 balls still remaining.    In the second semi, Mal won the toss and put John on.  John produced the best performance of the night by scoring 42+48=90.   In reply Mal scored 25 and did not play his second stick.

In the final, John went first and scored 33+39=72.   Paul replied with 21+26=47, having had to go for some big shots his second stick which didn't quite come off.   Congratulations go to John who was definitely the most consistent player on the night and a worthy winner, and to both finalists for qualifying for the next stage.    Thanks go to Tommy and the staff in the Lock Vaults for their hospitality and the excellent buffet which was much appreciated by all.    Next week the knockout moves to the United Services Club, I look forward to seeing you there.

10th August 2011
Summer league - week 13
Champions elect the Lock Vaults won their home game with the Royal Oak by approx 140 points this evening.  The United Services moved into 2nd spot with a good away at the Spital Vaults which earned them 3 points.  The Talbot drop to 3rd place despite winning, as they were at home to Bawn Lodge, and the home win only earned them 2 points.   In the Newtown local derby game, the Union Vaults beat the Egerton Arms.  I'm not sure of the scores, but the Vaults have told me it was a good win!

8th august 2011
AGM - 19th September 2011
This years AGM will be held in the Talbot on Monday  19th September 2011.  Sheets will be in the pubs and clubs this week.

4th August 2011
Jack Dodd - RIP
It is with deep regret and profound sadness that I have to report the passing, on Sunday 17th July, of our Honorary Life President Mr Jack Dodd, one of bagatelles most enthusiastic supporters.   We have lost a good friend and Jack will be missed by all who knew him.  On behalf of everyone associated with bagatelle, I wish to convey our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

The date and time for the funeral has been set for Thursday, 4th August 2011 at 12.30pm at the Holy Ascension Church, Church Lane, Upton.  Pettits the funeral directors have informed me that in lieu of flowers, the family suggests that as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Hope House Children's Hospice.

Update: Jack's funeral today was very well attended by family and friends. The Holy Ascension church was packed.  Several bagatelle players were present, including John Lea, Ken Colgate, Lol McNay, Dave Cooper, Gordon Green, Barry Tipton, Barry Pace, Ted Randles, Mal Coppock, Nigel Walker, Arthur Morris and myself.

Open Knockout - week 10 - Union Vaults
On the sad day of Jack's funeral, the knockout went ahead in the evening, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Dave Williams (79), Pat Wallace (74), John Roberts (62) and Matthew "Baga" Larson (58).

In the semi-finals, John was drawn against Dave, and Baga was drawn against Pat.   In the first semi-final, John won the toss and chose to go second.  Dave played well and scored 29+39=68 setting John a target of 69.   John had a difficult first stick, scoring just 19, which left him needing 50 to win.   He went for it second stick but some shots didn't come off and he finished with 19+29=48.    In the second semi-final, Pat won the toss and chose to go first.  He broke off with 16 his first ball but then struggled to find any form and finished with 27+11=38.   Baga scored 25 his first stick, picking up steadily after putting the black in double 3 early on.  Needing 14 his second stick, he scored 12 early on and then had quite a few balls to score 2 more, but luck deserted him and he did not score again, finishing with 25+12=37.

In the final, Dave won the toss and put Pat on.   Pat played much better than in the semi-final and scored 34+43=77.   Dave replied well his first stick, scoring 41, but slightly overhit the break second stick which left the black in an awkward place.  It took a few balls for him to sort it out, and in the end he scored 23, missing a difficult 9 and 7 shot his last ball which would have won the game, 41+23=64.     Congratulations to Pat for winning, and to both Pat and Dave for qualifying for the next stage.

Thanks also to Linda and the staff at the Union Vaults for their hospitality and the excellent half-time buffet which was much appreciated by everyone.   Next week the competition moves to the Lock Vaults, I look forward to seeing you all there.

3rd August 2011
Summer league - week 12
Leaders Lock Vaults had an excellent away win at second placed the Talbot.  Half-time scores were 225-295 and full time was 437-592.   The Lock Vaults are now 8 points clear with 2 games to go.  The United Services Club go joint second with an away win at the Egerton Arms.  At half-time they led 174-238 and at full-time the scores were 367-442.  Top score was Sam Mackin with 81.   The Royal Oak beat the Spital Vaults despite a great comeback by the Spital.  At half-time the scores were 233-136, a lead of 97. but at full time the lead had been significantly cut, final scores 387-361.   The Bawn Lodge v Union Vaults result isn't in yet. Update: I understand that Bawn Lodge completed the double over the Union Vaults to remain in 4th spot, 4 points clear of 5th.

28th July 2011
Open knockout - week 9 - The Talbot
The Talbot in Newtown hosted this evenings competition, and in a packed bar, the four highest scorers after the first round were Ted Randles (88), Phil Barlow (83), Barry Tipton (68) and Paul Ellis (67).    In the semi-finals, Barry was drawn against Ted, and Paul was drawn against Phil.

In the first semi-final, Ted missed the break both sticks and could not match his earlier form, but still scored 26+31=57.  In reply, Barry scored a solid 38 his first stick which left him needing 20 to win.   Luck deserted him his second stick however, and he failed to get the black down scoring just 7 to put Ted into the final.      In the second semi-final, Paul won the toss and chose to go first, and he scored steadily both sticks, finishing up with 32+34=66.    In reply Phil had no luck and scored only 12 his first stick.     Needing a maximum 54 his second stick just for a draw, he went for an 18 break but unfortunately the black caught the 2 cup and stuck, and he retired as he could no longer reach his target.

In the final, Ted won the toss and elected to play first.   The move seemed to have backfired when he scored 22 his first stick, but he recovered well and scored a solid 37 his second stick, finishing with 22+37=59.    Continuing the trend, Paul also struggled his first stick, scoring 17 which left him needing 43 to win.   He missed the break his second stick and never quite recovered, finishing up with 17+26=43.    Congratulations to Ted on winning and also to both finalists for qualifying for the next stage of the competition.

Thanks go to Pat and the staff at the Talbot for hosting the event, and also for the excellent curry which went down very well!    Next week the competition moves to the Union Vaults which always attracts a good turnout, I look forward to seeing you all there. 

27th July 2011
Summer league - week 11
League leaders Lock Vaults entertained second place the Talbot this evening in what turned out to be a closely contested match.   At half time the Talbot were ahead by 2 points 247-249.   In the second half the Lock Vaults edged ahead, but not by a conclusive margin.    In the end, the Talbot's last man Alan Elliff had to score 78 to win the game.  He scored 30 his first stick, and got into a great position his second, having scored 39 off 5 balls with 3 balls left to score a single 9 to win the game.  He did not score again however, his final shot finishing up 2 inches short of the 9 cup.  Final scores 495-487.

Third placed United Services Club were at home to the Egerton Arms and the game was a close one, the Services eventually winning by just 10 points, final scores 365-355.    Bawn Lodge had an excellent away win at the Union Vaults by approx 40 points, the Union Vaults are hard to beat on their own table, and the Spital Vaults won a close game against the Royal Oak by 11 points, last man Dale Williams getting a good score for the Spital to secure a home win.

21st July 2011
Open knockout - week 8 - Egerton Arms
The knockout moved back to Newtown tonight with the Egerton Arms hosting the event.   The bagatelle area was packed, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Chris Barlow (76), John Pritchard (63), Sid Chesters (60) and Sam Mackin (58).  Sid is probably the oldest person playing bagatelle, so his 60 (30+30) was a very popular score indeed!

In the semi-finals, Sam was drawn against Sid and Chris was drawn against John.    In the first semi-final, Sam went first and struggled his first stick scoring just 14, but played much better his second and scored 40 for a total of 14+40=54.    In reply, Sid, with everyone rooting for him (including Sam!), could not match his first round score and he scored 12+13=25.    In the second semi-final, Chris went first, scored steadily and came out with 26+34=60, critically missing an 8 off his last ball his second stick.    In reply John also played steadily but just managed to score slightly more, finishing with 34+32=66.

In the final Sam won the toss and chose to go first, scoring 27+28=55, in particular pulling out well his second stick when he was in trouble.    John replied with 43 his first stick, the best individual stick of the night, and then scored 13 off 4 balls to win 43+13=56.     Congratulations to John and Sam who both qualify for the next stage of the competition.

Thanks go to Paul, Amanda and the staff at the Egerton for their hospitality, and also for the magic hot dogs and fried onions which disappeared so fast that Penn and Teller might well have been fooled!    The competition moves to the Talbot next week so it should be another great evening and I hope to see you all there.
 

20th July 2011
Summer league - week 10
Leaders Lock Vaults had a tough game away at the Union Vaults.   They led at half-time, found themselves 1 down after 5 men, but then then rallied and eventually won 385-436.    Second placed Talbot had a good home win against the Spital.   At half-time they led 319-166 and ran out winners 515-363.    The United Services beat the Royal Oak 414-325, and Bawn Lodge beat the Egerton 452-251.

14th July 2011
Open knockout - week 7 - Royal Oak
The competition stayed in Hoole this week and was played at the Royal Oak in Faulkner Street.   23 people entered, and after the first round the four highest scorers were John Lea (86), Chris Barlow (84), Chris Parry (76), and there was a tie for the fourth highest between Mitch Whitley and Dan Donovan (both 71).   This meant there was a play-off in which Dan went first, but he could not recapture his earlier form and only scored 6+27=33.   Mitch replied with 41 and did not play his second stick.

In the semi-finals, Mitch was drawn against Chris Parry and John was drawn against Chris Barlow.    In the first semi-final, Chris Parry went first and had two excellent sticks, scoring 43+42=85.   In reply, Mitch missed the break, ended up chasing, only scored 15 and did not play his second stick.    In the second semi-final,  Chris Barlow went first and scored 39+20=59.   John replied with 46+29=75 to reach the final.

In the final, John went first and played well,  scoring 45+26=71.  Chris Parry played equally as well but managed to score slightly better, and replied with 38+40=78 to win at the Royal Oak for the second year running.  Immediately after the competition finished, Chris put the winners trophy on the top shelf behind the bar next to last years trophy!    Congratulations to both finalists for qualifying for the next stage of the competition.

Thanks go to Angie and Chris for hosting this evenings knockout and making everyone feel so welcome at the Royal Oak.   Next week the competition moves to the Egerton Arms in Brook Street when Paul McAleer will be the host, so we can anticipate another great evening of bagatelle.   I hope to see you all there!

13th July 2011
Summer league - week 9
Leaders Lock Vaults entertained the Union Vaults this evening and won 481-360.   Second placed Talbot had a fine away win at the Spital Vaults. They led by 81 at half-time 206-287, and ran out winners by 86, 471-557.    Third placed United Services Club were up at half-time 188-240, but fell away second half, losing the game 419-400.   Bawn Lodge had a fine away win at the Egerton Arms this evening, final scores 330-385.

7th July 2011
Open knockout - week 6 - Bawn Lodge
The knockout moved to Hoole this evening with Bawn Lodge Hotel hosting the event.  A total of 21 people entered, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Rob Bawn (73), Adam Wallace (68), Mike Turner (66) and Phillip Barlow (59).    In the semi-finals, Mike was drawn against Adam and Rob was drawn against Phillip.  

In the first semi-final, Adam won the toss and chose to play second.  Mike played well both sticks and scored 37+39=76. In reply, Adam scored 27 his first stick which left him chasing big shots his second.  As sometimes happens, none of them went in, and in the end he scored 27+2=29.   In the second semi-final Rob won the toss and chose to play first, scoring 26+27=53.   Phillip replied with 23+20=43, 10 points short which was not quite enough.

In the final, Mike played first and scored 38+21=59, critically missing the break his second stick which put him slightly out of position.   In reply Rob scored 39 his first stick and 25 off 3 shots his second stick to win comfortably.   Congratulations to Rob and Mike who both qualify for the next stage of the competition.

Next week the knockout moves across the road into Faulkner Street and the Royal Oak. 

6th July 2011
Summer league - week 8
In the reverse of last week's fixtures, leaders the Lock Vaults entertained Bawn Lodge and at half-time led 266-154, and eventually ran out winners by 519 - 363.   The teams in joint second place, the Talbot and United Services Club, played each other in what turned out to be a very competitive, if somewhat low scoring game at the dog.   The lead changed hands no less than four times and at half-time the Talbot led 218-191 with the full time scores being 394-389. Neither side got to grips with the table but the home side hung on for another excellent win.  Highest scorers were Gordon Vickers (77) and Ted Randles (74), both for the USC.

The Union Vaults consolidated 4th spot by beating the Royal Oak at home, and the Spital Vaults beat the Egerton Arms by 41 points to move up to 6th.
 

30th June 2011
Open knockout - week 5 - Spital Vaults
The knockout moved to the Spital Vaults this evening with 24 people entering, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Paul McLaughlin (77), Chris Barlow (73), Max Lomax (72) and Andy Taylor (70).    In the semi-finals Andy played Max and Paul played Chris.    Andy went first in the first semi-final and got off to a flyer with 47, but then only scored 9 his second stick to finish with 56.   Max played well and scored 39+31=70 to progress to the final.

In the second semi-final, Paul went first and hit the night's outstanding score of 47+47=94, including two of the famous 18 and 8 breaks!  In reply Chris scored 34 which is a fair score, but not enough when chasing 94, and he did not play his second stick.

In the final Max opted to go first but, as so often happens, could not reproduce his earlier form and scored only 5+27=32.   Paul hit another 18 + 8 break and then played a 7 + 3 shot to win having used only 3 balls, an outstanding performance.    Congratulations to Paul and Max who both qualify for the next stage of the competition.

Thanks go to Dale and all the staff at the Spital Vaults for their hospitality and the half-time buffet which was much appreciated by everybody.   Next week the knockout moves to the Bawn Lodge Hotel in Hoole.  See you there!

29th June 2011
Summer league - week 7
Bawn Lodge entertained the Lock Vaults this evening and at half-time were 1 point up.  The Lock rallied after half-time and out-scored the Lodge in the second half to run out winners, the away win putting them 3 points clear at the top of the table.

Previous joint leaders the United Services entertained 3rd placed the Talbot and, after a shaky first half, found themselves trailing by 81 at half-time 159-240.   The Services clicked into gear second half and every player closed the gap but the Talbot hung on to win by 8 points, final scores 405-413.  Top scorers were Gordon Green (83) and John Pritchard (80).

After scoring 490 in their last home game, the Royal Oak put in a disappointing performance and lost to the Union Vaults who put in a solid shift away from home, final scores 375-438.  The win moves the Union Vaults up to 4th place.   The Egerton Arms had a good second half and recorded a fine home win against the Spital Vaults giving them another 2 points.

Ye Olde Cottage, Brook Street
Landlord Trevor has advised me that Ye Olde Cottage have acquired a new bagatelle table from West Bromwich and the table is installed and being played.   They are looking to enter a team into the Winter League.   This is the second table that's gone in recently, with the other one being in Handbridge at the Red Lion.   If you fancy signing on for either of these teams, please pop in for a few sticks and make yourself known.

23rd June 2011
Open knockout - week 4 - Blacon Sports & Social Club
The knockout remained in Blacon for week 4, with 18 people entering at Blacon SSC, and after the first round the four highest scorers were John Pritchard (93), Darren Cowley (70), Elwyn Smith (68) and Gordon Vickers (62).   In the semi-finals, Darren (Daz) went first and scored 28+33=61.  In reply, John had a turnaround in fortunes and scored 14+0=14.  93 to 14, proof if ever it was needed that it's a funny old game, and you're only as good as your last stick!

In the second semi-final, Gordon (Oscar) went first and scored 37+45=82 and in reply Elwyn scored 41+26=67, critically missing a very difficult 9+7 his last ball which would have just given him a win.    In the final, Daz went first and scored 34+32=66.  Oscar scored 21 his first stick in reply, leaving 46 still required, and he played magnificently his second stick to score 48 ... 21+48=69.    Congratulations to Oscar for a fine win and to both finalists for qualifying for the next stage of the competition.

Next week the knockout moves to the Spital Vaults, home of the fabulous 18+8 break, if you play it right!

22nd June 2011
Summer league - week 6
The Lock Vaults recorded their highest home score of the season tonight, beating the Egerton Arms by over 100 points.   The United Services Club had a narrow victory over Bawn Lodge.  At half-time the Lodge led 259-232, but the Services rallied and managed to turn things round, eventually winning 463-472.  Third placed Talbot beat the Royal Oak after establishing an early lead and hanging on to it. At half-time the scores were 256-178 and at full-time 442-365.  The Union Vaults had a good win against Spital Vaults. I'm not sure of the exact scores, but I think the Union won by 44 points.

16th June 2011
Open knockout - week 3 - St. Theresa's Club
The knockout moved to Blacon tonight with St. Theresa's hosted this weeks event.  After the first round had been completed, the four highest scorers were Mal Siddall (69), Kev Siddall (61), Craig Lamb (60) and Dave Cooper (59).   In the semi-finals, Craig went first and scored 2+23=25 which was just enough to pip Kev who scored 9+13=22.  In the second semi-final, Mal scored 10+33=43 and Dave scored 25+34, another 59.

In the final, Craig won the toss and elected to go second.  Dave promptly went on and registered the highest score of the night, 42+37=79, and in reply, Craig scored 21 and retired.    Well done to Dave and Craig for qualifying for the next stage of the competition.   Next week the knockout moves to Blacon SSC.

15th June 2011
Summer league - week 5
The Lock Vaults had a good away win at the Egerton Arms tonight to go clear at the top of the league.  The Talbot lost a well contested game at the Royal Oak after being just ahead at half time 272 - 279.  The Royal Oak pulled back and eventually ran out easy winners 490 - 433. Top scorers were Chris Barlow and Paul McLaughlin with 88 and 90 respectively.  The Spital Vaults had a good home win against the Union Vaults, and the United Services had a confortable home win against Bawn Lodge, half-time was 215-132 and full-time was 475-328.  The home team also suffered two green fields in the game but I won't reveal who scored them!

13th June 2011
Red Lion Handbridge
I hear the Red Lion are pleased with their new bagatelle table and are looking to form a team with a view to entering the Winter League.   If anyone is interested, please pop in and make yourselves known, you'll be made very welcome.  And don't forget, the Red Lion has been added as an extra venue to the Open Knockout at the end of August.  See the Open Knockout page for details!

9th June 2011
Open knockout - week 2 - St. Werburgh's Club
There was a good turnout at St. Werburgh's tonight, and after a high scoring first round, the four highest scorers were Pete Ashford (90), Nigel Walker (87), Barry Jones (82) and Dave Cooper (81).     In the semi-finals Dave was drawn against Barry and Pete drew Nigel.

Barry Jones went first in the first semi-final, and scored 45+22=67.   In reply, Dave Cooper missed the break by a fraction, then got into all sorts of trouble chasing the black.  Nothing went right and he ended up not troubling the scorer.     In the second semi, Nigel Walker went first and played well, scoring 40+40=80.  In reply, Pete Ashford also played well and scored 37+38=75, but critically he just missed a 5 his second stick which would have given him a draw.

In the final, Nigel went first and played very well again, scoring 41+46=87 with an exhibition of first-class bagatelle.    Barry played equally as well and was just pipped as he scored 40+46=86.   An excellent final and on the night, Nigel was a worthy winner having scored 87, 80 and 87.

Thanks to the staff at St. Werburgh's for their hospitality and also the excellent magic hot-dogs which disappeared rather quickly!

8th June 2011
Summer league - week 4
Joint top Talbot were involved in a great game at the Union Vaults tonight.   At half-time they led by 54 points, 213-267, top scorer was Mick Tite with 72.   Second half things turned round quite a bit and the Talbot team just failed to hang on to victory, final scores 429-428.    The United Services found themselves behind by 91 at half-time, 282-191, but fought back and had a chance to draw the game with the very last ball of the match.   Unfortunately, last man Sam missed a straight 8 and the final scores were 411-403.     The Egerton Arms came from behind to beat the Royal Oak.   At half-time the scores were 179-204, but in the second half the Egerton rallied and eventually won 362-355.      The Spital Vaults had a good home win against Bawn Lodge, I'm not sure of the actual scores, but I understand the margin of victory was over 100 points.

2nd June 2011
Open knockout - week 1 - City Arms, Saltney
The 2011 Open Knockout Competition got under way tonight at the City Arms in Saltney.   There was a good attendance, and after the first round had been played, the highest scorers were Ray Lamb (75), Chris Barlow (62), Alan Biddle (57), and Frank Whitley and Pat Wallace (both 52).   This meant that Frank and Pat had to play-off to see who progressed to the semi-finals and Pat, playing second,  pipped Frank 30 - 50.

In the semi-finals, Ray was drawn against Pat, and Alan was drawn against Chris.   In the first semi-final, Ray went first and set a target of 74 which proved too much for Pat who struggled to score 41.   In the second semi-final, Alan played first and set a target of 69 which also proved too much for the player following, with Chris scoring 50.

In the final, Ray produced the best score of the night, scoring a magnificent 42 + 39 = 81.   Alan scored a respectable 32 his first stick, but this meant he needed 50 to win and, chasing the black his second stick, got into difficulties and resigned having scored 2.    Congratulations to Ray Lamb on winning, and on scoring the three highest scores of the night... 75, 74 and 81.   A well deserved winners trophy was presented to Ray by Dave Cooper.   

Thanks go to the City Arms for holding the event, and also for the sandwiches which were appreciated by everyone.

1st June 2011
Summer league - week 3
It was all home wins tonight.  The United Services Club beat the Lock Vaults, half-time scores were 285-219 and full time was 510-438.   The Talbot beat the Union Vaults in a closely contested game, half-time was 272-242 and full time 514-481, top scorer was Mick Tite with 89.   The Royal Oak beat the Egerton Arms 507-391, and Bawn Lodge beat the Spital Vaults by approx 48 points.

28th May 2011
Red Lion Handbridge - table now installed
The new Red Lion  bagatelle table has been installed (Friday).  I've tried it and can confirm it's playing very well!

25th May 2011
Summer league - week 2
In tonight's reverse fixtures the Lock Vaults beat the Spital Vaults by 98 points to complete the double and remain joint top of the league.   The United Services Club also had a good home win against the Union Vaults, and the Talbot won away at the Egerton Arms.    The Royal Oak beat Bawn Lodge by 47 points which means they just about won the battle of Hoole over the 2 weeks!

18th May 2011
Summer league - week 1
It's that time of year again when we have lots to look forward to ... not only warm evenings, Wimbledon, strawberries and light nights  - but also the start of the Bagatelle Summer League!    It started tonight and last seasons Winter League contenders both got off to good starts with away wins.     The Lock Vaults (formerly the Cross Foxes) had the honour of being the first team to play on the new Spital Vaults table, and they came away with a fine away win, scoring 609 points in the process.     The United Services Club had a tricky away game at the Union Vaults, but came through the test with flying colours to win by 70 points, helped by new signing Alan Biddle.  

In the Hoole derby, Bawn Lodge made the most of home advantage to beat the Royal Oak by 40 points, and in Newtown, the Talbot entertained the Egerton Arms.   By co-incidence, this was the same opening fixture as last season when the Egerton came out on top with a fine away win.   Tonight however, the Talbot did a lot better and had a solid home win.  Top scorer was new signing Paul McLaughlin who scored 80 on his debut.

11th May 2011
Summer League starts 18th May
A reminder that the Summer League starts next Wednesday, on 18th May, revised fixture sheets are being distributed as a result of the Cross Foxes team moving to the Lock Vaults.   Also, The Red Lion Handbridge hope to have their bagatelle table installed within the next week or so, the pub has been added as a venue for the Open Knockout.  To give them plenty of time, I've made it the last venue and an amended sheet reflecting this is also being distributed.

28th April 2011
Red Lion in Handbridge to install bagatelle table!
I've spoken to the landlord of the Red Lion in Handbridge today, he's been offered the use of the old White Horse table and intends to install it "within the next couple of weeks".   This is great news and I wish them well.    If anyone would like to form a team in the Red Lion, please pop in and make yourself known to Andy.     I am re-doing the fixtures for the Open Knockout and the Red Lion will be included as one of the venues.

25th April 2011
Cross Foxes team becomes the Lock Vaults team!
The Cross Foxes table was moved to the Lock Vaults today.  Landlord Tom very kindly re-arranged his furniture to accommodate the table which is now installed and ready to play.    The fixtures on the website have been amended, along with the Open Knockout, and sheets will be re-vamped and re-distributed to pubs ASAP, but probably next week sometime.

23rd April 2011
Cross Foxes "CLOSED until further notice"
The Cross Foxes has closed, there are signs in the window saying "CLOSED until further notice".      The team are moving to the Lock Vaults, and the fixtures and knockout sheets already distributed to various pubs will be changed as a result.    I would like to thank landlord Mark for his fantastic support of bagatelle over the past few years and hope he continues to play with the team when they move to their new home.

18th April 2011
Summer League starts 18th May
The Summer League will start on 18th May.  See the fixtures page for details.  Fixture sheets will be in the pubs shortly.

Friendly game - Cross Foxes v Spital Vaults
I understand there's a friendly game on Wednesday (20th April) between the Cross Foxes and the Spital Vaults. 

14th April 2011
Spital Vaults have new table!
The Spital Vaults have a brand new table and I have been told it is a belter!   It was installed yesterday by Dave Cooper so it will be set up perfectly.    The Spital are entering a team into the Summer League this time, so if  anyone is interested in signing for them, just pop in and make yourself known, you'll be made very welcome!

13th April 2011
Re-arranged league game - late result
League Champions the Cross Foxes played the Talbot tonight in a game postponed back in December because the Cross Foxes did not have a full team.   The tables were reversed tonight, as the Talbot did not have a full team, but managed to sign 'floater' Margaret Walker on the night to be able to complete the fixture.   It proved to be an excellent move as Margaret played last for the Talbot and, wanting 70 for victory, scored a brilliant 75.   Top scorers on the night were the Cross Foxes John Lea and Mike Turner both with 91.    The Talbot's second half played magnificently scoring 333 (88, 86, 84 and 75), and turned round a half-time deficit of 29 to win the game by 6 points.  Final scores 573 - 579.   I think I'm right in saying it's the Cross Foxes first home defeat so well done to the Talbot and thanks to Margaret for stepping in at the last minute!  The result moves the Talbot up to 4th place.

Also tonight, Dave Cooper presented the Cross Foxes team with the League Champions trophy and the players with their individual trophies.  The lads are pictured below after the game, many congratulations to them for winning the league (again!).    Sat at the front is Mark, who once again put on a superb buffet for everyone which was much appreciated by all.

Games between St. Werburgh's Club and the Egerton and Union Vaults have not been played and the points have been awarded to St. Werburgh's.   The final table is now on the League Table page.  Older League tables can be found here.

12th April 2011
Traditional Pub Games article
I've been contacted by Oh Comely Magazine who are currently researching traditional pub-games with a view to featuring them in a forthcoming article.   Bagatelle fits the bill, so we may possibly be included.  If / when I hear more, I'll let you know.

11th April 2011
Folding Bagatelle table up for auction in Llangollen
I have been contacted by Cooper Barrington Auctioneers who have advised me that they have a folding bagatelle table (lot 489) in their sale on 16th April, auction start time 10.30am.   The table size (when opened out) is 84" long x 25" wide and looks as if it's in really good condition.  Anyone interested?

6th April 2011
Veterans Competition - Result
The competition was held at the Cross Foxes this evening, and after the first round had been completed, the two players with the highest aggregate scores were Ray Lamb (162) and Frank Whitley (148).   

The format for the final was "best of 3 legs".   As the highest scorer in the first round, Ray went first and had no luck at all his second stick, scoring 40+7=47.  Frank replied with 30+24=54 to go 1-0 up.  

In the second leg Frank played well and scored 40+45=85.   Ray replied with 46 his first stick, and had scored 37 off 5 balls his second stick with balls at the top of the table and 3, 5 and 2 all available to score from.   However, he didn't quite manage to get another ball down and ended up with 46+37=83.    An excellent final with Frank winning 2-0.

Thanks go to Mark at the Cross Foxes for hosting the event, and also for the excellent buffet which was enjoyed by everyone!

5th April 2011
Veterans Competition - 6th April
A quick reminder that the Veterans Competition is being held on Wednesday, 6th April in the Cross Foxes.  There are prizes for the winners and it's always a good night in the Foxes, so please come along and support the players.

News from the Committee Meeting
Here's a quick round-up from the Committee Meeting held in the Talbot on Monday.   First, the Summer League will start on Wednesday, 11th May and the fixtures should be out sometime next week.  Entry to the league will again cost £20 and trophies or possibly winners certificates will be awarded to the winners.

3rd April 2011
Committee Meeting - 4th April in the Talbot
A quick reminder that there's a Committee Meeting in the Talbot on 4th April at 8pm.

31st March 2011
5-a-side Final
Congratulations to the Talbot who beat the United Services Club in the final of the 5-a-side competition this evening.    The United Services won the toss and chose to bat first, and after the first men had played they led by one point following Paul McLaughlin's 60 to Shane Stokes 59.   The Talbot's second man Mick Tite then beat his man by 22 to give the dog a 21 point lead after 2 men.   The lead increased to 29 after 3 men with Billy Williams scoring 62 and Talbot captain John Pritchard replying with 70, then it reduced to 27 as Gordon Green scored 54 to Pat Wallace's 52.   United Services captain last man Dave Cooper then scored 62 to leave Talbot anchorman Richard Jones needing 36 for victory, and he played well, scoring 63.

