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Winter Season 2009/2010 - Predictions
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| berty |
Posted on 28-09-2009 18:30
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Home From Home
Posts: 367
Joined: 03.10.07
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Ok so the new winter season is nearly upon us and this time around it promises to be as close as ever.
Looking at the final league table of the last winter campaign the bridge in class at the top is narrowing with every season that passes. You could argue that it is partly due to top teams losing some key players or you could argue that the mid table teams have made some shrewd signings and are bridging the gap. My prediction this season is that there will be a very definite top 6 and a clear bottom 6 fighting it out for relegation.
2008/2009 season
Eagles - 140
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Hot Shots - 134
Propeller - 134
Patriots - 127
Unpredictables - 117
Cuemasters - 108
Jolly - 101
Farley Eden - 97
Bloodhounds - 93
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London Snooker - 92 (R)
Legion - 90 (R)
Pond Q's - 82 (R)
So team by team (inc final league standing prediction)
Eagles - (Champs)
Last season with a depleted side and sides around them making key signings the Eagles started last season for the first time in a while as something other than favourites. They however proved that like Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo there is a future and they proved it by securing yet another title. The old questions will rear the head at the start of this campaign.....Is the hunger still there? Can some of the emerging players continue to produce? Will they play only 5 players in a match? Only time will tell one things for sure if they are not in the running with three weeks left I will chew my arm off.
Hot Shots (3rd)
Have absolutely run away with the lower standard summer league. It will feel like a long time since the Hot Shots exploded on to the scene and took the title. This is something that I am sure the likes of Sean and Rod will look to redress with this campaign. The only team that is missing from the Summer is the Eagles and I have no doubt again that results between the two sides could be key to the team that comes out on top in the Winter. If both teams have kept the same squads as last year it is hard to see anything other than a close finish.
Propeller (2nd)
They are always going to be there or there abouts but for one reason or another in recent years have just lacked that edge needed to give them the consistency needed to edge out the teams above them. Last season with the Addition of Dolan it looked for a while like they would finally challenge however some dissapointing results with the teams around them left them just shy of where they needed to be. This season if they have kept hold of key players I can see them pushing it all the way again.
Patriots (5th)
Have real quality in the team of that there is no doubt and also players that have been there and done it before. It will be hard for the lower teams to get a good result against them however I think it is always going to be a big ask for them to come off well man to man against the big three. I am not sure if they have made some signings as in my opinion they will need to to avoid their target for the season to be finishing 4th.
Unpredictables (6th)
A couple of the guys in the last campaign really produced the goods but like most of the teams out side the big three fall short in the man to mans and strength in depth. Always going to be capable of pulling of a win against anyone with the likes of Chris and Graaf but I fear without signings top half is about the best they can hope for.
Cue Masters (4th)
I am looking forward to this season as a full member of the Cue Master set up. I had a practise the other day with the whole squad and it seems they are really up for this campaign. They have made a couple of very promising signings who as long as they can get to grips with the rules are well capable of rustling some feathers this season. With the Cuemasters it is always about consistency but rarely look out of their depth against the best teams. if they can convert some of the Many Many draws last season and get the new players involved they will challenge in all competitions this year.
Jolly A (8th)
A very promising first season last season and without doubt have some good players. If they can avoid second season itis they should be ok. All I would say is that as many teams have learned in the second season that you no longer offer a surprise package and the other teams know your strengths and weaknesses. This will mean your top players will have to continue to perform against other teams top players and do well. Not as easy when they know what is coming.
Eden (7th)
Rumours of inhouse arguments, Players leaving, lack of morale and the Eden summer teams lacking certain Eden qualities.........A typical pre-season I would suggest. If some of the posts were anything to go by at the end of this summer campaign I am not sure what line up will be on offer first game of the season V The Cuemasters. I just hope they can pull it together and get their Mojo back as they have always added another dimension to the league. At this stage however I am predicting a poor season with the old favourites digging them out of a hole in the final weeks.
Hurricanes (11th)
I am gonna predict that the Hurricanes finally get their sh*t together and produce the form they seem to be able to pull out of their arses to avoid relegation. A very talented side that perhaps alllows themselves to fall in to a rut if they lose a couple of games. They seem to be a confidence side so a good start may set the tone of for the season.
To be fair I know very little about the sides below but you only have to look at sides like the Hurricanes and the Jolly to realise that it is more than possible to hold your own in this division. On the flip side of the coin history tells us that at least two of the sides below will probably go straight back down.
