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Post by BB Warrior on Dec 16, 2012 11:48:24 GMT
Following the recent selection of the England Team for next year, we have sadly seen that a number of the players may be unable to play the away match against Jersey. :-/
If I remember correctly, we also had some players withdraw for other matches during the last couple of years and this seems to be an increasing number each year. I am sure that all of these players have their own very good reasons for not being available for these matches.... but is there anything that we can do to try to reverse this (apparently)growing trend?
As I understand it, at present all of the International matches are played using a different format.....
England v Guernsey..... 5 Doubles games played over 4 legs with an extra point given to highest aggregate scores in each match followed by 11 Singles games over 2 legs with bonus point for aggregate score in each match. Matches are played on a home and away basis on alternate years to coincide with either the Guernsey or Sussex Open Competitions.
England v Jersey.... 11 Singles games over 2 legs with bonus point for aggregate score in each match. Matches are played on a home and away basis on alternate years in early February.
Jersey v Guernsey.... 6 single leg Singles games with no even break, breaks given on alternate basis and chosen by Captain that wins the toss. Aggregate score is deciding factor if match ends 3-3. Matches played home and away with the match in Guernsey played to coincide with Guernsey Open on alternate years, fixture in Jersey usually played around April time I believe?
Clearly there must be historic reasons why the formats for these matches are like this.... although I can't help but wonder if they should all be played using the same format? It strikes me that it a bit like the England football team playing one international as an 11-a-side game.... while another match in the same group is played as 5-a-side!! ::)
However, that is not really the issue here.... the "problem" seems to be the withdrawal of some of the players that have been selected, usually for the "away" leg matches and the main reason has often been given that this is due to the costs involved in travelling.... particularly when it is only to play one singles match and there are no other games / competition to justify the cost of flights, hotel, etc. :'(
Is there a way that we can overcome this problem.... well I suppose that a rich sponsor would be nice to offer to pay the travelling costs for the players that are selected.... ;D ....but I doubt if we will find too many of them! ::)
Speaking personally, I am very proud to have been selected for the England team next year.... and, if selected in the future would always make every effort to play in the matches. 8-) However having said that, financially, it doesn't make sense to me to pay the costs of flights/hotel/food/drinks etc for a weekend in Jersey that will probably cost me over £200 to just play 2 games of Bar Billiards.... :o ....and the only reason that I can attempt to justify that sort of cost is to only stay one night at Bournemouth next year for the AEBBA Pairs which will at least mean that my flights to Jersey will be covered by the saving I make there. ::)
So, reducing the cost of one Bar Billiards event will help towards the cost of another and some "duty frees" will also help to meet the rest of the cost! 8-) ;D ;D
But, having spoken to a number of players over the last year.... including some of the players that were shown as "doubtful" to play for England next year.... I can easily understand why some of them may withdraw from the team on this occasion and, probably, if they are selected again in the future. :-/
Although we should always remember that we only play this game as a (serious) "hobby", I believe that a majority of the players that are likely to be picked to play for the England Team want to play as many games as possible and not just go for the "social side" of the game, especially when they travel away and the costs are higher. So, a weekend away to just play 2 single legs is nowhere near as attractive as a weekend that either guarantees 6 legs of matches (singles and doubles) or has a Tournament being played at the same time.... the other matches would then help to "justify the cost" of travelling. 8-)
For that reason, we are perhaps less likely to see England players withdrawing from the team in years when the away match is in Guernsey, where more matches are guaranteed, than in the away legs in Jersey where it is just 2 single legs played on a weekend where there are no other games. :-/
It is not unreasonable to assume that players in the Jersey and Guernsey teams also find it hard to justify the costs of travelling to England to play the internationals over here as well, which perhaps explains why some of their players rarely play in those matches? ???
Due to the number of players that we have in England, I don't think that we will ever have the situation arise where we cannot get 11 players to travel to an away match.... Jersey have 70 players shown in their Rankings this season, while there are only 30 players shown on the Guernsey Rankings meaning that more than one third of their total number of players will be in their team to travel to England next summer. :o
How can we try to overcome these problems and ensure that the internationals have a future?
Based on the conversations that I have had with a few other players, the following ideas may be helpful....
1) Play the internationals alongside other existing competitions.
This seemed to be the one thing that all of the players that I spoke to had in common.... the desire to play more games and therefore help to "justify the cost" of travelling. England and Guernsey already do this as their matches are played on the same weekends as existing Opens. The Guernsey v Jersey international is also played on alternate years to the Guernsey v England match. This seems to mean that the Guernsey Open is well supported most years with additional players taking part in that competition. Could similar arrangements be made to play the England v Jersey match at either the AEBBA Pairs weekend in Bournemouth or, possibly, at the same time as the new National Off-the-Spot Open? In the reverse fixture, could the Jersey v England games be played on the Thursday evening prior to the World Championships as most players from England seem to be over in Jersey by then most years? ;D
2) Play the Internationals as a "Triangular Tournament".
