THE SAME AS IN THE PROFESSIONAL GAME, THERE ARE PLAYERS IN OUR LEAGUE WHO, FOR WHATEVER GOOD REASON, HAVE LEFT THEIR MARK. THIS SECTION INCLUDES ALL THE CURRENT LIFE MEMBERS OF OUR LEAGUE. SOME ARE STILL ACTIVE IN THE LEAGUE AND SOME, LESS SO. ALL OF THEM, HOWEVER, ARE INCLUDED FOR THEIR SERVICE AND SUPPORT OF THE LEAGUE WE ALL ENJOY SO MUCH.
ROB CLARKE
Currently playing at Tatton, Rob is one of the leagues ‘occasional nomads’ having played at several other league clubs over his illustrious ‘life’ in the league. Rob has won the Bert Astles Pairs trophy and 6 Reds and has been runner-up twice in the Rotary Cup.
He was in the 1975/6 Knutsford Cons C team which won the league and in 1988/89 won the Team Knockout. He has captained teams to success in previous years at Knutsford Cons and at Tatton.
Rob has played in the Knutsford league for 40+ consecutive seasons, starting with Knutsford Cons C in 1971 and is a great example of a player dedicated to enjoying being involved in the league and a sensible voice of reason and common-sense at league discussions.
Currently playing at Tatton, Rob is one of the leagues ‘occasional nomads’ having played at several other league clubs over his illustrious ‘life’ in the league. Rob has won the Bert Astles Pairs trophy and 6 Reds and has been runner-up twice in the Rotary Cup.
He was in the 1975/6 Knutsford Cons C team which won the league and in 1988/89 won the Team Knockout. He has captained teams to success in previous years at Knutsford Cons and at Tatton.
Rob has played in the Knutsford league for 40+ consecutive seasons, starting with Knutsford Cons C in 1971 and is a great example of a player dedicated to enjoying being involved in the league and a sensible voice of reason and common-sense at league discussions.
TONY CROMPTON
Tony is a two time League Secretary and also responsible for many of the innovations found in our league, including – sponsorship of competitions; entering a league team into ‘outside’ competitions; arranging and hosting our anniversary events; the league Internet web sites; getting qualified as a referee and a snooker coach; the Redwood Hire Champions, Pairs, Alternate Pairs, Taylor Trophy, 6 Reds and the commemorative season competitions. Playing all his snooker at Mobberley Victory Hall he was the first player to reach the final of every non-league team event – the Jay, Rotary, Team KO, Pairs, 3 player, 6 Reds and Champions. A player of fair standard and a winner of several league and individual titles, Tony is considered to have been amongst our most influential league members. Tony said “I’d describe myself as an unusual combination of organised, forthright, opinionated, even-handed, fair, forward-looking, innovative, open-minded and most importantly – a true supporter of our league and all that it stands for”. |
RAY DALE
Ray first entered the league in 1973 at Mobberley Victory Hall and joined the newly formed "D" team (Jimmy Windles Wonders) and duly lost every match in his first season! Ray up to the age of 14 had very little education due to rare lung condition and was classed as semi-invalid spending a lot of time in and out of hospital.
Ray was a keen novice player and was noted for his unusual break (playing the cue ball between the blue and pink) and did not stand 'correctly'. Since joining the league Ray has constantly come to its aid in many of its times of trouble, whether it is as an officer or whatever.
Ray has won only one official league trophy (semi finalists with his wife Sheila in the 1984-85 Pairs competition) but it would be hard to find a less assuming or better physical supporter of this league and despite retiring at the end of the 2002-03 season as Treasurer, Ray was still active as a player in the league until the end of the 2011-2 season and remains a full-time supporter of the league.
Ray first entered the league in 1973 at Mobberley Victory Hall and joined the newly formed "D" team (Jimmy Windles Wonders) and duly lost every match in his first season! Ray up to the age of 14 had very little education due to rare lung condition and was classed as semi-invalid spending a lot of time in and out of hospital.
Ray was a keen novice player and was noted for his unusual break (playing the cue ball between the blue and pink) and did not stand 'correctly'. Since joining the league Ray has constantly come to its aid in many of its times of trouble, whether it is as an officer or whatever.