Warbank (9th)
Have seen it before and the likes of Mark, Ian and Scott offer real quality. Not sure about their strength in depth but as you might of seen Scott hates being relegated so they will have to up their game if they are to avoid a double relegation in a much tougher league.
Forum A (10th)
Tony Clarke and John Bayliss offer real quality but this team have been here and gone down before. it is not enough to have two great players and for that reason baring signings a direct return to div 2 is on the cards.
Imperials (12th)
I know nothing of this team which could be their strongest weapon. Based on the fact I know nothing I predict you will finish bottom...Prove me wrong...it worked for the Hurricanes in their first season.
And thats that.
Bring it on
Edited by berty on 29-09-2009 17:03 |
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| ThePower |
Posted on 29-09-2009 05:08
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Must Get Out More
Posts: 970
Joined: 05.10.07
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Eagles - Backed against them last year (in fact I do every year). Of course, never a sensible thing to do. Credit for last season but the Prop let them back in just after Christmas and threw away a big lead. Over 22 games, history tells us, the Eagles rarely fail to deliver. Prediction = Remortgage your house and lump on
Hot Shots - Rumours of the main bulk of the squad going to play in Waterloo league leaves it up in the air if they have the side to compete with the Eagles/Prop. Performed brilliantly with a depleted side to take the Summer title. Prediction = Simon Abramovich to sign a couple of internationals.
Propeller - A few players left and a couple of new signings that will not ring too many alarm bells with the Ego's. All depends if they can muster the hunger and belief they can make up for last season's disappointments. Prediction = 3rd
Patriots - Andy Shaw signing from the Prop sends a message to last season's top 3. Have the squad to go close this year but they do struggle with consistentcy in their line-up. Top 2 is a big possibility if they get going early doors. Prediction = Runners-up
Unpredictables - Again rumours that Knocky is taking a season out is the first set back for the Unpreds. Recent campaigns have seen them start poorly, so with their main player possibly missing - opening 5 games may set the tone. Prediction = Should still be mid table.
Cuemasters - New venue (Lewisham - thanks for that guys) and Berty back (until he gets bored), what more could you want as an Edenite. Berty's prediction of the ''Coney Indisguise'' finishing 4th is laughable!! The only thing worth predicting is Berty will loose interest by Christmas and the Cuemasters will draw at least 50% of their league games. Prediction = Draw, bore, draw, bore. A deserved 7th spot.
Jolly - We always refer to that horrible 'home venue' earning them enough points to stay up and of course it will pay a huge part. But they are a better team all round these days and mid table finish is more realistic than a battle with survival. Prediction = Top 6
Eden - Last season was tough and we had to dig deep over the last few games to stay up. A change of Captain in Truey and a full season due from Lansing will massively help as he missed 90% of last season. Only new signing is Dom D'Sousa on the books for this campaign. Watkins & Rowe improving all the time - if we get it together as a team then have a chance to finish top half - its where we should always be. Prediction = The treble
Hurricanes - If Teach's post is anything to go by, if the Hurricanes make it to Christmas it will be a miracle. Very sad as they have battled well to earn their right to be in Divsion 1. Lets hope they sort it out or it could be just two sides down. Prediction = With only 4 players, relegated.
Warbank - Ian David moving to the Unpreds is a massive pre-season loss for them. That will just add more pressure to Scott and Mark to individually produce a big season. Summer league form as a team does not bode well, as winter div 1 is a different gravy. Prediction = Wil be in the drop zone.
Forum A - Bayliss, Clarke, Herbert - three solid players but they will all need to perform. A home venue that will be tough for visiting teams. Prediction = should stay up on merit.
Imperials - Nobody can say they lack passion for a battle, but is the personel strong enough to deal week in week out with 22 battles. Will be many's favourites to go back down. Prediction = Out of their depth.
Division 2:
Winners: Rileys Snooker
Runners-up: Rack Pack
Promoted: Foreign Legion
Division 3:
Winners: Oh the Oakie Cokies
Runners-up: Maple Tree
Promoted: Farley Dukes
Division 4:
Winners: Untouchables
Runners-up: Wandering DOGS
Promoted: Touch of Class
Division 5:
Too many new teams. Stable mates, Farley Small Pots to get a promotion place.
Edited by ThePower on 29-09-2009 15:47 |
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| berty |
Posted on 29-09-2009 17:06
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Home From Home
Posts: 367
Joined: 03.10.07
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Changed my predictions a bit in light of the Hurricanes news.