One of the more interesting suggestions that I was given by Jim Millward, with each of the 3 "countries" taking it in turn to host the event over an individual weekend. The matches could either be played under the existing formats between the team or, potentially, a new format could be devised for all of the teams to play that would enable us to have an overall winner of the competition? As an "extra" (assuming that time allowed) a new off-the-spot "Open" could also be played the same weekend to enable both the international players to have more games and also other players not involved in the internationals to enter another competition if they wanted to. Is this a viable idea??
3) Sponsorship.
Can we find somebody who would be willing to sponsor the internationals and help towards the costs involved for all of the players to try to make sure that the players that are selected are able to take part? Personally, I would hate to see the day that either a team ends up being only the players that can afford to play.... even worse.... that one of the teams are unable to raise a team at all. :'(
Lastly.... and perhaps rather controversially.... ::)
4) Should AEBBA pay towards the costs for players that are selected for England? :o
Before I am totally shot down in flames and banned from the Forum and all AEBBA events in future.... :o .... I must say that my personal opinion is NO!! However, I am struggling to think of another sport where a player is selected to play for their country and then expected to pay all of the costs themselves! So, perhaps AEBBA should consider if they should make a contribution towards either the costs of flights or hotel for the players that are selected in future years, although that would probably be something that would be resented by the players that have been expected to pay their own costs in the past.... ::)
I would be very interested to know the thoughts of other players.... both in England and Jersey and Guernsey.... about these ideas or any other suggestions that they may have to help us ensure that the internationals will continue to take place for many years to come? 8-)
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Post by Sir Chancelot on Dec 16, 2012 13:27:55 GMT
Interesting post Dave, and my views on this are my own and not those of the Guernsey Bar Billiards Association.
Six-a-side seems to work for the Guernsey v Jersey Internationals and I do not know if an 11-a-side format would work for several reasons.
Locally there are some players who are reluctant to travel even to the World Championship in Jersey.
When I say reluctant, this could cover health, family or legitimate work excuses, and also costs can be an issue.
The G.B.B.A. does offer flight costs to Jersey for the Jersey v Guernsey Internationals on alternate years.
However some players sometimes hand the money back to the Associations to keep the money in the league.
I do not think a triangular format would work.
I would prefer to see an England A and England B team, perhaps playing each other, to meet the winners of a Channel Islands team knockout.
Any proposed changes must be kept simple as this debate would rage on long after most of us have hung up our cues.
I do not think costs are a major issue as the reasons for players wishing to travel to Jersey in February.
I think it is more to do with social reasons and peoples family/work commitments that make it difficult to commit to two days in February to be away from home just for less than 40 minutes on a bar billiards table.
When the Guernsey players attend the Sussex Open, the International is always there as an incentive to get more games in. However the air fare subsidy does not apply to those matches.
It may be that England v Jersey matches may have to be rescheduled to coincide with the World Championships in Jersey, and if this has to be done at the expense of forgoing the World Pairs, so be it IMHO.
When you look at the amount of time the tables in Jersey, which are always immaculately turned out and superbly playable, are unused and not being played on, the idea of a four team knockout seems easily possible, if the powers that be got their heads together 8-)
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Post by Chris on Dec 16, 2012 14:56:45 GMT
Option 1 looks the best and is a very good idea.
Personally I don't think you will get a sponsor as it isn't the kind of sport that makes good TV
I really do not agree with the AEBBA paying anything, as all the monies are needed for maintenance of tables and a newer van. Have other reasons here too but I think the one I have given is more than enough.
As for why people don't go, there are many reasons and cost is an issue as well as family.
I can only speak for myself, I certainly have to consider what I do each year as there are two grandsons who live here and mum who is 90. We didn't go to Jersy this year as we took the boys and my daughter for a break in Centre Parcs over the October half-term.
It would be very wrong of me to make any judgment of any other player, as I have no concept of their individual circumstances.
