ABOUT THE LEAGUE

 

The league was formed in 1978 according to my records by a pool addict named Alan Rowe (RIP). Alan, when I first met him was being assisted by Sid Brough.

Due to his health the chair was taken over by Paddy Drummond and assisted by Kim Newbon with Sid still looking after the books.

The rest of the history of the league is simple.

In 1987 we saw the arrival on the scene of George Bradbury, who with Tony 'Beano' Hazledine stormed onto the pool scene .

During the Nineties the committee was made up of Tommy and Hazel Malbon and Tommy Clowes with George and 'Beano'.

 

In 1992 the committee introduced another competition called the 'George Bradbury'  Chairman's Cup, this was designed for the top sides in each division. To help the lower sides the league 'invented' the Secretaries Shield for them to battle for.


In 1993 the league attracted sponsorship from Stone Van Hire and Bass breweries, this enabled the league to purchase new perennial trophies which are still in circulation to this day.

 

In 1996 the league introduced a Subsidary Singles and Doubles competition for first round losers in the relevant Singles and Doubles merits. They have now 'outlawed' county players to make it better for the lower players to play and win.

 

In the year 2000 another competition was designed, the Super Sixes (Sevens originally). This was designed to give a cup final atmosphere in each match with all players playing at one venue.

 

In the 2004 season both Tommy and Hazel relinquished their posts due to work commitments and were soon joined 'in retirement' by Tommy Clowes.

 

To this day George is still the Chairman and after a short break of two years, Tony remains as the Secretary and now Treasurer.
In 2004 the committee was 'boosted' by the arrival of Paul Ward with the official name of Merits / Competition secretary.

 

In 2007 the league once again introduced yet another set of competitions called the Champions Trophy , (competed by the top 2 sides in each division) the remaining sides in each division play in the Divisional cups. This ensures Four sides from each Division wins trophies at the end of the season.

 

Wardys' first job was to introduce the One Frame Knockout ,a fantastic competition that no league in Staffordshire can match. 64 players at one venue playing down to the winner.

 

As well has running this league George has been the chairman of Staffordshire County since 1996 and back in 2002 recruited Beano as competition secretary.

 

'Wardy' is in his first position within a committee, but as a player that's won over 10 merits titles, 5 national titles with the County, he's now putting all his experience into this league.

 

 'Beano' also was previously Chairman of the Longton and District league, and along with Kev Brindley amalgamated the Longton League and the Concorde League. This league is still running as the Gala League.

 

The names:- Stoke Pool League (my favourite), Carpets and Cane ,Stone Van Hire and now Afford Pool League.

 

Merits Secretary Chairman Secretary / treasurer
   
Paul Ward George Bradbury Tony Hazledine