Each season, I think, you know what – it’s been a good one. Thinking, we can’t really top that, then – well the weekend that passed just surpassed that thought process, again!
2024 AJ Beedie Jewellers Arbroath Open
The pool calendar is, quite literally, bursting at the seams with events. There is a tournament available almost every weekend. It’s difficult for all of the local leagues to align and there will inevitably be clashes. However, we still amassed a three-figure entry for the 2024 AJ Beedie Jewellers Arbroath Open, with 102 budding pool players looking to add their name to the long list of winners.
Races to four from the off, gave me a bit of the fear factor, but the event ran almost better than clockwork – with the event being completed around 10pm. A fantastic day and a well-received great day of pool with some socialising amongst everyone.
After a few twists and turns, we arrived at the final two. A final two that could not be much more contrasting in terms of stages in their ‘pool’ careers, but two that were very well matched in their abilities. The experienced, multiple former Arbroath Singles winner – none other than John ‘The Doc’ Hamilton took on Forfar’s young talent Ryan ‘Ryzer’ Martin.
The Doc rolled back the years, although anecdotally, he played fairly open compared to days gone by, whilst Ryzer steadied the nerves – both playing some entertaining pool in the final and trading blows to get themselves to 4-4. Nothing could separate the two, it was now the unwanted sudden death deciding frame.
Ryzer broke and it looked like he was going to secure the title, just to, agonisingly snooker himself on the blackball. As he pondered the escape route, what unfolded was heart-wrenching for the young man, as he cannoned two yellows and knock the blackball in out if turn. Handing the title to The Doc. The saving grace has to be that the form that The Doc had shown all day, and in the final, it was likely he’d have stepped in with the two shots to seal-the-deal.
Like I said on the night, Ryan will be in many more finals – it’s only the start of what will most likely be a glittering pool career.
However, it was the already very decorated Doc that has added yet another title to those already listed on his pool CV. However, do we think this might be one, or thee, best of his career? One to ponder.
Congratulations and well done, John Hamilton – our 2024 Arbroath Open Champion!
Consolation Cup
Semi-Finals
Newgate 2 seem to always be in the mix for this event, and they faced fellow Division 2 rivals, Ram’s Heid in the first of the semi-finals. This one, from current form, might be difficult to have picked a clear winner and the match was fairly spread with Newgate 2 edging 5-4 in front after the singles. Moving into the doubles Newgate 2 got themselves ‘on the hill’ but Ram’s Heid kept them at bay and took the next to close the margin to 6-5. Newgate 2 though, slotted home the next frame and book themselves into the final.
The opposite side of the draw saw two division one teams face off. After differing league campaigns you’d be far pushed to not have had Newgate 1 as firm favourites from the off for the event, let alone this match. However, the romance of the Cup never disappoints. Portcullis 1 clearly showed they were not here just to take part. The two teams shared the first four frame, but form there the Portcullis team dismantled their opponents and reeled off the next five frames to close out the match with a healthy 7-2 victory.
Final
Newgate 2 v Portcullis 1
The odds, comparing to league positions, would have Portcullis going into this final as, perceivably, odds-on favourites. Clean off the back of a dismantling of Newgate 1, confidence was brimming. The romance of the cup strikes again though – Newgate 2 had very much different ideas. After the nine singles, Newgate 2 were leading, 5-4. Their tails were up, and after sharing the next two frames, got themselves within touching distance of lifting the trophy. Portcullis 1 had to win the last two frames of the competition to take home the title. Securing the twelfth frame, it was a nerve shredding deciding frame, but……Portcullis 1 were victorious.
Unlucky Newgate 2, a very valiant effort. Congratulations and very well done to the Portcullis 1, our 2023-24 Consolation Cup Champions.
Knockout Cup
Semi-Finals
Recently crowned Division 2 Champions, Letham, faced an out of form Merchants team. Merchants, renowned for being a tough team to beat, were looking to secure their second successive final appearance – and maybe even go one step further this season, in the Knockout Cup. The way the match played out on two tables, Merchants at one stage in the match led 6-1. After the singles though, it was a much healthier 6-3 scoreline – with Letham having a glimmer of hope. Needing to secure four frames on the spin, against a stubborn and experienced Merchants team, it would have been easy to write Letham off. BUT…..they don’t know how to give up. They reeled one, then two and three, then four to win the match 7-6. What a comeback.