Thanks go to Mike Turner for refereeing the final, and to John Kenyon from St. Werburgh's Club for the hot dogs.   John also received a special trophy for scoring 100 in a league match.  Well done John!

24th March 2011
Singles Competition - Final Rounds
The final rounds of the singles were played this evening in the Talbot, and Congratulations go to Nigel Walker who became the Singles Champion by beating Barry Tipton in the final.

At the quarter-final stage, Mike Turner, Nigel Walker, Barry Tipton and Billy Williams progressed to the semi-finals by beating Paul McAleer, Craig Lamb, Paul McLaughlin and Max Lomax respectively.   "Match of the Day" was the tie between Paul and Barry, where Paul was unlucky to lose after recording the second highest score of the night (39+45=84) with Barry scoring the highest (46+43=89).

In the semi-finals, Nigel (45+37=82) beat Mike who scored 26 and did not play his 2nd stick as he needed more than 54.  Barry beat Billy after both players had a high-scoring stick followed by a not-quite-so-high stick.  Barry scored 39+22=61 and Billy replied with 42+7=49, unluckily getting the black trapped out of position his second stick.

In the final, Barry scored 29+29=58 which Nigel passed after 2 balls of his second stick 38+22=60.    Full details of tonight's scores can be found on the Cups page.

Thanks go to Pat from the Talbot for hosting the Finals night and for the healthy and wholesome half-time buffet.

10th March 2011
Doubles Competition - Final rounds
Congratulations to Billy Williams and Brian Welch who beat Dave Cooper and Paul McLaughlin in the Doubles Final.    Losing semi-finalists were Chris & Phillip Barlow, and John Lea & Mark Williams.   Full results can be found on the Cups page.

9th March 2011
Winter league - week 18
Congratulations to the Cross Foxes who had an impressive home win against 3rd placed Union Vaults tonight to win the league.   Second placed United Services kept the pressure on by coming from behind at half-time to winning at the Talbot by 36 points.  Highest scorers for them were Oscar Vickers (75) and Dave Cooper (73).  St. Werburgh's Club move up to 4th place with a good win against Bawn Lodge, and the Royal Oak had an excellent away win at St. Theresa's Club with last man Bill Lloyd getting the vital points in his second stick.

6th March 2011
YouTube debut
First go at a video.  They will get better...

 

3rd March 2011
West Cheshire Shield - Final
The Cross Foxes and the Talbot met again this evening in the Final of the West Cheshire Shield at the Royal Oak in Hoole.   The Foxes won the toss and chose to bat first, and at half-time led by 57 points 279 - 222.    The Cross Foxes pressed home their advantage in the second half, scoring 301 points  to pull away even further and won convincingly by 580 - 469.    Joint top scorers were John Ford and Barry Tipton, both with 80.   Congratulations to the Cross Foxes players on winning a second cup this season.

2nd March 2011
Winter league - week 17
Leaders the Cross Foxes were behind at half-time at the Union Vaults, but rallied in the second half and eventually won by 12 points.  Final scores 401 - 413.    Second placed United Services recorded one of their highest scores of the season and beat the Talbot comfortably.  The opening pair of Ted Randles and Billy Williams scored 86 and 91 respectively, and the Services never looked back.   The Royal Oak won a tight game with St. Theresa's Club, final scores 459 - 450.   The result of the Bawn Lodge v St. Werburgh's Club is not yet known, and the Egerton Arms have their bye this week and next.

24th February 2011
Northgate Cup - Final
The Cross Foxes and the Talbot played each other in the final at St. Theresa's Club tonight.   The Talbot won the toss and chose to bat second, and it looked to be a good decision as they led at half-time by 42 points, the scores being 174 - 216.   Highest scorer in the first half was John Pritchard with 79.   The fifth and sixth men virtually cancelled each other out, with the Cross Foxes pulling just 1 point back, and after 6 men the Talbot still led by 41 points.  The Cross Foxes had saved the best till last however, and two magnificent scores of 77 by captain Mike Turner and then last man John Ford turned things around,  and the Cross Foxes ran out winners by 28 points.   Final scores 443 - 415.   Congratulations to the players from the Cross Foxes on a fine comeback.

The two teams meet again next Thursday in the final of the West Cheshire Shield at the Royal Oak in Hoole.

23rd February 2011
Winter league - week 16
No change at the top after this weeks games.   Leaders Cross Foxes entertained Bawn Lodge and won the game by approximately 100 points ... around 570 - 469.   Second placed United Services won a low scoring game at the Egerton 312 - 365.   Third placed Union Vaults did not play again this week, having the second of their byes.  Fourth placed St. Werburgh's lost a tight game away at St. Theresa's Club, final scores 413 - 400.   The Talbot moved up into fourth place by narrowly beating the Royal Oak this evening with almost identical scores to the St. Theresa's v St. Werburgh's game.   The Royal Oak got off to a great start and powered into an early lead, just like last week, and were ahead for almost the whole match - except when it really matters - the end.   Final scores 413 - 398.

22nd February 2011
Bagatelle table in Florida

    I have been contacted by some bagatelle-lovers in the USA who have an Ashcroft table made in Liverpool.   They found our website and have sent a couple of photos of their table.   They have no room for the table any longer and would like to re-home it in England.      Would anyone like to go and collect it?

Note the St. Theresa-style colour scheme!   

Click the picture for a bigger view.
 

17th February 2011
5-a-side semi-final results
This seasons 5-a-side final will be between the United Services and the Talbot and will be played at St. Werburgh's Club on 31st March.

The United Services beat the Union Vaults at the Egerton 352 - 289.  I have no details of how the scoring went, but the top scorer was Ted Randles of the USC.    The game between the Cross Foxes and the Talbot was much closer.   Cross Foxes won the toss, chose to bat, and went into a 4 point lead after the first men.   The Talbot then led by 4 points after 2 men, by 5 points after 3 men, and by 27 points after 4 men.  Foxes last man Barry Tipton  scored 43 = 29 = 72 which left the Talbot's last man Pat Wallace needing 46 to win.  He kept his cool and scored 21 + 27 = 48, which meant the Talbot won by 3 points.  Top score for the Talbot was John Pritchard (75) and for the Cross Foxes Barry Tipton (72).

16th February 2011
Winter league - week 15
League leaders the Cross Foxes had a very good away win at Bawn Lodge tonight.   Mike Turner top-scored with 91 as the Foxes won 406-518.   Second placed United Services beat the Egerton Arms by 56 points, top scorer was Ted Randles with 86, final scores 425 - 369.  St. Werburgh's Club beat St. Theresa's Club and John Kenyon has a trophy coming at the end of the season after scoring a magnificent ton, 53 + 47 = 100. Well done John!  Good scoring by Phillip and Chris Barlow meant that the Talbot found themselves 71 down after 2 men at the Royal Oak, but the Talbot's next 4 men all managed to pull points back, and after 6 men the two sides were dead level.  Chris Parry played 7th for the Oak scoring 54 and Pat Wallace replied with 61.   Steve Sudlow then scored 46 for the Oak and Mark Ashford scored another 61 for the Talbot.  Final scores 372 - 394.    The Union Vaults have their bye this week and next.

15th February 2011
Re-arranged doubles result
Mark Williams and John Lea from the Cross Foxes progressed to the Doubles Finals tonight after beating Pat Wallace and Mick Tite from the Talbot in a re-arranged game at Bawn Lodge.  Mick Tite scored 36+36=72, Mark Williams replied with 29+39=68.  Pat Wallace then scored 6+25=31 and John Lea scored 32+32=64.  Final scores 103 - 132.

9th February 2011
Winter league - week 14
Third placed Union Vaults played second placed United Services Club tonight.   The Union Vaults played well at the start, and found themselves 70 ahead after two men.  The United Services rallied, and after 5 men there was only a 6 point margin between the teams. Those 6 points proved to be decisive however, because when last man Brian Welch went on for the Services he needed 77 to win. He came close, scoring 70.  Final scores 440 - 434. The result gave one Union Vaults player an extra birthday present, Happy 60th Birthday Mitch Whitley!

The Talbot had a good home win against St. Werburgh's Club.  As in last week's game they led at half-time, this week by 20 points, but unlike last week's game they managed to hold on and win by 23 points.  Top scorers for the Talbot were Mick Tite with 76 and John Pritchard with 74, and for St. Werburgh's, Brian Walker with 69 and John Clarke with 68. Final scores 463 - 440.   The Royal Oak had a fine away win at the Egerton Arms.  An excellent first half performance saw them lead at half-time by 89 points 138 - 227.  Top scorer with 76 was Chris Barlow.  The second half was pretty even-steven and final scores were 309 - 384.   St. Theresa's had a good home win against Bawn Lodge, winning the game by 60 points to join them on 11 points.

2nd February 2011
Winter league - week 13
The United Services closed the gap at the top of the table to just 1 point tonight after a home win against the Union Vaults, final scores 491 - 435.   The game was switched to the United Services at the request of the Union Vaults, so the return game next week will be at the Vaults.    St. Werburgh's Club consolidate 4th spot after coming from behind to beat the Talbot.   After a very close first half, the Talbot had edged ahead at half-time 262 - 264.  Top scorers were Ray Lamb with 84 and John Pritchard with 81.    John Clarke (81) and Nigel Walker (94) gave St. Werburgh's a great start to the second half however, and the home team ran out comfortable winners in the end, final scores 558 - 488.

The results of the games between Bawn Lodge and St. Theresa's, and the Royal Oak and the Egerton are not yet known. EDIT:  Bawn Lodge beat St. Theresa's by 155, final scores were 450-295 and the top scorer was Rob Bawn with 69, and the Royal Oak beat the Egerton Arms.

The Cross Foxes have their bye this week and next, and are playing two friendly games against the Spital Vaults who have expressed a wish to join the Summer League.  The result of the first friendly, played at the Cross Foxes, is not yet known.

31st January 2011
Committee Meeting
Tonight's Committee Meeting in the Talbot was well attended, and draws were made for the various competitions.  Please see the Cup Fixtures page for details.   Thanks go to landlord Pat for the buffet which was much appreciated!

27th January 2011
Singles Competition - last 16 results
There will be a new name on the trophy this season as the winner for the last two years, John Pritchard, was beaten by Craig Lamb.  In tonight's other ties, Paul McAleer, Billy Williams, Mike Turner, Barry Tipton, Nigel Walker, Paul McLaughlin and Max Lomax all won through to the final by beating Sam Cook, Ted Randles, Ray Lamb, Dan Rowett, Dave Cooper, Pat Wallace and Martin Liversage respectively.  Top scorers on the night were Nigel Walker (77), Mike Turner (71) and Ray Lamb (70).  Full details can be found on the Cups page.    Thanks to Ron from Bawn Lodge for hosting tonight's games and also for the excellent buffet which went down very well with everyone!

26th January 2011
Winter league - week 12
The United Services Club closed the gap on the Cross Foxes to 3 points by beating them tonight in the return meeting of the league pacesetters.  The Cross Foxes found themselves 102 behind after 2 men and although they did close the gap, the early deficit proved too much and the USC won the game 466 - 407.   Third placed Union Vaults won a very close game at the Royal Oak by just 6 points, final scores were 435 - 441 in favour of the Vaults.   Fourth placed St. Werburgh's Club came back from being 40 down away at the Egerton to record another narrow victory this evening.   They had their 7th and 8th men to thank, Mike Peacock and Brian Walker, who both got good scores to win the game narrowly for their team.  The Talbot move up to 5th place with a solid away win at St. Theresa's.  Top scorer was Pat Wallace with 82.   Bawn Lodge did not play tonight as it is their bye.

20th January 2011
West Cheshire Shield - Semi-final results
The Talbot will play the Cross Foxes in the West Cheshire Shield final.

The Talbot played the United Services Club at the Cross Foxes, batted first, and at half-time were ahead by 49 points 272 - 223.  Highest scorers in the first half were Ted Randles with 76 for the USC and Richard Jones with 74 for the Talbot.    The USC rallied in the second half however, and after 7 men had got themselves 7 points in front, making it a "last mans game".   Pat Wallace played brilliantly for the Talbot scoring 89, the highest individual score of the night, including a superb second stick of 51 where he only just missed the 3 with his last ball.   This left Brian Welch needing 83 for victory, and he scored an excellent 47 his first stick, including a superb 18 and 7 off one ball.     Needing 36 to win, he missed the break his second stick and got slightly out of position, but managed to score a double 5 with the black and a single 9.    With 3 balls to go and still needing 17 to win, there was a chance to score 7 and 2, and an 8.  Unfortunately, when trying to pot the 7 and 2 on his 6th shot, he missed both, and could only add 2 more to finish with 21.  Final scores 502 - 488.

In the other semi-final, the Cross Foxes played the Egerton at the Talbot, and an excellent first half performance saw them hold a commanding lead at half-time 306 - 215.   The Egerton played steadily with scores of 52, 52, 53 and 58 but it was not quite enough to keep them in contention.   The Cross Foxes carried on after the break, winning each personal duel and they eventually won the game 552 - 342.   Highest scorers were John Lea with 82, and John Ford and Barry Tipton both with 81.

Doubles result
In a re-arranged doubles game, Paul McAleer and Steve Murphy from the Egerton beat Richard Evans and Pete Ashford from the Cross Foxes.
 

19th January 2011
Winter league - week 11
The top two teams met tonight, and home advantage paid off for the Cross Foxes as they scored 596 against the United Services Club to go 5 points clear at the top of the table.  United Services remain in 2nd place with a game in hand on the leaders.    The Union Vaults stay 3rd after a home win against the Royal Oak and are now only 3 points behind the USC.    The Talbot were only 31 up at half-time at home to St. Theresa's Club, but an excellent second half performance saw them pull away and win the game by 150.   St. Werburgh's Club v The Egerton was postponed because the Egerton could not raise a team, and Bawn Lodge do not play this week or next as it is their turn for the bye.

13th January 2011
Northgate Cup - Semi-final results
This seasons Northgate Cup final will be contested between the Cross Foxes and the Talbot.

In the clash of the league's top two teams at the Union Vaults, the United Services went first and played steadily, and at half-time were ahead by 34 points, top scorer in the first half being Gordon Green with 66.   The Cross Foxes fought back, however, with captain Mike Turner and Richard Evans both beating their men, and after 6 men they had turned a 34 deficit into a 32 lead.   The United Services then pulled 12 back with 7th man Dave Cooper beating Barry Tipton 84 - 72, and USC were 20 down with just the last men to go.   Barry Pace scored 65 leaving John Ford a target of 46 for victory and he scored 52, Cross Foxes winning by 7 points.   Final scores 439 - 446.

In the other semi-final at the United Services Club, St. Theresa's Club won the toss and chose to go second, but they struggled on the USC table and at half time the scores were 211 - 106 in favour of the Talbot.   Top scorer was Mick Tite with 65.   The Talbot continued to pull ahead in the second half, and were 146 up after 6 men, but then a late rally from St. Theresa's closed the gap.   Final scores 356 - 241.    The main incident of the evening however, was a clamping, with one of the players vehicles being clamped outside the club by an over-enthusiastic pair of clampers apparently  employed to keep access to the side car park clear during the day.   The situation was eventually resolved by club staff paying the £150 fee to free the vehicle, but not before both teams had threatened to walk out and play the match at a different venue.     The moral of the story is - park carefully when playing at the United Services, and if you can't find a free parking space, it's MUCH cheaper on the double yellow lines outside the club rather than falling foul of the clampers at the side of the club. You'll probably find the traffic wardens more pleasant to deal with too.

12th January 2011
Winter league - week 10
Cross Foxes had a convincing away win at the Royal Oak to go 3 points clear of the United Services who do have a game in hand.   The Union Vaults had a good home win against St. Werburgh's Club to remain in 3rd place.    The Talbot's poor league form continues, they only scored 372 at home to Bawn Lodge who won easily at the Talbot to claim their first ever league away win.  Well done to Bawn Lodge.  St. Theresa's completed the double over the Egerton with a fine away win to move up the league table and level with St. Werburgh's and Bawn Lodge on points.

6th January 2011
5-a-Side Quarter Final results
The United Services, Cross Foxes, Talbot and Union Vaults beat the Royal Oak, St. Theresa's, Bawn Lodge and Egerton Arms respectively.    

The United Services won comfortably in the end against the Royal Oak at the Talbot.  The Services went first and led throughout, but both sides had fluctuating fortune on the table which made for an interesting game. The Cross Foxes scored an excellent 392 at St. Werburgh's to overpower St. Theresa's, with three Foxes players having individual sticks of 50 or over.  St. Theresa's also had some good scores but not quite enough!

In a reverse of the previous evenings league match, the Talbot were ahead from start to finish against Bawn Lodge and won 317-255.   17 is not the Egerton's lucky number this week. The Union Vaults beat the Egerton Arms at Bawn Lodge by 17 points in tonight's game - and by a co-incidence the Egerton lost by 17 last night too!     I'm wondering if any of their players will pick 17 for this weeks lottery draw...

Spital Vaults news
The Spital Vaults has a new landlord, Dale Williams, who contacted me this week to let me know he is keen to enter a team into the league next season.  Dale is related to Ron Williams who many will remember playing the game and is keen to either get the existing table recovered or obtain a new table for the team to play on.    If anyone can help or would like to play for the Spital, please get in touch.

5th January 2011
Winter league - week 9
Happy New Year everyone!
The Cross Foxes went joint top tonight after a good home win against the Royal Oak.  The Foxes were only 15 ahead at half-time but pulled away to win 542-414.  Bawn Lodge led from start to finish against the Talbot to record their third win of the season, final scores 431-341, top scorer was Rob Bawn with 81.  St. Theresa's Club beat the Egerton by 17 points at home.   St. Werburgh's Club v Union Vaults was postponed due to the Vaults not having a full team available, and the United Services do not play this week or next as it is their turn for the bye.

15th December 2010
United Services knockout
A festive knockout was held in the United Services tonight and the winner was Billy Williams who won a very nice bottle of whisky.  Well Done Billy!

12th December 2010
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all
There's no bagatelle now until the New Year, so it just remains for me to say "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" to everyone. I hope you all have a great time and  I'll see you round and about in the pubs (hopefully!).    Bagatelle resumes next year on 5th January and the 5-a-side quarter-finals are on 6th Jan. 

9th December 2010
Doubles results
There were wins for Paul McLaughlin & Dave Cooper, and Frank Whitley & John Ford tonight at Bawn Lodge at the expense of Ray Potbury & Gordon Green, and Nigel Walker and Brian Walker respectively.

8th December 2010
Winter league - week 8
Never mind 'Match of the Day', in what might prove to be 'Match of the Season', fourth placed St. Werburgh's Club put up a magnificent performance to beat leaders United Services tonight.   Their first two players, John Kenyon and Nigel Walker, both scored 94.  United Services responded well with 78 and 76 but still found themselves 34 down after 2 men.   The USC rallied however, and their 3rd, 4th and 5th men all pulled points back. At half-time the scores were 339 - 318.    The lowest score either side in the first half was 75!   In the second half, USC captain Dave Cooper closed the gap even further with 84 against a 72 to reduce the deficit to 9 points, but then John Clarke scored a magnificent 95 to stretch the lead again, and St. Werburgh's eventually ran out winners by 640 - 600.   A superb game of bagatelle!

In tonight's other games, the Union Vaults won the return local derby with the Egerton Arms to stay in 3rd place and, in the Hoole derby game, the Royal Oak secured their first win of the season with a thumping win against local rivals Bawn Lodge.

The Cross Foxes v Talbot game was postponed due to the Foxes not having a full team available, and St. Theresa's had the bye this week.
 

6th December 2010
Cup draws made / re-arranged games
Cup draws for the various competitions have been made.  See the Cups page for details.

Will all players please note that the Cross Foxes v Talbot league game this Wednesday has been postponed due to the Foxes not having a full team.  New date TBA.

Doubles Competition:   Two games have been postponed due to injury / illness.  New dates also TBA.
R. Evans, P. Ashford (Cross Foxes) v P. McAleer, S. Murphy (Egerton Arms)
P. Wallace, M. Tite J. Pritchard (Talbot) v J. Lea, J. Fairhurst (Cross Foxes)

Best Wishes to Richard Evans and John Lea for speedy recoveries.

4th December 2010
Committee Meeting on Monday, 6th December
A quick reminder that the next Committee meeting will be held at the Talbot on Monday at 8pm.  Draws will be done for the West Cheshire, Northgate Cup, 5-a-Side and Singles, and any other business can be discussed.

Does anyone have the singles results from the Union Vaults please? Haven't heard who got through so haven't been able to update the website. Update: I believe I've got the results now - Cups page updated accordingly - subject to final confirmation at the meeting on Monday.

1st December 2010
Winter league - week 7
Leaders United Services had a solid home win against St. Werburgh's Club by 508 - 434.  I have no details of how the scoring went through the match, but I understand 500+ is a good score on the Services table at the moment, I have been told the cups are quite lively!

Second placed Cross Foxes had a much closer game against the Talbot.  At half time they were 48 points behind but fought back and finally got ahead for the first time in the game when it mattered - when the last man comes off.  Needing 71 to win, last man Frank Whitley put the Foxes 1 into the lead for the first time in the game with a 6 off the 7th ball of his second stick and scored a 1 with his last ball just to make sure.  Final scores 490 - 492 to the Cross Foxes.  Having led throughout both games, the Talbot have now lost their last 2 games by 1 point and by 2 points, hard to bear!

The Egerton Arms had a solid win over the Union Vaults by 71 points to move up to 5th place, at half-time the scores were 170 - 133 and the final scores were 371 - 300. Despite the loss, the Union Vaults remain 3rd and the Egerton move above the Talbot into 5th place. Home advantage paid off for Bawn Lodge in the Hoole local derby as they beat the Royal Oak.  I am sure the return game will be keenly contested!

St. Theresa's Club have the bye this week and next week.

25th November 2010
5-a-Side preliminary round
In the only game of the round played at St. Theresa's Club, the Cross Foxes established a commanding early lead over St. Werburgh's Club and held on comfortably to go through to the next round.

24th November 2010
Winter league - week 6
United Services retain top spot with a fine away win at the Royal Oak in Hoole, who remain on zero points having had a very tough start to the season.   Cross Foxes stay second with a good home win against St. Theresa's Club 562 - 437.   In the closest game of the night, the Union Vaults came from behind to beat the Talbot by 1 point. The Talbot went ahead right from the start and led at half time 195 - 234. They stayed ahead right until the last man when the Union Vaults just sneaked into the lead by 1 point. Final scores 405-404 which moves the Union Vaults up to 3rd place.   In tonight's other game, the Egerton held on to beat Bawn Lodge by 11 points to take 2 points.

18th November 2010
West Cheshire Shield - Quarter Final results
There were wins last night for the United Services Club, Cross Foxes and the Talbot over the Union Vaults, St. Theresa's and the Royal Oak respectively, and I understand Bawn Lodge conceded their game with the Egerton Arms.    The Talbot scored 313 first half to lead the Royal Oak by 75 at half time at St. Werburgh's. The Royal Oak closed the gap in the second half but Talbot held on to win by 59 points.   Cross Foxes were ahead at half time at the Egerton 263-141 against the Union Vaults and held on to win comfortably.  United Services beat St. Theresa's at the Union Vaults but I don't have the scores yet.

17th November 2010
Winter league - week 5
Leaders United Services had a solid home win against the Royal Oak to retain top spot and their 100% record this season.   Cross Foxes move into 2nd place with a fine away win at in-form St. Theresa's Club.    What a difference 2 weeks makes to the Talbot.   Last home game they scored 344 in total, tonight they scored 305 first half and ran out winners by 66 points against the Union Vaults.   The result of Bawn Lodge v The Egerton is not yet known, and St. Werburgh's Club had a bye this week.

Update: I understand the Egerton did not have a full team and the points are therefore going to Bawn Lodge.  I've updated the league table accordingly assuming that's correct and will wait for confirmation.

St. Werburgh's Club have the bye this week and next week.

11th November 2010
Northgate Cup - Quarter Final results
The Cross Foxes were behind at half time to the Union Vaults at the Talbot but a strong second half ensured they got through to the semi-finals.   The United Services scored an excellent 304 first half at the Egerton against the Royal Oak and held the lead to win comfortably.    The Talbot overcame an early deficit against the Egerton to win at the Royal Oak, and Bawn Lodge could not raise a full team and conceded their game with St. Theresa's Club.

10th November 2010
Winter league - week 4
The United Services had a solid home win against Bawn Lodge to retain their 100% record this season, and remain top.    St. Werburgh's Club go joint second with Cross Foxes after edging them out in a game which was close, but where St. Werburgh's just about held the upper hand throughout. 

In a reverse of last weeks result, the Talbot forged ahead from the off and won away convincingly at the Egerton, and the closest game of the night was at the Union Vaults where St. Theresa's forced a draw after a great performance from their last man under a lot of pressure.

3rd November 2010
Winter league - week 3
Only two teams remain unbeaten after tonight's games.  The United Services Club went top with a convincing win at Bawn Lodge 318 - 483 and they have 8 points.  Cross Foxes go clear second on 7 points with a good home win over previously unbeaten St. Werburgh's Club, who remain joint 3rd. 

The Union Vaults are also joint third on 5 points after losing at St. Theresa's Club who registered their first points of the season with a home win.    The Egerton Arms followed up their good performance at the Cross Foxes with an even better one at the Talbot. They were ahead from the first man to the last and won quite comfortably 344 - 388 to secure their first away win of the season.  Top scorer was Billy Webber with 75.

The Royal Oak have the bye this week and next week.

1st November 2010
Cup draws
Draws for all cup competitions, singles and doubles were made at the Talbot tonight and can be found on the Cups page.   Sheets have been distributed to all pubs and clubs.

30th October 2010
Singles and Doubles Entry Sheets - PLEASE RETURN THEM!
Can all clubs please get their singles and doubles entry sheets back to the Talbot ASAP please, as the next Committee Meeting is on Monday 1st November at the Talbot at 8pm. 

Your co-operation in this would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

27th October 2010
Winter league - week 2
Bawn Lodge played their first ever away game this evening, and were unlucky not to win at the Union Vaults.  At half-time the scores were 211-208 and in the second half they outscored the Vaults but - sadly - they only had 4 players and therefore only 2 of the second half scores counted.   The Egerton gave the Cross Foxes a scare, leading at the Foxes at half time by 30 points, but a strong second half rally saw the Foxes recover to take the points.   The United Services had a good away win at the recently refurbished St. Theresa's Club on the new red table.   And St. Werburgh's club beat the Royal Oak comfortably after leading 301 - 220 at half-time.

23rd October 2010
Beehive acquire table
The Beehive on Hoole Road have bought the bagatelle table from the Saltney Ferry Hotel.

20th October 2010
Winter league - week 1
The first ever league game in Bawn Lodge took place this evening.  The game was televised live in the bar but they suffered a home defeat at the hands of a strong looking Union Vaults team.  Better luck next week!

In tonight's other games, the Cross Foxes and St. Werburgh's Club both won away at the Egerton Arms and the Royal Oak respectively, and the United Services Club had a solid home win against St. Theresa's Club.  The Talbot have the bye this week and next week.

13th October 2010
Cross Foxes win Summer League
The Cross Foxes won the play off match with the United Services Club to become Summer League Champions 2010.  In a keenly contested game held at the Union Vaults, the Cross Foxes edged ahead to lead by 22 points at half time.   However after 5 men the gap had closed to just 3 points but then the Foxes pulled away again to win comfortably in the end.     The trophy was presented by Linda from the Union Vaults to Mal Coppock.   Congratulations to all the players on their success.

Dave Cooper also made a presentation to Ray Potbury from the United Services who scored a magnificent 100 (50+50) away at the Royal Oak in Hoole.

The two outstanding games between St. Werburgh's Club and St. Theresa's Club have not been played, consequently, 2 points have been awarded to each team for home wins. 

Summer League 2010 Final Table.

6th October 2010
Summer League late result - and play-off venue
A re-arranged game between St. Theresa's Club and Cross Foxes was played tonight with the Cross Foxes winning 375 - 484.  This puts them joint top of the league with the United Services Club so a play-off game will be required.    A draw for neutral table was made in the Talbot and the Union Vaults was pulled out of the hat by a member of staff.

Play-off
The play-off between Cross Foxes and United Services Club will therefore be played next Wednesday, 13th October 2010 in the Union Vaults.   Start time will be 8.30pm and practise IS allowed on the night.    Both captains have been informed.

Winter League fixtures
Sheets are now in all pubs and clubs.   See the fixtures page for details.

4th October 2010
9 teams in Winter League
Blacon SSC will not be entering a team for the forthcoming season, I hope they're back soon.   There's been no word from any other pubs or clubs, so the league will consist of the 8 clubs in the summer league plus Bawn Lodge who we welcome for the first time.    The fixtures will be out soon and the first games will be on 20th October.

Bagatelle is booming in Chester pubs
Cheshire Life article on bagatelle (with audio).

30th September 2010
Open Knockout - Final
Congratulations to Barry Tipton who became the 2010 Open Knockout champion this evening at the Royal Oak in Hoole.   A full report can be found here.

