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…..

2023 AJ Beedie Jewellers Arbroath Open
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!




Consolation Cup
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.


Semi-Finals
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.


Final
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.




Knockout Cup
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.

Final
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!




ADPL Doubles
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.




ADPL Singles
Semi-Finals
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.

Final
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!





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!