Stokesley Pool Week 6: Referee Calls Grow After Controversy two weeks in a row

Proudly sponsored by My Insurance Broker

Week 6 of the Stokesley Pool League delivered another lively night of action across all venues – with competitive matches, big performances, and some debate at the tables once again. Following a second consecutive week featuring a replayed frame, discussions have turned to the return of referees to ensure smooth and fair play moving forward. Nunthorpe Rec and Kirkby B are joint top, with Ayton third and Sports B close behind

Kirkby A 4–5 Ayton

At the Black Swan, Ayton claimed a narrow 5–4 victory in a night that was tight throughout. The deciding frame saw Alan Jackson produce a calm clearance against Rachel Muscat to seal the win for Ayton. Earlier, Tony Smith was unlucky after missing a straightforward final black when the cue ball rolled tight to the cushion, and Stuart Watson survived a tense frame after Mick Gaines-Burrell narrowly missed a double that would have won it. In another close encounter, Peter Stones capitalised on a few clever safety shots to edge his frame after several tactical exchanges.

Nunthorpe Rec 3–6 Kirkby B

Kirkby B bounced back to form with a strong 6–3 away win at Nunthorpe Rec. The visitors started fast, showing early dominance in the doubles and punishing a few missed opportunities from the home side. A combination of solid safety play and steady finishing proved the difference, with Lee Murphy, John Corner and Jack Butler all contributing key wins to secure the points.

Sports B 5–4 Sports A

At Stokesley Sports Club, Sports B edged out Sports A 5–4 in a close and sometimes heated match that reignited debate about refereeing across the league. The opening doubles were split before Sports A rallied to level, with both teams pushing hard for the win. However, another disputed “touching ball” call mid-match – and subsequent replay – highlighted the ongoing challenge of officiating under pressure without a neutral referee present.

Both captains expressed their views. The Sports A captain emphasised that “every game should have a referee with a full understanding of Blackball rules to avoid confusion and maintain fairness”. The Sports B captain praised both sides’ effort, noting it was “a close game with both teams giving everything – though the noise and unclear calls affected concentration at key moments”.

Talking Point – Fair Play and Referees

After two weeks of replayed frames and disputed decisions, there’s a growing need for the return of match referees. The Stokesley Pool League has always prided itself on being both friendly and competitive in equal measure, and ensuring fair play through proper officiating will help maintain that balance.

Player of the Week – Jack Butler (Kirkby B)

Jack Butler returned with composed wins in singles and doubles to secure winning ways again for Kirby B