League News 2007-2008

Click Here for a Printer Friendly Page
(Opens in a new Window)

The Stroud and District Skittle League would like to thank the following for their Sponsorship

There Support Helps to cover the Leagues Running Costs

END OF SEASON INDIVIDIUAL COMPETITION FORMS NOW BEING ACCEPTED Entry forms ae now being accepted for the Mens and Ladies End of Season Individual Competitions. Ladies who play for teams in S ections A-F may enter the Ladies competitions rpresenting that team; whilst players who play in the Mixed League may also enter the relevant competition representing their Mixed League Team.; however you may only represent one team. On line entry forms can be found under the Individual Competitions link under the Cup Competitons Menu at the top of the age; alternatevely you can complete the form in the centre pages of your handbook.

TEAMS WANTED FOR MATCHPLAY WINTER CUP COMPETITION PLAYED IN THE CHRISTMAS BREAK Matchplay Snooker Club will be hosting the Matchplay Winter Cup over the Stroud League Christmas Break and invites teams to enter. The competition is open to all teams, male, female or mixed and comes with a staggering £200 first prize for the winners, the best part of this is that it is FREE to enter. Games will be a straight knockout, based on the Stroud League format of two five player halves, games being played on mutually agreeable dates between both teams, with the winning side advancing to the next round. Should you wish to enter a team or for more details please contact Nick or Paul at Matchplay 01453 752242. Closing date for entry is 1st December 2009.

PUBS AND CLUBS Can I please remind teams that clubs and pubs which host Stroud Skittle League teams are a business and for the Landlord or owner is their lively hood. It has been highlighted to me that there have been instances where members of teams have either brought their own drinks or not purchased any refreshments during the game. Whilst the league accepts under the current climate people are careful with there expenses, such actions can have an adverse effect on the league damaging it's reputation.

WARNING REGARDING LATE CANCELLATIONS Once again late cancellations are giveing a cause for concern. Teams wishing to cancel a fixture MUST give their opponents and the League a minium of 72 hours (3 days) notice of their intention to cancel. Where a team cancels at less that the minimum notice period the game may be awarded as a Walkover to their opponents unless there are exceptional circumstances. The league rules can be found in the front of the League Handbook or on the League website, but it is clear (from a recent incident) that the Team Captain had not referred to this. The League allows teams to cancel fixtures, and are reluctant to change the policy, however the effect of late cancellations brings much annoyance on opposing teams, and has in some instances played a part in teams withdrawing from the league. Should such instances continue the league will seriously consider adopting a NO CANCELLATION POLICY, which applies in neighbouring leagues.

MIXED LEAGUE GETS UNDER WAY The Inaugural Stroud and District Mixed League commenced on Monday 14th September 2009, with the opening fixture played between Matchplay Newbies and Family Affair; the game having been brought forward due to holiday commitments. Matchplay Newbies Family Affair The league is seperate to the current Sections; therefore players who play in the Sections A-F or the Ladies Sections are eligable to play in the Mixed League. The format is also different, in an attempt to attract interest, offer and alternative to teams who are finding raising enough players a struggle, and importantly to attract new teams. Teams consist of 8 players bowling 8 legs, with no halves and points per leg. Reece Walworth became the first player to bowl, hitting a score of 7 for Matchplay Newbies. The first five players scored a total of 27, however Matt Upshall playing at number seven hit a 13-spare, which was followed up by a 15 spare by anchor Harley Daves, as Matchplay Newbies totalled 62. Steff Curtis set for Family Affair hitting a 6 in response. Chris Read followed up with a score of 5, and Steff Glowaski hit a 13-spare; however Family Affair were unable to match the total of the former, scoring 50 in their first leg, resulting in Matchplay Newbies taking the first points of the season. Reece Walworth bowls for Matchplay Newbies Steff Curtis sets for Family Affair Full details of the game will follow as soon as the final result is received.

