The minutes from last night's meeting can be viewed using the link below:- [url]https://tinyurl.com/399k639k[/url] If anyone in attendance has any comments/amendments, please contact me to let me know. Regards, Bash

Proposals received for this years AGM are outlined below:- [b]6.1 Proposal 1 – Singles and Doubles Entry Fees[/b] I propose that the entry fee’s for both the ADPL Singles and Doubles is raised. The existing level of fee for entry is outdated and should be increased. I propose that the entry fee for the ADPL Singles is raised to £5 per player. I also propose that the ADPL Double is raised to £10 per double, therefore £5 per player. Michael Bastow [b]6.2 Proposal 2 – Doubles Proposal[/b] I propose that the league moves back to our old format for doubles, ie not Scotch doubles. Although the Scotch doubles has been enjoyed by some players, I believe it is causing matches to take far longer to play and has given no real improvements to the game overall. Therefore I believe we should revert back to our normal/previous format. Scott MacEwan [b]6.3 Proposal 3 – Doubles Format[/b] To be played in a one day event at Shotz. All 9 tables in venue to be used, all entries split into 9 groups, a short race if required best of (3) in group games, 9 group winners and 7 best runner ups through to last 16 then straight knockout races best of (5). 10 AM Start, £10 entry per doubles team, Trophy Presentation Proposed month February 2024 date to be confirmed, I have spoke to Marc Fleming and he thinks this is event could be done in one day (maybe think of shot clock but short races in groups this might not be required may depend on entry numbers) Reasons for trying this event instead of our traditional yearly Arbroath Doubles Competition 1 - Only 43 entries last season even then few no shows in first couple of rounds and realistically numbers more like 35 2- I think the Tuesday/ Wednesday night pool after new year break doesn’t help the entry numbers with the Arbroath Singles having more interest and enthusiasm at this time of year. 3 - Player’s work and life commitments can affect numbers due to not being able to play on the dates allocated for each midweek round so they don’t enter competition. 4 - Would take the doubles final out of finals day, as recently this has held up proceedings 5 - I think we could have better entry numbers than last season and if a success we could make this day event a yearly competition. Kind Regards Brian Craig [b]6.4 Proposal 4 – 7.30pm Start Time[/b] I propose for your consideration that league matches start from 7:30pm on Tuesday nights. I believe that the extra half hour would reduce so many late nights due to slow play and close matches. I would keep the final sign-in time as 9pm. Danny Ford [b]6.5 Proposal 5 – Division 1 and Division 2 Singles[/b] I propose for your consideration that if we start the season with two divisions, the league should run separate singles events. We can host the two finals on the Friday night before finals day. Danny Ford   [b]6.6 Proposal 6 – Division 1 and Division 2 Cups[/b] I propose for consideration that we see the return of the Division 1 and Division 2 cups, i feel that Arbroath has been missing these completions the last few years and would benefit from bringing them back. Potentially change format to two sets of singles as a trial. The league could host both finals on the Tuesday prior to finals weekend. Danny Ford [b]6.7 Proposal 7 – Presentation Night [/b] I propose for your consideration that the ADPL host a separate presentation night in the summer after pool has finished. Any money, winnings and trophies can be handed out then and not after each tournament. Taking away the presentation from end of finals day would also mean more people can be in attendance for the prizes being given out and less trophies being left behind. It would also mean that finals day should finish earlier as a result. Danny Ford

ADPL AGM 2023/24 We are hosting our AGM on Thursday 27th July 2023, starting at 7.30pm. The venue is the Royal British Legion - Upstairs Hall. Any AGM proposals should be made in writing and submitted to any member of the Committee a full seven days in advance of the date of the meeting. Just to be clear, the latest a proposal can be received and considered for discussion is 7.30pm on Thursday 20th July 2023. Proposals will be collated then posted onto the ADPL Website and Facebook Page in advance of the meeting to ensure the members can discuss the proposals before deciding on how to vote. Regards, Michael