Ray has won only one official league trophy (semi finalists with his wife Sheila in the 1984-85 Pairs competition) but it would be hard to find a less assuming or better physical supporter of this league and despite retiring at the end of the 2002-03 season as Treasurer, Ray was still active as a player in the league until the end of the 2011-2 season and remains a full-time supporter of the league.
FRANCIS EVANS
Francis is typical of the type of player on which the long-term success of the Knutsford and District Snooker League is built. He played his first game in 1965 when appearing for and captaining Knutsford Conservative B against their own A team. That night Francis played fellow league legend H ‘Bert’ Astles and despite losing on black ball has gone on to be one of the ‘fixtures’ of the league winning many more games than he has lost.
He has played for Knutsford Conservative Club and Shaw Heath in the Knutsford League and Mobberley and Knutsford Private in the Mid-Cheshire League. Since his 1965 debut Francis has played every season and for many years has topped his team averages – and that includes the last three seasons! For some years he’s been known as ‘The Killer’, a name that remains shrouded in mystery but that’s only one of his many nicknames – ask him yourself for the full list!
Although in recent years Francis has predominantly played in the lower division he has spent most of his snooker career playing in the top division and one of his claims to fame is that he’s beaten Bruce Tulley three times (can you say that?).
In his youth he was a keen footballer and still plays bowls during the summer. His favourite pro player of all time is Alex ‘The Hurricane’ Higgins followed closely by Steve ‘Interesting’ Davies which clearly shows that Francis obviously has polar tastes in sportsmen! Younger players beware – he’s aiming for 50 years in the league and he probably won’t stop there.
Francis is typical of the type of player on which the long-term success of the Knutsford and District Snooker League is built. He played his first game in 1965 when appearing for and captaining Knutsford Conservative B against their own A team. That night Francis played fellow league legend H ‘Bert’ Astles and despite losing on black ball has gone on to be one of the ‘fixtures’ of the league winning many more games than he has lost.
He has played for Knutsford Conservative Club and Shaw Heath in the Knutsford League and Mobberley and Knutsford Private in the Mid-Cheshire League. Since his 1965 debut Francis has played every season and for many years has topped his team averages – and that includes the last three seasons! For some years he’s been known as ‘The Killer’, a name that remains shrouded in mystery but that’s only one of his many nicknames – ask him yourself for the full list!
Although in recent years Francis has predominantly played in the lower division he has spent most of his snooker career playing in the top division and one of his claims to fame is that he’s beaten Bruce Tulley three times (can you say that?).
In his youth he was a keen footballer and still plays bowls during the summer. His favourite pro player of all time is Alex ‘The Hurricane’ Higgins followed closely by Steve ‘Interesting’ Davies which clearly shows that Francis obviously has polar tastes in sportsmen! Younger players beware – he’s aiming for 50 years in the league and he probably won’t stop there.
ARTHUR HASFORD
Arthur joined the League in 1972 playing on the illustrious and successful Mere A and B teams and winning 3 league titles and 2 KO cups. He moved onto the Liberal club (Brook Street) where more titles followed and then to Shaw Heath for probably his finest period.
Six league wins, 3 runners-up and 2 KO cups plus individual success in the late rounds of the Jay Trophy and a highest break award. Arthur had a serious back injury in 1995 that brought about his retirement from the game but the draw of the competition overtook the pain as he returned to the league in 2006 with another league win at Brook Street club, a spell at Knutsford Private and in the Mere A division 2 winning team of 2008-9 where he continues to play.
Arthur joined the League in 1972 playing on the illustrious and successful Mere A and B teams and winning 3 league titles and 2 KO cups. He moved onto the Liberal club (Brook Street) where more titles followed and then to Shaw Heath for probably his finest period.
Six league wins, 3 runners-up and 2 KO cups plus individual success in the late rounds of the Jay Trophy and a highest break award. Arthur had a serious back injury in 1995 that brought about his retirement from the game but the draw of the competition overtook the pain as he returned to the league in 2006 with another league win at Brook Street club, a spell at Knutsford Private and in the Mere A division 2 winning team of 2008-9 where he continues to play.