FORMER LEAGUE SECRETARY LAID TO REST The funeral of former League Secretary and more recently Ladies Section Result Secretary and Vice Chairman Brian Fream took place on Thursday 3rd September. Over 200 people, including representatives from Stroud League Skittle Teams, and league Vice-President David Drew, gathered at St George’s Church Nailsworth to pay their respects. Brain passed away on Saturday 22nd August following an operation at Bristol Heart Institute. Brians son Ashley paid tribute, saying he was so proud of his late fathers hard work; he was devoted to his family; football and his friends. Colin Peake from Forest Green Rovers Football Club recognised Brians contribution to the Football Club. David Clutterbuck, who along with Brian took over the running of the Stroud League 22-years ago, gave a tribute on behalf of skittles; explaining how Brian took on a role without any experience and little help due to the ill-health of the former League Secretary; but quickly adapted to the challenging role at a time when the league was reaching it's peak. Brian was responsible for a number of changes to improve the league, his knowledge of teams and alleys becoming invaluable. Canon Michael Irving lead the service said Brian left a immense gap in peoples lives; "He left a hole, not just in his family but in the whole community". The hearse left the church for Gloucester Crematorium to a round of applause from the on looking congregation. After a service in Gloucester the family returned to the Carol Embury Suite at Forest Green Rovers Football Club for a Wake to remember Brian. His family released a number of black and white balloons containing messages from friends and family from the centre of the pitch. Brian will be remembered by many at the End of Season Competitions or the Presentation Evenings, where he hosted the awards as well as joining the band to sing his favourite song "The Wonder of You". All teams will have fond memories of Brian and his involvement with the skittle league, he will be sorely missed. The League plans to commemorate Brian and would currently welcome any ideas from teams.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BRAIN FREAM Confirmation of the arrangements for Brians funeral. Brian’s funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday 3rd September in St Georges Church Nailsworth. All are welcome to attend, Brians family have stated that Black is Optional and people are more than welcome to wear FGR shirts or favours if they wish. His family will then move on to the crematorium for a Private Family Service. Whilst this Private Ceremony is taking place all are invited to attend the Carol Embury Suite at the New Lawn for refreshments and to share memories, the family will rejoin those at the Stadium after the Crematorium Service.

BRAIN FREAM It is with much sadness that late on Saturday 23rd August I received a telephone call informing me that Brain Fream had passed away. A cheery and Larger than life character, Brain was a great servant to the Skittle League. His involvement with the Stroud Skittle League commenced over twenty years ago, Brain, along with David Clutterbuck helped to turn the league fortunes around after Alex Hodges stepped down due to ill health. Not only did he serve the league as Fixture secretary but he also helped teams out, supplying Skittle Balls and Pins. As well as Skittles he had a passion for Football, and took on the role of chairman of Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club, organising Raffles, Bingo and Race Nights, all to raise money for the Football Club and Ladies Team. He also organised Supporters coaches for away games, as well as running the Club Shop. A tireless worker for others Brian will be sadly missed, not only by all involved in the Skittles League, but at Forest Green Rovers Football Club. The league offers it's sincere condolences to his wife Julie and his children. As soon as I have details of the funeral I will advise teams. Tributes to Brian can be found at the links below. http://www.forestgreenroversfc.com/news/showItem.asp?id=505 http://forum.fgrfc.net/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2029 http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/gloucestershireheadlines/Forest-Green-Rovers-mourn-club-stalwart/article-1276713-detail/article.html?cacheBust=24QLM1111743&success=true#StartComments.

BOTTLERS WITHDRAW FROM LEAGUE With the new season less than a month away the Bottlers from Section E have decided to withdraw for the forthcoming season. The team are hoping to reform next season, however their loss will mean Section E will join Section D in running with 13 teams. The Fixture Lists and Cup Draws will be updated accordingly. The decision once again impacts the league as it means two fewer fixtures for teams in the relevant Sections; the Secretary would again like to raise the issue of change and asks that all teams to take the mater seriously and express their views and opinions. It is difficult to apply major changes without the views of the member teams, any proposals need to be approved at the AGM; however the poor attendance from teams to this meeting again makes such matters a problem.

EMAIL RESULT SHEET FACILITY AVAILABLE FOR MIXED LEAGUE TEAMS In an effort to ontinualy assist teams in the Stroud and District Skittle League, the league has introduced a facility whereby teams can scan their result cards and email the copy to the league. This facility is currently available to Mixed League Teams only, however depending on its sucess it is hoped to expand this to Sections A-F and the Ladies Sections. By emailling Result Sheets the League Result Secretary wil receive the Match Details earlier, allowing the Results and tables to be kept up to date. In addition discrepencies can be resolved earlier and quicker as a contact email address will be available. Teams will also benefit as they will save postage. For more details on the Result Card Submission CLICK HERE.

