(Added 08/05/08) Finals Night 2008 is looming next Tuesday & Wednesday. The team will be represented in the Semi-Finals of the singles by Del Gooch & Damion Millward. The team will be looking to complete another perfect season with a win in the Challenge Cup Final against the Orchard Gardens, winners of Division 1. The team representing the Staithe will be Mark Forrester, Damion Millward, Del Gooch, Keith Clouting and Chris Randles with Alex Davis still in France. The side is also hopeful of a fair amount of travelling support to cheer the team along.
(Added 03/04/08) Fishing Boat 'A' 5 v 6 Staithe - Cup Semi 2nd Leg - The return leg of the semi-final started well for the Staithe and the team found themselves through to the final with the score at 4v2. With the rest of the games decided to be played the Staithe then attempted to committ suicide. The next three frames were lost and the Staithe found themselves 5v4 down and the two and three quarter year unbeaten run in grave danger. The final two frames were won by Chris Randles and Damion Millward to save the day. Del Gooch made his debut for the Staithe and looks to be a very good acquisition to the team. Del however lost his first two frames for the side. Damion Millward won three from three frames again, Chris Randles won both his frames, Keith Clouting won one from two and Mark Forrester who had one of his worsts nights lost both his games. The final will be against Division 1 winners the Orchard Gardens 'B'. A better performance will be needed to complete the league and cup double.
(Added 27/03/08) Staithe 8 v 3 Fishing Boat 'A' - Cup Semi 1st Leg - Always a tough match the Staithe started well although with good fortune and found themselves 3v0 up. Then however, losses from Chris Randles and Craig Alexander put the team back to 3v2 up. Sensing their chances had greatly improved the Fishing Boat had a renewed sense of believe. However, a great frame from Damion Millward kept the Staithe heading in the right direction only for Keith Clouting to be unfortunate leaving the score poised at 4v3. Captain Mark Forrester stood up to the plate followed by Matthew Holgate and Chris Randles. A final frame win after a long grind from Moosey Millward saw a final result of 8v3. On paper a fine result and one that will leave the Fishing Boat almost requiring a miracle to prevent the Staithe progressing to the final in May.
(Added 19/03/08) Jolly Farmers 'A' 3 v 8 Staithe. The league agenda now being virtually complete the Staithe travelled to Swanton Abbot on what was slightly a dull fixture. However, the result was obtained. Three wins from three for Alex Davis, two from two for Damion Millward and one from two from Keith Clouting, Craig Alexander and Chris Randles. Cup semi-finals next week and back to bigger business.
(Added 12/03/08) Lighthouse 'B' 3 v 8 Staithe. The league season is winding down with the honours already taken. Three wins from three for Damion Millward, two from two for Mark Forrester and Keith Clouting. The down side to the night Chris Randles lost his 100% record against opposition he would certainly have expected to defeat. Without question it was no help that the side were one player short. Matthew Holgate stepped in to play a frame in the second half but all concerned were exceptionally not happy to have to conceed a frame, which the team has never done before. Next week Jolly Farmers away.
(Added 05/03/08) Staithe 10 v 1 Black Lion. The second game in two days saw the Staithe comfortably win convincingly again. No drama and no fuss. Two frames from two from Keith Clouting once again and one win from his one frame from Damion Millward. Craig Alexander returning to the side also won twice and captain Mark Forrester also won both his frames. Scandles Randles continued his run of being unbeaten winning twice to keep the dream alive. The only casualty on the evening Alex Davis who won one of his two frames, certainly can be forgiven on his recent performances. Three away games remain for the side and with concentration another unbeaten season could certainly be achieved. Attention will also remain for the Randles pilgrimage towards a perfect league season. Next stop Walcott Lighthouse. Bring it on.
(Added 04/03/08) Staithe 10 v 1 Buxton Crown 'A'. The long awaited re-arranged fixture between 1st & 2nd in the league finally came to be. After last weeks performance many would have been forgiven for believing a shock could be on the cards. Oh no, what a legendary performance from all. Too much drama to report it all. Alex Davis kicked the side off with a fantastic 1st frame win which he later backed up with another cracking frame. Keith Clouting won both his frames in good style as did Damion Millward. Chris Randles...still remains 100% in the league but was once again slightly fortunate to put it mildly. Captain Mark Forrester won two from three, losing the final frame but by then the job was well and truely done. Certainly on the night the best the side have played this year and comments from notorious pool critic Paul Talbot summed it up..."You get nothing at the Staithe but a good value steak."