Major problem with BT Internet web hosting
Apologies if you are having difficulty accessing the website.   I have found there is currently a major problem with the BT web hosting server.   There has also been an intermittent fault with FTP which means I can upload stuff sometimes, but not others.    The "Estimated time to resolve" given by BT is 2 hours.   Their advise is "We are aware of a temporary Network problem, that may be causing some users difficulties accessing the Internet. Our engineers are working to resolve this problem and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."  

2 hours? I think the BT boffins clock must have stopped!

22nd September 2010
Re-Arranged game - result
Tonight's re-arranged game between St. Werburgh's Club and the United Services Club was very close throughout, with never more than 12 points between the two teams until right at the end and with St. Werburgh's ahead for most of the game.  In the end, St. Werburgh's held on for an excellent win against the leaders by 24 points.

21st September 2010
News archived
I've done the annual tidy-up today to help speed the website up.   For previous news items, please look at the News Archive page.

20th September 2010
AGM
The AGM was held tonight in the Talbot.  Thanks go to everyone who attended, the minutes can be found here.

19th September 2010
AGM - Monday, 20th September at the Talbot
A quick reminder to everyone that the AGM is on Monday at the Talbot, start time 8pm.

15th September 2010
Summer league - week 18
Only two games were played this evening. The United Services had a comfortable home win against the Egerton Arms to stay top, and the Talbot had a good away win at the Royal Oak in Hoole to move into second place.  The game between St. Theresa's Club and St. Werburgh's Club was not played owing the the re-opening of St. Theresa's.

9th September 2010
Open Knockout - Second stage
The winners and runners-up from all the venues had the opportunity tonight to progress through to the grand final of the knockout.  The competition was split over two venues with the four highest scorers from each venue going through.

The 8 qualifiers for the Final are:-  C. Barlow (Talbot), D. Cooper (United Services), R. Evans (Cross Foxes), R. Lamb (St. Werburgh's), J. Lea (Cross Foxes), J. Pritchard (Talbot), T. Randles (United Services), B. Tipton (Cross Foxes).  

Once the 8 qualifiers were known, the draw for the final venue was made in the United Services and Sue behind the bar pulled the Royal Oak in Hoole out of the hat.   The final will be held on 30th September at 8.30pm.  Practise is NOT allowed on the night, the table will be closed at 3.00pm on the day of the final.

See the knockout page for full details.

8th September 2010
Summer league - week 17
The United Services Club move into top spot after a convincing win away at the Egerton Arms this evening.  The Talbot also had a good home win over the Royal Oak and the game between St. Werburgh's Club and St. Theresa's Club was not played.  Next weeks game will also be off as it is the Grand Re-Opening of St. Theresa's on the 15th.

1st September 2010
Summer league - week 16
The United Services Club had a comfortable home win over St. Werburgh's Club to maintain their challenge for the title.  St. Theresa's Club v Cross Foxes was not played because of refurbishments to St. Theresa's. The  Egerton Arms came from behind at half time to beat the Union Vaults for their second win of the season.

25th August 2010
Summer league - week 15
Only one game was actually played this evening, and the Union Vaults had a home win against the Egerton Arms.   St. Theresa's Club could not raise a team to play the Cross Foxes who have claimed the 2 points, and St. Werburgh's Club could not raise a team to play the United Services Club, who have not yet claimed any points.

22nd August 2010
Open Knockout update
The draw has been done for the next phase. Please see the Knockout page for details.  Sheets will be in the pubs next week.  Update: sheets are now in every pub and club, I did a grand tour on Wednesday.

19th August 2010
Open Knockout - Union Vaults
The last of the open knockouts was held at the Union Vaults tonight, and after the first round, the four highest scorers were Alan Elliff (70), Rob Port (64), Brian Masters (59) and Craig Lamb (55).

In the semi-finals, Craig was beaten by Rob 27 - 31 with Rob using just 2 balls his second stick.    In the other semi-final, Brian scored a magnificent 87 (46+41) to overwhelm Alan who could only score 7 in reply and did not take his second stick.

In the final, Brian won the toss and chose to go first.   However, his semi-final form deserted him, and he scored 32 (17+15).   Rob scored 34 his first stick to seal victory.   Congratulations to Rob and to both players for qualifying for the next phase.    Rob is currently unattached so I am sure quite a few pubs would love to have him in their team!    Also, thanks go to Linda for the excellent buffet which was much appreciated by everyone.

A draw will be made for the next phase and details will be announced shortly.   Keep an eye on pub noticeboards and the Knockout page.

18th August 2010
Summer league - week 14
In the return of last weeks games, second placed United Services closed the gap at the top with a home win over leaders the Cross Foxes.   The Talbot move level on points with the United Services, albeit having played 2 games more, with a tight away win at the Egerton by only 10 points.   Things were even tighter at the Union Vaults, where the home team overcame a half-time deficit to beat St. Werburgh's Club by just 4 points and leapfrog them in the table.

12th August 2010
Open Knockout - The Talbot
The penultimate leg of the Knockout was held at St. Werburgh's Club tonight, and after an excellent first round the four highest scorers were Pete Ashford (84), Niall Kenyon (83), John Kenyon (81) and Craig Lamb (74).

In the semi-finals, the good scores continued.   In two excellent contests, John was just shaded out by Pete 82 - 83 and Craig was narrowly beaten by Niall 70 - 76.

In the final, Niall won the toss and chose to put Pete on first.  Pete once again played brilliantly and scored 42+42=84.  Niall went on and scored 45 and 30, not quite being able to get the 9 his second stick which would have given him a draw.    Pete was a worthy winner however, having scored 84, 83 and 84, which really is superb.  Congratulations to both Pete and Niall for qualifying for the next stage.    Also thanks go to John Kenyon and the staff at St. Werburgh's for their hospitality and the excellent hot dogs!

Next week is the last of the Open Knockouts, so I hope to see lots of you at the Union Vaults.

Friendly games - Bawn Lodge v Royal Oak
I heard this evening that a series of four friendly games are being played between these two local rivals, the first of which was last night at the Royal Oak (I think!).   The games will alternate between the two venues and may well decide which team can consider themselves the 'Champions of Hoole'!    If you fancy watching a game - or even playing for one of the teams, why not pop along?

11th August 2010
Summer league - week 13
In the big game of the evening, leaders the Cross Foxes had a convincing win over second placed United Services 655 - 501, stretching their lead at the top to 4 points.  The Talbot go clear 3rd after coming from behind to beat the Egerton.   The Egerton got off to a flier but an excellent performance by Mike Tite (90) turned things round for the home side who held on to win.   St. Werburgh's Club go 4th after winning their home game against the Union Vaults.

Tomorrow night is the penultimate night of the Knockout competition so I hope to see lots of you at St. Werburgh's Club.

5th August 2010
Open Knockout - The Talbot
The 10th leg of the Knockout was played in the Talbot this evening, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Ted Randles (77), Gordon Vickers (70), Billy Williams and Brian Walker (both 67).

In the semi-finals, Ted just held on to beat Gordon 68 - 66 with Gordon missing some chances his second stick to win, and Billy was convincingly beaten by Brian 39 - 63.  Billy went first and scored 39 and Brian had an excellent first stick, scoring 45 which was the highest stick of the night.

In the final, Brian went first and scored 53 (19+34) and, in reply, Ted came unstuck his second stick, scoring a total of 36 (30+6).   Congratulations to Brian and Ted for qualifying for the next stage. Also, thanks to Pat from the Talbot for hosting the event and the excellent pot of stew which disappeared very quickly!

Next week is the 11th of the 12 legs and will be played at St. Werburgh's Club.  If you've not qualified for the next stage you're leaving it late!  Hope to see you all there.

4th August 2010
Summer league - week 12
The Union Vaults had a good home win against leaders the Cross Foxes, winning a close game by just 14 points.  Second placed United Services closed the gap at the top by beating St. Theresa's Club at home in a low scoring game.   The Talbot move up to third place after a fine away win at St. Werburgh's Club and the Royal Oak had a very narrow win at the Egerton Arms by just 3 points.

Tomorrow night the Knockout is at the Talbot in Newtown.

29th July 2010
Open Knockout - United Services Club
The 9th week of the Open Knockout was held at the United Services Club this evening, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Chris Barlow (70), Gordon Vickers (58), Mike Turner (55) and Ted Randles (50).

In the semi-finals, Ted was beaten by Mike 47 - 57 and Chris beat Gordon 41 - 11.   The final proved to be very entertaining, with good performances and pull-outs from both players.  Chris went first and scored 69 (46+23) and Mike went on and scored 70 (45+25) with 3 balls to spare his second stick.  Congratulations to Mike and Chris for qualifying for the next stage.

Next week the knockout moves to the Talbot in Newtown.  It should be a good night, I hope to see you all there!

28th July 2010
Summer league - week 11
Leaders the Cross Foxes had a convincing home win this evening against 4th placed Union Vaults.  The Talbot had a very narrow home win against St. Werburgh's Club.   The Talbot were 13 points ahead at half-time and hung on to win by just 3 points.   The Egerton Arms were short of players at the Royal Oak who have claimed the 2 points, and the United Services Club had a good away win at St. Theresa's Club to go into 2nd place.
 

22nd July 2010
Open Knockout - St. Theresa's Club
The knockout moved to a new venue this week, St. Theresa's Club in Blacon, and after the first round, the four highest scorers were Mal Siddall (71), Paul Allman (70), Kev G (62) and Pat Wallace (57).

In the semi-finals, birthday boy Paul (21 again!) was beaten by Pat 38 - 53 and Kev G was beaten by Mal 18 - 33.     In the final, Mal won the toss and chose to go second.   Pat scored 20 + 22 = 42 and it looked a good move, but unfortunately Mal got the black trapped both sticks and only scored 11 + 2 = 13.  Congratulations to Pat and Mal for qualifying for the next stage and a Very Happy Birthday to Paul who was unlucky in the semi-finals.

Next week the knockout moves back into the town centre and is at the United Services Club.  Hope to see you all there!

21st July 2010
Summer league - week 10
Leaders the Cross Foxes won away at the Talbot by 65 points to remain in top spot.  St. Werburgh's Club had a solid home win against the Royal Oak to move into joint second place, and the Union Vaults beat St. Theresa's Club by 25 points to go level on points with the United Services and St. Werburgh's Club, although they have played 2 games more.

15th July 2010
Open knockout - City Arms
The knockout moved to the City Arms in Saltney this week, and after the opening round the four highest scorers  were Gordon Vickers and Ray Lamb (both 57), Mike Penlington (52) and Dan Donovan (51).

In the semi-finals, Mike was beaten by Ray 41 - 63 and Gordon was beaten by Dan (who produced the highest score of the night with 2 x 42)  61 - 84.     In the final,  Dan won the toss and went first but could not match his semi-final form and scored 48.  Ray scored 45 his first stick and then got the 16 and 2 break first ball to win 48 - 63.    Congratulations to Ray and Dan for both qualifying for the next stage.

It was a very entertaining evenings bagatelle helped along by the superb bar snacks provided of meat balls, doritos and sausage rolls accompanied by a selection of dips which everyone enjoyed.  Thanks go to the staff at the City Arms for their hospitality and we hope they will be back in the league soon.

Next week the knockout moves to St. Theresa's Club, hope to see you all there.  

14th July 2010
Summer league - week 9
Three very closely contested games tonight.  Leaders Cross Foxes found themselves 4 down at half time 277 - 281, and 11 down after 6 men but rallied to beat the Talbot 538 - 503.  St. Werburgh's Club had a narrow away win at the Royal Oak by 19 points, and the Union Vaults came back from being 22 down at half time to win away at St. Theresa's Club by 24 points 351 - 375. 

8th July 2010
Open Knockout - Cross Foxes
We reached the halfway point in the knockout this evening with The Cross Foxes being the 6th venue, and after the first round the highest scorers were Mike Turner (84), Barry Tipton (78), Mark Williams (73) and there was a tie for fourth highest between Chris Barlow and Pat Wallace (both 68).  In the play-off Chris beat Pat 61 - 52.

In the first semi-final Mark beat Chris 58 - 49 and in the second, Barry beat Mike 86 - 82 with both players having chances to score even more.   In the final Mark scored 23 and 46, missing a last ball 7 off the cush his second stick which would have given him a 53.  Barry struggled his first stick but scored an unusual 9 his last ball to come out with 31.  He then scored 40 to narrowly beat Mark 69 - 71.   Congratulations to Barry and Mark for qualifying for the next stage.   All in all, an excellent evenings bagatelle with a superb buffet provided by hosts Mark and Barbara.

Next week the Knockout moves to the City Arms.  

7th July 2010
Summer league - week 8
The United Services Club had a fine away win at the Union Vaults tonight to go joint top with the Cross Foxes who won their home game with the Royal Oak.  In tonight's other game, the Talbot had a solid home win against St. Theresa's Club to go 3rd.

1st July 2010
Open Knockout - Blacon Sports & Social Club
The Open Knockout moved to Blacon SSC this evening and it has to be said that the best player on the night was a very deserving winner.   After the first round, the four highest scores were John Lea (85), Paul Siddall (74), Darren Cowley (65) and Bill Webber (59).    In the semi-finals, John beat Paul 84 - 45 and Bill was just pipped by Darren 68 - 70.

The final was very closely contested with John just coming out on top 83 - 77.   John Lea was a worthy winner however, as he had the three highest scores of the evening, 85, 84 and 83, so many congratulations to him and also to Darren for qualifying for the next stage.

Next week the Knockout moves to the Cross Foxes, so we could be in for some more high scores. See you all there hopefully!

30th June 2010
Summer league - week 7
With four joint leaders after last week's results, something had to give, and after tonight's results two teams have edged ahead slightly and we now have three clubs in joint third place!    Cross Foxes jump up to top spot after a fine away win at the Royal Oak.   The United Services Club move up to clear second with a home win over former joint leaders the Union Vaults.  The Talbot move up a couple of places after a good away win at St. Theresa's Club and are now joint third with the Union Vaults and St. Werburgh's Club, with the latter having a game in hand.   The Egerton Arms and St. Werburgh's Club both had byes and did not play this week.

Open Knockout - this week it's at Blacon Sports & Social Club.  With no football on I hope to see lots of you there!

24th June 2010
Open Knockout - Spital Vaults
The Open Knockout moved to the Spital Vaults this week and, on an evening of very competitive bagatelle, lots of people had chances to get into the top four scores, but just missed by the narrowest of margins.   After the first round the four highest scorers were John Ford (65), Paul McLaughlin & Martin Liversage (both 63) and Pat Wallace (59).

In the semi-finals, Martin Liversage beat Pat Wallace 43 - 41 and John Ford was beaten by Paul McLaughlin 55 - 74.    In the final, Martin was beaten by Paul 41 - 51.   Congratulations to Paul and Martin who both qualify for the next phase.

Thanks go to landlord Mark and the staff at the Spital Vaults for hosting tonight's event.  Mark is hoping to enter a team into the Winter league, so if anyone is interested in playing for the Spital Vaults please let him know.  

23rd June 2010
Summer league - week 6
Tonight's games were all home wins, with The United Services, St. Werburgh's and the Royal Oak winning their home games against the Talbot, the Egerton Arms and St. Theresa's respectively.  This gives us a four way tie at the top with the Union Vaults, the Cross Foxes, the United Services Club and St. Werburgh's Club all having 7 points.  Great stuff!

Don't forget tomorrow night the Open Knockout is at the Spital Vaults!

17th June 2010
Open Knockout - Egerton Arms
The third week of the Open Knockout saw the competition move to the Egerton Arms and, after the first round, the highest scorers were John Lea (87), Paul McLaughlin (68), John Pritchard (67) and there was a tie for fourth spot between Richard Evans and Paul McAleer (both 66).   In the play-off, Richard beat Paul 61 - 56 to go through to the semis.

In the semi-finals, John Lea was beaten by John Pritchard 37 - 59, and Richard Evans beat Paul McLaughlin 65 - 53.    In the final, Richard beat John 41 - 32.   Congratulations to Richard who battled through his play-off game, then the semi-final and final to become a worthy Egerton Arms champion and to both finalists for qualifying for the next phase.   

Next week the competition moves to the Spital Vaults.   I hope to see as many of you as possible there.

16th June 2010
Summer league - week 5
Neither of the early leaders had a game this evening, so no change for the Union Vaults or Cross Foxes who remain joint top.  Performance of the night award goes to the newly formed Royal Oak team who beat St. Theresa's Club to record their first away win of the season.    Congratulations to the Royal Oak on their first win!   
St. Werburgh's Club won away at the Egerton Arms to go joint 3rd with the United Services Club who were beaten at the Talbot.    Tonight's results mean that every team has now won and lost games, so it's shaping up to be a very competitive summer league!

Open Knockout
Don't forget that the next venue for the Knockout is the Egerton Arms tomorrow night (17th June).  Hope to see you all there!

12th June 2010
Technical hitch resolved
The gremlins have finally been banished and it's good to be back!    Thanks to everyone for letting me know how much you missed the updates.   There's a lot to catch up on, I'll start with the Open Knockout...

Open Knockout - Bawn Lodge - 10th June
The knockout moved to the recently refurbished Bawn Lodge this evening and I'm delighted to say that the bagatelle table is now an integral part of the bar area.   Owner Rob has had a camera installed over the table and games can be beamed "live" to those in the bar area which will make it a great venue for future matches.  Rob intends to enter a team into the Winter League so please pop in for a game if you are interested.     In the knockout itself, after the first round the four highest scorers were Nigel Walker (73), Malcolm Griffin (58) and Andy Wallace and John Pritchard (both 53).   In the semi-finals, Malcolm beat Andy 31-17 and Nigel beat John 66-61.  In the final, Nigel scored 49 which was enough to secure victory.  Congratulations to the four highest scorers.   Thanks to Rob and all the staff at Bawn Lodge for their hospitality and the excellent mixed buffet.   In particular, the chunky chips were to die for!

Open Knockout - Royal Oak - 3rd June
This years Open Knockout kicked off in the Royal Oak in Hoole on the newly refurbished bagatelle table. Its a great setup in the Royal Oak and we're delighted they now have a team in the league,  They are still after new players though, so if anyone is interested please pop in and join the team.      After the first round of the knockout the four highest scorers were Ken Williams (86), Chris Parry (83), Shaun Telford (77) and Dave Cooper (76).   In the semis, Dave beat Kenny 81-73 and Chris beat Shaun 58-50.   In the final, Dave scored 77 and Chris went two better with 79 to become our first winner.    Thanks to Angie and Chris for hosting the event and for the excellent beer which is top class!

8th June 2010
Countess of Chester fundraising at the Cross Foxes
       The main result is that the Bagatelle evenings in the Cross Foxes have raised a magnificent £750 for the Countess of Chester hospital appeal, so Well Done and Thank You to everyone who joined in and made them a success.    Special mention must go to John Lea who did a tremendous job in organised everything, Mark and Barbara for hosting the events at the Cross Foxes, and everyone who donated prizes for the raffles.  Also Olympic Trophies in Hoole, our trophy suppliers  who kindly donated two cups for the winners of the competition.   The overall winner was Cross Foxes captain Barry Tipton with singles champion John Pritchard the runner up.

In the picture, Barbara is handing over a cheque for £750 to Kate Taylor, Fundraising Manager for the Countess of Chester Hospital with John Lea and Mark Williams looking on.

Summer League - weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4
Union Vaults and Cross Foxes are the early leaders.  Here's the story so far...

Week 1 - 19th May
The league kicked off with an away win for the Union Vaults at the Royal Oak who become the early leaders, and home wins for the Egerton and St. Werburgh's Club against St. Theresa's Club and the Cross Foxes respectively.   The City Arms did not have a team to play the Talbot.

Week 2 - 26th May
In the reverse fixtures, Union Vaults held on to top spot by beating the Royal Oak.    St. Theresa's Club and Cross Foxes reversed the previous weeks results by winning their home games against the Egerton Arms and St. Werburgh's Club.   The City Arms did not show up at the Talbot.

Week 3 - 2nd June
Winter League champions the United Services Club had a real scare at home to newcomers the Royal Oak, but eventually held on to win by just 6 points.  It was a tremendous performance by the Royal Oak to push the champions so close.on their own table.   The Cross Foxes won away at the Egerton Arms and go joint top with the Union Vaults who were beaten at the Talbot.  City Arms did not have a team to play St. Werburgh's Club.

Week 4 - 9th June
The highlight of week 4 was a magnificent score of 100 by Ray Potbury who helped his team win away at the Royal Oak.   Ray scored 50+50, and it's the first century ever in a match on the new Royal Oak table - Well Done Ray!!
Both joint leaders won this evening.   The Union Vaults won a tight game against the Talbot by just 10 points and the Cross Foxes completed the double over the Egerton Arms.   St. Werburgh's again did not have a game against the City Arms who are understood to have withdrawn as they are struggling for a team.  We hope to see them back in October for the Winter League - good luck to them in finding some new players.
 

19th May 2010
Summer is officially here!
At long last the first sign that warmer days are on the way - it's the start of the Bagatelle Summer League!   More information can be found on the League Fixtures page.

2010 Open Knockout
This years Open Knockout starts on Thursday, 3rd June at the Royal Oak.   For more information click here.

18th May 2010
Countess of Chester Hospital Fund Raising Evening - No 2
The second fund raising evening was held at the Cross Foxes this evening with the winner being Mike Turner.    Thanks to everyone who turned up for their support and to Mark and Barbara for again providing an excellent buffet.    The third fund raising evening is next Tuesday, 25th May.  All are welcome.

11th May 2010
Countess of Chester Hospital Fund Raising Evening - No 1
The first of four fund raising evenings in aid of the Countess of Chester Hospital Cancer Research Fund was held this evening in the Cross Foxes.   The winner on the night was current singles champion John Pritchard, but the real winner was the Countess of Chester, with over £100 being raised for the hospital, a quite magnificent effort.   Thanks to Mark and Barbara at the Cross Foxes for hosting the event and to John Lea for all his hard work organising it.   The second fund raising evening takes place next Tuesday on 18th May in the Cross Foxes.

26th April 2010
Cheshire Life Magazine - May 2010
Bagatelle has a 2 page spread in the May edition of Cheshire Life.   £3.20 from all leading stockists!

Egerton Arms set to enter Summer League
The fixtures will be published shortly.  One bit of news is that the Egerton Arms will be entering a team into the Summer League.  They are about to buy the Railway Inn table and move it across the road.  Update 28th April: table is now installed and a set of balls has been ordered.  Table should be playable any day now!

Countess of Chester Cancer Research Fund
A series of bagatelle evenings are to be held in the Cross Foxes during May and June to raise money for the Countess of Chester Hospital.    Please try to support these evenings.   Details can be found here.

15th April 2010
Doubles Competition - Result
Congratulations to Barry Tipton & Mike Turner who became this seasons Doubles Champions by beating Paul McLaughlin & Dave Cooper in the final this evening at St. Werburgh's Club.   Losing semi-finalists were Ray Potbury & Gordon Green and Dan Donovan & Mitch Whitley.    A large crowd were able to watch all of the action on the big screen as the matches were televised live, and there was plenty of excellent bagatelle on display to entertain everyone with 3 scores of over 90 and 6 scores of over 80 during the course of the evening.   All the scores from this evenings play are below...

In the quarter finals...
Gordon Green (58) and Ray Potbury (59) beat Elwyn Smith (34) and Gordon Vickers (69)
Paul McLaughlin (93) and Dave Cooper (95) beat Bill Webber (77) and Alan Martin (dnp)
Dan Donovan (74) and Mitch Whitley (82) beat John Lea (79) and Mal Coppock (57)
Mike Turner (65) and Barry Tipton (80) beat Chris Barlow (42) and John Pritchard (93)

In the semi-finals...
Paul McLaughlin (89) and Dave Cooper (83) beat Ray Potbury (70) and Gordon Green (32)
Mike Turner (78) and Barry Tipton (87) beat Dan Donovan (67) and Mitch Whitley (88)

In the final...
Mike Turner (82) and Barry Tipton (73) beat Paul McLaughlin (78) and Dave Cooper (64).

8th April 2010
Singles Competition - Result
Congratulations to John Pritchard who beat Ray Lamb in the final at the Cross Foxes to win the Singles Competition for the second year running.   The four winners at the quarter final stage were Ray Lamb, Billy Williams, John Pritchard and Dan Donovan who beat Elwyn Smith, Sam Mackin, Gordon Green and Charlie Gilmartin respectively.  In the semi-finals, Ray beat Billy with a score of 91 and John, needing 45 his second stick, inched past Dan with a 6 off his last ball to score 48.  In the final, Ray scored 32 and 41 = 73 and John replied with 45 and 34 = 79 to win.    Thanks go to Mark, Barbara and all the staff at the Cross Foxes for hosting the evening and for the excellent buffet which was much appreciated by all present.

1st April 2010
5-a-Side Final - Result
This seasons two most successful sides met this evening in the final of the 5-a-side competition, and the cup was retained by last seasons winners the Cross Foxes who beat the United Services Club in a very entertaining game.     The Foxes were 16 up after the first men had played, with John Lea outscoring Ted Randles, but then Billy Williams (76) and Paul McLaughlin (69) pulled back 5 and 10 respectively against Pete Ashford (71) and Mike Turner (59), and after 3 men had played there was only 1 point between the two teams.    Fourth man Richard Evans struggled his first stick but got a vital 16 off his last ball and then played really well to beat Dave Cooper by 21 points, which increased the lead to 22 points.   Anchorman Barry Tipton then steered the Cross Foxes to victory by outscoring Brian Welch to win the cup.

After the game, presentations were made to both teams for the 5-a-Side Competition, the League Winners and runners-up, and the Highest Away Average, won this season with a magnificent away average of 80 a game, by Paul McLaughlin from the United Services.   Congratulations to the players of both teams!

31st March 2010
Veterans Competition - Result
Congratulations to Barry Pace who is this years Veterans Champion. Barry beat Brian Walker in the final to win a very nice trophy and, more importantly, an excellent bottle of Single Malt Whiskey.  Barry's scores for the evening were 62, 69 and 77, which makes him a worthy winner of the competition.    Brian can console himself with the highest individual score of the night (82), the runners up trophy and a bottle of a superior blended whiskey.   The losing semi-finalists were Gordon Green and Bill Lloyd.   Thanks to everyone who attended, and also to Pat from the Talbot for the excellent buffet which was enjoyed by all.        Despite repeated suggestions, both winners declined several offers of free quality checks to make sure their whiskey was ok...

25th March 2010
West Cheshire Shield Final - Result
Congratulations go to the Cross Foxes who won the West Cheshire Shield at the United Services Club this evening by beating the Talbot in the final.    The Talbot were ahead briefly after the first men had played, but Cross Foxes came back and after six men were 36 points ahead.  However, fine performances from the Foxes last two men, Barry Tipton and Mal Coppock (87) stretched the lead to 153 and Talbot's last man did not have to play.    Thanks to the staff at the USC for the excellent half-time buffet which was much appreciated by all.

24th March 2010
Winter league - week 20
Congratulations go to the United Services Club who won the 2009 / 10 Bagatelle Winter League this evening by virtue of winning their home game against the Union Vaults 485 - 338. The Cross Foxes finish in 2nd place after losing a very close away game at St. Werburgh's Club by 4 points.   The Spital Vaults could not raise a team to play their re-arranged game away at the Talbot who have been awarded 2 points.  Similarly, the Spital have also conceded their other outstanding away game which was away at the United Services, and the USC have also been awarded 2 points.

18th March 2010
Northgate Cup Final - Result
The Northgate Cup final was held tonight at Blacon SSC between the United Services Cub and the Cross Foxes, and the United Services team put in some tremendous performances, averaging 74.5 a man to win the game 596 - 480.  Margaret Walker presented the cup to winning captain Dave Cooper and all of the finalists with their trophies.   Thanks also to Elwyn Smith for the excellent half-time buffet, it was much appreciated by both teams.

17th March 2010
Railway Inn has re-opened!
I drove past the Railway last night and the pub was open!  Didn't get chance to pop in, but if anyone does, can they let me know if the bagatelle table is still in there please?  Thanks!

Cross Foxes Charity Events - in Aid of the Scanner Appeal at the Countess of Chester Hospital
John Lea has advised me that the Cross Foxes are to host four bagatelle knockouts in May and June in aid of the Cancer Scanner Appeal at the Countess of Chester hospital.     The dates are all Tuesdays... 11th, 18th and 25th of May, and 1st June.  Start time is 8pm and there will be a raffle, prizes and, no doubt, an excellent buffet.  It's always a good night in the Cross Foxes, so please come along and support these events.  I will post more details as they become available.

Winter league - week 19
Only one game was actually played tonight, with the Talbot securing 4th spot in the league with a good away win at the Spital by 332 - 498.  Blacon SSC and St. Theresa's have been awarded 3 points for their respective away games at the Stanley and the City Arms due to both dropping out.  Tonight's other planned games, United Services v Union Vaults and Cross Foxes v Blacon SSC were called off due to St. Patrick's Day celebrations.  Update: Blacon SSC have conceded this game, so 2 points have been awarded to the Cross Foxes.

The reverse game between the Talbot and the Spital Vaults has been re-arranged for next Wednesday (24th March), as has United Services v Union Vaults. 

15th March 2010
League games postponed / to be re-arranged
Wednesday's game United Services v Union Vaults has been postponed at the request of the Union Vaults due to St. Patrick's Day celebrations.  This game will now be played the following Wednesday, on 24th March.