Another season passes, but what a season it was….some new names on the silverware, some new faces in the league; but we also keep our stalwart hardcore group! It’s been a season of ups and downs but we’ve managed to get through….. [b][u]2023 AJ Beedie Jewellers Arbroath Open[/u][/b] A few different events locally maybe impacted the entries, but it certainly didn’t detract from the overall event. To say it ran like clockwork, well; that would be show-boating! 😊 Decent races from the start and a general great day of pool and socialising amongst everyone. This year’s finalists were Gary McLeish and Greg Alexander. Gary making his first appearance at this stage of the event, playing against Greg; making his third appearance and looking to maintain his 100% final win record. These two players are top, top players and the final was to be a fantastic spectacle. Each player was methodical and precise in their shot making; which left very little margin for error when their opponent came to the table. It was inevitable, that after both players playing so well all day, that a deciding frame would be required. It was Greg who managed to get himself past the winning post and secure the title! A tremendous effort from both lads, both true gents of the game. Well done to both. Greg is collecting the trophies or involved at the business end of tournaments more often than not, but that’s been evident over the past three weekends where he’s played three events and been in the final of all three, missing out only on one by the odd frame in 11!! Well done Greg, a hat-trick of wins in this event – our 2023 Arbroath Open Champion! [img]http://www.arbroath.scottishpool.com/images/2023_ao_finalists.png[/img] [b][u]Consolation Cup[/u][/b] The first quarter final was a re-run of the Division 2 title contenders; where Letham faced The Fab. This was always going to be a cracker and it lived up to the billing. Letham took a 3-1 lead; but Fab clawed back and got their noses in front at 4-3, to then trail 5-4 after the singles. It went to the very last frame, where Letham steadied their nerves and took the win, 7-6. Newgate 2 faced Legion 1; where both teams would fancy their chance of progressing. After Legion taking the lead, their hopes were quickly dashed as Newgate 2 reeled off the next three frames. Legion dug-in though and got themselves another frame; but by the end of the singles it was 6-3. Newgate 2 got themselves over the line and won 7-3. The third match-up was Cliffburn 2 facing Ram’s Heid – another match that lay in the balance. Ram’s were the favourites given recent form and their league position. As we know, though, cup games don’t go on form. Cliffburn 2 found inspiration from somewhere and, after losing the first frame, steam-rolled through the next seven frames to win 7-1. Newgate 1 were awarded a walkover in their first match due to a no-show. [u]Semi-Finals[/u] Letham faced Newgate 2 in the first semi-final, whilst Letham stood in their way; Newgate 2 were hoping to reach the final and potentially see an all-Newgate match-up. Letham, on the other hand, had other ideas about that! Newgate 2 started to live the dream, where they took a 3-1 lead, but Letham just don’t know when they’re beat and pulled it back to 3-3. Sharing the next two frames, it was Letham who edged in front after the singles at 5-4. From there, Letham put their foot on the gas and pulled away winning the next two frames to secure their place in the final, winning 7-5. Cliffburn 2 faced a well versed and experienced Newgate 1 team. After sharing the first two frames, Newgate 1 thrust into full gear and were quickly out of sight – their players taking the next six on the bounce to get them into the final. A great and valiant effort by the Cliffburn 2 team, just bumping into a very strong team at this stage. [u]Final[/u] Letham v Newgate 1 Both teams have had very different seasons; being in different divisions after the split also. However, Letham knew the task would be an uphill battle from the start – Newgate 1 certainly took nothing for granted. Pool is fine lines and small margins – sometimes they fall in your favour, sometimes not – this time round lady luck was not shining down on Letham; where the Newgate 1 showed how relentless they can be at times with a 7-1 win. Unlucky Letham. Congratulations and very well done to the Newgate 1, our 2022-23 Consolation Cup Champions. [img]http://www.arbroath.scottishpool.com/images/2023_consolation_cup_champions.jpeg[/img] [b][u]Knockout Cup[/u][/b] The first of the KO Cup semi-finals saw Shotz 2 take on Merchants. Not quite David and Goliath, but it might have been close – Shotz 2 showed, and proved, they weren’t there to just make up the numbers. Merchants got off to the best start, taking a sharp 4-0 lead. However, Shotz dug deep; and found that little bit of inspiration that was needed and dragged themselves back from the brink at 4-2. Chances a begging, Merchants got themselves to the hill and led 6-2. One from home, but Shotz 2 refused to go away and it was back to 6-4. Merchants gave out a huge sigh of relief as they stumbled over the line to a 7-4 win. Seaton 1 faced Cliffburn 1 in the second of the semi-finals. A tasty match-up and; on recent form – would see Cliffburn 1 perhaps the small favourites in this one. After the first four frames, it was still all square – both teams eager to get that second berth in the final. However, Cliffburn 1 flexed their muscles and wheeled away the next five frames to give them a 