BARRY LINEHAM
Another one club player (Mobberley) with almost a thousand league games under his belt. Barry first represented his only club in the late 1960’s and soon after became the first player to win the Rotary Cup in successive years in the early 70’s. Over the years, sporadic league team and KO Cup titles have come his way. Barry was asked by the League Secretary as to whether he would like to be nominated for this award and his reply (after a 10 minute break to compose himself!) sums the man up:
“The Knutsford & District Amateur Snooker League has given me so much more than I could ever give it. I’m no superstar by any stretch of the imagination but every week it has been a highlight and often a sanctuary. Snooker is a microcosm of life itself – you cannot enjoy the highs if you don’t experience the lows, much is learnt by mistakes, a bad night can turn good and vice versa. I am privileged to have met and played snooker with people from all walks of life and many have remained good friends over the years. I was totally taken aback when Tony proposed me to the management committee. I thought such honours were for the great players but he told me that the league is about people not just scores and averages. I am so very proud to be nominated and even prouder to accept this honour. Thank you”.
Barry last played in the league during the 2010-11 season.
Another one club player (Mobberley) with almost a thousand league games under his belt. Barry first represented his only club in the late 1960’s and soon after became the first player to win the Rotary Cup in successive years in the early 70’s. Over the years, sporadic league team and KO Cup titles have come his way. Barry was asked by the League Secretary as to whether he would like to be nominated for this award and his reply (after a 10 minute break to compose himself!) sums the man up:
“The Knutsford & District Amateur Snooker League has given me so much more than I could ever give it. I’m no superstar by any stretch of the imagination but every week it has been a highlight and often a sanctuary. Snooker is a microcosm of life itself – you cannot enjoy the highs if you don’t experience the lows, much is learnt by mistakes, a bad night can turn good and vice versa. I am privileged to have met and played snooker with people from all walks of life and many have remained good friends over the years. I was totally taken aback when Tony proposed me to the management committee. I thought such honours were for the great players but he told me that the league is about people not just scores and averages. I am so very proud to be nominated and even prouder to accept this honour. Thank you”.
Barry last played in the league during the 2010-11 season.
DAVE NUTTALL
Dave has held the league officer positions of Secretary from 1994 to 2002; has been its Treasurer twice (2003-7 and 2010 onwards); has now become the Competitions & Trophy Secretary. He has, over the years, come to the league’s assistance many times when others had turned away.
Dave introduced Information Technology (IT) to the league with the first computerised fixture and player / team averages in the mid 90’s and credits the support of fellow ‘lifers’ Dave Prosser, Geoff Owen and Ray Dale as his greatest supporters / mentors.
Dave has represented Wilmslow Conservative club with pride since the mid 1980’s.
Dave has held the league officer positions of Secretary from 1994 to 2002; has been its Treasurer twice (2003-7 and 2010 onwards); has now become the Competitions & Trophy Secretary. He has, over the years, come to the league’s assistance many times when others had turned away.
Dave introduced Information Technology (IT) to the league with the first computerised fixture and player / team averages in the mid 90’s and credits the support of fellow ‘lifers’ Dave Prosser, Geoff Owen and Ray Dale as his greatest supporters / mentors.
Dave has represented Wilmslow Conservative club with pride since the mid 1980’s.
MERVYN PIKE
A former league Treasurer and 1,000 plus match member who is still active for his one and only Mobberley club.
Mervyn assisted the league as a Treasurer in times of need and won several league divisional and team honours interspersed with many individual semi-final appearances before personal success at the 2009-10 Taylor Trophy.
The best way to describe Mervyn would be that he is no-one’s fool and he certainly knows his way around a table!
A former league Treasurer and 1,000 plus match member who is still active for his one and only Mobberley club.
Mervyn assisted the league as a Treasurer in times of need and won several league divisional and team honours interspersed with many individual semi-final appearances before personal success at the 2009-10 Taylor Trophy.
The best way to describe Mervyn would be that he is no-one’s fool and he certainly knows his way around a table!
DAVE POTTER
Was born in Sale and moved to the Knutsford area in 1972, when he joined Knutsford Cons club and gained a place on their B team. In 1977 David won both the Rotary Cup and the Jubilee Cup.