Cross Foxes will play Blacon SSC on Wednesday 17th in place of their away game away at St. Werburgh's Club which has also been postponed due to St. Patrick's Day.   A new date for the St. Werburgh's v Cross Foxes game is still to be confirmed.

10th March 2010
Winter league - week 18
In the reverse of last weeks fixtures, the results were also reversed.  The United Services Club retained top spot with a close win over the Cross Foxes, final scores 480 - 470.   St. Werburgh's Club beat St. Theresa's Club and the Talbot beat Blacon Sports & Social Club to remain in 3rd and 4th places respectively.  The Union Vaults and the Stanley have both been awarded with 3 points as their opponents the City Arms and Stanley have dropped out for the rest of the season.

Summer League
Invitations for the Summer League have now been distributed to all ten pubs in the League, plus Saltney Social Club, the Egerton Arms, the Railway, the Royal Oak, Bawn Lodge and the Home Guard Club.  Can all pubs and clubs please let me know by Monday, 12th April if they wish to enter, thank you.

8th March 2010
Venues for Finals
Following tonight's Committee meeting, Please see the Cups page for information on venues for the various finals.

Veterans Competition
A Veterans Competition will be held on Wednesday, 31st March 2010 in the Talbot.  All players aged 65 or over are welcome to enter.  The draw and format for the night will be decided at 8.15pm, depending on numbers.  Play will commence at 8.30pm prompt.   Prizes will be awarded to the winners, so please come along and support this event.

4th March 2010
Singles Competition - Last 16 results
The last 16 of the Singles Competition was played at St. Theresa's Club tonight and the results can be found here.

Committee Meeting 8th March
The next Committee Meeting is on Monday, 8th March 2010 at the Talbot, 8pm ko, when the draws for the finals venues will be done, plus the Summer League and 2010 Knockout will be discussed.

3rd March 2010
Winter League - week 17
The top two teams met at the Cross Foxes tonight with the home team coming out on top over the United Services Club to move one point above them in the league table.    Blacon SSC had a good home win over the Talbot, overcoming a half-time deficit of 24 to score 296 in the second half and win the game.  Union Vaults and the Spital had walkovers against the Stanley and the City Arms respectively, and the result of St. Theresa's v St. Werburgh's Club is not yet known.    Update: St. Theresa's Club beat St. Werburgh's Club to record their 7th win of the season.

Also, please note that an extra 3 points have been awarded to Blacon SSC for their away game with the City Arms which cannot be played as the City Arms have dropped out for the remainder of the season.

26th February 2010
Bagatelle table on Ebay
I've been informed there is a full sized bagatelle table for sale on Ebay.  It's in pretty poor condition and is down in Alcester, Warwickshire (approx 8 miles West of Stratford-upon-Avon).  The auction ends on Monday, 1st March at 7.44pm and the table can be seen here.   Update: there was one bid, and the table sold for £25.

25th February 2010
5-a-Side semi-finals
This years final will be between the Cross Foxes and the United Services Club.   Cross Foxes beat Blacon SSC at the United Services, and the United Services go through to the final after the City Arms conceded their semi-final game due to not being able to raise a full team.

24th February 2010
Winter league - week 16
United Services remain top without playing after their opponents, the City Arms, could not raise a team and conceded the game.   Cross Foxes had a very convincing away win at the Talbot with every man beating his opponent and close the gap at the top to one point.  St. Werburgh's Club beat the Spital Vaults at home to remain in 3rd place, and the Union Vaults won away at Blacon SSC.  Their last man wanted 61 to win and got it during his second stick.  St. Theresa's had a walkover away at the Stanley who have dropped out for the remainder of the season.

21st January 2010
Norman Clare's Museum website
I have found a very interesting website giving the history of Clare's and Ashcroft's in Liverpool.  Amongst other things, there is an "Other Articles" page which gives fascinating information about Clare's, Padmore's, Thurston's, Peradon and others.  The website can be found here.

20th February 2010
Bawn Lodge on Hoole Road ** New Table **
The Bawn Lodge on Hoole Road now have a bagatelle table installed!  They acquired it some time ago in quite poor condition and have had it professionally restored to a superb standard.   They are looking to put a team into future bagatelle competitions, so if anyone is interested in playing for them, please pop in and have a few sticks. You'll be made very welcome!      Pictures of the table being restored can be found here.

18th February 2010
West Cheshire Shield - Semi-Final Results
This seasons final will be contested between the Cross Foxes and the Talbot.  The Cross Foxes had a convincing win against St. Werburgh's Club at the Union Vaults, and the Talbot beat the City Arms comfortably at Blacon SSC.

17th February 2010
Winter League - week 15
The United Services won comfortably away at the City Arms with the game being played at the Royal Oak in Hoole.  Second placed Cross Foxes won a hard fought victory over 4th placed the Talbot after an excellent close game at the Foxes. At half time the home team were ahead 286-280, and managed to hold on to win by 545-532 to secure a vital 2 points.  Blacon SSC could not raise a team to play at the Union Vaults and have conceded the 2 points. The Stanley have dropped out, so 2 points have been awarded to St. Theresa's Club, and St. Werburgh's Club won away at the Spital Vaults.

Blacon SSC have also conceded their Northgate Cup  semi-final to the United Services who will now meet the Cross Foxes in the final.

10th February 2010
Winter League - week 14
Cross Foxes closed the gap at the top of the table to 1 point by winning a close game at the Union Vaults by 5 points.   The Talbot remain in 4th place after a narrow victory over the City Arms in a game which the City Arms really deserved to win.   The City were ahead from their first man right through to their last man but were finally pipped by 11 points at the end.   St. Theresa's Club had a fine away win at local rivals Blacon SSC.   The Stanley and Spital Vaults did not have teams. Points have been awarded to St. Werburgh's Club and the United Services have agreed to play at a future date.

Northgate Cup - Semi-Final postponement
Blacon SSC cannot raise a team for tomorrows semi-final and the United Services have agreed to re-arrange the game.

3rd February 2010
Winter League - week 13
Leaders United Services Club had a solid away win at the Spital Vaults tonight to maintain their lead at the top.  Second placed Cross Foxes beat the Union Vaults to remain in second place.   St. Werburgh's remain third by virtue of a walkover against the Stanley who could not raise a team for tonight's game.  The Stanley have indicated they will not be able to fulfil their remaining fixtures, and it will be for the Committee to decide whether or not to award points to their remaining opponents or expunge their results from the league. 

Fourth placed Talbot kept up the pressure on the teams above them with a close away win at the City Arms (played at the Royal Oak, Faulkner St, Hoole).  In the Blacon local derby, home advantage paid dividends for St. Theresa's Club who beat local rivals Blacon SSC by a comfortable margin.  It will be interesting to see who wins the return game next week.

Cheshire Life meets Bagatelle
If you're free tomorrow night, why not pop down to the Union Vaults?  Cheshire Life are planning a feature on Bagatelle and will be there for a photo shoot.  They have found out that they are on the doorstep of one of the most exclusive games in the country and are keen to do a feature.   About time too.  If it was good enough for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, it's got to be good enough for them!   Smart casual will do, evening dress is not mandatory, although anyone with a Gucci handbag will be especially welcome!

League extended to 17th March 2010
Please note that the Winter League has been extended by one week in order for the games which were cancelled on 6th January to be played.   It has been pointed out to me that this is St. Patrick's Day, and there might be a problem with the St. Werburgh's v Cross Foxes game accordingly, as it is usually the busiest night of the year in St. Werbs!     Both captains have been made aware in case they wish to re-arrange.
 

28th January 2010
Singles Competition
Tonight's results can be found on the Cups page.

City Arms, Saltney
The City Arms, Saltney has re-opened much sooner than expected and the team are going to resume playing from there instead of moving to the Royal Oak.

27th January 2010
Winter League - week 12
Not many teams go through a whole season undefeated, and this proved to be the case tonight for the United Services Club who lost at 4th placed Talbot by 61 points.  Second placed Cross Foxes closed the gap to 3 points at the top with a comfortable home win against St. Theresa's Club.  The Cross Foxes have a game in hand too, which make things interesting, although the game in hand is effectively away at St. Werburgh's Club.   That game could be a cracker!

Third placed St. Werburgh's Club had a solid away tonight win at Blacon SSC to keep in touch with the two leading teams.  The Union Vaults completed the double over the City Arms to remain in 5th place.   The Spital Vaults could not raise a team to play at the Stanley, and both teams have now conceded their away games against each other, 2 points go to each team for their respective 'home wins'.

Spital Vaults has re-opened
Good news, the Spital re-opened tonight, so the singles will definitely be on there tomorrow night.

25th January 2010
City Arms to play at Royal Oak
Due to the closure of the City Arms, the team have arranged to play their remaining home fixtures at the Royal Oak, Faulkner Street, Hoole.   It's the first time for quite a few years that there's been any bagatelle matches played in Hoole, so please go along and support them.

21st January 2010
Spital Vaults re-opens next week
Dave Cooper has spoken this afternoon to Leia at the Spital and she has confirmed the pub is re-opening next Wednesday (27th January), which is good news for the singles planned for the following night.   Leia will be contacting people shortly with a view to re-arranging the games that have been cancelled or postponed.

20th January 2010
Winter League - week 11
The United Services made it 10 out of 10 tonight with a comfortable home win against the Talbot.  The team played consistently well throughout and outscored the Talbot virtually all through the game.  Second placed Cross Foxes had a fine away win at St. Theresa's Club to maintain their challenge at the top.  St. Werburgh's Club had a home win against Blacon Sports & Social Club to move into third place.   The City Arms have opted to play their remaining home games at the Royal Oak in Faulkner Street, Hoole, and got off to a good start with a home win against the Union Vaults.  It was a close game throughout and the City Arms just forged ahead at the end.  The result of the Spital Vaults v Stanley Arms game is not known but, as the Spital is closed for refurbishment, there is a chance the game was cancelled.

Correction 21st Jan: After a recount of the scores on the match sheet, Mitch Whitley's phoned to say that the Union Vaults actually beat the City Arms by 5 points.   The error did not come to light last night because there's no scoreboard in the Royal Oak so people could not easily keep up with the match situation.  League table changed accordingly, I've taken 2 points off the City Arms and awarded 3 points to the Union Vaults.
 

13th January 2010
Winter League - week 10
Leaders the United Services won a very close game at the Union Vaults tonight having been 7 points down at half time.  The game could have gone either way, but the Services won the game when last man Gordon Green scored the points required for victory.  Second placed Cross Foxes came from behind after an early deficit to record a good win against 4th placed St. Werburgh's Club, largely thanks to a magnificent second half where the team scored 330 points.   The City Arms had a good away win at St. Theresa's tonight to gain 3 points and move up two places to 5th spot in the league.  The Spital Vaults could not raise a team to play the Talbot and the game has been postponed for the time being.  Similarly, the Stanley could not raise a team to travel to Blacon SSC and they have conceded the match, 2 points have been awarded to Blacon SSC.

Northgate Cup - Quarter Finals
St. Theresa's Club and the Stanley Arms cannot raise teams for tomorrows games, and have conceded their games to the United Services Club and the Cross Foxes respectively.

12th January 2010
Royal Oak Competition
The second leg was held tonight, and this evenings winner, with a magnificent score of 85, was Chris Parry.

11th January 2010
Special Committee Meeting
A special committee meeting was held tonight to discuss arrangements for the City Arms remaining home fixtures now that the pub has closed.    It was recognised that the City Arms team are doing everything possible to complete their fixtures in difficult circumstances having lost their home venue, and we are all very grateful for that.   They propose to play all of their remaining "home" games at the away venue, apart from when they play the United Services (and possibly the Talbot) as it might give the USC an unfair advantage in their quest to win the league.

Also, the 5-a-side cup game between the Spital Vaults and the United Services due to be played at the City Arms will now be played at the Cross Foxes, following a draw of the available pubs.

It is proposed that all the league fixtures which were postponed due to the bad weather on 6th January are now played on Wednesday, 17th March, and the West Cheshire cup games postponed on 7th January be played on Thursday, 4th February.

The next committee meeting will still be on Monday, 1st February at the Talbot as planned, kick off 8pm.

9th January 2010
Bad weather lingers on...
All of last week's games league games and most of the cup games were postponed due to the bad weather.  I have been informed of one cup result from Thursday, the City Arms beat St. Theresa's Club.

With more bad weather forecast, the special Committee Meeting on Monday must also be in doubt due to safety issues with travelling.  A decision will be made tomorrow and committee members advised by telephone or text message if the meeting goes ahead. Update 6pm on Sunday: Meeting definitely ON.

6th January 2010
Winter League - week 9
All tonight's Games are OFF
Spital v Talbot - OFF
Stanley v Blacon - OFF
United Services v Union Vaults - OFF
St. Werburgh's v Cross Foxes - OFF
City Arms v St. Theresa's - OFF

The atrocious weather conditions affecting the Chester area have caused all of tonight's games to be cancelled.  There are 8" of snow in the North Wales area, and between 4 to 6" in various parts of Chester.

I think all captains and pubs are aware of the cancellations, but can everyone spread the news please so that people are not travelling unnecessarily.  Thank you!

West Cheshire Shield - game OFF
The quarter final game between the Cross Foxes and the United Services Club, due to be played at the Union Vaults on 7th January, has been postponed due to the severe weather conditions.

3rd January 2010
City Arms closes tonight
Have just heard that the City Arms in Saltney is closing tonight and the cup game due to be played there on Thursday 7th January between the Cross Foxes and the United Services Club will now be played at the Union Vaults instead.   Both captains have been advised, as has Linda in the Union Vaults.   The City Arms will play at St. Theresa's Club on Wednesday and count it as their home game.

Update: A special committee meeting will be held in the Talbot on Monday, 11th January at 8pm to discuss the City Arms situation.  I will try to contact all committee members via phone/text.

1st January 2010
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to one and all.

31st December 2009
Best of the Web
Just found out we are on the 'Best of the Web' site in the 'Table Games' section J

23rd December 2009
Cross Foxes Christmas Knockout
The Cross Foxes held their Christmas knockout tonight, and after the first round, the four highest scores were Alan Biddle, Mike Turner, John Lea and Ted Randles.  In the semi-finals, Mike beat John and Alan beat Ted, and in the final, Mike and Alan drew 74-74 before Mike pipped Alan in the replay.  Well done Mike.  Everyone was a winner though, as the buffet laid on by hosts Barbara and Mark at the Cross Foxes was first class.  In particular, the mulled wine was superb and the home made mince pies were to die for.  All in all, an excellent evenings bagatelle!

16th December 2009
Re-arranged game - result
The United Services Club played hosts to Blacon SSC tonight in a re-arranged game, and came out on top 433-301, having led 221-110 at half-time.   This takes them 5 points clear at the top of the table. 

10th December 2009
Doubles Competition
Results can be found here.

9th December 2009
Winter league - week 8
Leaders United Services won away at St. Theresa's tonight 383-474 to maintain their top-of-the-table position going into 2010.  The Stanley could not raise a team against the Cross Foxes and have conceded 2 points to them.  Third placed Talbot had a tremendous away win at the Union Vaults. Trailing by 3 points at half time they eventually ran out winners by 13 points in a game that was close all the way through.  4th placed St. Werburgh's Club won away by a narrow margin at the City Arms, and Blacon SSC completed the double over the Spital Vaults.

Re-arranged game - USC v Blacon SSC
Will all players please note that the game between the United Services Club and Blacon SSC has been re-arranged for Wednesday, 16th December.

8th December 2009
Royal Oak Bagatelle Knockout - January 2010
The Royal Oak have advised me today that they plan to hold a bagatelle knockout in January.  I understand that, to avoid clashing with other bagatelle nights, it will take place on the four Tuesdays in January... ie. 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th.   There will be some prize money and/or prizes up for grabs, so watch this space or pop into the Royal Oak in Faulkner Street for more details.  Update: Royal Oak January Competition

7th December 2009
Cross Foxes Christmas Knockout
The Cross Foxes are having a Christmas Knockout, open to all, on Wednesday, 23rd December.  Entry is £3 on the night and there will be prizes and some festive snacks etc.   It will start at 8pm and be similar to last years event which was excellent.   It's an opportunity for all Chester bagatelle players to get together for a festive tipple and a game of bagatelle before xmas.  Should be a great do!

6th December 2009
Bagatelle table for sale on Ebay
Not sure if anyone will be interested in this or not, but the seller has contacted me to see if anyone would like to bid for this table on Ebay.   It's a big 'un, 10ft long, has 4 side pockets and, unusually, is rounded at the baulk end.   It is a magnificent looking table.   We have tables in our league which have had side pockets removed in the past, so that might not be as big a problem as it first appears to be.  The location might be though, I believe it's in the Bristol area.  Here's the link to Ebay.

3rd December 2009
Singles - Preliminary round
A cellar flood at the Spital forced a change of venue and the games were hastily switched to the Royal Oak at the last minute.  Thanks go to Angie for allowing us to play there at such short notice.  Other results can be found on the Cups page.

2nd December 2009
Winter League - week 7
Top of the table United Services had a comfortable home win against St. Theresa's tonight. Second placed Cross Foxes won away at the Stanley.  The Talbot hung on to win a very close game against the Union Vaults 548-540.  Blacon SSC won away at the Spital Vaults, and St. Werburgh's Club had a home win against the City Arms.

26th November 2009
5-a-Side - Preliminary round
The Union Vaults proved to be too good for the Talbot tonight in a 5-a-side prelim game where the venue was changed to St. Werburgh's Club at the last minute owing to there being a pool / bagatelle clash in the Stanley.   The Talbot took an early lead and were 23 points up after 2 men, but then the game turned round and the Union Vaults took over, with the win being sealed by a fine 90 scored by captain Mitch Whitley going on last.   In tonight's other game at the Cross Foxes, Blacon SSC beat St. Theresa's Club with both teams scoring around the 300 point mark.

25th November 2009
Winter league - week 6
In the big game of the night, leaders United Services Club beat St. Werburgh's Club on their own table to maintain their 100% record.  Cross Foxes remain second with a walkover as Blacon could not muster a team for the third time this season.  The Talbot won a very tight game at St. Theresa's Club.  Having led by 9 at half-time, they eventually won by 6 points.  The Union Vaults beat the Spital Vaults and The City Arms beat the Stanley Arms to complete tonight's fixtures.

Update 27 Nov: Cross Foxes have not claimed the game against Blacon.  If Blacon re-arrange, the game could still be played.  League table adjusted accordingly.

24th November 2009
Thank You from John Lea
Popped round to see John Lea this evening and it was nice to see him up and about again.  He asked if I would say a big Thank You via this website to everyone who has sent him their Best Wishes for a speedy recovery, especially the many people who signed the 'get-well' card presented to him last Thursday, and  I am very happy to be able to do so.

19th November 2009
Northgate Cup - prelim round
The Talbot and Cross Foxes played out an excellent cup game tonight at the United Services Club, with the lead changing hands no less than five times throughout the match.  Cross Foxes eventually won the close encounter of the bagatelle kind by 4 points, 425 - 429.  In the other semi-final at the Talbot, the Union Vaults beat St. Werburgh's Club.  St. W's only had 5 players and conceded the match early in the second half. At half time the score was 213-242 in favour of the Union Vaults.

League update: Last night the Spital Vaults had their first win against the Union Vaults - Well Done to them!!! and the City Arms won away at the Stanley Arms.  Also, John Lea is out of hospital and attended the Talbot v Cross Foxes match this evening, good news indeed!

18th November 2009
Winter league - week 5
In tonight's top-of-the-table clash, the United Services had a solid home win against St. Werburgh's Club and were 104 points ahead at half time, eventually winning 511 - 415.  This moves the USC into first place.   Cross Foxes move into second place with a good away win at Blacon SSC.  The Talbot move up to fourth after a good win over St. Theresa's.  At half-time the scores were 311-211 and St. Theresa's were unable to close the gap in the second half.   I don't know the results of the other two games as yet.  Rather than phone round for the scores,  I had a quick dash down to the Countess to see John Lea who was taken ill yesterday and has been kept in overnight while some tests are carried out.  I am sure we all wish him well.

11th November 2009
Winter league - week 4
St. Werburgh's retained top spot this evening with a solid win over the Talbot by 96 points, 600 - 504, although the Talbot were boosted by Mandy Tonge making her debut and scoring an excellent 45 her first stick!   The United Services stay second with a home win against the Stanley, 459 - 306.  The Cross Foxes beat the Spital Vaults to go third and the Union Vaults had a fine away win at St. Theresa's club and move into 4th place.  Blacon SSC did not have a team and there was therefore no game at the City Arms this evening.

Royal Oak
Popped in for a few sticks after the match tonight, and the Royal Oak has acquired, quite simply, the best table I have ever seen.   I would urge everyone to go in and have a look, you will not be disappointed!

9th November 2009
Royal Oak in Hoole have a new table!!!
The Royal Oak in Faulkener Street Hoole have installed a new bagatelle table today!  I have a bit of a cold otherwise I'd be down there having a game, instead I'm trying to blast it through my system.  It sounds like it's a good one, can't wait to have a stick on it!

4th November 2009
Winter league - week 3
St. Werburgh's Club moved one point clear at the top tonight with a solid away win at the Talbot.  The only time the Talbot were ahead was after Chris Barlow scored 92 on first, but St. Werburgh's  pulled it back to lead by 45 at half time.  The United Services moved into second place with a good away win at the Stanley by 100 points.  Cross Foxes won away at the Spital and go into joint third place with St. Theresa's Club and the Talbot, with St. Theresa's also coming unstuck at the Union Vaults who recorded their first win of the season.   After their opening game defeat by 2 points, Blacon SSC recorded their first win with a home victory against the City Arms.

3rd November 2009
Cup draws and fees
Sheets for all the draws made at last night's Committee Meeting were distributed to every pub today, along with each pub's bill for fees.   Thanks to the City Arms, Spital Vaults and Talbot who paid on the spot, receipts will be issued shortly.   An online version can be found here. 

2nd November 2009
Committee Meeting tonight
A reminder to all that there is a Committee Meeting at the Talbot this evening at 8pm, when draws for the various competitions will be made.     Can all Club Captains please ensure that their signing on sheets are returned to the Talbot before 8pm, otherwise your players will not be entered into the singles or doubles competitions.

28th October 2009
Winter League - week 2
St. Theresa's Club continued their solid start to the season with a comfortable home win over fellow newcomers Spital Vaults.  The Talbot had a convincing away win at the Stanley, winning by 80 points to go joint top.  There was only 4 points in the St. Werburgh's Club v Union Vaults game at half time, but the home team played very well in the second half with three 80+ scores to eventually win by 34 points, 575-541.    City Arms had the most impressive win of the night, beating last seasons league champions the Cross Foxes by 3 points at home.   The game between the United Services and Blacon SSC has been re-arranged and will be played at a future date.

25th October
Signing-on sheets / Next Committee Meeting
Can all team captains please ensure their signing-on sheets with singles and doubles entries are returned in time for the next Committee Meeting which is on 2nd November at the Talbot.   Thank you. 

21st October 2009
Winter League - week 1
The 2009/10 Winter League is under way at last, and there were some close encounters of the bagatelle kind on the opening night.   Newcomers St. Theresa's got off to a flying start with a narrow away victory at fellow newbies the Spital Vaults, eventually winning by 5 points.  We're very pleased to have both teams in the league, best of luck to them!    The margin was even narrower at Blacon Sports & Social Club, where the United Services let a commanding half-time lead of 84 slip to eventually hang on and win by just 2 points.

As if that wasn't close enough, the Union Vaults entertained St. Werburgh's Club in front of a packed audience, and the result was even closer.    At the end of a keenly contested game,  a recount confirmed that both teams had accrued exactly the same number of points, a rare draw!     Last seasons champions Cross Foxes had a shaky start, but staged an excellent second half recovery to eventually win.   They came back from being 35 down at half-time to beat the City Arms by 45 points.   The Talbot had a walkover as the Stanley could not raise a team for the opening fixture. Let's hope they have better luck next week!

17th October 2009
Diwali
Today is the main day of the Diwali, the festival of lights in India, so Happy Diwali.

15th October 2009
Friendly result
The Cross Foxes entertained the Talbot last night, and in a very close match the home team won by 5 points.  Top scorer was the foxes Mike Turner with 93.

11th October 2009
Change to Winter League fixtures
Have found out today that the Egerton Arms will not have enough players to put a team into the league this season but they hope to be back next year.   This is balanced by St. Theresa's Club request to join the league, so they will take the Egerton Arms place.   Amended fixture sheets have been distributed.

9th October 2009
Played at the Pub - new book
English Heritage have a new book out covering just about every pub game imaginable and, naturally, bagatelle is included!   More information can be found by clicking here English Heritage.

8th October 2009
St. Theresa's Club to enter Winter League
There will be a new team in the Winter League.  St. Theresa's Club in Blacon have contacted me with a view to entering a team in the Winter League and we are delighted to welcome them.  Amended fixture lists will be out ASAP, but please note that fixtures for 21st and 28th October will remain the same.

Friendly result
Last night the Talbot entertained the Cross Foxes in a friendly game and the home team won by 41 points.  Top scorer was the dogs Chris Barlow with 77.

2nd October 2009
Winter League starts 21st October
Fixtures have now been distributed to all pubs together with a signing-on sheet.   Could all club secretaries return their completed signing-on sheets by 31st October please,  as draws for the various competitions will take place at the next Committee Meeting on Monday, 2nd November at the Talbot, starting at 8.00pm.

Re-Introduction of Fees
One important change for the forthcoming season is the re-introduction of fees for each bagatelle club.  For the past few years there have been no fees levied for entry to the bagatelle league, but this cannot continue indefinitely, and at the AGM, it was unanimously agreed that each club should pay £40 to cover entry to the League, West Cheshire Shield, Northgate Cup and 5-a-Side competitions.  In addition, a separate entry fee of £1 for singles and £2 for doubles will also be introduced.  Fees will be due by Christmas and bills will be sent once entries to singles and doubles are known.

There will be free entry into the 2010 Open Knockout Competition next year for clubs in the league or venues who have recently acquired new tables.

23rd September 2009
Open Knockout - Final
The final stages were held tonight in the Talbot.   Highlighting the skill of the players, and also the quality of the Talbot table, there were seven scores of 80+, and in one of the best finals ever, Dave Cooper beat Nigel Walker 91-90 in the final.   Full report.

21st September 2009
Annual General Meeting at the Talbot
This years AGM was held in the Talbot tonight.  Minutes of the meeting can be found here.

Open Knockout - Final
This years final will be held in the Talbot on 23rd September.  More details can be found on the Knockout page.

7th September 2009
Website email problems
Apologies to anyone who has sent an email to me in recent times, they have not been getting through due to a technical problem with the website host and email forwarding.  A temporary solution has been set up and emails can be sent here.

2nd September 2009
Open Knockout - semi-final
The second stage of the knockout was held this evening at a packed Spital Vaults.  There was some excellent sticks of bagatelle played early on, and six of the eventual qualifiers were amongst the first seven to play.  The eight qualifiers are Richard Evans (79), Frank Whitley and Mitch Whitley (both 77), Dave Cooper (76), Ted Randles (74), Mike Turner (72), Nigel Walker (70) and Barry Pace (63).  Several players were just a few points behind Barry Pace which made a it very competitive and entertaining evenings bagatelle throughout.

Once the 8 qualifiers were known, a draw was made from all the neutral tables available, and the Talbot was drawn out of the hat.  The final will therefore be played on Wednesday, 23rd September at 8.30pm at the Talbot.  See Knockout page for details.

Thanks go to Leanne and Angie from the Spital for hosting this evenings event and also for the excellent food, especially the hotpot which disappeared in double quick time.  It really was much appreciated by all, Thank You!  The Spital Vaults are putting a team in the Winter League so, if you would like to play for them, please let them know.

AGM 2009
One written item of correspondence was received before the deadline of 31st August.  See AGM page for details.  The AGM will be held on Monday, 21st September at the Talbot, start time 8.00pm.

12th August 2009
Open Knockout - week 13 - Spital Vaults
The final round of the Open Knockout was played at the Spital Vaults tonight, and once again there was an excellent turnout.   After the first round, the four highest scorers were Mitch Whitley (78), John Roberts (77), Alan Martin (69) and Barry Tipton (67).

In the first semi-final, Alan drew John but lost the toss and John chose to play second.  Martin played well in both sticks and scored 32 + 34 = 66.  In reply, John had an excellent first stick of 35, but could not quite match it his second, and scored 35 + 28 = 63, not quite enough.    In the second semi-final, Mitch drew Barry, won the toss and also chose to go second.  Barry played well both sticks and scored 40 + 28 = 68.  Mitch played better however, and replied with the best score of the night 43 + 36 = 79.   I doubt many would begrudge Mitch his place in the final as this was the fourth semi-final he has played in!

In the final, Mitch won the toss and again chose to go second.  As we have seen before in knockout finals, both players struggled to retain the form of previous rounds. However, tonight's final was probably the most dramatic of the entire series of finals we have had.    Alan went on and had some bad luck with balls going in and out of cups, but still scored 32 + 21 = 53.   Mitch struggled his first stick but scored 7 off his last shot to come out with 25, which left him needing 29 for victory.     Mitch chased the black his second stick and, after 7 balls, had only scored 14 with another 15 still required for victory.  The black ball was positioned between the 6, 7 and 9 cups, and Mitch played a very fine cut to pot the black into the 7, scoring 14 which tied the scores.  However, the cue ball hit the top cushion by the 5 cup and ran right down the table straight into the 1 cup to give Mitch an incredible win by 1 point.   Well done to both players for a most entertaining final, and both Mitch and Alan now go through to the next stage.

