By Stuart O’Dell
Weardale Pool League 2026/27 – Week 1 Report
New Season Gets Underway with Two New Teams
The new Weardale Pool League season is officially underway, with two new teams joining the competition for the 2026/27 campaign. Stanhope Club have entered a B team, while The Curious Grouse, representing Stanhope’s Heather View Caravan Park, also make their debut in the league.
Everyone at the Weardale Pool League wishes both new teams the very best for the season ahead!
Last season went right down to the final game of the final day to decide the destination of the title. We could be in for another highly competitive campaign!
Stanhope Pack Horse V Stanhope Club (B)
Stanhope Pack Horse got their season underway against Stanhope Club’s newly formed B team, with Dan Wright opening the scoring for the home side. Ian Peart quickly followed suit, before John Elwood and Will Giles extended the Pack Horse advantage to four points without reply.
Stanhope Club (B) responded through Jack Anderson, with Ethan Coates following up to bring the visitors back into contention and leave the score at 4–2 heading into the doubles.
The Pack Horse claimed the first doubles game of the evening to secure the match victory, but Stanhope Club (B) showed plenty of fighting spirit by taking the final two doubles games to narrow the deficit.
It was a strong start for Stanhope Pack Horse, who held on to claim a narrow 5–4 victory, although the new B team certainly showed they will be no pushovers this season.
Stanhope Grey Bull (A) V St Johns Chapel Blue Bell
Stanhope Grey Bull (A) made an impressive start against St Johns Chapel Blue Bell, with Chris Woodruff opening the scoring before Paul Heppel added another point for the home side.
Derek Iddon got the Blue Bell on the scoreboard, but the visitors’ hopes of a comeback were quickly dented as Stu Brown, David Craggs and Johnny Emerson all secured singles victories to put the Grey Bull firmly in control before the doubles began.
The home side continued their strong performance by taking the opening doubles game. St Johns Chapel Blue Bell responded by claiming the second, but Stanhope Grey Bull (A) finished the evening on a high by winning the final doubles encounter.
A convincing 7–2 victory gives the Grey Bull an excellent start to their campaign.
Stanhope Club (A) V Stanhope Curious Grouse
Stanhope Club (A) welcomed league newcomers The Curious Grouse for their first meeting of the season, and the home side wasted little time in making their presence felt.
Adam Dobson, Stu O’Dell and Adam Robinson all picked up singles victories to give Stanhope Club an early advantage. Andrew Henry secured the first point in The Curious Grouse’s league history, giving the visitors something to celebrate on their debut.
However, the home side soon re-established their dominance, with Frank Stephenson and Paul Dobson adding further singles victories to put Stanhope Club firmly in control before the doubles games.
With the match already decided, Stanhope Club continued to impress by sweeping all three doubles games to complete a dominant performance.
The result was an emphatic 8–1 victory for Stanhope Club (A), while The Curious Grouse will look to build on their first taste of league action as the season progresses.
Wolsingham Black Lion V Stanhope Grey Bull (B)
Wolsingham Black Lion hosted Stanhope Grey Bull (B) in what proved to be a closely contested encounter.
James Everitt got the home side off to a winning start, but Daniel Crawford quickly levelled things up for the visitors. Chris Henderson then put the Grey Bull ahead, before Jack Tinkler extended their advantage to two points.
Wolsingham Black Lion responded well under pressure, with Doug Mill and Jonathan Elliott both winning their singles games to bring the match level at 3–3 heading into the doubles.
With everything still to play for, the doubles proved decisive. The Black Lion found another gear, claiming all three doubles games to turn a closely fought contest into a 6–3 victory for the Wolsingham side.
It was an excellent finish from the home team, who will be pleased with the way they responded after falling behind in the singles.
Week 1 Results at a Glance
- Stanhope Pack Horse 5–4 Stanhope Club (B)
- Stanhope Grey Bull (A) 7–2 St Johns Chapel Blue Bell
- Stanhope Club (A) 8–1 Stanhope Curious Grouse
- Wolsingham Black Lion 6–3 Stanhope Grey Bull (B)
Four fixtures, plenty of action and a welcome start for the league’s two new teams. With last season’s title race going down to the wire, the opening week has set the scene for what promises to be another exciting season of Weardale pool!
Good luck to all teams for the season ahead!
