SECRETARY'S REPORT 2024

After four years of disruption and change we had a fairly smooth ride last season - although the league does now looks very different to how it did 5 years ago. Thankfully only a few small tweaks were needed to the format for last season and I don’t recall any problems or complaints – which from a secretary’s point of view is always good news.

The Deaf Centre seem to like the 6 man team Knock Out format and retained the trophy they won the previous season, again with no need for a final after the 6 round robin matches. In the league competition Pudsey A climbed into top spot in week 6 and were never topped, as they saw off all challengers to claim the league champions trophy. Princeville D had finished 4^th but still managed to win the play off competition, despite three of their four matches being away from home. So the honours were nicely shared around, with a team from each of our three venues picking up one trophy apiece. The highest breaks were not particularly high, with just three players topping 50 all season, the highest being Richard Bowes 57 - and so he retained the highest break trophy. Mention should also be made of Peter Wood, who made his first break of 30 in the league, to collect the higher handicap break prize

The latter stages of the Individual and Pairs competitions were dominated by Richard Bowes and Chris Jarvis, who played each other in both the Billiards and Snooker finals, winning one competition each, while Chris and his partner Mick Cockcroft retained the Billiards Pairs trophy they won the previous season. Again we were fortunate to be able to stage the finals and presentations at a very welcoming Gt Horton Conservative Club, which ensured neutral tables for all three finals and very enjoyable evenings for all who attended

Hopefully we will have the same number of teams for the 2024/25 season and if so I would not see any need for major changes. The only slight tweak, as I mentioned in the Calling Notice, might be to change the shoot out in the play offs – when one is required - to a best of 3 format before then going to sudden death if necessary

Thank you for your support throughout the year

Stephen Kershaw

Secretary