7-2 victory. [u]Final[/u] Merchants v Cliffburn 1 Two top tier teams, playing in the final – would make for some really good pool. Merchants were hoping to amend their fortunes from the two league meetings between these teams and grab the win. Whereas Cliffburn 1 were looking to secure the Cup title for the first time since 2008. The match had a nervous feel around it…which was evident in some of the frames; uncharacteristic errors from both teams would see the match see-saw fall in favour of both teams at various stages. Nobody could get their noses too far in front to sway the game too much in their favour. Both of the last doubles were in play with the score at 6-5 to Cliffburn 1. These two frames continued like the full match had, nerves; errors; patient play – all in abundance. However, it was Cliffburn 1 who, after some safety exchanges – won through and secured the title with a 7-5 win. Well done to the Cliffburn 1, our 2022-23 Knockout Cup Champions! [img]http://www.arbroath.scottishpool.com/images/2023_ko_cup_champions.jpeg[/img] [b][u]ADPL Doubles[/u][/b] Four team-mates, four good friends and four, generally, great guys – playing off for the title of ADPL Doubles Champions. Graham Dunbar, quite synonymous with the Doubles Final, keeping up that 100% appearance rate since 2016; partnered with Paddy Nicoll would play against David Jack and Greg Alexander. David and Greg were looking to defend their title from the previous season, but facing Graham and Paddy, knew they’d have their work cut out to do so. After a mammoth match, where nothing separated both pairs – a deciding frame was required. The first chance fell for Graham and Paddy, but after falling slightly out of position surrendered their chance and gave David and Greg a chance with a foul. David and Greg couldn’t capitalise and after a few more exchanges, it was Graham and Paddy who sunk the winning black and become the new ADPL Doubles Champions. It's a bitter pill to swallow for David and Greg, relenting their title, but the upside of it – they’ve lost out to two fantastic players and friends. I’m sure they’ll be back stronger than ever next season. For the time being though, congratulations to Graham and Paddy, our 2022-23 ADPL Doubles Champions. [img]http://www.arbroath.scottishpool.com/images/2023_adpl_doubles_finalists.jpeg[/img] [b]ADPL Singles[/b] [u]Semi-Finals[/u] Colin Brown v Kyle Brown Colin, the defending champion, took on fellow namesake, Kyle for a place in the final. Kyle has shown a good run of form lately and knew he’d need to find his A-game to lay a glove on Colin. Colin; though, knew he’d not be able to take this at a canter. Colin took out great finishes during the course of the match, and Kyle; likewise – got himself to the positions but was unable to find that last ball here or there; which might have given the scoreline a different look. Colin won 4-1 in the end – but that is by no means a one-sided match as the scoreline suggests. Ian Anderson v Paddy Nicoll A re-run of the Masters final back in nineteen-oatcake. These two lads have been hovering about the business end of tournaments for sometime – this was going to be a ‘give it all’ from both players and leave nothing in the tank. Legend has it, the match is still ongoing, but trust me it finished – eventually! 😊. It was a match of safety battle after safety battle. It went to 3-3 and it was finely poised, with each player getting chances to stake their place in the final. It was Ian, though, that nudged himself over the line, winning 4-3. [u]Final[/u] Colin Brown v Ian Anderson The pressures of pool remained on the shoulder of Colin, after winning his first title, just last season, at the fourth time of asking; he was looking to defend that title – and be the first to do so since an young lad called David Jack did so in 1996-97. On the other hand, Ian was looking to secure his first Singles title at the first time of asking when reaching this stage! I could easily have been the case for Ian to roll over and Colin take home the title, more so after Ian’s mammoth semi-final match. Every ounce of energy he had was used; but Ian showed no sign of letting up and perhaps the adrenaline was kicking in. He certainly showed he was there for the title and, at 3-1 up, saw Colin attempt a containing safety, only to cannon the black ball in and hand him a 4-1 commanding lead. Colin took the next frame and it was 4-2. Ian, then had his chance; he dug himself into great positions; but by the breadth of a hair – was out of position on the winning black. He stood up though, took an intake of breath and attempted the thin cut. The hall waited and watched agonisingly as the black ball knuckled but the white disappeared. Colin pounced and quickly made it 4-3. Colin continued his comeback with a tidy finish for 4-4. It was befitting of both players that this went all the way, but it was Colin who produced a monumental finish in the time of need – and with the successfully retained the title. It's very little consolation, but Ian had one chance to win the crown, and it just didn’t fall his way. A sterling effort though, and, let’s be fair – if he continues playing like that – it won’t be hist last Singles final. Well done, congratulations Colin, AND STILL…..our 2022-23 ADPL Singles Champion! [img]http://www.arbroath.scottishpool.com/images/2023_adpl_singles_finalists.jpeg[/img] So, there we have it, that’s a wrap - another year done and dusted in the ADPL. Hope to see you all soon! Over and out, Basho!

