Snooker Season 2025/6

Home Team Report:
A new season, a new team suffix and the start of what could be quite an adventure. Premier League snooker. Who'd have thought?! Well, never in my wildest dreams. Kelvin, Andy and Chris have all graced the Byfleet League's highest echelon, but this is new territory for me. The plan is to enjoy to ride regardless of results.

Looking through the archives, it's at least twenty years since West Byfleet sustained two teams in the top division. Indeed, it may be unprecedented. We're in no doubt about the challenges that lie await but are looking forward to them.

Ray's team were promoted with us last season and, over the last couple of years, have established themselves as keen supporters of the league. They now play from Lightwater club and do so with great sportsmanship and generosity. They're always good company - but minus Fred on this particular occasion, to whom we send our best wishes.

Fresh from a confident showing at the "900" tournament the previous night in Reading, Nick took the match by the scruff of the neck immediately. In both frames against Kelvin, his bold but considered shot selections helped into early leads that allowed him to control proceedings. The opener was sealed by a long thin cut on the green; and the second with a long red stroked into the baulk pocket from tight on the top cushion.

It's a credit to both the League and Billy that a player of his ability is keen to participate. Watching him play is always a pleasure and a good chance to learn. Breaks of 30 and 35 gave him the third frame against Chris. The next was closer and featured a long duel on the brown before Billy's half-ball long pot sealed the match for Lightwater.

With typical panache, Anthony drilled in one of his trademark long reds with his first shot. But, beyond that, I was able to get ahead in both frames - helped by some good run of the ball at key times. In the fifth frame, I'd partially snookered myself on the blue. My escape off the side cushion hit the blue and then fluked a snooker behind the pink. Anthony didn't hit it and generously called a miss on himself which turned the frame decisively in my favour.

A deserved win for Lightwater on the night.

Champions Windlesham await us next week...

PV