David has acted as Captain of the team for over 20 years, ably assisted by Rob Parkinson who David graciously adds ‘probably deserves most of the credit’. A true gent, often a non-playing captain but certainly a vital link in the sustainability of our league and his own club and teams.
When Knutsford Cons B withdrew from the league at the start of the 2010-11 season, Dave was sadly lost to the league too.
Was born in Sale and moved to the Knutsford area in 1972, when he joined Knutsford Cons club and gained a place on their B team. In 1977 David won both the Rotary Cup and the Jubilee Cup.
David has acted as Captain of the team for over 20 years, ably assisted by Rob Parkinson who David graciously adds ‘probably deserves most of the credit’. A true gent, often a non-playing captain but certainly a vital link in the sustainability of our league and his own club and teams.
When Knutsford Cons B withdrew from the league at the start of the 2010-11 season, Dave was sadly lost to the league too.
DAVE RAINFORD
Another example of a player upon which the lifeblood of league’s originate. A player who has been at the forefront of maintaining his club’s existence in our league who has worked tirelessly ‘in the shadows’ to ensure our survival. Dave has been playing snooker since he was 16 years old, playing with his father when he was a junior member of his social club in Altrincham. He played a few matches for the club in the local snooker league but didn't play regular snooker league matches until he moved to Knutsford some 12 years later in 1981 where he joined the Shaw Heath Social Club. At that time, the club only had one snooker table but when the club was extended a couple of years later, they got a second table which meant they could then join this league.
Dave has only played for the Shaw Heath 'A' team and which was particularly successful in the 80s & 90s being the division 1 winners 11 times between 1983 to 1996 - including a league record 9 consecutive seasons from '88 to '96. They were also runners up in 97 and 99 as well as winning 4 KO cups to boot. On a personal level, Dave was Jay runner-up in 2005 and Rotary Cup runner-up in 1988 & 2005 and a Pairs winner 1988 and Pairs runner up in 1989; both with Tony Barrow and won the Taylor Trophy at his first attempt.
Dave captained the Shaw Heath A team for a number of seasons and was the club's regular representative at the monthly committee meetings where he adds: “The Knutsford & District Snooker League is an exceptionally well-run league. Its committee and its members are always friendly and approachable and the standard of play has always been good and whilst my game isn't quite what it was, I still look forward to the matches each and every week I’m available and I was amazed and delighted to have this Life Member honour bestowed on me”.
Another example of a player upon which the lifeblood of league’s originate. A player who has been at the forefront of maintaining his club’s existence in our league who has worked tirelessly ‘in the shadows’ to ensure our survival. Dave has been playing snooker since he was 16 years old, playing with his father when he was a junior member of his social club in Altrincham. He played a few matches for the club in the local snooker league but didn't play regular snooker league matches until he moved to Knutsford some 12 years later in 1981 where he joined the Shaw Heath Social Club. At that time, the club only had one snooker table but when the club was extended a couple of years later, they got a second table which meant they could then join this league.
Dave has only played for the Shaw Heath 'A' team and which was particularly successful in the 80s & 90s being the division 1 winners 11 times between 1983 to 1996 - including a league record 9 consecutive seasons from '88 to '96. They were also runners up in 97 and 99 as well as winning 4 KO cups to boot. On a personal level, Dave was Jay runner-up in 2005 and Rotary Cup runner-up in 1988 & 2005 and a Pairs winner 1988 and Pairs runner up in 1989; both with Tony Barrow and won the Taylor Trophy at his first attempt.
Dave captained the Shaw Heath A team for a number of seasons and was the club's regular representative at the monthly committee meetings where he adds: “The Knutsford & District Snooker League is an exceptionally well-run league. Its committee and its members are always friendly and approachable and the standard of play has always been good and whilst my game isn't quite what it was, I still look forward to the matches each and every week I’m available and I was amazed and delighted to have this Life Member honour bestowed on me”.
PHILIP SIMPSON
Philip became a Life Member at the 2016-7 AGM when his services to the league were recognised.