We're drawing the curtain over on another season, well almost! Not quite yet..... We've got the Division 1 Title Playoff this coming Tuesday, quickly followed by our FINALS WEEKEND! [b][u]Saturday 27th May[/u][/b] - AJ BEEDIE JEWELLERS ARBROATH OPEN We host the AJ Beedie Jewellers Arbroath Open at Shotz and, again, will be welcoming players from all over the districts. The draw will be carried out in advance and published online, most likely this Tuesday/Wednesday. [b][u]Sunday 28th May[/u][/b] - ADPL FINALS DAY There will be a Captains meeting held at 11:30am, with play commencing at 12 Noon. The timings for the day are very much fluid and will be dependent on prior events being brought to a conclusion. [b][u]KNOCKOUT CUP[/u][/b] 12 Noon [u]Semi-Finals[/u] Shotz 2 4-7 Merchants Seaton 1 2-7 Cliffburn 1 Merchants 5-7 Cliffburn 1 Cliffburn 1 are the 2023 Knockout Cup Champions [b][u]CONSOLATION CUP[/u][/b] 12 Noon [u]Quarter Finals[/u] - Straight Draw Letham 7-6 The Fab Newgate 2 7-3 Legion 1 Cliffburn 2 7-1 Ram's Heid Newgate 1 W-0 St Tams Letham 7-4 Newgate 2 Cliffburn 2 1-7 Newgate 1 Letham 1-7 Newgate 1 Newgate 1 are the 2023 Consolation Cup Champions [b][u]ADPL DOUBLES FINAL[/u][/b] (Best of 9 Frames) [i]will commence upon Conclusion of the KO Cup Final[/i] - sign in 1.30pm David Jack & Greg Alexander 4-5 Graham Dunbar & Paddy Nicoll Our 2023 ADPL Doubles Champions are Graham and Paddy. [i]As a reminder, the ADPL Doubles has a dress code where players are required to wear dress shoes, dress trousers and a collared top.[/i] [b][u]ADPL SINGLES[/u][/b] [i]will commence upon Conclusion of the KO Cup Final[/i] [u]Last 16[/u] (Best of 5 frames) - Straight Draw Danny Ford 0-3 Colin Brown[i] (as a guide, sign in is 1.30pm)[/i] David Jack 2-3 Kane Scott[i] (as a guide, sign in is 2.30pm)[/i] Kyle Brown 3-1 Darren Wyllie[i] (as a guide, sign in is 1.30pm)[/i] John Maud 3-0 Graham Dunbar[i] (as a guide, sign in is 2.30pm)[/i] Ian Anderson 3-1 Ally Hannah[i] (as a guide, sign in is 1.30pm)[/i] Sam McWalter 3-2 Martin Cherry[i] (as a guide, sign in is 1.30pm)[/i] Paddy Nicoll 3-2 Roy Middleton[i] (as a guide, sign in is 2.30pm)[/i] Steve Reid 3-2 Brian Craig[i] (as a guide, sign in is 1.30pm)[/i] Quarter Final races will increase to best of 7. Colin Brown 4-1 Kane Scott Kyle Brown 4-2 John Maud Ian Anderson 4-1 Sam McWalter Paddy Nicoll 4-3 Steve Reid Colin Brown 4-1 Kyle Brown Ian Anderson 4-3 Paddy Nicoll Colin Brown 5-4 Ian Anderson 2023 ADPL Singles Champion, Colin Brown [i]As a reminder, the ADPL Singles has a dress code where players are required to wear dress shoes, dress trousers and a collared top.[/i] TROPHY PRESENTATION, upon conclusion of the ADPL Singles Final (approx 8 or 9pm)

