by Stuart O’Dell
Week 18 Report
Stanhope Grey Bull (A) v Stanhope Club
Stanhope Club made the short trip to face Stanhope Grey Bull (A), and it was the visitors who struck first through Adam Dobson.
The home side responded well, taking the next two frames thanks to Stu Brown and David Craggs to move a point ahead. Stanhope Club then swung the match back in their favour with wins from Paul Dobson and Alan Barker, edging into a one-point lead.
Chris Woodruff levelled matters for the Grey Bull at 3–3 at the end of the singles, leaving everything to play for in the doubles. Stanhope Club held their nerve, winning two of the three doubles matches to secure a narrow 5–4 victory on the night.
St Johns Chapel Blue Bell v Wolsingham Black Lion
The Blue Bell welcomed Wolsingham Black Lion for their Week 18 clash, and it was the visitors who opened the scoring through Reg Savory.
Damien Tomlinson quickly drew the home side level, but Chris Pybourne restored the visitors’ advantage. Peter Liddle once again evened the score at 2–2, keeping the contest finely balanced.
However, Wolsingham Black Lion took control from there. James Everitt and Adam Martin added further singles wins, and the visitors completed a dominant finish by claiming all three doubles matches to seal a convincing 7–2 victory.
Frosterley Inn v Stanhope Grey Bull (B)
Frosterley Inn got off to a strong start with Ethan Coates taking the opening frame, but Julie Scott responded immediately for Stanhope Grey Bull (B).
Neil Coates restored the Inn’s lead, only for the visitors to win the next two frames through Jake Crawford and David Sheppard to edge ahead. Derek Dent ensured the match was level at 3–3 after the singles, setting up a decisive double’s session.
Frosterley Inn proved stronger in the pairs, winning two of the three doubles matches to clinch a narrow 5–4 win.
Another competitive week in the Weardale Pool League, with two fixtures going right down to the final frames.
| Pos. | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points |
| 1 | Stanhope Club | 12 | 11 | 1 | 72 |
| 2 | Stanhope Grey Bull (A) | 12 | 7 | 5 | 63 |
| 3 | Wolsingham Black Lion | 11 | 8 | 3 | 61 |
| 4 | Frosterley Inn | 11 | 7 | 4 | 55 |
| 5 | Stanhope Grey Bull (B) | 12 | 5 | 7 | 52 |
| 6 | St Johns Chapel Blue Bell | 12 | 1 | 11 | 36 |
| 7 | Stanhope Pack Horse | 12 | 2 | 10 | 30 |
Player Of The Year:
| Wins | Played | Player | Team | ||||
| 10 | 12 | Adam Robinson | Stanhope Club | ||||
| 8 | 12 | Chris Woodruff | Grey Bull (A) | ||||
| 8 | 12 | Jack Tinkler | Grey Bull (B) | ||||
| 8 | 11 | Doug Mill | Black Lion | ||||
| 8 | 11 | James Everitt | Black Lion | ||||
| 8 | 11 | Paul Dobson | Stanhope Club | ||||
| 8 | 11 | Alan Barker | Stanhope Club | ||||
| 8 | 10 | Neil Coates | Frosterley Inn | ||||
| 8 | 9 | Adam Dobson | Stanhope Club | ||||
| 8 Ballers | |||||||
| No | Name | Team | |||||
| 1 | James Everitt | Black Lion | |||||
| 1 | Adam Robinson | Stanhope Club | |||||
Team Knock Out Final
To be played over two legs (home and away) on 4th & 11th March 2026 with the first team drawn being the home venue for the first leg:
Wolsingham Black Lion V Stanhope Grey Bull (A)
