FORD MOTORS TO OVER 50's TITLE
January 21, 2026
Matt Ford secured the prestigious over 50s snooker title at his first attempt last night, beating another of the Byfleet League’s elite players – Alan Harvey – 2-0 in the final, which was played at West Byfleet Social club. Matt had earlier beaten Surrey Academy’s Lawrence Lillie 2-0 (63-35; 55-19) in the semi-final; while, on the other table, Alan made breaks of 28 and 33 in overcoming his Sunbury compatriot Paul Harrison by the same score (69-12; 93 (28, 33) – 19). In the final itself, Alan was in control for much of the first frame. He built a lead of almost thirty with two reds left and looked favourite. Matt then played a very clever safety shot, moving while one red onto the black near the top corner pocket whilst simultaneously snookering Alan in baulk. This was the start of a big swing in momentum. Alan faced a series of ever more tricky escapes and was unlucky to leave the final red up when playing safe. He was still ahead on the colours but found himself snookered again, this time on the yellow. His one-cushion attempt missed by a whisker but crucially went in-off, leaving Matt ball-in-hand to get over the line. Clearly boosted by this, Matt seized the initiative immediately in the second frame. Alan missed a red and Matt cleared to the colours with a trademark laser-like break of 78, made in double-quick time and demonstrating pin-point cue ball control throughout. This is another title to add to Matt’s already impressive collection and he continues to enhance his reputation as one of the League’s all-time greats. Thanks to defending champion Darren Weetman and Tony Mundy for refereeing and also West Byfleet club for use of the tables. PV [Full Story]

RULE CLARIFICATION - IF YOU CAN TIE IS IT A 'MISS'.
November 15, 2025
During a league match on Thursday last a situation arose whereby one of the players was 22 behind on the brown, laid a snooker and his opponent failed to hit the ball on. The frame could be tied following the miss in question and before the shot snookers were not required by either player to win the frame. The referee was unsure of the rule but both players decided the ball could indeed be put back and it was. After much discussion from team members from either side it was decided that a Miss couldn't be called and the white was returned to its starting position. I was asked the following day to clarify the rule. Having read the Rule as written in the current rule book I interpreted that the correct decision had been made. However to be certain I sought advice from professional bodies and was informed that I was wrong and a Foul and a Miss could be called. I then notified representatives from both teams immediately. IN A NUTSHELL, IF A FRAME CAN BE TIED A FOUL AND A MISS SHOULD BE CALLED IF THE REFEREE DEEMS THAT THE STRIKER COULD HAVE MADE A BETTER ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE FROM THE SNOOKER AND THE CUE BALL MAY BE 'PUT BACK'. Please note that once a decision has been made that a miss can be called, it is still in this league ONLY the decision of the striker whether or not that miss is actually called. See previous announcements on this. If incidents like this occur and both players and the referee agree to a decision then there should be no further discussion. Rules can be clarified at a later date. The league's concern is that opinions from spectators or team mates should not be voiced unless requested to by the players and referee. It can ruin the players concentration and the focus becomes on the argument rather then the game. I must point out that both players and the referee in this instance acted properly and sportingly. However, the Byfleet League do not want a player to feel pressurised or feel bullied by persons who 'shout the loudest'. If you are not involved in the frame and your help has not been requested by either the players or the referee, please could I ask you to remain silent during the incident and if any clarification is needed about rules, that can be done after the match. KJ Chairman [Full Story]

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND APPLY - 'FOUL AND A MISS'
September 16, 2025
BYFLEET LEAGUE ‘FOUL AND A MISS RULE’ GUIDANCE FOR THE 2025 SNOOKER SEASON ADOPTED PROPOSAL AT 2025 A.G.M. It is not reasonable to expect refs in the league (who are usually players themselves) to fairly and accurately judge the ‘foul and a miss rule’ as per the current WPSA rule book. Who better to decide if the attempt was made to the best of their ability than the player themselves? So, this is how it works. If a possible ‘foul & a miss’ is played the ref asks the STRIKER, “do you feel that is a miss?” If the striker says no then that’s it, no miss is called and there is to be absolutely no debate at all from anyone regarding this call. Honesty in snooker is the best compared to any other sport. We all call fouls on ourselves and both Cuestars and Snookerz have found the same happens in the application of this amendment to the miss rule. Also, the rule polices itself because the striker knows that many people watching knows their ability and will know if they are being ‘too easy’ on themselves – so they don’t do it. This system was recently trialed by the league at last seasons finals nights with no issues and positive feedback. All other aspects of the miss rule will be as they are in the current WPBSA rule book. You can view the rule book here : https://wpbsa.com/rules/ Its section 14 in the rule book, pages 29 to 31. The Foul & A Miss rule, (like the LBW rule in cricket) is probably the rule most players simply do not correctly know or assume its something its not. We would urge you therefore take the time to have a look at the rule, if you’re unsure about what it actually says. This new application of the ‘Foul & A Miss’ Rule is designed to stop conflict caused by the application of the ‘Foul & A Miss’ rule , and take all the pressure off anyone who is refereeing the frame in question. Contentious issues & feedback should be reported to our secretary Andy Darken via email to ‘Andy@byfleetleague.co.uk’. [Full Story]

LEAGUE'S RECORD BREAKS AND CENTURIONS
November 30, 2024
A summary of the highest breaks in the Byfleet Billiards and Snooker League follow: [Full Story]

UPDATED LEAGUE WIN % STATS after 6 matches
November 27, 2017
Minimum qualification: played 6 frames * - denotes ahead on points scored [Full Story]