AGM ATTENDANCE A CAUSE FOR CONCERN The committee of the Stroud and District Skittle League are growing concerned about the continual decline in numbers attending the Annual Meeting, which closes the league season. The 2008-2009 Meeting attracted a paltry 38 members, including league officials, which meant less than 1/4 of the Leagues teams were represented. This makes the discussion and potential implementation of changes difficult. With the opportunity to raise and discuss any matters of concern, and with each team allowed 2 votes on any proposal, it is an important meeting for the league. Attendance is not solely the responsibility of the Team Captain or Secretary, any member can attend and represent their team; and with teams having at least 9 players registered it is difficult to see why one or two cannot give up a few hours once a year. As a result the committee are considering making attendance COMPULSORY for ALL TEAM; with fines or points deductions for those who do not attend. It is your opportunity to have a say on the league, and without your voice your views cannot be considered so we would invite ALL TEAMS TO ATTEND THE 2009-2010 AGM.

MIXED LEAGUE TO COMMENCE FOR SEASON 2009-2010 The committee of the Stroud and District Skittle League are pleased to announce that the new Stroud Mixed League will commence as of Season 2009-2010. Although not yet given an official name; the league will start with six teams; three of which are new to the Stroud and District Skittle League. Run on a format different to that played in the existing Sections, it is hoped that with teams playing one game per week, no need to arrange Cup Fixtures, and allowing the a mixture of players, that more teams, both existing who are maybe struggling for numbers, and new teams, will join. The format for the Inaugural season will be:- Format - Mixed (Minimum 1 Male and 1 Female player) Number of Players - 8 / Number of Legs - 8 Playing format - Straight through / No Halves Points System - Points Per Leg / 4 points for the game Cup Competitions - None Entrance Fee - £32.50 We welcome the new teams into the Stroud and District League and wish all teams competing a sucessful season. For further information on the Mixed league, and if you are interested in joining for season 2010-2011 please email the League Secretary at stroudskittles@aol.com.

FORMAT FOR SEASON 2009-2010 CONFIRMED The format for the 2009-2010 Stroud and District Skittle League can now be confirmed. The league are please to announce that they have gained a sixth team for the Mixed League, and it will commence as of season 2009-2010. The structure is as follows SECTIONS A-F There are 83 teams, 1 less than last season. Sections A, B, C, E and F will consist of 14 teams, Section D will consist of 13 teams. LADIES SECTIONS There are 41 teams, 2 fewer than last season*. Sections A and B will consist of 14 teams, Section C will consist of 13 teams. MIXED LEAGUE The Mixed League will commence with 6 teams playing each other 4 times. There is also a Cup competition, played on a league basis, with teams split into two groups of 3. The winners of each group will play in the final. This gives each team a minimum of 24 games with one fixtre each week. With the exception of the Mixed League, all Sections will run on the 14 team grid introduced last season. As a result the season commences a week later than normal, on the Monday 14th September 2009, with the first half finishing a week earlier on Friday 11th December 2009. There will then be a 5 week break, with the second half of the season commencing on Monday 18th January 2010, and concluding on Friday 16th April 2010. The Finals commence on Friday 22nd April with the Mens Singles, with the Cup finals commencing on Monday 25th April. Easter is Friday 2nd April 2010 (Good Friday) and Monday 5th April (Easter Monday), please check to ensure you can form a team if you have a fixture on these days, and if not bring the game forward. It is hoped that the later start and earlier conclusion at Christmas will reduce cancellations at what are times when teams struggle for numbers due to holidays or Christmas parties. The league lost only one team this season, the Breakaways. Due to problems with the team there acceptance in the league was in serious doubt. In Sections A-F both Eastington Cricketers and the Buccaneers have switched to the Mixed League, had the league not commenced the former would have withdrawn. We welcome one new team; Chalford ex-Services, from Chalford ex-Services Club (formerly Chalford RBL). Promotion and relegation was 2 up 2 down In the Ladies Sections Cainscross Lassies have switched to the Mixed league and become Lads and Lassies. As with Eastington cricketers, had the league not formed they would have reluctantly withdrawn. With no new teams promotion was 2 up, with 3 teams relegated from Section A and 4 in Section B (including Cainscross Lassies). The Mixed League commences with 6 teams, three of which are new to the league; and we welcome them and wish them good luck As a result of the Mixed League being formed the number of teams participating in the Stroud and District Skittle League has increased from 127 to 130 teams, something that is of benifit to all. The league wishes all teams and enjoyable season. * - excludes the Chevrons who withdrew before the 2008-2009 Season Commenced. SECTION A SECTION B SECTION C 89ers Bee Pees Allsorts Aces Belly-Enders Bussars Artists Bluebells Farmers Bridge Boys Crickets Globetrotters Cavaliers Exiles Jokers Chalford AFC Kotmeba Kings Head A Frampton CC Leonard Stanley CC Lansdown Wanderers Hilliers Lynches Matchplay Bentonians Magpies A Old Manorians Merrywalkers Newboys Paganhill FC Originals Patch Rats B Patch Rats A Outcasts Shipwreckers Pot Bellied Porkers Painswick RFC Synwell A Rejects Randwick CC Victorians Whiteshill AFC Straw Walkers       SECTION D SECTION E SECTION F Cotswold Club 3C's Abdicators Erinoid 3D's Chalford ex-Services FGR Supporters Boozers Eastington Frampton Yetties Bottlers (withdrawn) Globe Masters Frocester CC Confederates Italian Job Frocester Spinners Kings Stanley Wanderers Jarheads Globe Sparklers Leonard Stanley SC Kitesnest Flyers Oysters Malaccas Phoenix Knights Panthers MEB Pirates Pindowners Razors Polyplanters Press Gang Reformers Steamers Three Horseshoes Rose Inn Throwbacks Tools Stanley Sidewinders Undesirables Bye Topformers Whitminster Satellites       LADIES A LADIES B LADIES C Castaways Abdabs Amazons Crackerjacks Alley Cats Batches Diamonds Clovers Bouncers Edgehogs Dolly Mixtures Bright Sparkes Fallen Angels Foxy Ladies Coaley Crows Fishers Gems Frocester Shadows Follys Go Betweens Gadabouts Ladybirds Lights n Shades Likely Ladies Misfits Little Devils Mermaids Newpins Madcapps Optimists Runabouts Pollys Pagans Slick Chicks Redlerettes Raving Fillies Springers Scarlet Ladies Severn Belles Variations Stanley Girls Bye         MIXED LEAGUE     Buccaneers     Butchers Arms*     Eastington Cricketers     Lads and Lassies     Malaccas B*     Matchplay Hooters   * Final Team Names to be confirmed - Names Given are to allow Fixture Lists to be Generated