Talking of comebacks. The second semi-final was equally as entertaining where the top two teams in Division One clashed together for their fifth meeting this season. Cliffburn 1 were in the mood right from the off, pouncing on chances that came their way and in short space of time – found themselves in a glorious position with a 5-1 lead. Station were perhaps shocked and rightfully so, Cliffburn 1 were in cruise control. Station stemmed the flow though and managed to claw themselves back from elimination and the match edged to 5-5. Cliffburn 1 spurned a chance or two and the teams then shared the next two frames to level at 6-6. A sublime finish from the Station duo saw them, literally, fall across the line and edge themselves into the final. A cracking match encounter with very little between the two teams.
Final
Letham v Station
A divisional winners match – recently crowned champions in their respective divisions, both teams were hungry to get the ‘Double’. A strong Letham team knew they could cause some upset, and after sharing the first six frames it was still all to play for. 5-4 after the singles and both teams still gunning for Cup glory, it was the doubles where Station managed to get a hold of the match and get themselves one hand on the trophy. They took the first double, and led 6-4. Letham, though, knew they’d been here already today and had to grab inspiration from that! However, it wasn’t to be, Station potted the winning eightball to secure the League and Cup double.
Well done to the Station, our 2023-24 Knockout Cup Champions!
ADPL Singles
Semi-Finals
Nathan Sinclair v Steve Hamilton
This was Nathan’s first appearance at this stage of the ADPL singles and what an effort it is to reach this stage. He faced the in-form, under-the radar, Steve Hamilton. From the off, Steve, was zoned in and established a healthy lead, just picking each frame off as he went. Steve was not for letting the opportunity of reaching his first ADPL Singles final go – he grasped the opportunity with both hands and never let go. Nathan should certainly hold his head high, making the last four of the local singles is, in itself, a very well earned prize.
Paddy Nicoll v David Jack
Paddy reached this phase of the event for the second successive year and met fellow teammate, friend and foe, David in this tie. David looking to equal the all-time singles titles, Paddy looking to make his second ever appearance in the premier singles event. The match was going to be a nervy affair. Paddy established a small lead, but knew this could easily be erased in the blink of an eye against his opponent. Plugging away, Paddy managed to keep David at bay though and book his berth in the final.
Final
Steve Hamilton v Paddy Nicoll
A new name on the trophy! Either way, neither of these gents had picked up the ADPL Singles Trophy – both in very rich veins of form, it was impossible to predict which way the match might go. Both of these teammates had battled out on the baize and claimed glories in past events, but this was the pinnacle for the two. Two whom are very close friends too, so refereeing it was difficult to not show support to either.
Each of the two lads got themselves on the scoresheet and that perhaps settled the nerves for both. Watching on, it felt both players were not in for a tactical battle, both playing fairly open pool and perhaps trying to just stretch themselves to the line by whatever means necessary.
Paddy, though, certainly played extremely well and, without s shadow of a doubt, picked up when Steve passed over the baton of control. Steve, on another day, with the fine lines and margins in pool, might have nudged his score up by a few more frames to see what may have happened.
Paddy was almost unplayable though, it wasn’t for the lack of trying on Steve’s part, that’s for sure. Paddy just clicked into gear in that final and was methodical in his approach; taking frame by frame at a time to get his name etched on the Billy Stewart Memorial Trophy with a 6-1 win.
Commiserations to Steve Hamilton, our ADPL Singles runner up for 2023-24.
What a moment for Paddy though, a long standing member of the ADPL, having won various tournaments throughout that time locally, this was THE ONE, he wanted most. Even at the presentation, Paddy touched upon his connection to the trophy – Billy having been his captain many, many moons ago. A touching moment for Paddy to treasure.
Well done, congratulations, PADDY NICOLL, your ADPL 2023-24 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!
THANKS FROM THE ARBROATH AND DISCTRICT POOL LEAGUE
We have two mainstay sponsors who support our events, I’d like to just give them an appreciation post to help raise awareness of their businesses.
Sandy Beedie at AJ Beedie Jewellers
Along with Marc Fleming and Ryan Fleming of Shotz Arbroath
Without the support of both sponsors, our finals weekend just couldn’t happen. Thanks to you all.
Special mentions also go to:-
Shotz’ Staff for their efforts all weekend (food, beverages, everything)
Dave McLaren for assistance with CueScore and the Arbroath Open
Scott MacEwan who took the reigns for yesterday’s Arbroath Finals Day to allow me to concentrate on playing pool. A welcomed break for me. Although he needs to now start addressing his fear of public speaking 😊