After the final, the venue for the next round was drawn by Margaret Walker and the Spital Vaults was pulled out of the hat.  The date for the next round is 2nd September 2009, see the knockout page for full details.

Thanks go to Leia, Angie and all the staff at the Spital for hosting tonights event, and for the excellent buffet which was quite superb.   I hope to see everyone back at the Spital Vaults on 2nd September.

Incidentally, the Spital are hoping to enter a team into the Winter League, so if any players are looking for somewhere to play, I can definitely recommend the half-time butties!

5th August 2009
Open Knockout - week 12 - Talbot
Tonight's Knockout was staged at the recently re-opened Talbot in Newtown, and 24 people entered the competition.  After the first round, the highest scorers were Brian Welch (79), Richard Evans and Mitch Whitley (both 77), and Gordon Green and Mike Turner (both 74).   This meant there was a play-off between Gordon and Mike for the 4th semi-final place.   The play-off arguably produced the best match of the night, with Mike scoring 38+43=81 and Gordon replying with 36+43=79, Mike winning by 2 points.

In the semi-finals, Mike was drawn against Mitch, and Brian was drawn against Richard.  In the first game, Mike won the toss, went first and initially struggled, but pulled out brilliantly both sticks scoring 33+42=75, including an excellent 9 and 5 off his very last ball.  Mitch scored 22 leaving a huge target of 54 required his 2nd stick, but declined to play it.   In the second semi-final, Brian won the toss but struggled both sticks, eventually scoring 35+26=61.  As tension mounted, Richard followed suit and missed shots early on but pulled out great shots in both sticks including a 9 and 3 at the end of his second stick to score 28+35=63 which was just enough.

In the final, Mike won the toss, chose to go first, and played very well, scoring the evenings highest score of  43+40=83.  In reply, Richard scored 8 early on but then chased the black for most of his first stick, eventually putting it into the 9 but did not score again and finished with 26 which left an impossible target of 57 remaining.  Congratulations to Mike and also to Richard for qualifying for the next stage.  Thanks go to Talbot landlord Pat Wallace for hosting tonight's event and also for the excellent buffet which soon disappeared!

Next week is sure to be a busy night as it is the last open knockout, the venue being the Spital Vaults.  I look forward to seeing you all there.

AGM
This years  Annual General Meeting  will be held on 21st September 2009 at 8.00pm in the Talbot.  Sheets will be distributed shortly and any correspondence must be returned to the Secretary, c/o the Talbot by 31st August.    

29th July 2009
Open Knockout - week 11 - Egerton Arms
The Knockout returned to Newtown for week 11, the venue being the Egerton Arms in Brook Street.  17 people entered the competition, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Chris Barlow (66), Pete Ashford and Barry Pace (both 63) and Bill Webber (58).

In the semi-finals, Bill scored 18+26=44 and was beaten by Chris who scored 31+36=67.   In the other semi-final, Barry scored a good 27+40=67 but then Pete got in trouble with the black, scoring only 10 which meant he did not have to play his second stick as he could not mathematically win.

In the final, Chris won the toss and put Barry on.  Barry scored well his first stick but came a bit unstuck his second and finished with 37+11=48.  Chris struggled early on in his first stick, but eventually got the black in the 8 and scored a vital 9 off his last ball to score 25.  In his second stick needing 24, he scored double 4 and 7 off his first two balls (15), but then struggled his next four balls before potting a 9 with one ball to spare.  Quite a tense finish to the evening!  Congratulations to both Chris and Barry who both go through to the next stage.  Thanks also to Judy for hosting the event and the buffet which was much appreciated and disappeared rather quickly!

Next week the knockout moves to the Talbot in Walter Street which has now re-opened after being closed for a while.  I hope to see you all there.

22nd July 2009
Open Knockout - week 10 - City Arms
The Knockout moved out of the town centre tonight to the City Arms in Saltney, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Tony Gilmartin (75), Charlie Gilmartin (51), Shane Gentile (45) and Bill Webber (44).  The semi-final draw saw father drawn against son.  Charlie Gilmartin went first and scored 22+25=47.  Tony went on and scored 20+30=50, with the winning shot coming off the very last ball.   In the other semi-final, Shane won the toss and put Bill on first.  Bill scored 17+32=49 which Shane got with a few balls to spare, scoring 30+27=57.

In the final,  Shane went first and scored 20+26, including an 18 and 6 breaking off shot his second stick.  Tony struggled his first stick, scoring just 13 but then scored 26 his second stick, missing a 7 off his last ball which would have meant a replay.  Well Done to both Shane and Tony for reaching the next stage of the competition.

Next week the knockout moves back to Brook Street and will be in the Egerton Arms.  I look forward to seeing you all there.

15th July 2009
Open Knockout - week 9 - St. Werburgh's Club
The knockout travelled all the way from the Stanley to St. Werburgh's Club with 27 people making the epic journey across the road and entering tonight's competition.  To add to the enjoyment of the evening, tonight's event was televised and beamed live onto the big screen where members of the packed club were able to watch all the action.   After the first round, the four highest scorers were John Kenyon (86), Craig Lamb (78), and Mike Turner and Dan Donovan (both 77).

In the first semi-final, Dan scored 25 + 37 = 62 and Craig scored exactly the same, 25 + 37 = 62.  Before the replay, the other semi-final was played with John getting through to the final by scoring 44+37=81 to Mike's 36+38=74.   In the semi-final replay, Dan again won the toss and went first, scoring 25+34=59.  Craig replied with 33+35=68 to reach the final.

In the final, John won the toss and scored 25+36=61 which proved enough for victory as Craig could only score 21+26=47.   Congratulations to both John and Craig for getting through to the next stage.

Thanks to John Kenyon and the staff at St. Werburgh's for the hot dogs which disappeared in double quick time! Next week the knockout moves back to Saltney and is at the City Arms. Hope to see you all there.

8th July 2009
Open Knockout - week 8 - Stanley Arms
The knockout moved back to Newtown this week, and 26 people entered the competition at the Stanley Arms.  It's always a tricky table to play and, after the first round, only four players managed to score over 60.   They were Mitch Whitley (73), Nigel Walker (66), Tony Carss (65) and Frank Whitley (62).

In the semi-finals, Nigel Walker scored 43+30=73, which proved too good for Mitch Whitley who scored 19 and conceded.  In the other semi-final, Frank Whitley scored a fairly modest 8+33=41, but this proved too many for Tony Carss who had two very difficult sticks, scoring just 3+6=9.

In the final, Nigel played first and scored steadily, finishing up with 26+25=51.  Like so many others tonight, Frank struggled after missing the break, and scored 16+23=39.   Congratulations to both Nigel and Frank for getting through to the next stage of the competition.

The food is always first class at the Stanley, and tonight was no exception. Thanks go to all the staff for their hospitality and the excellent buffet which was much appreciated by all.

Finally, although we kept our eyes peeled, there were no new players on view this evening. Maybe they'll have another go next week...

6th July 2009
New players entering knockout this week?
Following the attempted breakout by 30 of the guests at Chester Zoo yesterday, I am wondering if there will be an influx of new players at the knockout this week?



3rd July 2009
Saltney Ferry now have a bagatelle table
I have been told that the Saltney Ferry now have a bagatelle table installed and it is being played by the locals!

1st July 2009
Open Knockout - week 7 - United Services Club
The United Services Club hosted this weeks event, and 22 people entered on an evening which illustrated what an unpredictable game bagatelle can be. 

After the first round, the highest scorers were Mitch Whitley (76), Paul McLaughlin (69), Ray Potbury (66), and a tie for 4th highest between Nigel Walker and Brian Walker (both 64).   Nigel went first in the play-off and scored 28 + 26 = 54.  Brian played almost the same as Nigel but just scored a little more his second to go through, with a score of 28 + 30 = 58.

In the semi-finals, Ray scored 17 + 30 = 46 and was beaten by Brian who scored 33 + 23 = 56.   In the second semi-final, Paul scored 26 + 20 = 46, which Mitch looked to have well beat after his first stick (38), but bagatelle is a funny old game, and he came unstuck his second stick, scoring just 3, giving a total of 38 + 3 = 41.

In the final, Brian won the toss and chose to go first. He struggled his first stick, scoring just 12, but played much better his second and got 43, including a very good 9 off the last ball. Brian's total 12 + 43 = 55.  In reply, Paul played very well his first stick, scoring 43 leaving just 13 required for victory.  However, in a near carbon-copy of his semi-final against Mitch, this time Paul came unstuck, scoring only 7 which gave a total of 43 + 7 = 50, not quite enough.   Congratulations to Brian on winning, and also Paul who goes through to the next stage.

Thanks to Sue at the United Services for the excellent spread which was much appreciated by everyone.

Next week's knockout is at the Stanley Arms, and I look forward to seeing you all there.

24th June 2009
Open Knockout - week 6 - no game
The Railway is currently closed following a fire in the premises and tonight's event has therefore had to be cancelled.   

Next week's knockout is at the United Services Club on 1st July, start time is 8.00pm prompt.

17th June 2009
Open Knockout - week 5 - Cross Foxes
This week's event was hosted by the Cross Foxes, and 26 people entered the competition.  After the first round, the highest scorers were Mike Turner (86), Alan Biddle (82), Barry Tipton (81) and Mark Williams and Billy Williams (both 78).   This meant there was a tie for 4th spot between Mark and Billy.    Mark won the toss and elected to play first.  He did well his first stick with 42, but came unstuck and only scored 3 his second.  Billy scored 37 + 30 = 67 to earn his place in the last four.

In the semi-finals, Barry Tipton did not have the luck of the draw as his score would have won the other semi-final.   He scored 38 + 41 = 79, but was well beaten by Billy Williams who recorded the evenings highest score by getting  44 + 47 = 91.  In the other semi-final, Mike Turner scored 25 + 39 = 64, and was beaten by Alan Biddle who scored 42 + 36 = 78.

In the final, Alan won the toss and chose to go first, scoring 33 + 34 = 67  which proved enough to win.   After his 91 in the semi-final,  Billy missed the breaks and struggled both sticks scoring 28 + 26 = 54.    However, congratulations go to both Alan and Billy for making it through to the next stage.

Thanks go to Mark, Barbara and Tanya from the Cross Foxes for their hospitality and the excellent hot buffet which was much appreciated by all.

Next week the Knockout is due to be played at the Railway which is currently still closed following a fire.  If the pub does not re-open by next Wednesday, there will be no competition next week and I hope to see you all at the United Services Club on 1st July.
 

10th June 2009
Open Knockout - week 4 - Union Vaults
Week 4 was hosted by the Union Vaults and, despite appallingly wet weather conditions and England beating Andorra 6-0 on television, 32 people entered the competition.  After another very competitive first round, the four highest scorers were Ted Randles (71), Bob Walton (65), Dan Donovan (62) and Dave Jones (62).  Competition in the first round was very close, and we were actually heading for a 4-way play-off until Bob Walton's last shot.  Alan Biddle, Frank Whitley and Martin McQuaide had all scored 60, and after 7 balls of his second stick Bob had also scored 60, but he scored 5 off his last shot to secure his place in the semi-finals, much to the disappointment of Alan, Frank and Martin. Don't worry lads, there's always next week!

In the semi-finals, Dan scored 42 and was beaten by Ted who scored another 71, and Dave scored 46 and was narrowly beaten by Bob who scored 50.

In the final, Ted scored 53 and Bob scored 56 with a few balls to spare.  All in all, an excellent night's bagatelle which went on until well after 11pm.

Next week the competition moves to the Cross Foxes where there is sure to be another good turnout.  I hope to see you all there and will all competitors please try to arrive early for a practice as we will be aiming to start at 8.00pm PROMPT!

3rd June 2009
Open Knockout - week 3 - Home Guard Club
Tonight's Open Knockout was hosted by the Home Guard Club, and 27 people entered the competition, making it an excellent night's bagatelle.  After a very competitive first round, the four highest scorers were Gordon Vickers (68), Gordon Green (67), John Lea (63) and Brian Walker (52).  

The two Gordons were drawn together in the first semi-final, and both achieved identical scores, Gordon Vickers going first and scoring 17 + 26 = 43, and Gordon Green getting exactly the same, 17 + 26 = 43!   In the second semi-final, John Lea scored 59 which proved too much for Brain Walker who scored 38 off his two sticks.

The semi-final replay saw Gordon Green win the toss and elect to go first, but in the replay his second stick let him down as he scored 29 + 6 = 35.  Gordon Vickers played well and scored 39 his first stick with a couple of balls to spare.

In the final, Gordon won the toss and chose to go first, but came unstuck his first stick and scored only 5.  He had much better luck his second stick and scored 38 giving a total of 43.  John Lea played steadily his first stick and scored 30, leaving 14 required his second stick.  John took quite a few balls before he got going, but eventually scored 19 which was enough for victory.   All in all, an excellent night's bagatelle. Congratulations to John and Gordon for being tonight's winners.

The main thing is that everyone enjoyed it tonight, there was a great atmosphere in the room and all the players were watched by a very keen and enthusiastic audience.  We all hope, of course, that the Home Guard Club will compete in the Winter League which starts mid-October.

Special thanks go to Pat Evans for hosting tonight's event and also for the excellent buffet.  The egg sandwiches were particularly well received until they all mysteriously disappeared. I shall say no more, but those that had one were fortunate indeed!

Next week the Open Knockout moves to the Union Vaults.  I hope to see everyone there for another great night of bagatelle.

30th May 2009
Talbot has re-opened!
The Talbot re-opened on 28th May with Pat Wallace at the helm.  I popped in on Thursday night to have a few sticks on the table and it still plays as well as ever.   I'm sure Pat will be looking to put a team in the Winter League which will start in mid-October.  The team will need a minimum of 6 players and, realistically, could do with at least 8. Anyone interested should let Pat know.

27th May 2009
Open Knockout - week 2 - Saltney Social Club
The Open Knockout was held at Saltney Social Club this week, and despite the attraction of the Champions League Final, 19 people entered. Tonight's winner was Ray Lamb and Ces Hipkiss was the runner-up. 

After the first round, the four highest scores were Billy Williams (79), Ces Hipkiss (74), Mike Penlington (68) and Ray Lamb (67).    In the semi-finals, Ray beat Billy 82-78, and Mike was beaten by Ces 73-74.   In the final, Ray could not match his semi-final form and scored only 48. However, neither could Ces, who managed only 44 in reply.

Next week the competition moves on to the Home Guard Club, where there will be another £150 up for grabs. See you all there!

Website downtime
Some of you may have noticed that the website was off the air earlier today. This was due to some idiot forgetting to pay for the domain name renewal on time. The idiot apologies profusely.

20th May 2009
Open Knockout - week 1 - Blacon SSC
The 2009 Open Knockout kicked off tonight at Blacon Sports & Social Club and in a reverse of the recent singles final, tonight's winner and runner-up were Dave Cooper and John Pritchard.  There were 21 entrants in total, and after an excellent, top quality first round the four highest scores were John Pritchard (89), Billy Williams (85), Dave Cooper (85) and Mike Turner (84).  In the semi-finals, John beat Mike 79 - 63, and Billy was beaten by Dave 68 - 86.

In the final, Dave won the toss and chose to go second.  The move looked to have backfired when John filled them up his first stick scoring 53 with a 5 off the cushion last ball.  This was followed by a rather ordinary 30, crucially missing what appeared to be an easy 9 off the last two balls but still giving a total of 83.  Dave went on and scored an excellent 48 his first stick leaving 36+ to be scored his second stick to win.  After 7 balls of his second stick, Dave had scored 30 but picked up 8 off the last ball to become the Blacon SSC champion for 2009.  Dave's scores for the evening were 85, 86 and 86 which makes him a worthy winner.

Apologies to everyone reading this, but this is where the writer self indulges a little.  Although I lost the final tonight, I filled them up for the first time in my life.  Filling them up has been the Holy Grail of bagatelle for me and is something I have been trying to do for nearly 40 years.  To do it in a final, and on what would have been my dad's birthday makes it extra special and has made it a night I will never forget.    As I type this I am still excited about doing it, and on the Blacon table too which is my favourite and the one I learnt to play on.  Apologies again, but I simply had to include this milestone personal achievement in my report.

Thanks to the staff at Blacon SSC for the sandwiches which were much appreciated, and next week the Knockout will be at Saltney Social Club.  See you all there hopefully.
 

9th May 2009
Open Knockout starts 20th May
The competition will start on 20th May and sheets will be in the pubs very soon.      Details can be found on the Open Knockout page.

29th April 2009
Cross Foxes win televised game to claim League Title
The Cross Foxes became league champions tonight by beating the United Services Club at St. Werburgh's Club. The game was televised and broadcast live to a large, enthusiastic audience who watched every shot as it was played.  The game was won in the first half, and by half-time the Cross Foxes were ahead by 68 points, 287 - 219. In the second half, the United Services clawed back the lead, but never really looked like turning the result round, and in the end Cross Foxes won 545 - 524.  Congratulations to all at the Cross Foxes.  It is only 12 months ago that they got a bagatelle table, and in that time they have won the Second Division Summer League, the Winter League following tonight's play-off, the Northgate Cup and the 5-a-Side Competition.

Also tonight, Dave Cooper received the trophy for having the Highest Away average last season, and John Kenyon received a special engraved-crystal trophy for scoring 100. Well Done Dave and John, and thanks too to John and all the staff at St. Werburgh's Club for the excellent buffet which was much appreciated by all.  

23rd April 2009
Doubles Final Rounds - Results
The final rounds of the doubles was played at the Egerton tonight, and the eventual winners were Alan Biddle and Gordon Vickers of Blacon Sports & Social Club who beat John Lea and Mal Coppock of the Cross Foxes in the final.

In the quarter-finals,  Alan Biddle and Gordon Vickers were fortunate to be drawn against Richard Evans who played on his own due to his partner being away.  Although Richard played well and scored 65, the combined scores of 58 and 55 from Alan and Gordon won easily.  Tony Gilmartin and Frank Whitley played solidly to beat Max Lomax and Craig Lamb by 46 points.  Nigel and Brian Walker had the luck of the draw and got a bye into the semi-finals. Both players still had their sticks and scored 65 and 54 respectively.   John Lea and Mal Coppock beat Chris Barlow and John Pritchard comfortably in the end.  John Lea got 56, Chris replied with 58, Mal then scored an impressive 86 to set a target of 85 which proved decisive with John P only scoring 22.

In the semi-finals, Alan and Gordon scored 73 and 62 to beat Frank and Tony who scored 59 and 36.   John and Mal beat Nigel and Brian after being 5 down at 'half-time'.  John scored 50, Nigel replied with 55.  Mal then scored 89 to leave another target of 85 and, chasing the big score, Brian only scored 12.

In the final, Alan played very well and scored 78 with John hitting 55 in reply. Gordon then added 57 to the lead of 23 which set Malcolm a target of 81 to win.    As in the previous rounds, the high target proved too much, and after breaking off with 22, Mal could only add one more to finish with 23.  Full details of the night's scores can be seen on the Cups page.

Thanks go to Judy, Keith, Mandy and the staff at the Egerton for hosting the event and the excellent buffet which was appreciated by everyone.

League Play-off game
Next week sees the end of the Winter League with a play-off game for the title of League Champions between the Cross Foxes and the United Services Club.  Will all players please note that practice IS allowed on the night.

19th April 2009
Final League Table
To my knowledge, seven postponed league games are still outstanding and remain un-played. To bring some closure to the League, all seven games have been awarded to the home teams and the league table adjusted accordingly.  See League Table page for final league points.  The league winners is still to be decided by a play-off game between Cross Foxes and the United Services Club on 29th April after which a Final Table will be sent to the local press for publication.

16th April 2009
Singles Final Rounds - Results
The final rounds of the singles were held tonight at the Cross Foxes, and it was a United Services one two, with John Pritchard beating Dave Cooper in the final.     In the Quarter Finals, Nigel Walker, Dave Cooper, Gordon Vickers and John Pritchard beat Ray Lamb, Brian Walker, Brian Welch and Gordon Green respectively.  In the semi-finals, Dave beat Nigel 69 - 89, and John rather fortunately beat Gordon 75 - 79 by scoring off his very last ball! 

In the final, John won the toss and chose to go first, scoring 37 and 53 to record a total of 90, the highest score of the night.     In his first stick,  Dave just missed the 18 break by a fraction and then struggled to pot the black, eventually scoring 31 which was not enough to go again.  Congratulations to all the players on a very entertaining night's bagatelle, and thanks also to Barbara, Tanya and all the staff at the Cross Foxes for hosting the event and for the excellent buffet which was delicious and much appreciated by all.  Actual scores can be seen on the Cups page.

9th April 2009
Five-a-Side - Final
The Five-a-Side final was played tonight between the Cross Foxes and United Services 'B', and what an excellent final it turned out to be.  Cross Foxes led in the early stages with John Lea (95) and Bill Webber beating their men to put Cross Foxes 24 points in front.  Excellent scores by Dave Cooper (89) and Chris Barlow (93) turned things around and after four men the United Services were 6 ahead.  United Services last man John Pritchard scored 69 leaving Cross Foxes Barry Tipton needing a respectable 76 to win, and he scored a very good 82.   Final scores 376 - 382 in favour of the Cross Foxes.  Thanks to the staff at Blacon SSC for the sandwiches which were much appreciated by all.

4th April 2009
2009 Open Knockout
The Open Knockout will be held again this year and the format will be similar to previous years.  Dates and venues have not yet been finalised but the competition will start sometime in May 2009 and will be played on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer.  Keep an eye on the Open Knockout page.

2nd April 2009
Northgate Cup - Final
The final was played tonight between Blacon Sports & Social Club and the Cross Foxes at the United Services Club.  Blacon captain Gordon 'Oscar' Vickers correctly called tails and elected to go first, and after a nip and tuck first half the scores were 232 - 242 in favour of the Cross Foxes.  After both 5th men had played, Blacon had closed the gap to just 2 points, but then the Cross Foxes pulled away and eventually ran out winners by 67 points.  Thanks go to Sue and the other staff at the United Services for the buffet which was appreciated by everyone.

26th March 2009
West Cheshire Shield - Final
The final of the West Cheshire Shield was played tonight between the United Services Club and Blacon Sports & Social Club at the City Arms.  Blacon won the toss and chose to go first, which looked like a good decision as they took an early lead and went 18 up after 2 men.  United Services rallied though, and by half-time were 35 up.  In the second half, the Services pulled further clear to run out winners by 98 in the end.  Thanks to Chris and the staff at the City Arms for hosting the event and putting on a buffet which was very well received by all.

25th March 2009
City Arms v Egerton Arms - re-arranged game
The City Arms played hosts tonight to the Egerton Arms in a re-arranged league fixture and the City Arms came out on top, 456 - 303.  The reverse fixture is next week at the Egerton.

The West Cheshire Shield final is also on at the City Arms tomorrow night, when the United Services Club take on Blacon SSC.

24th March 2009
New table in Saltney Ferry?
I have heard that the table recently acquired by the Brewery in Saltney has been sold to the Saltney Ferry and that the Brewery pub is currently closed.   If anyone has more info, please let me know, thanks.

17th March 2009
Draws for Finals / League Play-off
Draws for the various finals and the league play off were made last night and can be found on the Cup Fixtures page.  Apologies to everyone at the meeting for my not attending, I was not well enough to be there.

12th March 2009
Singles Competition - last 16 - results
The last 16 of the singles was held tonight at the Union Vaults.  See the Cup Fixtures page for the results.

Next Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, 16th March 2009 at St. Werburgh's Club, kick off will be at 8.00pm.

11th March 2009
Winter league - week 18
It's confirmed ... it's a play-off to decide which team will win the league.  Tonight, the two contenders both won away to keep things even stevens at the top.  The Cross Foxes won a close game at the Railway by 15 points and the United Services won at St. Werburgh's B by 101 points.  This means that both teams finish on 37 points, well done to both!

In tonight's other results, St. Werburgh's A had a narrow 10 point victory at local rivals the Stanley Arms to remain in 3rd place.   The union Vaults beat the Egerton, and Blacon SSC beat the City Arms to remain in 4th place.

5th March 2009
Five-a-Side - Semi-Final results
United Services B beat St. Werburgh's at the Cross Foxes thanks largely to two magnificent scores. Paul McLaughlin scored 92 and captain Dave Cooper scored 91 to edge the Services through to the Final.  Thanks go to Barbara and Tanya at the Cross Foxes for the excellent spread which was appreciated by all the players and spectators!   In the other semi-final, the Cross Foxes beat the Railway by 70 points to reach their second final this season.

4th March 2009
Winter league - week 17
Tonight saw both joint leaders win their home games to set up an exciting finish to the league next week.  Cross Foxes beat the improved Railway team and the United Services beat St. Werburgh's B to keep pace with each other.  Both teams are now level on 34 points having played 17 games and both have one game to go.  In tonight's other game played, the Egerton Arms beat local rivals the Union Vaults.  St. Werburgh's A v Stanley was called off on Monday, and Blacon could not raise a team tonight and conceded the match at the City Arms.

2nd March 2009
Postponed League Game
Will players please note that this Wednesday's (4th March) league game between St. Werburgh's A and the Stanley Arms has been postponed owing to a football match.

26th February 2009
West Cheshire Shield - Semi-Final result
Blacon SSC beat the Stanley Arms tonight to reach their second final this season.  Blacon went first and took a 16 point lead after the first men but Stanley reversed this and were 19 up after 3 men. However a magnificent 85 from Alan Biddle turned the game again, and at half time the scores were 268 - 246.  In the second half Blacon added to their lead and pulled away to eventually win the game and reach their second final. Well Done to both teams on a good match, and also to St. Werburgh's for providing a half-time buffet.

25th February 2009
Winter league - week 16
Leaders Cross Foxes had a comfortable home win against the Egerton to remain at the top of the table.  The United Services Club go joint top with them as a result of a solid win away at Blacon SSC.  St. Werburgh's B beat the Stanley at home to remain in 5th place.  The Railway recorded their highest score of the season to secure their second league win against the City Arms, Well Done to them. St. Werburgh's A did not have a full team at the Union Vaults and conceded the game and the points to the home side.

West Cheshire Shield - Semi-Finals
Tomorrow night sees Blacon SSC play the Stanley Arms at St. Werburgh's Club in the first semi-final.  The second semi-final has been conceded by St. Werburgh's A as they are struggling to get a team.  United Services therefore go through to the final.

19th February 2009
Northgate Cup - Semi-Finals - Results
The Cross Foxes and Blacon SSC are both through to the final of the Northgate Cup as neither St. Werburgh's A or B could raise teams for tonight's games and both have conceded.  The date and venue for the final will be decided at the next Committee Meeting on 16th March.

18th February 2009
Winter league - week 15
Cross Foxes go top of the league by virtue of winning away at the Egerton Arms by 105.  The United Services Club slip to second place after a home win against Blacon SSC.  St. Werburgh's A remain third after a home win against the Union Vaults, St. Werburgh's B had a good away win at the Stanley Arms, and the City Arms moved up two places by beating the Railway.

Tomorrow night it's the semi-finals of the Northgate Cup.  Cross Foxes play St. Werburgh's A at the Egerton Arms and St. Werburgh's B play Blacon SSC at the United Services Club.

12th February 2009
Doubles Competition - re-arranged game result
The re-arranged game between Mike Turner & Barry Tipton and Alan Biddle & Gordon Vickers was played at the City Arms tonight.  Alan & Gordon won the toss and elected to bat.   Alan scored 69 with Mike scoring 59 in reply. Oscar then added a further 57 which left Barry wanting 68 for victory. Barry scored 34 his first stick to get halfway there, but could not do the same with his second and finished up with 52. A good game, well played by both sides. Alan and Gordon now go on to the Final - date and venue to be decided at the next Committee Meeting. 

11th February 2009
Winter league - week 14
In tonight's big game, 3rd placed St. Werburgh's A played leaders the Cross Foxes, and it was the away side that applied the early pressure by recording scores of 81, 79 and 85 to forge ahead by half-time.  Cross Foxes managed to increase their lead in the second half, and ran out winners by 50 points to stay joint top of the table.   The United Services Club had an away win at the Railway Inn to remain joint top with them.  Blacon SSC overcame St. Werburgh's B team to record yet another home win and stay in 4th place, still in contention for the title. The Union Vaults beat the Stanley Arms to swap places with them in the league.   The game between the Egerton Arms and the City Arms was postponed.

9th February
Cup draws
A Committee Meeting was held in St. Werburgh's Club this evening and the draws for the various competitions can be found on the Cup Fixtures page.

4th February 2009
Winter league - week 13
Only two games were played tonight, and in the big top-of-the-table clash, leaders the Cross Foxes were beaten at home by St. Werburgh's A who had established a 53 point lead by half-time.  St. Werburgh's s A held on throughout the second half to eventually win the game by 13 points and inflict a first home defeat on the Cross Foxes.    In tonight's other game, the United Services were at home but found the new look Railway team in good form and were only 31 points ahead at half-time. The USC played well in the  second half though, and eventually ran out comfortable winners to go joint top of the league with the Cross Foxes.

All of tonight's other games were postponed because of a funeral and will be re-arranged.