(Added 27/02/08) Sutton Staithe Hotel have drawn the Fishing Boat 'A' in the Semi Finals of the Challenge Cup. The Boat currently 5th in Division 1 will prove interesting opposition. The first leg is at Sutton on the 25th March.
(Added 27/02/08) Fishing Boat 'B' 5 v 6 Sutton Staithe Hotel. Travelling to the team bottom of the League few would have suggested the result. In summary the worst performance of the season from the side collectively. Individually, Mark Forrester won two from two as did Chris Randles. Moosey Millward managed two wins from three including the decider whilst both Keith Clouting and Craig Alexander lost both their frames. The only plus point is any other side had played this bad they would certainly have lost. The two and half year unbeaten run lives on but improvement will be required.
(Added 19/02/08) Staithe 7 v 4 Black Swan. The Staithe progressed to the last four of the Cup, once again flattered by the result. The Black, a good side knew they had to come and win and as in the previous week shew the Staithe they could do so. After a first frame win from Alex Davis it looked like no drama. At 4 v 4 it looked more like a drama. Staithe trying to continue a 2 1/2 year unbeaten run did not show why this was the case. Short and simple. Craig Alexander, youngest player won two from two and certainly in his 2nd frame was good. Older more experienced boys, not so good. No other player could win two from two frames. The opposition will become stronger and the score flattered the Staithe. The details. Craig Alexander two wins from two, Keith Clouting one from two, Alex Davis one from two, Mark Forrester one from two, Scandes can't play in the cup Randles one from two, Moosey Millward one from one. Simple as. Maybe the best squad in this league for fifteen years..Problem...Questions to be answered, and they will be asked by other sides along the way. Staithe through to the last four, grrrrrrrr.
(Added 13/02/08) Black Swan 4 v 7 Staithe. As predicted a huge battle. Losing the first frame the Staithe were under pressure from the beginning. Several times the Staithe replied to bring the game back level and several times they could not get in front. At 3-2 down things looked in the balance. A win from Damion Millward levelled once more only for Chris Randles to lose again. At 4v3 down Steve Beales missed a golden opportunity to really pile the pressure on. It was not to be though and from that point the Staithe improved and won the last four frames of the match. Another good performance from Alex Davis winning two from two along with Damion Millward, also two from two. Mark Forrester and Keith Clouting won one from two but it must be noted that Keith won the tenth frame which was crucial. Craig Alexander won his frame and looked largely more confident in a tense match. Chris Randles lost both his frames in his worst performance of the season, largely contributing to the team struggling on the night. However, the result is without question a fantastic one and sets up the Staithe for the return leg in perfect position to progress to the last four of the competition.
(Added 09/02/08) With the end of season games approaching its business time for the Staithe. Tuesday sees the team travel to Division 1 Black Swan 'A' in the 1st Round of the Cup Quarter Finals. The whole squad is available but looks likely to be Keith Clouting, Mark Forrester, Chris Randles, Damion Millward, Craig Alexander and Alex Davis who will travel.
(Added 30/01/08) NW Sports Centre 4 v 7 Sutton Staithe. The Staithe recorded their 10th straight league win after a battling performance. Losing the first two frames Alex Davis got the team off to a start and from then on it never really looked back. Another two good frames from Chris Randles maintained his unlikely 100% league run, Alex Davis also weighed in another two victories. Keith Clouting, Mark Forrester & Craig Alexander all won one frame from two while Moosey Millward lost the only frame he played on the night.
(Added 23/1/08) Staithe 10 v 1 Orchard Gardens. Craig Alexander made his debut for the Staithe and marked it well with two wins from three frames which will no doubt boost confidence for the future. Two frames came from all the rest of the team, Chris Randles, Keith Clouting, Mark Forrester and Alex Davies. Two good clearances were made from both Mark Forrester & Alex Davis on the night in another very good result which probably has just about secured promotion.