Would be happy to make the starting line up in the new Cuemasters team. Fancy a little bet that we will finish above you Alex? All friendly of course.
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| Truey |
Posted on 29-09-2009 18:08
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Quite The Regular
Posts: 168
Joined: 08.10.07
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No such thing as a friendly bet my son......Why are you lot playing from lewisham - as if playing the hot shots once was not enough
HOW LONG LEFT ? |
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| Shaggy |
Posted on 29-09-2009 18:30
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Posts: 888
Joined: 02.10.07
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The Eagles - Are arguably stronger this year than last, with the ever improvement of Tom, the resurgance of Hughie, as well as the signing of Wayne Pope, and the total availability of Kyle who has ended his Tuesday night college course. Will probably have less of Wiggy this year but thats not necessarily a bad thing. Given the above comments regarding other teams being weaker we obviously feel confident that we can win something this year.
Hotshots- Lots depends of whether the Snymans, Altes and Halligans play. Whilst the rest of their team are well capable as shown by Mr Eldridges stats in the summer league, the squad as far as I am aware is smaller than in the past and any absence of the top end players may cause some dubious results. Class team no doubt just depends on who is available.
Properllor- Given that Wayne has joined the Eagles and Andy the Patriots thats ripped a hole out of the midle of the Propellor. Really tough for me to comment on how they will do as have no idea who the replacments will be. That said if they turned out with Dolan, Swetts, Mills, Miller (is he playing) and Leon every week they are still very strong. Its the strength of the other players that will determine where they will be come the end of the season.
Patriots - Perhaps being harsh but I actually think this team have underperformed because they have several ex winners from the Prop as well as some good honest players from the old Sydenham boys. Adding Shaw to the line up will turn them into top 2 candidates in my opinion, though I cant think for a moment that their home table (unless its changes) does their style of play any favours. Strong show in the league and a massive run in one of if not both cups.
Unpredicatables - If Knocky, who we all know retires every year at least once, keeps to his word it not great for the unpredicatables. It seems to me that they have had the same 10 players for 15 years, but that at no point have all of them been available at the same time. This is perhaps why they have never and are unlikley to win the league. Can beat anyone on there day and have a mare the next. Mid table for me..
Cuemasters- Was impressed with the way they have taken the title in Div 3 this year, as contrary to popular belief the standard has actually been quite good down there. Depends on who they keep from the summer and who returns. I could quite safely say that the team that won this summer and plus example the likes of McDonnell playing regularly, and the return of a couple of players from the other Cue Masters, would have a real good go at breaken into champions league positions. If nobody returns and the current Maple Tree boys stay in Penge sur le mere, will it be a case of scraping a team again? If they have the numbers they'll go well.
Jolly - I have never particulary enjoyed playing them and dislike the venue. If I was in their shoes I wouldn;t want it any other way. A very compitent team who will not be looking over their shoulders at all this year. A respectable mid table finish and another scalp of the top boys awaits.
Eden- Opposite to the Cue Masters in the way they have handled the Summer League this year. With the ability they had in the team they should have been nailed on to win it, but have collapsed under a bit of pressure and in house bickering. The question will be whether the return of the experienced lads help or hinder? If they start badly they will have a long season again, a bit of wind behind and I am not talking about the stuff coming from The Power and its an above halfway season.
Hurricanes- We have had quite a good relationship with this team, who are more than capable of beating anyone as 8-2 against the Eagles showed last year. Really suprised by all this kerfulffle as I always thought they were a tight team. Can only predict relaegation based upon the leaders submission.
Warbank - Venue and a series of promotions should have proved the starting blocks for a decent year on their return to Divison 1. That said Scots recent signs of boredom and Ian jumping ship has scuppered those plans. No parrot + loss of players = Relagation but only just.
Forum- Previous cup winners, a settled side, and experienced first division players bode well. See absolutely no problem for them at all especially if 'Salad' can be brought out of retirment again. Only played at the Forum once and lost so obvioulsy hate the place.
Imperials- Who plays for them? Is it Martin Drinkwaters team??? Like all promoted teams especially the ones coming up third the expectation is that they will go straight back down. A couple of slaps early doors and its probaly all over, a couple of good wins and safety is a possibility. Unfair as I dont know them but would still say relegation is probably a strong possibility.