The league is now very interesting, because if Blacon SSC win their 3 games in hand (2 away, 1 at home), they will be joint top, and it is unusual in recent years to have four teams in contention for the league title in February.

1st February 2009
New Bagatelle table in Brewery Arms Saltney?
I understand the Brewery Arms in Saltney have recently acquired a bagatelle table from the St. Helens area.  No news yet as to whether it's in situ and playable, if anyone knows, please let me know!

29th January 2009
Doubles Competition - semi-final results
Doubles semi-finals were played at two venues tonight.   At Blacon SSC, Tony Gilmartin and Frank Whitley from the City Arms beat Bill Webber and John Ford from the Cross Foxes, and John Lea and Mal Coppock from the Cross Foxes beat Gordon Green and Ray Potbury from the United Services.  Richard Evans and Pete Ashford also go through on a walkover and neither pair turned up for the first match so there will be a bye in the final unless the game has been re-arranged.

28th January 2009
Winter league - week 12
The Cross Foxes went 2 points clear at the top of the league table tonight with a solid home win against the Union Vaults. St. Werburgh's A remain third but closed the gap on second placed United Services by coming back from a half-time deficit to win by 11 points.  St. Werburgh's A are now only 2 points behind the United Services with one game in hand and are right back in contention.    Blacon SSC recorded a fine away win at the Egerton Arms who have been in form of late,  the City Arms came from being behind at half-time to beat the Stanley Arms, and the best news of the night, the Railway Inn got their first league win of the season by beating St. Werburgh's B.    This follows their 5-a-side win last week, and the Railway have now won their last 2 games. Well done! 

26th January 2009
Australia Day
Happy Australia Day. Just remember to spread your vegemite thinly on your toast!

22nd January 2009
5-a-side - Quarter Final results
The Railway Inn recorded their first win of the season tonight with a fine win over a strong Egerton team at St. Werburgh's Club. After the first 4 men had played, there was only 1 point in it, and the Railway's last man outscored the Egerton's to give them a well deserved win. Congratulations to the Railway team.  St. Werburgh's A beat Blacon by 14 points at the Railway in another tight game which could have gone either way.

In the big derby game played at the Cross Foxes, joint league leaders the United Services were split into 'A' and 'B' teams, the split being done by drawing names out of a hat!   It was the B team that won through by 14 points, largely due to a magnificent 95 from first man Paul McLaughlin ably backed up with an 85 from captain Dave Cooper.  Special mention must go to Barbara and the staff at the Cross Foxes for the excellent buffet which was much appreciated by everyone.

The Cross Foxes are also through after St. Werburgh's 'B' conceded as they could not raise a team due to a pool match.

21st January 2009
Winter league - week 11
Leaders the United Services suffered a second half collapse having been ahead at half time, and were eventually beaten at home by 7 points by St. Werburgh's A who remain 3rd.  The Cross Foxes won away at the Union Vaults by 45 points to go joint top of the table.  Blacon SSC beat the Egerton by 35 points, the Stanley Arms beat the City Arms by 50 having been behind for most of the game, and St. Werburgh's B beat the Railway at home.

15th January 2009
West Cheshire Shield - Quarter Final results
Blacon SSC had a very good win against the Cross Foxes at the Egerton tonight, winning by over 100 points.  United Services go through to the semi-finals courtesy of a walkover from the Railway, as do the Stanley with the Egerton conceding, and neither St. Werburgh's A or B could raise a team tonight, so the result was decided on the spin of a coin. The A team won the toss and go through to the semi-finals.  The four semi-finalists are therefore Blacon SSC, Stanley Arms, St. Werburgh's A and the United Services Club.

14th January 2009
Winter league - week 10
Leaders the United Services were put under a lot of pressure at the Egerton tonight, with the home team leading right until the last men for each team went on.  The Services won by 9 points to stay top, but the Egerton can count themselves very unlucky to have lost.  Special mention must go to Judy and the staff at the Egerton for the excellent half-time refreshments - the soup and hot dogs were superb!  Second placed Cross Foxes had a solid home win against the Stanley, and third placed St. Werburgh's A also recorded a home win against the City Arms.   The Union Vaults beat St. Werburgh's B to move up the table and Blacon SSC also moved up after winning away at the Railway.

8th January 2009
Northgate Cup - Quarter Final results
Second placed Cross Foxes convincingly beat leaders United Services at the Railway, so much so that Foxes last man Barry Tipton did not have to play.   St. Werburgh's A beat the Railway at the Cross Foxes, Blacon SSC narrowly beat the City Arms at the USC with the help of a green field from a City player (we've all been there...), and St. Werburgh's B got a bye as the Stanley Arms could not raise a team tonight due to pool commitments.    Well Done to Blacon SSC, Cross Foxes and St. Werburgh's A and B teams who all go through to the semi-finals.

7th January 2009
Winter league - week 9
First of all ... Happy New Year!  In the first games of 2009, leaders the United Services had a tough game against the Egerton, eventually winning by 46 points.  Second placed Cross Foxes had a good away win at the Stanley, having built up a good lead 70+ by half-time, they eventually won by 97.  City Arms beat an under strength St. Werburgh's A team and St. Werburgh's B had a good home win against the Union Vaults by 520 - 398.  The game between Blacon and the Railway was postponed due to a heating fault at the Blacon club. 

17th December 2008
Cross Foxes - Children in Need Christmas Knockout
This evenings Christmas Knockout was well attended and, after four rounds of very entertaining competition, Dave Cooper beat John Ford in the final to become the Christmas winner.   The real winner though, was Children in Need, and both the staff and the regulars did a fantastic job organising things and putting on a superb buffet for everyone.  The mince pies and mulled wine (hic) in particular were very good indeed and it was another great night at the Cross Foxes.

15th December 2008
Cup draws for January and February 2009
Draws for the various competitions were made this evening and can be found on the Cup Fixtures page.

11th December 2008
Veterans Competition - result
In tonight's 2008 Veterans Competition, Ray Potbury beat Ray Lamb in the final.  Click here for a full report.

10th December 2008
Veterans Competition - Thursday, 11th December
A reminder for the Veterans Competition on Thursday evening, open to anyone aged 65 or over.  Please come along and support the players.

Winter league - week 8
In the reverse of last week's fixtures, leaders United Services entertained 2nd placed Cross Foxes. Home advantage proved decisive and the United Services ran out comfortable winners by 516 - 400.   In tonight's other games, Blacon SSC had a home win against the Union Vaults, and the City Arms had a home win against St. Werburgh's B.    Two games were postponed tonight. The Egerton asked for the game at St. Werburgh's A to be postponed due to a Christmas party in the Egerton, and the Railway could not muster a team to play away at the Stanley Arms. 

3rd December 2008
Winter league - week 7
In the big game of the night, second placed Cross Foxes took on leaders the United Services Club at home. The game was keenly contested throughout, but right from the off the Services were always playing second fiddle, and the Cross Foxes ran out worthy winners by 37 points,  561-524. They now close the gap to one point at the top of the table.  St. Werburgh's A also closed the gap at the top by winning away at 4th placed Egerton Arms.  In tonight's other games, St. Werburgh's B just edged out the City Arms 504-491 and the Stanley Arms recorded a fine away win at the Railway.  Owing to a bereavement, the Union Vaults v Blacon SSC game was postponed and will be played at a later date.

1st December 2008 - News of two upcoming Bagatelle Competitions
 
Veterans Competition - Thursday, 11th December
We are holding a Veterans Competition at the United Services Club on 11th December 2008.  The competition is open to anyone aged 65 or above.  There will be trophies and some really good prizes to be won so please feel free to come along and have a go.  Practice is allowed on the night and the format will be decided depending on numbers.

Cross Foxes - Charity Night for Children in Need - Wednesday, 17th December
There is a charity night being held in the Cross Foxes on Wednesday, 17th December. They have prizes to be won and, to add to the fun, they'd love to see people playing in Fancy Dress (I'm thinking of going as a bagatelle player!).   Entry is £5 per player, and for this, as well as entry into the competition, there will be a Christmas buffet laid on, including mince pies and mulled wine, and there will be prizes to be won as well.  It is bound to be a good night and it's all for a good cause - Children in Need.  For more information, contact the Cross Foxes.

Please note: this charity night was originally to be held on 6th December, but has now definitely been moved to the 17th. Thank you.

27th November 2008
Doubles Competition - Prelim round result
In tonight's only game at the Union Vaults, Peter Ashford and Richard Evans from the Cross Foxes beat Brian Welch and Billy Williams from the United Services (Pete replaced Mal Coppock who could not make it).   Brian and Billy won the toss and elected to go first. Billy scored 40 + 27 = 67. Peter scored 35 + 29 = 64 in reply. Brian then scored 33 + 0 (aarrgghh) = 33.   This left Richard needing 37 to win, and he scored 25 + 15 off just a few balls to win the tie and progress with Peter to the next round.

26th November 2008
Winter League - week 6
The United Services Club won against the Union Vaults, but in the early stages the match was very even. It was not until the middle of the game that the home team pulled away and ran out winners to stay top.  Second placed Cross Foxes came from behind to beat the City Arms who had been leading at half time.  St. Werburgh's A moved into 3rd place by beating the Railway at home, and the Stanley won a close game with Blacon SSC by 20 points to record their second win of the season.   The game between the Egerton and St. Werburgh's B was postponed and will be re-arranged at a later date.

Tomorrow night there is one doubles match at the Union Vaults in the preliminary round.

19th November 2008
Winter League - week 5
In tonight's games, leaders the United Services put in a fine performance to win away at the Union Vaults and stretch their lead to 4 points.  The Cross Foxes move up into second place with a home win over the City Arms, Saltney.   Second placed Egerton Arms slip down to 3rd after losing at St. Werburgh's Club B team.   The St. Werburgh's A team also did well, winning away at the Railway.  The Stanley Arms could not raise a team tonight and conceded their game away at Blacon SSC. Two points have been awarded to Blacon.

13th November 2008
5-a-side Preliminary Round
Two games were played tonight.  In the first, at the Egerton Arms, St. Werburgh's A beat the City Arms thanks largely to a magnificent 93 by first man and captain Nigel Walker.  The other scores were pretty much even stevens, but the 93 tipped the scales in favour of St. W.   In the other game, the Cross Foxes beat the Stanley at the United Services Club.  Final scores were 246 - 175.

Singles Preliminary Round
Next week, as well as normal league games on Wednesday, it is the Preliminary Round of the singles.  Billy Williams (SSC) has a prior commitment and cannot turn up on 20th Nov, so he asked the committee for permission to play his two sticks early and this was agreed to as long as the sticks were independently witnessed.  They were, and Billy scored 34 + 42 = 76.  This will count as his score next Thursday.

12th November 2008
Winter league - week 4
They say an Englishman's home is his castle, and translated into bagatelle terms, that means it's hard to win away from home.  That was certainly the case tonight when all 5 league games were won by the home teams.  Leaders the United Services had a convincing win against the Stanley Arms to stay top.  The Stanley gained valuable experience on the table for tomorrow night's 5-a-side match though!

Second placed Union Vaults lost their 100% record at the City Arms, and it was the City's first win of the season!  The Egerton Arms won their home game with the Railway to edge into second place on 8 points.  The Cross Foxes beat St. Werburgh's B team by around 50 points to go joint third in the table, and St. Werburgh's A had a narrow home win against Blacon SSC, final scores 532 - 523.

Tomorrow night sees the preliminary round of the 5-a-side competition, with the Stanley taking on the Cross Foxes at the United Services, and St. Werburgh's A playing the City Arms at the Egerton.  Should be two good games!

6th November 2008
West Cheshire Shield - Preliminary Round
In tonight's game, the United Services Club won the toss and elected to play first.   From the off, first man Paul McLaughlin got the highest stick of the first half (77) and put the USC into an early lead which by half-time had become 283 - 202.  In the second half the City Arms staged a comeback early on and cut the lead from 81 to 47 but then the USC pulled ahead again and, in the end, the City Arms last man did not have to play, with the USC being 126 ahead.   Final scores 545 - 419.

5th November 2008
Winter league - week 3
In tonight's games, The United Services Club took an early lead at the Stanley Arms and maintained it throughout to win the game and go top of the league.  The Union Vaults won their home game against the City Arms to make it 3 wins out of 3 and go into second place.  The Egerton Arms had another good away win at the Railway and move up into 3rd place on 6 points.

Cross Foxes came back from a first half deficit at St. Werburgh's B with two excellent scores of 83 from Mal Coppock and Mike Turner to turn the game around and eventually came away with a fine away win.  Blacon SSC maintained their 100% home record with a fine win over St. Werburgh's A team.

Tomorrow night (6th Nov), it's the preliminary round of the West Cheshire Shield with the City Arms playing the United Services at St. Werburgh's Club.

30th October 2008
Egerton v United Services - GAME OFF
Will all players please note that tonight's game at the City Arms is OFF.  The Egerton cannot raise a team due to players other commitments and have conceded the match.

29th October 2008
Winter League - week 2
In the big derby game of the night, St. Werburgh's 'B' followed up their great performance last week with an even better one this week, and won their away game at St. Werburgh's 'A' to go into joint second place on 3 points.  I used to play for the Liver 'B' and know how fantastic it was to beat the Liver 'A', so well done to all the players!    The Egerton also had a turnaround of fortune this week with a great away win at the Stanley Arms, not an easy place to win! 

Blacon SSC beat the Cross Foxes who I understand had some players missing tonight.  The United Services had a very narrow home victory over the City Arms by only 8 points with the City Arms last man playing a 9 and 5 off the last ball to win the game. The 5 went in but the 9 stayed out - it was that close!   The Union Vaults followed up their away win at the Railway with a solid home win tonight and go joint top with the United Services.

25th October 2008
Highest Away Average
This season each team will play 9 away games, so the Highest Away Average award will be based on the best 7 (seven) scores, ie. players can discard their worst two scores if they play all 9 games.

Completed match sheets
Please return completed match sheets to St. Werburgh's Club where I will collect them regularly. On Wednesday nights I tend to phone round the pubs for match results so that the league table can be updated ASAP, but we still do need the match sheets for confirmation of the results and also to calculate the Highest Away Average.  Your co-operation in returning the sheets promptly is much appreciated, thank you.

Date for your diaries - Next Committee Meeting
Next meeting is on Monday, 15th December at St. Werburgh's Club.  I forgot to put the date on the cup sheets (d'oh) but will remind committee members nearer the time.

23rd October 2008
Open Challenge Knockout
The Grand Final was held tonight in the Egerton Arms, with Dave Cooper beating Wally Whitley in the final.  For a full report and pictures, go to the knockout page.

22nd October 2008
Winter League - week 1
Bagatelle started again this evening, and the first trophy of the season has already been won!   In the closest game of the night, St. Werburgh's 'B' lost to St. Werburgh's 'A' by 7 points with John Kenyon scoring 101 for the 'B' side.  John will get a trophy for his achievement at the end of the season, Well Done John! 

In tonight's other games, the new look United Services team were involved in a close game at the City Arms, with the lead changing hands, but in the second half the away team edged ahead and won by 16 points.  The Union Vaults got off to a good start with a win at the Railway by 34 points.  Dave the Railway landlord tells me the table has been re-levelled recently and hopes this will help the team score more points!    Across the road, the Stanley beat the Egerton Arms by 50 points in a game of changing fortunes.  In the first half the Egerton were leading but the Stanley fought back after the break to get off to a winning start.  The Cross Foxes started their Winter League campaign with the biggest win of the night, beating Blacon SSC by just under 100 points.

Open Challenge Knockout
Don't forget, it's the Grand Final on Thursday at the Egerton Arms.  If you're not playing, come along and support the players, it's bound to be a good night!

Blacon SSC
Good news, the club is open again!

Cross Foxes - Dress Code
I have been asked to relay the Cross Foxes dress code to everyone, especially those who may not be familiar with it.    Please note that wearing tracksuit bottoms in the Cross Foxes is strictly  forbidden.   Thank you.

15th October 2008
Summer League - week 10
In tonight's only First Division match, the United Services beat Blacon SSC at home to move within one point of the Talbot/Union Vaults 'B'.  There is no time to play the one outstanding fixture (Blacon v United Services), the fixture could not be fulfilled because Blacon SSC was temporarily closed.  As neither team was at fault, I have declared the game a draw and awarded 2 points to the United Services and 1 to Blacon.  This means that the United Services Club are the winners of the Summer League, and although I know they did not want to claim the points against Blacon, there is no time to re-arrange the game and I think it is the fairest solution to complete the fixtures. Congratulations to the United Services Club, and good luck in the Winter League!

In the Second Division, the Cross Foxes made it ten wins out of 10 with a home win against St. Werburgh's 'B'.  Congratulations to them on their excellent performances this season.  In tonight's other known result, the Stanley beat the Egerton in the last of this seasons Brook Street local derbies, and I don't yet have the Railway v City Arms result, but it will not affect the final positions.

I hope that players found the Summer League enjoyable, it kept many of us playing bagatelle for a few weeks which was the name of the game, but with teams struggling for players and pub closures etc. I can't honestly say it went as well as I would have wanted.  The stars of the summer have undoubtedly been the Cross Foxes who won all of their games and it is great to see a new team doing so well in the league.  

Next week the Winter League starts and we also have the final of the Open Knockout.  Should be another good week's bagatelle, I'm looking forward to it already!

13th October 2008
Committee Meeting held tonight at St. Werburgh's Club
Tonight's meeting was attended by Dave Cooper, Barry Tipton, Ted Randles, John Lea, Barry Pace, Margaret Walker, Gordon Vickers and John Pritchard.  Cup draws were made and various matters discussed including...

Veterans Competition
This will be played on 11th December 2008 and is open to all players aged 65+ on the date of the competition.  Format will be decided on the night, practise is allowed on the night.

Next Committee Meeting
Will be on Monday, 15th December 2008 at St. Werburgh's Club

11th October 2008
Winter League Fixtures
Fixtures are currently being worked out and will be distributed early next week.  We currently have 10 confirmed teams and I am waiting to hear today whether an 11th team will be coming in to the league.   Sadly, as the Spital and Talbot remain closed, these two teams have been forced to drop out.   The Winter League will start on 22nd October.

9th October 2008
Open Challenge Knockout - last 24 report
The semi-final stage of the Open Knockout was played tonight at a packed Cross Foxes and the temperature in the bagatelle room soared as both the number of people present and tension from those playing mounted.  After everyone had played, the seven top scorers (and qualifiers) were as follows:- Nigel Walker (85), Dave Cooper (82), Ray Lamb and John Lea (both 81), Mike Turner and John Williams (both 79) and Wally Whitley (77).  There was a tie for the 8th qualifying place between Frank Whitley and Ted Randles and so the two players had to play again against each other.  Frank won the toss and chose to play first, scoring 53, and Ted just pipped him by scoring 1 point more.

Immediately after play finished, a draw was made to determine the venue for the final, and the Egerton was drawn out of the hat.  The final will be played in 2 weeks time on 23rd October.  Will finalists please note there will be NO practise allowed after 3pm on the day of the final.  See Open Challenge Knockout page for more details.

I would personally like to thank Mark and Barbara from the Cross Foxes for the curry and chilli provided with onion rings and other trimmings laid on.  It was an excellent buffet and much appreciated by all, thank you!

Winter League
The Winter League will start on Wednesday, 22nd October 2008.  Normally, I would have had the fixtures out by now, but with the uncertainty surrounding the Talbot, Spital and Blacon SSC I have held back as long as possible.  It appears that Saltney Social will not be entering a team for the Winter League this time but I am waiting to hear from the Home Guard Club tomorrow.  Fixtures will be published on Monday, 13th October in time for the Committee Meeting.

8th October 2008
Summer League - week 9
The surprise this week was Blacon SSC closing on Monday, allegedly for an unpaid utility bill.  We hope the situation is resolved sooner rather than later, and normal service will be resumed ASAP.   It did have an affect on the only First Division fixture this week, with the Blacon SSC v United Services game not going ahead.

In the Second Division, leaders the Cross Foxes had an excellent away win at second placed St. Werburgh's 'B'.  I attended this game as a spectator and was very impressed with the Cross Foxes team. I am sure they will do well in the Winter League.  In tonight's other game, City Arms won their home game with the Railway, and the Egerton v Stanley game was cancelled due to (I understand) the illness of several Egerton players.  I doubt the game will be replayed and 3 points will be awarded to the Stanley. 

1st October 2008
Summer League - week 8
In tonight's First Division games, leaders the Talbot (Union Vaults B) scored 520 points at home to complete the double over Blacon SSC, and the United Services completed the double over the Union Vaults.

In the Second Division, Cross Foxes maintained their 100% record with another away win at the Railway.  Second placed St. Werburgh's B also won away at the Stanley, and third placed City Arms won away at the Egerton.  This means Cross Foxes are in an uncatchable position, being 6 points clear with only two games to go.  Their last two games are against second placed St. Werburgh's B who will be keen to close the gap to 1 point if possible. Should be two great final games in division 2.

The Talbot
It is now certain that the pub will not re-open by 22nd October and sadly therefore, there will be no Talbot team in the Winter League.   The Talbot players regret this, but obviously matters are outside their control.   The pub is up for sale with Fleurets and the current asking price is £295.000.  In the Quick Search section, look for pubs in the North West and you will find it.   To any potential buyers... the pub is freehold with contents ... and the pub has been known to have a very good bagatelle team in the past!

30th September 2008
Reminder to return Winter Signing-on sheets
Can all pubs and clubs return their signing-on sheets by 1st October to St. Werburgh's Club please.  Your help in this is greatly appreciated.  I will be doing the fixtures for the Winter League soon and they should be out next week some time.

24th September 2008
Summer Bagatelle League - week 7
In tonight's First Division games, leaders the Talbot had a convincing away win at Blacon SSC to hold on to top spot.  The United Services Club also had a good away win at the Union Vaults which moves them up into 2nd place.

In the 2nd Division, leaders Cross Foxes had a very solid home win against the Railway.  Second placed St. Werburgh's Club also had a home win against local rivals the Stanley Arms, and the City Arms retained 3rd place by beating the Egerton.

English Heritage
Are doing a book on traditional pub games and, naturally, Bagatelle will be included in it.  I met up with a representative from English Heritage this evening at St. Werburgh's Club before travelling to Blacon and passed on what information I could.  The book could be out in a couple of months. Watch this space...

23rd September 2008
AGM
The Bagatelle AGM was held on 22nd September 2008 at St. Werburgh's Club.   Minutes of Meeting.

Winter League
The Winter League will start on Wednesday, 22nd October.   Signing on sheets are now in all of the pubs and have also been sent to the Home Guard Club and Saltney Social.   Please note signatures are required for entry into the singles and doubles competitions.   Could all sheets be returned to St. Werburgh's Club by 1st October at the latest please.  This is important so that I can get the fixtures done ASAP.

17th September 2008
Summer League - week 6
Only one game in the First Division again, and it saw Blacon SSC move up to 2nd place by beating the Union Vaults.  Blacon are the only unbeaten team in the First Division and are now only 1 point behind the Talbot with 2 games in hand.

In the Second Division, leaders the Cross Foxes continued their solid form with a good away win at the City Arms. St. Werburgh's 'B' lost at the Egerton which means a 6 point gap has now been opened at the top of the table.  The Railway v Stanley game wasn't played, and no points have been awarded yet.  Will post more info when I get it.

10th September 2008
Summer League - week 5
The only game in the First Division this week was a tremendously close affair between the Union Vaults and Blacon SSC with both teams separated by only a few points throughout.   In the end, the result was decided on the very last ball of the match, with Elwyn Smith of Blacon having to score at least 3 points to secure a draw.  As it happens, he did just that, playing a 5 and 3 shot where the 3 went in and the 5 didn't.  After some counting and re-counting, it was agreed that the game was a draw. Well done to both teams.

In the Second Division, leaders the Cross Foxes took a commanding early lead and managed to maintain it throughout the game to run out winners against the City Arms.  In tonight's other games, St. Werburgh's 'B' beat the Egerton to maintain second place in the league, and the Stanley recorded their first win of the season against the Railway.   The Railway will be hoping to turn the tables next week with home advantage and get their first win of the season.

3rd September 2008
Summer League - week 4
Only one game in the First Division this week, and the exiled Talbot team (or Union Vaults 'B') took revenge for last weeks defeat by beating the United Services Club at the Union Vaults.

In the Second Division, leaders Cross Foxes had a very convincing away win at the Egerton, the City Arms won their home game against the Stanley, and St. Werburgh's 'B' had a good away win at the Railway to go into joint second place.

27th August 2008
Summer League - week 3
St. Werburgh's 'A' have sadly dropped out of the Summer League due to a shortage of players, and the few that have been turning up have signed on for St. Werburgh's 'B' for the remainder of the summer.  This means that Blacon SSC's two wins against them become null and void, and Blacon loses the 5 points they had accrued.  In the only First Division game played tonight, the United Services got their season under way with a home win against the Talbot (Union Vaults 'B').

In the Second Division, the two teams with 100% records played each other, and it was the Cross Foxes who came out on top in a relatively low scoring game.  In tonight's other results, the City Arms had a fine away win at the Stanley and St. Werburgh's 'B' beat the Railway.  Top score for St. Werburgh's 'B' was once again Niall Kenyon with 82.

20th August 2008
Summer League - week 2
The big news from the first division is that the Talbot appears to have been closed for a few days, and was certainly closed this evening, so the Talbot were forced to find another venue and the game against the Union Vaults was switched and actually played at the Union Vaults.   In a very close game, the Talbot (or the Union Vaults 'B' as some now call them!) lost their 'home' game by 3 points.  The Talbot team would like to thank Trevor and Linda at the Union Vaults for hosting the game and providing the half-time buffet at such short notice, it really is much appreciated!   In the other first division game this evening, Blacon Sports and Social Club won at St. Werburgh's 'A' to go top of the league.

In the Second Division, Cross Foxes continued their good form with an excellent away win at the Stanley by 4 points, another very close game!   The Egerton join them as joint leaders after winning away at the Railway, and the City Arms beat St. Werburgh's 'B' to avenge last weeks defeat.

Talbot v United Services Club (to be played 27th August)
Will all players please note that the Talbot v United Services fixtures have been reversed (to avoid clashing with the Union Vaults) and next week (20th Aug) the game will be United Services v Talbot, with the reverse game on 27th August being played at the Union Vaults instead of the Talbot.

With the future of the Talbot uncertain, until further notice, the team will play their home games at the Union Vaults.

13th August 2008
AGM
This year the AGM will be held on Monday, 22nd September at St. Werburgh's Club, start time 8.00pm.  Please do your best to attend, everyone is very welcome to, and it would be great to have a representative from every pub and club if possible.    Notices for the AGM, together with confirmation of the date for the next stage of the Open Knockout, will be out shortly.

The Winter League will start on Wednesday, 22nd October.   Fixtures will be out approx 6th October.

Summer League - week 1
Both leagues got under way this evening, and in the First Division the Talbot won away at the Union Vaults and Blacon SSC won at home against St. Werburgh's 'A' to set the pace early on.

In the Second Division, the Cross Foxes played their first ever league game against the Stanley Arms and started off with a home win. Well Done to the Cross Foxes team!   In the other games this evening, the Egerton beat the new Railway team and St. Werburgh's 'B' beat the City Arms. 

For the latest league positions see the League Table page.

6th August 2008
Open Challenge Knockout - week 12
The last of the knockout rounds was held tonight in the Railway, the last chance for people to qualify for the next stage.  After the first round, the four highest scorers were Tony Gilmartin (71), Barry Pace (67), Brian Walker (59) and Max Lomax (55).   In the semi-finals, Tony beat Barry 44 - 56 and Brian beat Max 66 - 5, with Max not playing his second stick.  In the Final, Tony scored 26 + 20 = 46, and after a stick and 7 balls, Brian had scored 42 (20 + 22).  For his last shot, Brian had a nine on into the middle, he played the shot, judged the roll perfectly and the ball headed straight for the 9 cup... only to be stopped by a lip on the cup.  The ball teetered but did not drop in, and Tony ran out the winner.   Congratulations to Tony and Brian for qualifying for the latter stages.

Thanks go to Dave, the new landlord at the Railway, and his wife for the excellent spread they put on which was much appreciated.  Incidentally, Dave is looking for bagatelle players to join the Railway team.  If you are interested, please get in touch.

Venue for semi-final
Immediately after play had finished... the four pubs with no qualifiers (ie. the neutral pubs) went into the hat for the next stage... the four pubs were... the Cross Foxes, Egerton Arms, Railway Inn and Union Vaults.  The Cross Foxes was pulled out and will be the venue for the next stage of the competition.   No date as yet, but it is likely to be in September and sheets confirming the time and date will be out ASAP.

23rd July 2008
Open Challenge Knockout - week 11
This week the Union Vaults hosted the event and we had our first ever overseas competitor with Sally who is visiting Europe from Mexico having a go.  After the first round, the four highest scorers were Tony Carss (74), Frank Whitley (73), Gordon Green (68) and Bob Walton (68). Sally scored a very creditable 62 which was the 6th highest of the evening!

In the semi-finals, Frank beat Tony 32-22 and Gordon beat Bob 26-62.   In the final, Gordon beat Frank 49-59 with 3 balls to spare.  Sally agreed to do the presentations to round off the evening perfectly, I hope she enjoyed her visit to Chester and has a safe flight home.  If I can get a copy of the picture of her presenting the trophy to Gordon  I'll publish it on here.