(Added 9/1/08) The first match of the New Year went well for the Staithe. After losing the first frame the side went on to win the 9 of the next 10, running out 9-2 winners against a fair Kings Arms side. Two frames from Moosey Millward, Chris Randles & Alex Davis assisted with one frame from Mark Forrester, Keith Clouting and playing his first game this season Matthew Holgate.
(Added 2/1/08) Sutton Staithe will play the Black Swan 'A' (Div 1) in the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup. First leg away at the Black Swan. A tough draw but the team will be hopeful of progressing.
(Added 1/1/08) Sutton Staithe completed 2007 without defeat, a fine achievement and a good effort from all concerned.
(Added 19/12/07) Coltishall Railway 4 v 7 Staithe - The Staithe progressed comfortably into the last eight with a solid performance. Needing only five frames the Staithe won the first four to put the tie well beyond the reach of last years winners. At 5 v 1 the job was complete. The remaining frames were played out and the Staithe ended winners 7 v 4. The team showed good character in getting the job done and all players contributed with no-one standing out as exceptional on the night. One frame from two for Randles, Moosey Millward and Mark Forrester. Two from two from Dave Edwards and two from three for Keith Clouting. It would be fair to believe that none of the remaining teams will be wishing to draw the Staithe.
(Added 14/12/07) Sutton Staithe is pleased to have signed Craig Alexander to further strengthen the squad. Craig is eighteen years old and it is hoped that he will develop into a exceptional player and addition to the team. He will be available from the 1st January 2008.
(Added 11/12/07) Staithe 7 v 4 Coltishall Railway - The visit of the current Challenge Cup Champions was always going to be a tight and difficult test. The visitors started well and after the first four frames were positioned well at 3v1 up. The visitors missed a golden opportunity to increase the lead with a clearance from the break and from that point forward the home team grew in confidence and applied the grip. The Staithe went on to win the next six frames. Six frames where players in the team shew not only their class but their resolve. A fantastic trebled! black from Keith Clouting and a great black from Mark Forrester complimented two frames from two from Moosey Millward and another good contribution from Dave Edwards winning two from three frames. The two wins from Dave at highly crucial junctions in the match. Chris Randles lost his 100% record for the season but can cling to the fact he is unbeaten in the league. Time ran out for him! Next weeks away leg looks altogether a better prospect than at 9.30pm today with the Railway needing to beat the Staithe 8v3 to progress. Not going to happen. Good fight shown by all, last eight beckons and a threat team all but doomed.
(Added 5/12/07) Staithe 10 v 1 Jolly Farmers 'A' - Quite simply a tremendous performance from the team in quick time. Two frames from Keith Clouting and Damion Millward. Two frames kept Chris 'Lucky' Randles 100% record running and a super performance from Dave Edwards with three great hits subbing in for a missing Alex Davies. Mark 'Skipper' Forrester was the only frame casualty in what the whole team must review as a fantastic performance against a side third in the league. Next week sees the visit of Coltishall Railway current cup holders and on tonights performance you have to fear for their chances.
(Added 27/11/07) Staithe 7 v 4 Lighthouse 'B' - The Lighthouse proved worthy opponents in a tough match. Two frames from Mark Forrester from three and one win for Keith Clouting, Damion Millward and Alex Davies. Unusually at home the Staithe missed several opportunities in a number of frames. Mention must be made of Foggy on his return winning both his frames which were welcomed on a difficult night for the side.
(Added 21/11/07) Black Lion 2 v 9 Staithe - A difficult away match was faced against a good Black Lion side. The Staithe prevailed however with two wins from Keith Clouting, Damion Millward and Chris Randles who still continues to be the only player with a 100% record left. This was however after his best efforts to lose in a unconvincing display. Mark Forrester won one frame and lost one to a cracking performance from "Liz", the Lion captain and winner of their two frames. Alex "Alexis" Davies won two frames from three in another very reasonable performance.