Division 1 Title Playoff The title deciding playoff match for League Division One will be held, in agreement with both Team Captains, at the Station Bar. Thanks to Paul Cook to agreeing and allowing us to host the match there. The match will be played this coming Tuesday, 24th May, and will commence at 8pm. Spectators are welcome, but please be reminded the best of order is requested and the area immediately around the pool table will not be available, to allow the players the space required to play their frames. Good luck to both Cliffburn 1 and Shotz. Cheers, Bash

Congratulations to Steven Scott and his team at Fab Bar, who, after a grueling season, managed to edge themselves over the line in their match away to Letham, by a 7-5 margin! Well done, enjoy the celebrations folks! Well done, enjoy the celebrations folks! The Fab Bar, Division 2 Champions! We shouldn't forget their Goliath contenders, Craig Gowans' Letham, who pushed and pushed, it's been neck and neck; but they've just missed out. Still a great achievement and I'm sure they will look back with a high degree of proudness in the coming days.

After an enthralling night of pool, the title for Division 1 remains unclaimed! What we do know is it's still a two horse race! A playoff will be held next Tuesday evening, starting at 8pm, between Cliffburn and Shotz - the venue will be confirmed in due course. All that remains, is good luck to both teams when the match commences!

ADPL RACENIGHT UPDATE A very late decision was made last night to postpone the race night. There was a severe lack of numbers in attendance and therefore, it was decided to run the races in two weeks’ time, during the Arbroath Open. Just a small postponement, the countdown is on for the races to commence! ADPL Committee

We head into the final week of the league season and still don't know who the league winners will be in either division!! What a climax we have int he ADPL this year, starting in Division 1, after the 22 league games - it comes down to the final week for only two teams. Cliffburn 1 are in prime position; knowing a single point will secure them the title. With a tricky tie away to the Station, it's not a foregone conclusion. Meanwhile Shotz will be hoping the Cliffburn suffer only their second defeat of the season and be hot on their heels, however, they know they need to win away to the Newgate 1 to have any glimmer of hope for pushing for a playoff the following week. All to play for at the top. In Division 2, it couldn't be any bigger for both teams at the top. The top two play each other, with Letham hosting Fab Bar in a winner takes all, there is no playoff potential here - it's be bold and brave time! Letham have the fall back comfort that a draw will secure them the title. There is no hoping for other teams to do each other favours in this one, each team's destiny is in their own hands. It's going to be a colossal night for all teams involved! Good luck to all of the teams involved. Cheers, Bash