City Arms Knockout - CANCELLED .... next event .... Railway, 6th August
Next week's event at the City Arms has been cancelled at the request of the landlord and there is now a spare Wednesday in the Bagatelle calendar.   The last leg of the Open Knockout will therefore take place in 2 weeks at the Railway Inn on Wednesday, 6th August.  I hope to see you all there.

Incidentally, the new landlord at the Railway, Dave, is looking for players for the bagatelle team.  If you are interested please let him know, he will be delighted to hear from you.

16th July 2008
Open Challenge Knockout - week 10
This week the competition ventured over the border into Wales and made a very welcome return to Saltney Social Club.  After the first round had been completed, the four highest scorers were John Williams (74), Max Lomax (72), Craig Lamb (66) and Wally Whitley (64).    In the semi-finals, the home Saltney Social players dominated proceedings, with Wally beating Max 82 - 58, and John beating Craig 79 - 18 (Craig did not play his 2nd stick).   In the final, Wally got 10+43=53 and John scored 22+16=38.

All in all, a very enjoyable night's bagatelle, it was great to be back in Saltney and I sincerely hope the Club regulars enjoyed the evening and hopefully get a team together for the Winter League (which starts on Wednesday, 22nd October!).

Next week the competition moves to the Union Vaults.  I do hope to see you all there.

9th July 2008
Open Challenge Knockout - week 9
This week the competition moved on to my home pub, and after the 23 entrants had played two sticks in the first round, the four highest scorers were Alan Biddle (83), Brian Welch (81), Frank Whitley (75) and Mike Turner (72).  In the semi-finals, Mike beat Brian 59-61 and Alan beat Frank 69-67.  In the final, Mike beat Alan 55-52.  Overall, with the very heavy rain, the table was playing quite slow and might have accounted for the fairly low scoring throughout the evening.

Thanks go to Julie and Rhiannon for the soup and sandwiches which was appreciated by all.

Next week the competition moves on to the Saltney Social Club and I hope as many as possible will turn up to make it a great evening.  There is no doubt that the bagatelle league would be better off with Saltney Social back in it - so here's hoping!!!

Also, during the evening, the landlord from the Lock Vaults telephoned me to confirm they want a bagatelle table.  If anyone can help, please get in touch.

7th July 2008
News from the Committee Meeting
Present were Tony Carss, Dave Cooper, John Lea, Martin Liversage, John Pritchard and Gordon Vickers, and thanks go to everyone for attending.  The format for the Summer League was discussed and preliminary fixtures were presented by John P and the format agreed.   At this stage there is some doubt as to whether one or two teams will be competing, so I will check with them and then get the fixtures out ASAP.

The Open Knockout was discussed, especially the possible venues for the 'semi-final' stage.  It was agreed that qualifiers would be deemed to belong to the pub they played for in the Winter League, and not to any pub they might move to for the Summer.  eg. Barry Tipton would be regarded as a Talbot player (not Cross Foxes) when the draw is done. Same applies to all the other qualifiers.  We will probably do the draw for the semi-final venue at the last venue (the Railway), but a suitable date has to be found and I will be contacting as many qualifiers as possible to ask for dates of availability.

Tony Carrs would like to see a "penalty shoot-out" competition added to bagatelle matches, played immediately after league games. One suggestion is that the highest scorer from both teams could compete with three balls on each spot, middle ball to be played first.  Another possibility is Tony hosting a "penalty shootout" competition at the Stanley one night to see how it goes.  Sounds like an excellent idea from Tony so watch this space and club notice-boards!

The Lock Vaults are the latest pub to be enquiring about a bagatelle table, so if anyone knows of one please get in touch.

2nd July 2008
Open Challenge Knockout - week 8
July already. Where does the time go?  This week the Knockout moved on to the United Services Club in Crook Street and, it has to be said, a fairly low scoring evening. After the first round, the four highest scorers were Gordon Vickers (73),  Gordon Green (66), Martin Liversage (54) and Barry Pace and Brian Walker (both 51).  This meant there was a play-off for 4th spot and this was won by Brian who got the target set by Barry with a few balls to spare.

In the semi-finals, Gordon Vickers beat Brian Walker 67 - 39, and Martin beat Gordon Green 55 - 38.  In the final, Martin beat Gordon 68 - 31.  Martin has obviously been practising since last weeks match against the Isle of Man lads, well done Martin!

Thanks to everyone at the United Services for hosting the evening, and to Sue for the trays of sandwiches which all disappeared rather quickly which shows how good they were.

Next week the competition moves on to my home pub, the Talbot. I'm looking forward to it already!

Committee Meeting Reminder
Will Committee members please note there is a meeting in St. Werburgh's Club on Monday, 7th July at 8pm to discuss arrangements for the Summer League. Thank you.

28th June 2008
Isle of Man Challenge match at St. Werburgh's Club
A pool team from Colby on the Isle of Man are spending a weekend in Chester for the Races and were at St. Werburgh's Club on Friday night (27th) where they challenged the locals to games of pool, bowls and bagatelle.  Not sure how the first two went, but John Kenyon has informed me the bagatelle team all won their singles matches bar Martin Liversage.  Well Done to whoever beat Martin and the rest of the lads for having a go. Hopefully it won't be the last time!  John has sent me this picture of the Colby lads.  I hope they enjoyed the evening and especially their first experience of  bagatelle!   I wonder how many bagatelle tables there are on the Isle of Man?

25th June 2008
Open Challenge Knockout - week 7
The last week in June, where does the time go? This week the knockout moved to the Cross Foxes in Boughton for what was the first night of competitive bagatelle to be played on the new table, and what an excellent night it was too.  For the eagle-eyed statisticians, this was the first time in the competitions history that one of the first four to play did not make the semi-finals.  Instead, after the first round, the four highest scorers were Billy Williams (81), Sam Mackin (68), Jim Fairhurst (68) and M (Bolly) Bollin (67).  In the semi-finals, Sam beat Bolly 62 - 50 and Billy beat Jim 45 - 81.  In the final, Billy beat Sam 80 - 67 and ran out a very deserved winner with three scores on the night of 81, 81 and 80. Well Done Billy!

Many thanks go to this evenings hosts, Mark and Barbara, for the absolutely superb spread which was much appreciated by everyone.  Having sampled the food, I hope I play quite a few more games at the Cross Foxes!

Next week the knockout moves to the United Services Club in Crook St.  I look forward to seeing you all there.

18th June 2008
Open Challenge Knockout - week 6
This week it was the turn of Blacon Sports & Social Club to host the event, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Bill Webber (89), Ted Randles (81), Tony Gilmartin (80) and Elwyn Smith (70).   In the semi-finals, Elwyn beat Bill 82-77, and Ted beat Tony after a replay.  First time round, Tony scored 81 (43+38) and Ted matched it (38+43).  In the replay, Ted scored 80 and Tony scored 74.    In the final, Ted scored 73 and Elwyn scored 74 with one ball to spare.  Congratulations to all players on another top quality evening of bagatelle.

Also, thanks go to the lady at Blacon SSC who makes the butties, they were excellent again and much appreciated!

Next week the knockout moves on to a new venue, the Cross Foxes.  It will be the first competitive bagatelle to be played on the table since it was installed so it should be another great night.  Looking forward to seeing you all there!

10th June 2008
Open Challenge Knockout - week 5
The knockout moved to the Home Guard Club this week, and 20 people entered which was a good number considering Chester Races were also on tonight.  After the first round, the four highest scorers were Bill Webber (65), Gordon Vickers (61), and two Home Guard Club regulars, Pat Evans and Dave Hughes (both 59).

In the semi-finals, Dave beat Bill 68-60, and Pat beat Gordon 60-33.

In one of the closest finals we've seen yet, Pat Evans scored 33+28=61. Dave Hughes then scored 26 his first stick and had scored 33 his second stick with just the last ball to play.  With great skill, Dave played a perfectly weighted ball round the cushion to just tip a ball into the 5 cup to edge past Pat and win by 3 points. Final score 61-64 in favour of Dave.

Thanks go to everyone who attended for making it such an enjoyable night of bagatelle, and also to Pat for the excellent buffet which was much appreciated by everyone.

Next week the knockout moves to Blacon Sports & Social Club and I hope to see you all there.

4th June 2008
Open Challenge Knockout - week 4
I am updating the website quickly this week especially for Ted Randles who missed the lack of prompt updates last week.  This week the Knockout took place at the Stanley Arms in Brook Street, and after the 22 entrants had each played their 2 sticks, the top four scorers were Ray Lamb (64), Billy Williams (61), Pat Wallace (59) and Tony Gilmartin (55).

In the closest semi-finals yet, with all four players within 4 points of each other, Pat beat Tony 48-51, and Ray beat Billy 47-51.   In the final, Ray recorded the highest score of the night and beat Pat 72-38.  All in all, another excellent night's bagatelle.

Thanks to everyone who turned up, and next week we move on to the Home Guard Club on Tuesday night, 10th June.   Please do your best to support the event as we would love them to come back into the league.

28th May 2008
Open Challenge Knockout - week 3
It was the turn of St. Werburgh's Club this week, and after the first round the four highest scorers were Nigel Walker (101), Bill Webber (78), Ray Lamb (77) and John Lea (73).  In the semi-finals, Nigel beat Bill 70 - 76, and John beat Ray 88 - 77.  In the final, Nigel beat John 73 - 83.   Congratulations to Nigel on winning, and in doing so, becoming the first player to record a "ton" in the competition.

Those who attended on Wednesday night will know I was missing.  I went down to the new Wembley to watch England beat the USA 2-0 and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Wembley is a beautiful stadium and well worth seeing.
It will be back to refereeing next Wednesday at the Stanley though!
 

21st May 2008
Open Challenge Knockout Competition - week 2
The knockout moved to the Egerton Arms this week, and after the first round the four highest scorers were John Pritchard (82), Ray Lamb (68), Billy Williams (67) and Paul McLaughlin after a double replay against Nigel Walker.  Both players scored 65 in the first round, both scored 58 in the first replay, and Paul beat Nigel 72-51 in the second replay.  In the semi-finals, Paul beat Billy 80 - 56 and John beat Ray 63 - 70.  In the final John beat Paul 63 - 72.  Congratulations to everyone on a good night's bagatelle!

Next week the competition moves to St. Werburgh's Club (28th May).

14th May 2008
Open Challenge Knockout Competition starts at the Spital Vaults
The Open Challenge Knockout Competition started tonight at the Spital Vaults.  The four highest scorers from the first round were John Lea (83), Dave Cooper (79), Barry Tipton (74) and Chris Barlow (73). In the semi-finals, Barry  beat Chris 60 - 48 and Dave beat John 58 - 47. In the final Dave beat Barry 49 - 47.  Well Done to all the players on a good night's bagatelle.

Next week (21st May) the Competition moves to the Egerton Arms.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Honorarium given out tonight
Treasurer Dave Cooper gave John Pritchard and Martin Liversage their honorarium at the Spital Vaults this evening (£75 each).

Bagatelle Table For Sale  Update: SOLD 15th May - see tables wanted.
See the Tables Wanted page for details of a bagatelle table that was available in Flint now SOLD - the old Yacht table.

11th May 2008
New Sponsors - Abbey Taxis

I am delighted to announce that Abbey Taxis are the new sponsors of the Bagatelle League.
As many players use taxis to travel to and from games, it is the perfect partnership, so please support them.  Abbey Taxis telephone number is 344 344.

St. Theresa's Breast Cancer Fund Raiser on 24th May
We are pleased to support a Charity Night at St. Theresa's in Blacon on 24th May in aid of Breast Cancer.  Details of the evening can be found here.

30th April 2008
2008 Open Challenge Knockout starts on 14th May 2008
This years Open Knockout will start on Wednesday, 14th May 2008 and the first event is at the Spital Vaults.  Start time at all events will be 8.00pm.

There will be 13 venues in this years competition, with the Cross Foxes, Home Guard Club and Saltney Social Club being added to last years venues.  It is hoped that all players (and potential new players!!) will attend as many events as possible, especially the three new venues as we would love to see them all in the bagatelle league. See Open Challenge Knockout page for full details and rules.

Summer League will start on 13th August 2008
This summer we will be running a mini Summer League with 12 teams split into two divisions.  The league will start on Wednesday, 13th August and will run for 10 weeks until 15th October 2008.   Fixtures will be published in due course.

Change of rules for the summer league ... at the Committee Meeting held on Monday, 28th April, it was decided that HOME teams should play a minimum of 6 men with the lowest 2 scores being able to go again, but AWAY teams just need a minimum of 4 players with all four being allowed to play again if necessary.  If an away team has 5 men available, the lowest 3 can play again and so on.

24th April 2008
Ray Lamb and Peter Meredith win Doubles Competition
The final rounds of the doubles competition at Blacon Sports & Social Club provided an excellent evenings bagatelle for all present.   Three players  scored 90+, Barry Tipton (93), John Pritchard (92) and Dave Cooper (91), and seven players also recorded scores of 80+, with two of those 80's coming in the final for the eventual winners Ray Lamb (84) and Peter Meredith (80).

All in all, the evening provided great entertainment with some excellent displays of top quality bagatelle on a Blacon table which was playing quite slowly on the night.  Congratulations to Ray Lamb and Peter Meredith from St. Werburgh's 'A' on becoming this seasons Doubles Champions.  Runners-up were Barry Tipton and John Pritchard from the Talbot.

Full details of the evenings scores can be found on the Cups page.    I would also like to thank Blacon Sports & Social Club for providing an excellent assortment of sandwiches and pickled onions, they were much appreciated by everyone!

Committee Meeting
There will be a Committee Meeting on Monday 28th April at St. Werburgh's Club to discuss arrangements for the Open Knockout and Summer League. Kick-off will be approx 8.00pm.


20th April 2008
New bagatelle table in the Cross Foxes!!!
As of Saturday, 19th April, the Cross Foxes in Boughton have acquired a new bagatelle table.  The table was set up on Saturday by owner Mark Williams, Barry Tipton, Dave Cooper and myself.  The Cross Foxes intend to enter the Bagatelle League so this is great news for us all.  They will be looking for players so if you fancy learning the game or would like to be part of a new team, get down there and have a go - you will be made very welcome!

Mark from the Cross Foxes also runs Abbey Taxis and is keen to become a sponsor of the Bagatelle League, thank you Mark!!   The number for Abbey Taxis is 344 344, they also have a website at www.abbeytaxis.net

17th April 2008
Ted Randles wins Singles Competition
Congratulations go to Ted Randles from the United Services Club who became this season's Singles Champion by beating Dave Cooper from the Talbot in the final at the Union Vaults this evening.

Ted did it the hard way, because after edging past Steve Hudson from the Stanley in the first quarter-final of the evening, he drew 56-56 with team-mate Billy Williams in the semi-final before narrowly winning the replay. Then in the final, both Ted and Dave scored 61 points apiece putting the final into a replay and Ted came out on top 68-60.   Full details of the evenings scores can be found on the Cups page.

16th April 2008
Talbot win Bagatelle League
The Talbot won the 2007/08 Winter League last night be winning their re-arranged home game against the Stanley 562-456.  Congratulations to all the players on winning the league.  Runners up are St. Werburgh's 'A'.

10th April 2008
Talbot win 5-a-Side Competition
The Talbot beat Blacon SSC tonight in a closely contested 5-a-side final held at the City Arms, Saltney.  Blacon won the toss and elected to play first, but found themselves slightly behind throughout the game despite the evenings top score early on of 73 from Sam Mackin.  It was left to last man Paul McLaughlin to score the points required to win the trophy for the Talbot and he did so with a few balls to spare.   Thanks to Chris from the City Arms for the sandwiches which were much appreciated by both sides.

3rd April 2008
United Services Club win West Cheshire Shield
The United Services Club beat the Talbot tonight to win the West Cheshire Shield in a thrilling final at the Spital Vaults.  Talbot won the toss and elected to play first, and after 2 men had played were 3 points up, The USC's 3rd and 4th men both convincingly beat their counterparts however, to put the USC 32 points ahead at half-time.

In the second half, a mini-revival by the Talbot saw the gap closed to just 2 points at one stage, but in the end the United Services ran out worthy winners by 15 points, final scores were 418-433.  Congratulations to the United Services on deservedly winning the West Cheshire Shield and gaining revenge for last week's cup game.

27th March 2008
Talbot win Northgate Cup
The Talbot beat the United Services Club tonight to retain the Northgate Cup.  USC won the toss, elected to play first, and got off to a great start when Brian Welch scored 95 (47+48).  By half time the USC were still ahead by five points, the scores being 287-282.   In the second half however, high scores by Dave Cooper, Paul McLaughlin and Barry Tipton (all Talbot) swung the game in favour of the Talbot who ran out the winners. 

Blacon SSC through to 5-a-Side Final
In the re-arranged 5-a-side semi-final played at the Egerton tonight, Blacon Sports & Social Club beat the Stanley Arms in a very close game by just a single point to go through to the Final.  Blacon will now play the Talbot in the Final on 10th April at the City Arms.

19th March 2008
League round-up - week 19
Some high individual scores influenced this weeks games.  At Blacon Sports & Social Club, scores of 89 by both Karl Price and Sam Mackin, and an 85 from Elwyn Smith helped the home side beat leaders the Talbot  in a game which was closely fought throughout.  Second placed St. Werburgh's 'A' won away at the Stanley to go joint top of the league, although the Talbot do have one game in hand.

In tonight's other games, St. Werburgh's 'B' beat the City Arms helped by an 88 from top scorer Niall Kenyon.  The United Services Club narrowly defeated the rapidly improving Egerton team in another close game which went to the wire, and the Union Vaults beat the Spital.

14th March 2008
White Horse table sold!
I have been informed that the White Horse table has apparently been sold to an individual (Peter Miller) and not to another pub.

It is disappointing, because as you all know, we (the league) paid to have the table recovered a couple of years ago and now it looks like we have lost the use of it.  Hopefully Mr Miller is a landlord in Chester!

Committee Meeting on 17th March
A reminder that the next Meeting on 17th March is at the Stanley (moved because it's St. Patrick's Day).

11th March 2008
Northgate Cup Semi-Final - re-arranged for this Thursday
Will all players please note that the Northgate Cup semi-final between the United Services Club and the City Arms has been re-arranged for this Thursday, 13th March.  See Cups page for details.

White Horse table sold?
I heard this morning that the White Horse table has apparently been sold.  I don't know who's bought it, but if anyone does, please let me know, thanks!

1st March 2008
5-A-Side Semi-Finals - venues swapped
Will all players please note that the venues for the semi-finals have been swapped at the request of St. Werburgh's 'B' and with the agreement of the other three semi-finalists.   See Cups page for details.

21st February 2008
White Horse table is For Sale
Please see the tables wanted page for details.

20th February 2008
League - week 15
I've not done weekly updates this season, but special mention must go this week to the Stanley Arms in Brook Street who beat the Talbot in tonight's league match to became the first team to beat the Talbot  in any competition this season.  Well done lads!   Other results this week... second and third placed St. Werburgh's 'A' and United Services Club both had fine away wins at the City Arms and St. Werburgh's 'B' respectively.  Blacon Sports and Social Club won away at the Railway and the Union Vaults beat the Egerton.

Tomorrow night it's the semi-finals of the Northgate Cup, when the United Services Club play the City Arms at the Spital Vaults, and in the other game, Blacon Sports & Social Club play the Talbot at the City Arms, Saltney.  Good Luck to everyone!

10th February 2008
White Horse update
The new owners of the White Horse have responded to my enquiry about the availability of the table to say that, at present, they are not certain if the table will be retained or not.  The pub is currently being refurbished and will re-open as a pub with a quality food area.  Whether or not they will retain the bagatelle table has not yet been decided.   However, if I learn that the table is to be made available, I will post details on this site ASAP.

Committee Meeting Reminder
A quick reminder that there is a Committee Meeting on Monday 11th February at St. Werburgh's Club.   Kick-off is approx 8.00pm and all bagatelle players are welcome to attend.

1st February 2008
Talbot v Egerton Arms - NEW DATE
The West Cheshire Shield game between the Talbot and Egerton has been re-arranged for Tuesday, 5th February. Venue is the Spital Vaults.   Please pass this on to all players involved, thank you!

Stanley v Railway
This league game, postponed on 23rd January, has now been conceded by the Railway. Two points have therefore been awarded to the Stanley.

23rd January 2008
Ton scored tonight
Paul McLaughlin scored the second ton of the season when he got 100 in tonight's top of the table clash against St. Werburgh's A to help the home team secure a narrow victory by 6 points.  In tonight's other games, there were home wins for the City Arms, Blacon SSC and St. Werburgh's B against the United Services, Spital Vaults and Union Vaults respectively.  The game between Stanley and the Railway was called off because the Railway could not raise a team.

The other player to record a score of 100 this season is Pete Meredith (St. Werburgh's A).

15th January 2008
Talbot v Egerton West Cheshire Shield game to be re-arranged
The West Cheshire Shield quarter-final between the Talbot and Egerton is to be re-arranged because the Egerton can't get a team for this Thursday.  Will players contact either Keith Davies from the Egerton or Dave Cooper from the Talbot to confirm the new date.

12th January 2008
Table available to buy!!!
The Borough Club, Woodfield Avenue, Flint is closing down and the bagatelle table is available for purchase.  It is in fairly poor condition and needs a lot of TLC.  Please see Tables Wanted page for more details.

3rd January 2008
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year everyone!   Just want to remind committee members that the next Committee Meeting is on Monday, 11th February at St. Werburgh's Club, kick off approx 8.00pm.

24th December 2007
Open Challenge Cup - 2008
Good News - we will be holding a 2008 competition in similar format to the 2007 event.  Keep an eye out for the details on your club notice board or check this website.

5th December 2007
League - week 7
I am aware the league table hasn't been going into the local press and I think it's because the Standard have changed their email address.  I have sent the league table directly to the editor this week and hopefully, it will be published.  I have also sent it to the Chronicle and hopefully they will too.  Update 24th Dec: it's in this week's papers - thanks to the Sports Editors!

In tonight's games, league leaders St. Werburgh's A beat second placed United Services to cement their position at the top of the table.  In doing so, Pete Meredith recorded a break of 100 (made up of 46 and 54), so second stick he scored a maximum 54, very rare indeed.  I hope landlord John Kenyon got him a pint!!! :o)

The Talbot beat the Railway by 100 points to move into 2nd place.  Spital Vaults won away at the Stanley by 30 points and overtake them in the league, and there was another win for the Egerton, this time over Blacon Sports & Social Club.

The game between City Arms and Union Vaults was postponed, and will be played at the end of the season, and St. Werburgh's B had their bye this week.

3rd December 2007
Meeting is NEXT Monday, 10th December!!!!
Aaaarrrggghhhh, I'm all mixed up.... the Committee Meeting is NEXT Monday, 10th December.  To compound it, I'm having email troubles today, I'm not getting any, but thanks to anyone sharp eyed enough to spot my mistake!

2nd December 2007
Committee Meeting reminder
The next Committee Meeting is on Monday, 3rd December at St. Werburgh's Club, kick off approx 8.15pm.  All are welcome to come along and see the draws being made.

26th November 2007
Doubles - Change of Venue
Please note that, as pool is now played every Thursday at the Stanley in Brook Street, the doubles games scheduled there for 6th December have been switched to the Union Vaults.

14th October 2007
Away Averages for 2007/08
The prize for the player with the Highest Away Average will be calculated on the highest 8 scores out of 10 possible away games.   Should a player play twice in a league game, only the first score will count towards the away average.

10th October 2007
Open Challenge Cup - Final
The final was held tonight at the Stanley Arms.  For full details of the event, see the Open Challenge Cup page.

8th October 2007
News from the Committee Meeting - Honorarium
After the draws were done, the Treasurer raised the subject of honorarium under 'AOB', namely that 'the Secretary' is the only person to receive an honorarium, but these days the vast majority of work is done by either the Chairman, Vice-Chairman or Treasurer.  This came to light because last year we did not have a Secretary, so the Chairman took the role, and found the only extra duty was to deliver sheets around the pubs. For this, he was entitled to £250 'Secretary's Honorarium', which is, quite frankly, ludicrous.  It effectively meant 'the Secretary' was to be paid a sizeable sum just for being the league postman! 

Those present at the meeting decreed that for last year, the Secretary should receive £150 (although he only wanted £100 - the money will be used to buy a new printer as his existing one is worn out - thank you!).  This will be gratefully accepted and should cover the actual expenses incurred for such items as the production of calendars, printing materials, ink, paper, website fees, fuel, etc.   For next year, it was agreed to split the honorarium equally between the Secretary and Chairman, and each will receive £75, assuming both fulfil their duties fully for the forthcoming year.   The Treasurer indicated he is happy to fulfil the role without honorarium. 

3rd October 2007
Open Challenge Cup
The semi-final stage was held at the Union Vaults tonight and, after a very closely contested evening, the eight highest scores and qualifiers for next week's final were as follows :-  Tony Gilmartin, Gordon Green, Ray Lamb, John Lea, Paul McLaughlin, John Pritchard, Ted Randles and Nigel Walker.  A draw was held immediately after play finished to decide the venue for the final, and the landlady drew the Stanley Arms out of the hat.   So, the Grand Final will be held at the Stanley Arms on 10th October at 8.30pm.  See the Open Challenge Cup page for more details.   Also this evening, Nigel Walker presented each of the ten 'house champions' with extremely nice engraved cut glass vases.  On a personal note, I think it's the nicest trophy I've ever won, it will get pride of place on the mantlepiece!

The Talbot - Good News!
I understand the Talbot will re-open for business next Tuesday, 9th October.   Great news!   Please get down to the Talbot next week and introduce yourselves to the new licencee!

30th September 2007
The Talbot
I have been told that the Talbot may be re-opening on Tuesday, 9th October.  If anyone hears anything definite can they let me know please?

24th September 2007
Next Committee Meeting - 8th October 2007
The first Meeting for the new Committee will take place on 8th October at St. Werburgh's Club at 8.00pm.  At the meeting, we will do the draws for all the cups, singles, doubles etc. and discuss any other matters which may affect the new season.  In particular, the Talbot situation which is still to be resolved.

There is also another issue which I wish to raise in "Any Other Business", concerning the league's finances, so a good turnout would be welcomed.

If any signing-on sheets have still to be returned to St. Werburgh's, could you please do so to ensure your team / players are not inadvertently left out of competitions. Thanks!

17th September 2007
AGM - Minutes
The Minutes of the 2007 AGM can be read  here.  Some rule changes were voted in at the meeting, a summary can be found in the Minutes, more details will follow before the season starts.

League's Official Address
With the Talbot currently still closed, all future Committee Meetings will be held in St. Werburgh's Club.  I have also amended the League's "Official address" to St. Werburgh's Club for the time being.    Many thanks to John Kenyon for allowing us to use the club's facilities.

Winter League start date
The Winter League will start on Wednesday, 24th October 2007.   Fixtures will be published by approx 10th October, or sooner if the Talbot situation is resolved.

3rd September 2007
Return those Signing-On sheets - a Reminder!
It might be a bit early for a reminder, but can all team captains please get their signing on sheets back to
ST. WERBURGH'S CLUB by 15th September, in time for the AGM.  The sheets are needed for Singles, Doubles and Cup draws.  Note: please do not send them to the Talbot as it's still closed, and shows no signs of re-opening.

1st September 2007
AGM - Agenda
Two items of correspondence concerning rule changes have been received.  Notification of these will be published in each pub shortly as per the rules, and they can also be found here.

8th August 2007
AGM - Change of Venue
Please note the AGM has been moved from the Talbot to St. Werburgh's Club.  Date remains 17th September, start time 8pm.   The change of venue has been made for two reasons.  1) the Talbot is currently closed.    2) St. Werburgh's Club is a bigger venue, and quite a few are expected at the AGM to discuss the anticipated proposals.

7th August 2007
Open Challenge Cup
Next Stage will be at Union Vaults on Wednesday, 3rd October. See Open Challenge Cup page for more details.

4th August 2007
Two lots of Bagatelle Gossip...
1) Knockout  Gossip
Having spoken to most qualifiers about the next stage of the Open Challenge Cup, early October looks best with, provisionally, the 3rd looking the most likely date.  The Grand Final would be held on the 10th with the Winter League starting on the 17th.      Please note: At this stage, these dates are provisional, I will confirm the actual dates ASAP.

2) Winter League Gossip
The AGM will be held on 17th September and the Winter League will probably start on 17th October.   There could be an extra team in next season, I understand St. Werburgh's intend to have a "B" team, and anyone interested in signing for them should contact the club.

It looks like there could be some proposals for discussion at the AGM.  No details as yet, but if any written  correspondence is received in time, I will copy it to all clubs as per the rules.   It will then be up to everyone to discuss any proposals made and vote For or Against them at the AGM.

2nd August 2007
Notice of AGM
The 2007 AGM will be held on Monday, 17th September 2007 at the Talbot  St. Werburgh's Club, start time will be 8.00pm.  See News item dated 8th August re venue change. 

Any clubs or members wishing alterations or additions to the rules and regulations, must give notice of the proposed alterations or additions IN WRITING to the Secretary of the League at least 21 days previous to the holding of the AGM.  The Secretary will then notify each club of such proposed alterations or additions at least 7 days before the AGM.

Agenda for AGM  1) Election of Officials *   2) Statement of Accounts   3) Any Other Business. 