(Added 14/11/07) Staithe 10 v 1 Fishing Boat 'B' - Another good team performance from the side with two frames from Keith Clouting, Damion Millward and Alex Davis. Chris Randles continued what is now a good unbeaten run of 100% with another three winning frames. Only casualty of the evening was one loss from Mark. More testing matches are ahead with next weeks visit to Buxton who are second in the league. Staithe expected to be unchanged for the tie.
(Added 07/11/07) Black Swan 'B' 5 v 6 Staithe (Cup 1st Round/2nd Leg) The Staithe progressed into the second round after playing a team wishing to make amends for the 11 v 0 thrashing in the first leg. As expected the table was far from perfect and the match proved a difficult task. Two frames from three for Mark Forrester and one each from Keith, Alex, Damion and Foggy secured victory. On the night Mark played exceptionally well as did Alex and Foggy won a crucial frame at 5 v 4 to ensure there would be no drama.
(Added 31/10/07) Staithe 11 v 0 Black Swan 'B' (Cup 1st Round/1st Leg) Without doubt one of the most comprehensive performances of recent years from the Staithe who collectively blasted away the Black Swan. Two frames were taken from Keith, Mark, Damion, Alex and Randles with Foggy winning the 11th. Special mention must be made of Chris Randles and Mark Forrester who both gave superb displays at vital times to destroy a side, 5th in Division one and boasting several good players. The result means the second leg is almost a formality and the Staithe cup campaign is very much off and running!
(Added 24/10/07) Railway "B" 4 v 7 Staithe. Possibly the biggest challenge of the season so far against a side keen to take points from the match. Keith Clouting & Damion Millward lost the first two frames which put the side under pressure and tested the resolve. However the team raised the tempo and two fine performances from Alex Davies changed fortunes around. In from the wilderness Chris Randles confidently won three frames out of three to continue his 100% record for the season.
(Added 20/10/07)The Staithe continued a fantastic start to the season with a 8 v 3 win against North Walsham Sports Centre. Keith Clouting lost his first frame of the season and John Fogg lost twice with a very poor performance. Mark Forrester & Damion Millward maintained their 100% start to season. The side likely to travel on Tuesday to Coltishall Railway looks like Keith Clouting, Mark Forrester, Alex Davies, Damion Millward and recalled from the wilderness Chris Randles.
(Added 12/10/07)The game against the Sports Centre at home looks likely to be played on Wednesday 17th October and not Tuesday 16th October. The starting side is likely to be Keith Clouting, Mark Forrester, Alex Davis, Damion Millward and John Fogg who will replace Chris Randles as the team can only put up with him on a fortnightly basis.
(Added 10/10/07)Following the cancellation of the first home game against the Crown last week the Staithe travelled away for a second time to the Orchard Gardens. A tough night was expected after the Orchard won 10v1 the week before. However, the team of Keith Clouting, Mark Forrester, Alex Davis, Damion Millward and back from the wilderness Chris Randles triumphed comfortably with a 10v1 win. Keith Clouting, Mark Forrester & Damion Millward all maintained their 100% start to the season. Alex was unlucky to be the only player to lose on the night whilst Chris Randles also contributed with a classy two wins.
(Added 28/9/07) The team expected to play The Old Crown in the first home game of the season is expected to be unchanged. Keith Clouting, Mark Forrester, Alex Davies, John Fogg & Damion Millward with Chris Randles be rested after a bout of gimping.
(Added 26/9/07) Sutton Staithe traveled away for the first match of the season to the Kings Arms North Walsham with high levels of confidence and a strong side. The team proved the faith well founded and ran out 10-1 winners on the night. Two frames from Keith Clouting, Mark Forrester and Damion Millward were fatal to the home team. Alex Davies debuted with three frames and proved the faith that he is a huge acquistion to the side with three wins in three frames whilst Foggy was the only player to drop a frame. Confidence in the future must surely be exceptionally high as the depth of the side was shown. A super start to the season where all contributed with the absence of Chris Randles, showed that strength in depth is certainly present.
(Added 22/9/07) Sutton Staithe will travel away to the Kings Arms 'B' in North Walsham for the first game of the season on Tuesday 25th September.
The team have also been drawn against the Black Swan 'B', North Walsham in the preliminary round of this years cup events, 1st round on the 30th October 2007.