[img]http://www.arbroath.scottishpool.com/images/2023_shotz_singles.png[/img]

The ADPL will be hosting a day of fundraising events on the 13th May at Shotz Pool and Snooker Hall, please note this is the same day as the Shotz Singles. We hope this encourages a great turn-out and we hope to have the Race Night underway at around 7.30pm. During the day we will also have some additional fundraising activities going on, introducing a little more relaxed atmosphere. We may also run a plate event for players who have an early exit from the Shotz Singles. Please encourage your players, friends and families to come along, this has always been a huge hit for those that attend and we are looking to make this the biggest and best yet!

A further update, Seaton 2 have today advised that they will now transfer to Shotz 3 and play the remainder of the season from Shotz,

All, The fixtures have been drafted and I'll have these checked and confirmed over the course of the next few days, however, the first fixtures for the post-split part are: [u][b]Division 1[/b][/u] SEATON 1 v STATION LEGION 2 v NEWGATE 1 CLIFFBURN 1 v MERCHANTS SHOTZ v SEATON 2 [b][u]Division 2[/u][/b] FAB BAR v LEGION 1 NEWGATE 2 v LETHAM ST TAMS v SHOTZ 2 SPIDERS WEB v RAM'S HEID CLIFFBURN 2 v BYE As a reminder, every effort will be made to reverse fixtures, however, this will be impossible for every match. Regards, Bash

Further to the above, the two Portcullis teams have relocated to Seaton House at Seaton Estate. Portcullis 1 will transfer as Seaton 1 Portcullis 2 will transfer as Seaton 2 We welcome Seaton Estate into the league and hope that the two teams enjoy their new home.

All, We have one venue change to inform you of at the moment, with two more to follow in due course. The first change to inform everyone of is that the team who played from Buicks have now transferred their home venue to The Fab Bar. From this point forward any league fixtures for them will be hosted at the Fab Bar. You will all, undoubtedly, be aware of the unfortunate news that the Portcullis closed their doors last week. With this in mind, the doubles and singles venues have been updated to reflect this, please make yourself aware of the updates. In addition, the two teams are actively seeking new homes and are discussing with potential publicans to take them onboard for the remainder of the season. We'll update this as soon as possible. Regards, Bash

The 4-person team event has been postponed, the Committee took this decision due to lack of interest for the proposed date. We'll announce a new date in the coming weeks.

After our tender process, we can happily announce that 2023 Finals Day will be held in Shotz Pool and Snooker Club, Arbroath. We look forward to the club hosting our annual finals day, along with the Arbroath Open. Arbroath Open - 27th May 2023 Finals Day - 28th May 2023 We'd also like to take the opportunity to thank the other tenderers for taking the time to submit their proposals. Regards, Michael

After tonight's final pre-split fixtures the league standings have been confirmed and we now know the two Divisions going into the post-split fixtures. Division 1 1 Cliffburn 1 2 Legion 2 3 Merchants 4 Newgate 1 5 Portcullis 1 6 Portcullis 2 7 Shotz 8 Station Division 2 1 The Fab Bar (former Buicks team) 2 Cliffburn 2 3 Legion 1 4 Letham 5 Newgate 2 6 Ram's Heid 7 Shotz 2 8 Spiders Web 9 St Tams Each team will carry the points they have accumulated so far, into their respective division. Fixtures will now be drawn up and published online, in due course. Cheers, Bash

Entries are now closed. With the lower number of entries for the ADPL Doubles it's been agreed that a prelim round will take place on the same night as the planned Last 32 fixture date. This means there will be no prelim/Last 64 night required. The draws for the Singles, Doubles and KO Cup will be carried out on the evening of the 13th February at the ADPL Committee meeting that evening. The prelim tie for the KO Cup will be carried out ahead of this and confirmed asap. Regards, Bash