1. Eagles
2. Hotshots
3. The Patriots
4. Cue Masters
5. Prop * (depends on players signed)
6. Unpredictables
7. Jolly
8. Eden
9. Forum
10.Warbank
11.Imperials
12.Hurricanes
Edited by Shaggy on 29-09-2009 18:42
House!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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| longshanks |
Posted on 29-09-2009 18:33
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Posts: 709
Joined: 07.10.07
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Change of management at The Elmer. We played the Slates there last year, and like Victor Kiam, we liked it so much we decided to play there. Plus it's not too far for any of us to travel to. |
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| berty |
Posted on 29-09-2009 18:41
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Home From Home
Posts: 367
Joined: 03.10.07
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I am absolutely delighted to play in Lewisham first time I have had a home fixture in 5 years since moving in to London.
Ok not so friendly bet of ?50 Eden Boys? |
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| longshanks |
Posted on 29-09-2009 18:45
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Posts: 709
Joined: 07.10.07
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To answer Shaggy, we have 12 players registered!! Added to last winter we have Casey and son, Gary Martyn and partner.
Ricky Cook has also signed for the Patriots. |
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| Shaggy |
Posted on 29-09-2009 19:19
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Posts: 888
Joined: 02.10.07
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And Partner, has he turned gay or is his partner still that professional lady snooker player?
House!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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| berty |
Posted on 29-09-2009 19:27
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Home From Home
Posts: 367
Joined: 03.10.07
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Thats the one |
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| Shaggy |
Posted on 29-09-2009 20:26
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Posts: 888
Joined: 02.10.07
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Well at least that wil boost the attractiveness level in your team somewhat.
House!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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| berty |
Posted on 29-09-2009 20:51
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Home From Home
Posts: 367
Joined: 03.10.07
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I am gorgeous |
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| Macca |
Posted on 30-09-2009 01:24
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Quite The Regular
Posts: 119
Joined: 10.10.07
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******* the pool lets have a brawl any predictions on that anyone |
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| ThePower |
Posted on 30-09-2009 04:17
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Posts: 970
Joined: 05.10.07
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2009/2010 Prediction shocker - NO CAPITALS from Macca...! |
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| ThePower |
Posted on 30-09-2009 04:25
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Posts: 970
Joined: 05.10.07
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longshanks wrote:
Change of management at The Elmer. We played the Slates there last year, and like Victor Kiam, we liked it so much we decided to play there. Plus it's not too far for any of us to travel to.
The bar closes at 10.30pm, parking is totally non-existent. Tables are okay but not good. Anti-social travel arrangements for every team bar two others. Lewisham should not logistically be deemed as acceptable for the Croydon League. Under garment stab vest required two/three times per season.
Basically, I struggle to see any logic or sense in the Cuemasters move - better options were available.
Edited by ThePower on 30-09-2009 04:28 |
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| Macca |
Posted on 30-09-2009 04:46
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Quite The Regular
Posts: 119
Joined: 10.10.07
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C NO ONE CAN PREDICT. OH AND AT LEAST SOMEONE NOTICED I DIDNT USE CAPITALS.WHAT ELSE STANDS OUT. |
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| berty |
Posted on 30-09-2009 23:56
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Home From Home
Posts: 367
Joined: 03.10.07
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Oh Well all agreed by the powers that be. There is parking just around the corner from the club and the place stays open until we need it.
All you can do is make your application and it be accepted the rest is up to the organisers.
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| handbrake |
Posted on 01-10-2009 03:09
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Home From Home
Posts: 222
Joined: 21.04.09
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well my friends my take on the winter leauge is that it will be pointless,due to the fact the eagles are twice as strong as any team in the leauge i think if u took a best of the rest team form all leauges they still wont touch the eagles,this is due to the facts that the prop have bearly a team, us (being hotshots) have the bare five and coming 2nd!!! u lot must be dreaming, we have lost cris, rob ,sean,who all have gone to play the waterloo leauge which is without a doudt a much better leauge,u cant blame the eagles for having such a strong team but they really will walk it,it is up to the rest of the leauge to step up but it just aint going to happen
to be fair this summer gone we had a very strong team but the rest of the leauge 1 was piss poor at best!!! we are all playing for second guy and girls make no mistake about it |
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| handbrake |
Posted on 01-10-2009 03:50
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Home From Home
Posts: 222
Joined: 21.04.09
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ps the patriots cant win the leauge playing on a table that needs to go on some grannies fire its *******ing shocking!!! |
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| nuttmeg |
Posted on 01-10-2009 16:06
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Posts: 423
Joined: 09.10.07
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nothing can be taken for granted we thought the Prop would win the league last year, also I might have the occasional game giving every other team in the league a chance. |
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