SKITTLE BALLS AND PINS - UPDATE We are pleased to inform teams that we have obtained a good supply of both 4 7/8" and 5" Lignium Vitae Skittle Balls available at £150 per set. The balls are made from a wood called Lignum Vitae, and according to appendix II of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), listed as a potentially endangered species (reference WIKIPEDIA), hence there have been problems obtaining the wood. If you are interested in purchasing a new set of 4 7/8" Skittle Balls then please contact Brian on 01453 832858 or email stroudskittles@aol.com for further details. Once these are sold we are unsure when we will receive further supplies. Whilst we have stocks of Skittle Balls we are currently unable t supply due to the fact that our supplier cannot obtain Sycamore, the wood from which these are manufacturerd. As soon as stocks are available we will advise. For more information CLICK HERE.

TEAMS REMINDED ON START TIME I wish to remind teams even at this late time of the season that games must start no later than 8:15pm. I am aware that there are some teams that do not turn up or start on time, particularly in Sections A-F; but if I don't receive any details regarding offending teams little action can be taken. Verbal communication to team members, other teams, or committee members will not resolve the issue as if I get to find out it is third hand and generally months later. If you wish for me to deal with the problem I need to be notified in writing so I can ascertain the offending teams. This can be communicated by email at stroudskittles@aol.com.

RESULT CARD ERRORS COULD COST YOUR TEAM POINTS In the last few weeks there have been a number of result cards where the individual player totals and half totals do not agree; in some cases altering the match result. Where such errors are found the individual player score will be taken as correct. This could cost your team points. To alter results teams will incur a fine. To ensure your results are correct and your team does not incur a fine please ensure the scores on your card are correct and the half total adds up.

TEAMS REMINDED ON LEAGUE RULES With the season only a month old already the league is suffering problems where teams are not complying with League Rules. The season has seen teams using non signed on players, posting incomplete Result Cards, or cancelling games at very late notice. League rules are published in the front of your Handbook or can be found on the league website; whilst details of amendments or changes can be found in the Newsletter, issued to every team at the start of the season. Fines, and/or Points Deductions will be applied where rules are not adhered to

LATE FINISHES A CAUSE FOR CONCERN One of the biggest moans the Secretary receives during the season is the late finish of games, in particular in the Mens Sections. Games starting late have an effect, as does the speed and skill of the sticker; but the Secretary is of the view that the halftime break plays the biggest problem. With the growing trend in the Mens Sections for food it has resulted in what should be quick 5-minute break lasting around 20 minutes. This has a major effect on the time the game finishes. Teams are therefore asked to take this into consideration to aid an earlier finish to your games.