As Secretary Tony Crompton put it: "Leagues such as ours only exist for the social pleasure and competition that we create between ourselves. If I was to describe the league as a body then the clubs are our homes; the officers provide structure - they are the bones; the players provide our shape; but the most important are the tendons, the sinu, the muscles that hold everything together - they are the captains. The 'Philip Simpsons' of our league are the league - they put a team together week in week out, through sicknesses, bad weather, work commitments, broken cars, bereavements and much more. They keep the league going and he keeps it going as well, if not better, than anyone else. For that alone he deserves this honour - let alone for the fact that he is a thoroughly decent guy and at a ripe old age".
Philip became a Life Member at the 2016-7 AGM when his services to the league were recognised.
As Secretary Tony Crompton put it: "Leagues such as ours only exist for the social pleasure and competition that we create between ourselves. If I was to describe the league as a body then the clubs are our homes; the officers provide structure - they are the bones; the players provide our shape; but the most important are the tendons, the sinu, the muscles that hold everything together - they are the captains. The 'Philip Simpsons' of our league are the league - they put a team together week in week out, through sicknesses, bad weather, work commitments, broken cars, bereavements and much more. They keep the league going and he keeps it going as well, if not better, than anyone else. For that alone he deserves this honour - let alone for the fact that he is a thoroughly decent guy and at a ripe old age".
JOHN SPROSTON
John is a veteran of over 20 seasons in the league and despite being in his 70's, until the demise of the club itself still played the occasional match for the Private C and D teams.
John started life in the league on the same Mere team as fellow Life Member Sid Jones but spent his most successful years, in the 1980s and early 1990s, as the linchpin of the Private B team and during this period, he won the Jay Trophy (1985) and the team twice won the Division 2 championship (1989 and 1996).
John hasn’t played for a few seasons now but is ‘waiting in the wings’ and remains a true gentleman who is respected throughout the league for his sportsmanship and attitude towards the game.
John is a veteran of over 20 seasons in the league and despite being in his 70's, until the demise of the club itself still played the occasional match for the Private C and D teams.
John started life in the league on the same Mere team as fellow Life Member Sid Jones but spent his most successful years, in the 1980s and early 1990s, as the linchpin of the Private B team and during this period, he won the Jay Trophy (1985) and the team twice won the Division 2 championship (1989 and 1996).
John hasn’t played for a few seasons now but is ‘waiting in the wings’ and remains a true gentleman who is respected throughout the league for his sportsmanship and attitude towards the game.
RON TAGG
Ron has played for over 40 years in the league having won the title with Knutsford Conservatives and prior to that at Mere. His personal highlight came as a runner-up in the leagues major, the Jay Trophy, in the 1978-9 season.
He is another 1,000 plus match player who is still playing to a decent standard currently and turning out (and winning) for the Tatton club when needed. Ron is a quiet but respected and listened to voice in the league and within his own club and always a pleasure to be around.
Ron has played for over 40 years in the league having won the title with Knutsford Conservatives and prior to that at Mere. His personal highlight came as a runner-up in the leagues major, the Jay Trophy, in the 1978-9 season.
He is another 1,000 plus match player who is still playing to a decent standard currently and turning out (and winning) for the Tatton club when needed. Ron is a quiet but respected and listened to voice in the league and within his own club and always a pleasure to be around.
JOHN THOMPSON
John took up snooker at the sprightly age of 10 and a year later had a 6’ x 3’ table in his bedroom. Locally he first played at Egerton Boys Club until eligible to go into Shaw Heath Club before playing at Knutsford Private club as he wasn't able to play for Shaw Heath until the year after.
John joined Shaw Heath A and enjoyed league and individual successes over 10 years including his first century break when he was 21 at Shaw Heath Club. After a brief spell away from the league, he returned playing for Morley A and good friend, Steve Redwood. In the 2008-9 season he finally got to the magic 10 x div 1 titles when Morley A won the league.
John fulfilled a lifelong ambition of having his own full size table in his home in 2005, which despite his claim that “I have four kids now so it doesn't get used much but it is handy for storing things on and under!” doesn’t hold much water as scrutiny of his personal records show wins in the Pairs, Rotary and was the first player to retain the Redwood Hire Champions Trophy as well as being the League Secretary from 1992-94.
John retired from play at the end of the 2009-10 season when Morley’s winning team was broken up by departing players.
