HALF TERM REPORT

I THINK its fair to say its a "transitional" season for most of the teams at the Institute this year, I know that often is a metaphor used when things aren't going too well (at least in football; Derby have been wheeling it out for the past three seasons it seems anyhow lol) but there has been some signs of promise mainly from the No 2 team.

Although three 5-0 defeats have ensued, two of those were in the opening weeks of the season and the third one against a very strong Edgefold line-up intent on getting their title challenge back on track. And there have been excellent wins over Belper Strutt Club No 1 at home (the champions the season before last) and also Ripley Cloud 9 No 2 away (who are a very useful up and coming young team).

The No 1 team after quite a decent start have faded a bit, not firing at all in the cup competition and also suffering a few heavy league defeats to decent opposition, but perhaps alot of that is down to lack of table time for many of the squad due to other commitments. But with a string of home games to come maybe all is not lost yet.

The youngsters in the No 3 team are still battling away without yet registering their first win but came close last week when losing only 3-2 to Belper Q Club No 1. Jake Lynam as previously mentioned lifted the Flying Snooker Handicap recently and has made a good impression on his debut season, and some of the other lads have probably just been out match-played on occasions or would have a few more points in the bag but they should only get better in the future.

Good luck all for the second half of the season!!

Also don't forget the Quiz Night to be held on Saturday 26th February @ 8.30pm, open to all interested and Alternative Games Night held on Saturday 5th March @ 6.30pm, open to all members.

LYNAM UP FOR JAKE!

THE ANNUAL Christmas Party Night was held on Saturday January 15th and attracted around a dozen competitors for the varied games, buffet and social evening.

Jake Lynam was the biggest winner of the night, netting £21 from the winner-take-all pots from both the Flying Snooker and Darts competitions as well as the trophies themselves.

The final of the snooker (played with a full pack, the early rounds used only 3 reds) was a thrilling encounter which went down to the final black as youngster Jake took on experienced David Hopkinson.

And after missing an attempted long-pot, Jake's hopes seemed to be dashed with the black seemingly rolling over a baulk pocket only for it to amazingly drop in and land him the prize.

As a recognised league darts player, it was no surprise when Jake also came out top in the arrers, defeating Mick Bunting in the final for a lucrative evenings work.

Mick gained compensation by beating Dwayne Martin in the dominoes final to win £11 plus trophy while an all-family affair saw Dan Hopkinson beat grandfather Alan in the crib final to become the youngest ever winner and earn a much coveted £5!

Thanks to everyone who brought in the food, especially the delicious pork pies tendered by the legendary culinary wizard L Williams himself which were an absolute treat!

Though never being one to bask in the limelight, he had been and gone before many people had even gotten around to thanking him (or indeed realised he was actually there) - I think he was frightened off by the fact he had drawn Jake in the first round of the snooker to be honest!!

Don't forget more prizes to be won on Saturday March 5th at the Alternative Games Night which will be slight variations on the usual themes, including maybe the first ever Brazilian Snooker Championship held in the UK, be there or be square for a bit of history in the making!!