*  The current vice-chairman has indicated he wishes to resign from the post.  If anyone wishes to stand for election to the Committee, please come along to the AGM.

1st August 2007
United Services Open Challenge Cup - Result
The last of the qualifying events was held tonight at the United Services Club, and after a competitive first round which included a replay for the fourth spot, the four highest scorers were Bill Webber, Tony Gilmartin, Brian Walker and Billy Williams.  Billy Williams got through after beating Pete Ashford in a replay.   In the semi-final stage, Billy Williams beat Bill Webber, and Tony Gilmartin beat Brian Walker on the last ball!   In the final, Billy Williams got the highest score of the night (80) to win with Tony Gilmartin also qualifying for the last 20 as runner-up.  Thanks go to the United Services staff for making us so welcome and also the superb buffet which was much appreciated by everyone.

After the competition, the draw was made for the venue for the next stage, and it will be held at the UNION VAULTS.  The date is as yet undecided, several people have informed me of dates when they are unavailable, and it seems there is not a week between now and the end of September when someone isn't away.  I still have a few people to contact to find their availability and no decision will be made until all the information is to hand.

There are two alternatives... either... go for the night where fewest people are away ... or .... postpone the next stage to October before the Winter League starts.   This will be a Committee decision, as soon as it has been made I will advise everyone of the date. 

To sum up,  the next stage will be at the Union Vaults - but the date is still to be decided.  Keep an eye on the Open Challenge Cup page for the latest news.

28th July 2007
Open Challenge Cup
See the Open Challenge Cup Information page for preliminary details of the next stage.

25th July 2007
Talbot Open Challenge Cup - Result
The ninth and pen-ultimate Open Challenge Cup qualifying event was held in the Talbot tonight.  On a high scoring table, it seemed that a score of 69 took some licking as no fewer than 7 people got scores of 68 in a very competitive evening.  After the first round, the four highest scorers were Pat Wallace, Billy Williams, Tony Wharton and Barry Tipton.  Home advantage proved too strong in the semi-finals with the two Talbot players getting through, Barry beat Pat after a replay (68-68!!!) and Tony beat Bill.  In the final, Barry got the highest score of the evening (92) to win the evenings competition with Tony finishing as runner-up and also qualifying for the next stage.

Next week the competition moves to the United Services Club and, in addition to the chance of winning £100 or £50, it is the last chance to go through to the latter stage of the competition.  A good turnout is expected so get there early for a practice and I'll see you all there!

18th July 2007
Stanley Arms Open Challenge Cup - Result
The eighth Open Challenge Cup event was held at the Stanley Arms tonight, and 24 people took part. After the first round, the four highest scores were Steve Hudson, Jim McWilliams, Gordon Green and Chris Parry respectively.  In the semi-final draw, Gordon beat Jim and Chris beat Steve, and in the final, Chris beat Gordon.  Chris and Gordon now go through to the next stage,   Thanks to Tony and all the staff at the Stanley for making everyone so welcome, and the range of snacks provided in the very generous buffet was simply fantastic and much appreciated by all.  I don't think there was anything left on the plates which speaks volumes for how good it was - a huge Thank You!

Next week the competition moves to the Talbot in Newtown.  The Talbot table is playing particularly well since the pub was refurbished so there are sure to be some high scores on the night.  It's my home pub so I'm looking forward to it - hope to see you there!

11th July 2007
Spital Vaults Open Challenge Cup - Result
The seventh Open Challenge Cup event took place tonight at the Spital Vaults, and after a first round which saw some high scoring early on, the four highest scorers were Kenny Williams, Tony Gilmartin, Chris Barlow and Jim Fairhurst.  In the semi-finals, Jim beat Tony and Kenny beat Chris after a replay (the first semi-final finishing 75-75!).  In the final, Jim beat Kenny in a very tense match which went to the last ball.  Another excellent night's bagatelle.  Thanks go to the Spital staff for making everyone welcome and also for putting on an excellent chilli - first class food much appreciated - thank you!

Next week the competition moves to the Stanley Arms in Brook Street. We always have a good bagatelle night at the Stanley so I hope to see you all there on the 18th! 

4th July 2007
St. Werburgh's Club Open Challenge Cup - Result
The sixth Open Challenge Cup event took place tonight at a smoke free St. Werburgh's Club in Brook Street.  A total of 23 people entered and after the first round the four highest scorers were Barry Jones, Billy Williams, John Clarke and Andy Callister.  In the semi-finals, John beat Billy and Andy beat Barry with John beating Andy in the final.  Another excellent night's bagatelle with some very good scores.

Next week the competition moves to the Spital Vaults in Spital Walk. See you there on 11th July.

Table moved
I heard tonight that the table in Blacon Sports & Social Club has been moved to St. Teresa's Club in Blacon and the team will play from the new venue next season.  I will publish more details when available.

27th June 2007
Railway Inn Open Challenge Cup - Result
The fifth Open Challenge Cup event was held tonight at the Railway Inn in Brook Street.  24 people entered and after the first round the four highest scorers were Ted Randles, Chris Gentile, Ray Lamb and Dave Hughes.  In the semi-finals, Ray beat Dave and Ted beat Chris.  In the final Ray beat Ted. An excellent night's bagatelle!

Next week the competition moves to the other end of Brook Street, St. Werburgh's Club. See you there on 4th July when it will be a 'no smoking' event!

20th June 2007
Egerton Arms Open Challenge Cup - Result
The fourth Open Challenge Cup event was held tonight at the Egerton Arms. After a close first round, the four highest scorers were Paul McLaughlin, Ian Price, Mike Penlington and Bill Webber.  In the semi-finals, Paul beat Ian and Mike beat Bill, with Paul going on to win in the final.

Next week the competition moves across the road to the Railway Inn in Brook Street.  See you there on the 27th!

13th June 2007
City Arms Open Challenge Cup - Result - Home players rule!
The third leg of the Open Challenge Cup proved why the City Arms is such a hard place for teams to gain an away win as two home players contested the final this evening.  In the end, team captain Frank Whitley beat Dan Donovan by 1 (one) point in the closest and most exciting final yet. Losing semi-finalists were Ian Price and Barry Jones.  Thanks to everyone who took part and also to the staff at the City Arms for making everyone so welcome and for providing a superb buffet which was much appreciated by all!

Next week the Open Knockout moves to the Egerton in Brook Street.  See you there on the 20th for your chance to win £100 or £50!

12th June 2007
Website access problems - BT server is playing up.
If you have experienced problems getting to the website over the last couple of days, getting a black and white screen with an "Internal Server Error" message, the fault is with BT's Apachel server, not the website.  I am but a very small cog in the internet wheel, there's nothing I can do about it, sorry.   If you keep trying eg. by hitting Refresh, you will get through eventually. I am assuming you can actually read this advice too!   Update 13th June: I think it's sorted, BT are usually quick on this sort of thing!

30th May 2007
Blacon Sports & Social Club Open Challenge Cup - Result
The second Open Challenge Cup night was held at Blacon Sports & Social Club tonight and, in a very enjoyable evenings bagatelle, Dave Cooper beat John Lea in the final. Losing semi-finalists were Gordon Vickers and Barry Tipton.  Thanks to everyone at Blacon SSC who took part.

The next Open Knockout evening is at the City Arms, Saltney on 13th June.  For your chance to win £100 or £50 in prize money get there early!

26th May 2007
Chester Bagatelle Open Challenge Cup
Now that the regular season is over, the focus is on the Open Challenge Cup.  The purpose of the competition is to raise the profile of Bagatelle in Chester and, hopefully, get more people playing the game.

To help achieve this, there is a total of £150 prize money to be won at each venue. See the Open Challenge Cup page for details.

16th May 2007
Peter Meredith wins Singles Competition
Peter Meredith from St. Werburgh's Club beat his doubles partner Ray Lamb in the final of the Singles Competition this evening.  Losing semi-finalists were Chris Barlow (Talbot) and Gordon Green (United Services Club).  Congratulations to all the players on a great evenings bagatelle!  Thanks again go to all the staff at the Stanley for another great night and a superb buffet which was much appreciated by everyone.  

13th May 2007
Singles Competition - Final Rounds
The final of the Singles Competition is being held on Wednesday, 16th May at the Stanley. Details can be found here. The draw will be made on the night at 8.15pm and play will commence at 8.30pm. Why not come down and support the players?

3rd May 2007
Paul & Dave win Doubles Competition
Paul McLaughlin and Dave Cooper from the Talbot won the Doubles Competition this evening at a packed Stanley Arms in Brook Street.  They beat Chris Gentile and Tony Gilmartin from the City Arms in the final.  Losing Semi-Finalists were Ray Lamb and Peter Meredith from St. Werburgh's Club and Billy Williams and Brian Welch from the United Services Club.  Thanks go to all the staff at the Stanley for making everyone so welcome and for the fantastic buffet which was much appreciated by all.

Open Challenge Cup - Dates have been published!
See the Open Challenge Cup page for full details.

Highest Away Average
After the Doubles Competition win, Nigel Walker announced that the Highest Away Average prize (based on a players best 7 out of 9 away performances) had been won by 1 point by Dave Cooper of the Talbot.  The player pipped to the post was John Clarke of St. Werburgh's Club.  In his best 7 scores, Dave scored 511 points, an average of exactly 73. Congratulations go to Dave!

30th April 2007
It's Doubles Finals time!
The final rounds of the Doubles Competition will be held this Wednesday at the Stanley Arms in Brook Street.  It will be a long night so will players please note that the first game will start at 8.00pm PROMPT.

25th April 2007
Talbot win 5-A-Side at the United Services Club
The Talbot completed a clean sweep of the team competitions tonight by beating the Spital Vaults in the final of the 5-A-Side competition.  The game was closely contested throughout with the Talbot edging ahead in the final stages of the match to win.

Also tonight, the United Services Club won their re-arranged league game at the Stanley Arms by only 9 points in a game which saw the teams scores remain very closely matched till the end, with the USC just coming out on top.

23rd April 2007
5-A-Side Final - Wednesday 25th April.
This week sees the final of the 5-A-Side Competition being played on Wednesday at the United Services Club, Spital Vaults v Talbot.

21st April 2007
Elston & Hopkin bagatelle blog
Have a look at the Elston & Hopkin website, in particular, their feature "Our Blog" which this month features bagatelle and mentions our Chester & District League.  Elston & Hopkin are a very old Snooker and Billiards company based in the East Midlands.

18th April 2007
Talbot win Northgate Cup at the Railway
The Talbot came from behind tonight to beat the United Services Club and win the Northgate Cup.  At half time the United Services held a 16 point lead but this was overturned in a tense second half and the Talbot eventually won by 39 points.  Thanks go to Jim and the staff at the Railway for their hospitality and the sandwiches which were much appreciated!  Thanks also go to Nigel Walker for again refereeing the game.

14th April 2007
First Bagatelle Open Challenge Cup event held at Union Vaults
The first event was held tonight in the Union Vaults and congratulations go to John Pritchard and Nigel Walker who were winner and runner-up respectively.  A total of 16 people took part with the four highest scores going through to a knockout stage.  Encouragingly, some people who had not played before had a go and we hope they enjoyed the experience and will keep playing the game.  The four highest scores from the first round were Nigel Walker (83), Dave Cooper (75). John Pritchard (69) and Charlie Towns (53).

In the semi-final stage, Nigel (86) beat Dave and John (89) beat Charlie.  John won the toss and elected to go first in the final, scoring 43 + 10 (53).  That score proved enough however, as Nigel struggled and could only score 25 + 0 (25).  John and Nigel now go through to the next stage but both are excluded from taking part in any of the other events.

12th April 2007
Talbot beat Stanley in re-arranged league game
Newly crowned champions the Talbot beat the Stanley Arms in tonight's re-arranged league game to go 6 points clear at the top of the table in what turned out to be a champagne evening  (thanks Angie J).  Thanks also to Angie for the lovely hot pot which went down very well indeed, especially with Paul McLaughlin who is an avid fan!

Stanley v United Services Club has been re-arranged for Wednesday, 25th April.  The date is still as yet unknown for City Arms v Blacon SSC.

11th April 2007
Talbot win West Cheshire Shield
The Talbot won the West Cheshire Shield tonight, beating the Railway by 38 points at St. Werburgh's Club.  The Railway can be very proud of tonight's performance in their first ever season in the bagatelle league and it must give them confidence and optimism for the future.  Thanks go to John and the staff at St. Werburgh's Club for their hospitality and the half-time spread which was excellent and much appreciated! Thanks also go to Nigel Walker for refereeing the game.

9th April 2007
This weeks bagatelle...
Wednesday 11th April, it's Railway v Talbot in the West Cheshire Shield Final to be played at St. Werburgh's Club.

Thursday 12th sees a re-arranged league game, Talbot v Stanley Arms.

Saturday, 14th April sees the first event in the Chester Open Bagatelle Knockout at the Union Vaults.  The knockout is being held in conjunction with a fund raising night and everyone is welcome.  Please come and support the events in the Union Vaults next Saturday!

Two other league games are still to be re-arranged, City Arms v Blacon SSC and Stanley v United Services.  If anyone knows when these games are to be played can they let me know please?

4th April 2007
League - week 18 - Talbot are the Champions!
Congratulations go to the Talbot who came from behind to win away at the United Services Club tonight to clinch the Winter League title.  Second placed St. Werburgh's Club lost their last away game at the City Arms which would have made the Talbot champions anyway.   Spital Vaults consolidated third place by picking up 3 points in their away game at the Stanley Arms.  There were also away wins for Blacon Sports & Social Club and the Union Vaults at the Railway and Egerton respectively.

I understand the Spital Vaults have conceded the game at the City Arms (postponed back in November).  A home win (2 points) has therefore been awarded to the City Arms.

29th March 2007
League - week 17
This week saw all the home teams win their games.  The Talbot beat the United Services Club to remain 1 point clear of St. Werburgh's Club who beat the City Arms in the switched fixture.  Spital Vaults beat the Stanley Arms to remain 3rd, Blacon SSC beat the Railway and the Union Vaults beat the Egerton Arms.

Singles Semi-Finals 
Were played tonight at Blacon SSC and the results can be found here.  The draw for the venue of the final was made straight after the eight finalists were known, and the final will be played at the Stanley Arms on 16th May.

21st March 2007
League - week 16
The Talbot played their first home game since the pub's refurbishment and started off with a win by beating the Union Vaults in a high scoring game for both teams.  St. Werburgh's Club remain second and close the gap to one point after winning away at Blacon SSC.  Spital Vaults made sure they were not overtaken by the United Services Club by winning their home game against them and they remain third.  City Arms move up to fourth place after winning their home game against the Stanley Arms, and the Railway move off the bottom of the table by beating the Egerton in the local derby. League table.

20th March 2007
Cup Draws
Cup draws for all competitions have been made and the sheets were distributed to all pubs and clubs today.  Apologies to D. Hughes and C. Walshaw from the Egerton Arms who are in the Doubles Final.  On the distributed sheets I have inadvertently shown them as playing for the Stanley Arms and missed the initial 'C' off.  I am really sorry!     Cup draws can be seen here.

18th March 2007
Reminder: Committee Meeting on 19th March
Don't forget there is a Committee Meeting in the Talbot on Monday, kick-off will be approx 8pm.

15th March 2007
5-A-Side Competition - Semi-Final Results
In tonight's semi-finals, the Spital Vaults beat the Egerton at St. Werburgh's Club, and the Talbot beat the Stanley at the United Services Club.  The final will be between the Spital Vaults and the Talbot.

14th March 2007
League - week 15
Congratulations go to the Egerton Arms who beat the Railway tonight to record their first win of the season.  Having just played at the Union Vaults, I popped down to the Egerton and was there to witness the champagne corks being popped (well, it might have been bottles of brown!).  Well Done to all the Egerton players, onwards and upwards from now on!  In the other matches this evening, the Talbot came from behind to win a difficult game at the Union Vaults and retain top spot.  St. Werburgh's Club stay second after a home win against Blacon Sports & Social Club.  The United Services Club won at home against the Spital Vaults, and the Stanley won their home game against the City Arms.

Tomorrow night (Thursday 15th) it's the 5-A-Side semi-finals.  The Egerton play the Spital Vaults at St. Werburgh's Club, and the Stanley Arms play the Talbot at the United Services Club.

8th March 2007
Northgate Cup - Semi Final Results
In Wednesday's Semi-Final games, the Talbot beat the Spital at the Railway, and the United Services Club beat Blacon Sports & Social Club at St. Werburgh's Club.  The final will be between the United Services Club and the Talbot.

West Cheshire Shield - Semi-Final Results
On Thursday night the Railway beat the United Services Club in a very close game at Stanleys.  Half-time it was 154-144 to the USC, but at full-time the scores were 335-345 in favour of the Railway.  In the other game the Talbot beat the City Arms at Blacon SSC.  The final will be between the Railway and the Talbot.

3rd March 2007
No scheduled league games this week - it's Semi-Final time!
There are no scheduled league games this week.   Wednesday 7th sees the Northgate Cup Semi-Finals, when Blacon SSC play the United Services at St. Werburgh's Club, and the Spital play the Talbot at the Railway.

Thursday night (8th) sees the West Cheshire Shield Semi-Finals when the United Services play the Railway at the Stanley, and the City Arms play the Talbot at Blacon SSC.

1st March 2007
League - week 14
In the big game of the week, St. Werburgh's Club hung on to beat the Spital Vaults 615 - 602 in one of the best games seen at St. Werburgh's for many years.  The game was closely contested throughout and at half-time the scores were 322 - 313.  Top scorer was Mal Coppock from the Spital with 95 (53+42).  City Arms Saltney move up to 4th place after beating the Railway.  United Services Club drop to 5th after losing away to the Union Vaults who close the gap on the Stanley.  Blacon Sports & Social Club beat the Egerton to complete the evenings games.   Talbot v Stanley was postponed, see below though!

Talbot re-opens TODAY!!!
Good news for bagatelle players, the newly refurbished Talbot re-opens this evening at 7pm.  We will be popping down for a drink later, see you there!

26th February 2007
Talbot v Stanley - match postponed
A reminder to players of both teams that, owing to the Talbot's refurbishment, the game on Wednesday has been postponed, no re-arranged date has been decided as yet.   The Talbot re-opens for business again at 7.00pm on Thursday, 1st March, can't wait to see what it's like!

21st February 2007
League - week 13
Last weeks leaders St. Werburgh's Club lost to third place Spital Vaults which puts the Spital right back in contention for the league.  The Talbot won away at the Stanley Arms to go back into top spot.  The United Services Club won at home against the Union Vaults to stay in fourth place.  There were away wins for the City Arms and Blacon Sports & Social Club at the Railway and Egerton respectively.

Next weeks game between the Talbot and the Stanley has been postponed because the Talbot will still be closed for refurbishment.  The Talbot is due to open again at 7pm on Thursday, 1st March!

Tomorrow night (Thursday 22nd) it's the turn of the Singles Competition being held in two venues, the Egerton and the United Services Club.  See Cup Fixtures for details. 

Football - Chester v Bury on Wednesday, 21st February 2007
Chester City unusually have a Wednesday home game against Bury on 21st February, kick-off 7.45pm, and this will obviously clash with bagatelle matches.  We do have a spare Wednesday on 14th February where no matches are scheduled, so captains may wish to consider bringing forward games scheduled on 21st Feb to 14th Feb or postpone / re-arrange them.  Update: Chester won 1-0 thanks to a last minute penalty from Simon Yeo and they move up to 11th place in Division Two.

17th February 2007
Chester Bagatelle Open Challenge Cup
A bagatelle news bulletin giving details of this competition has now been distributed to all ten pubs.  A copy of the notice can be seen here.

15th February 2007
Re-arranged game result from last night
St. Werburgh's Club 2 Railway 0.   St. Werburgh's go joint top with the Talbot after beating the Railway in a re-arranged league game last night.

7th February 2007
League - week 12
In tonight's games, last weeks leaders the Talbot won away at the Railway in a closely contested game to stay in top spot.  St. Werburgh's Club move up to second place by virtue of getting 3 points for an away win at the Union Vaults.  Spital Vaults drop to third despite picking up 2 points in their home win against Blacon Sports & Social Club.  United Services Club consolidated fourth place by winning their home game against the Stanley Arms, and the Egerton lost at home to the City Arms who remain in 5th place.

Tomorrow night (Thursday 8th) is 5-A-Side Quarter-Finals night.  See the Cups page for details.  

There are no league fixtures scheduled for next Wednesday (Valentines Day - who says bagatelle players aren't romantic?!), so there is an opportunity for some of the postponed games to be re-arranged (ok, maybe we're not!!).  I understand that one game has already been re-arranged for next Wednesday, St. Werburgh's Club v the Railway, please let me know the result of any others.

Committee Meeting on 12th Feb
A reminder that next Monday's Committee Meeting will be held in St. Werburgh's Club as the Talbot is now closed for refurbishment.  Usual kick-off time will apply.

6th February 2007
Photos page updated
I've updated the photos page, changed some of the music and improved the quality of the flash shows.  Any comments or new pictures welcome!

1st February 2007
West Cheshire Shield - Quarter Final results
In tonight's Quarter Final games, the Talbot beat St. Werburgh's Club at Blacon SSC, the Railway beat the Egerton at the Stanley, the City Arms beat the Stanley at the Talbot, and the game between Blacon SSC and United Services was not played owing to Blacon not having 6 players available.  I'm not sure if this game will be re-arranged or claimed by USC, if anyone knows, please let me know, thanks. Update: Match claimed by USC.

31st January 2007
League - week 11
The Talbot regained top spot tonight by beating the Railway at the last home game before the pubs refurbishment. The Talbot closes on Sunday evening and will not re-open again until Thursday 1st March at 7.00pm.   Blacon SSC's form continues to improve and they beat previous leaders the Spital in tonight's home game.  St. Werburgh's Club move up to joint second after a home win against local rivals the Union Vaults, and the City Arms won their home game against the Egerton.  The Stanley - United Services game was postponed and will be played at a future date.

26th January 2007
Australia Day
A little known fact, but today is Australia Day. A good reason to go for a drink, but Vegemite on toast? Hmmmm.
I think it's an acquired taste, just remember to spread it verrrry thinly like Aussies do.  Anyway, G'day everybody! Update 31st Jan: Vegemite IS an acquired taste, I've been giving it a fair go for a few days now. Very nice thinly spread on hot buttered toast!

Committee Meeting on 12th Feb - venue changed
Owing to the Talbot being closed for refurbishment, the Committee Meeting on 12th Feb will now be held in St. Werburgh's Club, usual start time.

Talbot v Railway - matches switched
Again, owing to the Talbot's closure, the game next Wednesday (31st January) will now be played at the Talbot, with the return on 7th Feb at the Railway.

For info, the Talbot will be closed for refurbishment from 5th Feb to 1st March.  Don't forget to pop in during March to see the new look Talbot!

19th January 2007
FOUR bagatelle tables wanted!
Last night I was told that two more pubs are interested in acquiring a bagatelle table, Last Orders in City Road and the Dee Miller.  The Cottage in Brook Street and the Grosvenor Arms in Handbridge are the others.  If anyone knows where there is a table for sale please get in touch.  Link.

17th January 2007
League - week 10
Tonight the Stanley lost their 100% home record to St. Werburgh's Club who won an extremely tight game by only 3 points.  In another close game, Blacon Sports & Social won away at the Union Vaults by 7 points.  The Spital Vaults were the third team to win away tonight, beating the Egerton to regain top spot by virtue of their game in hand.  Home wins for the Talbot and United Services Club against the City Arms and Railway respectively complete the evenings games.

Singles on Thursday 18th January, & next week there are no scheduled league matches.
Don't forget to check the fixtures if you entered the Singles Competition.  Games are being played at the Egerton and Union Vaults this Thursday.

There are no scheduled league matches next week.  Instead, there are Doubles matches on Wednesday 24th,  and Northgate Cup quarter-finals on Thursday 25th January.

10th January 2007
League - week 9
The league top spot changed hands again this week after the Talbot won a very close match at the City Arms by just a few points to claim 3 away points.  Spital Vaults drop to second place despite beating visitors the Egerton.  St. Werburgh's Club remain 3rd after beating near neighbours the Stanley in the local derby.  United Services move up to 4th by virtue of winning away at the Railway, and Blacon SSC beat the Union Vaults to move within 1 point of them.

Update: Have been informed that John Clarke of St. Werburgh's Club scored a maximum 54 in one of his sticks in helping his team to victory in the match against the Stanley. It's quite rare to hear of anyone scoring a maximum, so Well Done John!

Singles, Doubles, Cups
Draws have been made for all competitions, see the link on the Fixtures page for details, or click here for details.

Talbot closes for refurbishment in February
I understand the Talbot will be closed for refurbishment for around 3 weeks in February, from 5th Feb to approx. 1st March.  I will confirm the dates ASAP.  This will affect the Talbot's home games with the Railway (7th Feb) and the Stanley (28th Feb).  The Talbot's captain will be in touch with both pubs to try and re-arrange these games to suitable dates.

6th January 2007
League - week 8
The Spital Vaults move back to the top of the table by winning at the Union Vaults.  Christmas leaders the Talbot drop down to second despite beating the Egerton at home, having played one game more than the Spital.  St. Werburgh's move up to third after winning comfortably at the Railway.  Home wins for the United Services Club and Blacon SSC over the City Arms and Stanley respectfully complete the weeks fixtures.  There is still only 4 points between the top 6 clubs, this is an interesting season!

Committee Meeting on 8th January
Another reminder that the first meeting of the year will be at the Talbot on Monday evening at 8.00pm.

1st January 2007
Bagatelle resumes this Wednesday
First off, Happy New Year!!!!  A quick reminder that league matches start again on 3rd January.

23rd December 2006
Merry Christmas Everybody!
I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Whatever you do, I hope you have a good one.  Bagatelle league matches resume again on 3rd January 2007, which gives just enough time to clear those New Years Eve hangovers!

20th December 2006
Talbot go top of the table
The Talbot move up three places and go top after beating Blacon SSC in a re-arranged league match this evening.  In a high scoring first half in which three individual 50's were scored, the Talbot led 331-244 at the break.  After the half-time refreshments (a delicious minted lamb stew - thanks Angie!), the high scoring continued and the Talbot ran out winners by 650-497.

19th December 2006
Re-arranged game reminder
To Talbot and Blacon SSC players, don't forget the Talbot versus Blacon SSC league game has been re-arranged for Wednesday, 20th December at the Talbot.

14th December 2006
League - week 7
Week 7 saw the Spital and Stanley hold on to the top spots by beating the Union Vaults and Blacon SSC respectively.  The game at the Stanley was the closest of the night,  the home team holding on to win by just a few points over Blacon who were looking for their first away win.  City Arms beat the United Services and the Talbot won at the Egerton to keep things very close at the top of the table.  

The game between St. Werburgh's and the Railway was postponed and will be played at a later date.  My thanks go to the Railway captain who popped in to the Egerton to tell me on Wednesday evening.

8th December 2006
League - week 6
This is turning into one of the closest Bagatelle seasons we've had for many years.  After 6 weeks we have 7 teams within 2 points of each other at the top of the table, it really is all to play for.   Last weeks leaders the United Services were beaten by Blacon Sports & Social Club who got their first win of the season.  As a result the United Services drop to joint first with 3 other teams, although the Spital do have one game in hand.    Wins for the Stanley, Spital, St.Werburgh's and the City Arms keep everything very tight at the top.  I really hope the Egerton win a game soon so that everyone is off the mark.  Having said that, they play my team next week, the Talbot..... ooer.    Next week sees the last scheduled league games before the festivities get into full swing.    Who will be the Christmas number 1 this year?

Re-arranged game
Talbot v Blacon SSC has been re-arranged for Wednesday, 20th December.

30th November 2006
League - Week 5
The United Services Club move top after last night's win over Blacon SSC, while the Talbot beat the previous weeks leaders the Spital to join three other teams on 7 points.  The City Arms recorded a fine away win at the Union Vaults and have games in hand on all of the teams above them.

In last night's Brook Street games, it was wins for St. Werburgh's Club and the Railway over the Egerton Arms and Stanley Arms.  Congratulations in particular to the Railway team on getting their first win!
 

26th November 2006
Singles, Doubles and Cups - Statement
 Three pubs (Spital, Union Vaults and Egerton) returned their signing-on entry sheets back after the 11th November deadline and their entries were not included in the draws.  However, we don't want anyone to miss out, so instead of excluding these pubs from Singles and Doubles, we have decided the best solution is to have a second preliminary round in January.   Winners from the preliminary matches in December will be excluded from the January draw.

It does show the importance of returning entry forms on time, and the date was highlighted on three of the sheets distributed. Please, please get those entry/signing-on forms back on time in future!!!

League - Week 4
Things are tight at the top after last Wednesday's games, we now have four teams joint top on 7 points.   Stanley Arms beat previous clear leaders Union Vaults to move level with them, United Services beat the Egerton to join the top two, and the Spital Vaults beat the Railway to make it 3 wins out of 3 and go joint top with a game in hand.

In the next fortnight's fixtures, none of the top four play each other, so will anyone break clear of the pack or will they be pegged back by the teams below them? 

13th November 2006
Cup Draws were done tonight.
See the Cups page for details.

12th November 2006
Committee Meeting on Monday evening
A quick reminder of the Committee meeting on Monday night (13th) at the Talbot to do the cup draws.