John took up snooker at the sprightly age of 10 and a year later had a 6’ x 3’ table in his bedroom. Locally he first played at Egerton Boys Club until eligible to go into Shaw Heath Club before playing at Knutsford Private club as he wasn't able to play for Shaw Heath until the year after.
John joined Shaw Heath A and enjoyed league and individual successes over 10 years including his first century break when he was 21 at Shaw Heath Club. After a brief spell away from the league, he returned playing for Morley A and good friend, Steve Redwood. In the 2008-9 season he finally got to the magic 10 x div 1 titles when Morley A won the league.
John fulfilled a lifelong ambition of having his own full size table in his home in 2005, which despite his claim that “I have four kids now so it doesn't get used much but it is handy for storing things on and under!” doesn’t hold much water as scrutiny of his personal records show wins in the Pairs, Rotary and was the first player to retain the Redwood Hire Champions Trophy as well as being the League Secretary from 1992-94.
John retired from play at the end of the 2009-10 season when Morley’s winning team was broken up by departing players.
BRUCE TULLEY
Son of Jack (who was also a Life – and founder – Member of the league and who passed away in October 2011) and is deserving of his place in this notable list as he is the most successful player in the history of the league ever to date and by quite a margin.
Another one club player (Mobberley) Bruce has broken numerous records and still remains ‘the man to beat’ in every match. His numerous (and growing still!) finals count include 21 wins consisting of 10 Jay Trophy, 4 Rotary Cup, 4 Bert Astles Pairs, 3 Three Player competitions and a Redwood Hire Champions Trophy. When you also throw in a further dozen plus league titles, Presidents cup, high break and averages awards and Team KO cups you can see how prolific he has been - and continues to be.
However, success – and certainly Life Membership of our league – is not measured by silverware alone. Bruce was nominated and accepted by his peers not just for his snooker prowess but for his sportsmanship and conduct. He carries himself well and always has a kind word no matter what the frame score.
Son of Jack (who was also a Life – and founder – Member of the league and who passed away in October 2011) and is deserving of his place in this notable list as he is the most successful player in the history of the league ever to date and by quite a margin.
Another one club player (Mobberley) Bruce has broken numerous records and still remains ‘the man to beat’ in every match. His numerous (and growing still!) finals count include 21 wins consisting of 10 Jay Trophy, 4 Rotary Cup, 4 Bert Astles Pairs, 3 Three Player competitions and a Redwood Hire Champions Trophy. When you also throw in a further dozen plus league titles, Presidents cup, high break and averages awards and Team KO cups you can see how prolific he has been - and continues to be.
However, success – and certainly Life Membership of our league – is not measured by silverware alone. Bruce was nominated and accepted by his peers not just for his snooker prowess but for his sportsmanship and conduct. He carries himself well and always has a kind word no matter what the frame score.
ED WAKEFIELD
Eddie Wakefield, also known as “AA Eddie” (from his working days) has been playing in our league since at least the mid-seventies.
He has captained and supported only the players at Mere over all that time and has been at the forefront of encouraging the young players to play and develop their game at the club with a view to getting involved in the league.
He is now near his 70’s and still playing weekly until very recently when his health has hindered his number of appearances. His help and support to all players at Mere has been far more than just helpful - it has been invaluable. The league needs people and players like Eddie equally as much as Eddie clearly needs the league.
Eddie Wakefield, also known as “AA Eddie” (from his working days) has been playing in our league since at least the mid-seventies.
He has captained and supported only the players at Mere over all that time and has been at the forefront of encouraging the young players to play and develop their game at the club with a view to getting involved in the league.
He is now near his 70’s and still playing weekly until very recently when his health has hindered his number of appearances. His help and support to all players at Mere has been far more than just helpful - it has been invaluable. The league needs people and players like Eddie equally as much as Eddie clearly needs the league.
PETER WATSON
Peter has been a member of the league since its formation and was instrumental in it being created.
Having played for Mobberley for a short time it is fair to say that his true home is Wilmslow Cons club where he still turned out for the A or B team when health permitted until the 2016-7 season.
Peter has been a member of the league since its formation and was instrumental in it being created.
Having played for Mobberley for a short time it is fair to say that his true home is Wilmslow Cons club where he still turned out for the A or B team when health permitted until the 2016-7 season.