Chris
Nine more sleeps Dave :-*
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Post by BigPhilMac on Dec 16, 2012 16:10:46 GMT
Ive just had a random thought which is slightly off the main issue but popped into my head as ive not much better to do despite being at work, but one which may present a future for internationals in latter years, maybe a youth international set up if at all possible may improve the chances of keeping some good ol fashioned bragging rights between nations alive, but im sure that wont be possible for the forseeable future due to lack of numbers in the game altogether. Sorta off topic i know :)
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2012 18:25:19 GMT
Ive just had a random thought which is slightly off the main issue but popped into my head as ive not much better to do despite being at work, but one which may present a future for internationals in latter years, maybe a youth international set up if at all possible may improve the chances of keeping some good ol fashioned bragging rights between nations alive, but im sure that wont be possible for the forseeable future due to lack of numbers in the game altogether. Sorta off topic i know :) I actually think that's a good idea Phil. England, Jersey and Guernsey all have worthy youngsters. Perhaps Jersey would consider adding a Channel Islands v England youth challenge towards the end of the World Championship event. It need only take 20mins playing on all the tables at the same time. tommo |
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Post by BigPhilMac on Dec 16, 2012 20:57:43 GMT
Ive just had a random thought which is slightly off the main issue but popped into my head as ive not much better to do despite being at work, but one which may present a future for internationals in latter years, maybe a youth international set up if at all possible may improve the chances of keeping some good ol fashioned bragging rights between nations alive, but im sure that wont be possible for the forseeable future due to lack of numbers in the game altogether. Sorta off topic i know :) I actually think that's a good idea Phil. England, Jersey and Guernsey all have worthy youngsters. Perhaps Jersey would consider adding a Channel Islands v England youth challenge towards the end of the World Championship event. It need only take 20mins playing on all the tables at the same time. tommo Wow im glad for the reception of my idea :D work boredom is clearly inspring, i think a channel islands combined team is more viable than individual jersey/guernsey sides given the lack of players. |
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Post by milko on Dec 17, 2012 14:46:45 GMT
Following the recent selection of the England Team for next year, we have sadly seen that a number of the players may be unable to play the away match against Jersey. :-/ How can we try to overcome these problems and ensure that the internationals have a future? 1) Play the internationals alongside other existing competitions. This seemed to be the one thing that all of the players that I spoke to had in common.... the desire to play more games and therefore help to "justify the cost" of travelling. England and Guernsey already do this as their matches are played on the same weekends as existing Opens. The Guernsey v Jersey international is also played on alternate years to the Guernsey v England match. This seems to mean that the Guernsey Open is well supported most years with additional players taking part in that competition. Could similar arrangements be made to play the England v Jersey match at either the AEBBA Pairs weekend in Bournemouth or, possibly, at the same time as the new National Off-the-Spot Open? In the reverse fixture, could the Jersey v England games be played on the Thursday evening prior to the World Championships as most players from England seem to be over in Jersey by then most years? ;D Keith |
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Post by 4timeschamp on Dec 18, 2012 11:33:59 GMT
Great post Dave. Something certainly needs to be looked at to keep the international going. I would not want it to run on the world championship weekend as I feel there is enough billiards that weekend and it could detract from the main reason we are all there which are the two world championship tournaments.
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Post by Sir Chancelot on Dec 18, 2012 12:08:00 GMT
Great post Dave. Something certainly needs to be looked at to keep the international going. I would not want it to run on the world championship weekend as I feel there is enough billiards that weekend and it could detract from the main reason we are all there which are the two world championship tournaments. A good point Jim. However wouldn't it be a good idea to "rotate the squad" of England players occasionally and give the average player who turns up week after week and year after year a chance to represent his country ? Would it be the end of the world if England did not pick their 11 top ranked players for an international once in a while and give someone who is loyal to the game a chance to play for England ? |
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Post by milko on Dec 18, 2012 15:07:41 GMT
Great post Dave. Something certainly needs to be looked at to keep the international going. I would not want it to run on the world championship weekend as I feel there is enough billiards that weekend and it could detract from the main reason we are all there which are the two world championship tournaments. Hi Jim, it's always good to hear what a "bar billiard legend" has to say! I know it's a shame to put the "International" with the "World Champ's" but I feel that's the best option to help with the cost and it would only take an hour to play with all the tables that are there! Keith |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2012 16:50:35 GMT
Would it be the end of the world if England did not pick their 11 top ranked players for an international once in a while and give someone who is loyal to the game a chance to play for England ? Well, there's proof that it can be done without watering down the main squad as the Guernsey B v England B match of 2008 bears witness. Perhaps that could be staged again some time in the future. :-/ |
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fitz
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Post by fitz on Dec 18, 2012 16:54:20 GMT
Thought I would throw my views in. Firstly, like Sav it is a great honour to be selected for the England team, which I accepted within seconds of receiving the text, although it has taken the withdrawal of some of the best players to accomodate me.
I accept Jim's views regarding family commitments and being able to justify the cost for 2 legs of bar billiards. I don't think AEBBA are in a position to support these games financially.
I think the best suggestion is a triangular competition at the Guernsey Open and Sussex open. This would leave Jersey without a fixed date as I agree that it would take away from the reason we all go in November each year. More players may be able to justify time and costs if they are going away to play 2 matches involving 6 to 8 games. This would also make the Guernsey Open even stronger.
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Post by milko on Dec 18, 2012 17:21:38 GMT
I wonder what the Jersey players think about it all ??
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Post by 4timeschamp on Dec 18, 2012 18:23:49 GMT
I think that's a good point milko. Lets find out what jersey players think about it. Being a total cynic some other players may feel that having it before the world champs would allow certain players to practice the tables before the championships.
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Post by SirKT on Dec 18, 2012 18:43:56 GMT
Lots of food for thought on this subject.
I do understand about the cost for Jersey in February, only 3 months after the World Championships, it can be quiet difficult. Bournemouth is only 5 weeks after the International as well and then Guernsey (if players chose to do that as well) 7 weeks after that.
If funds or time off work are the reason then fair enough but I know that some players have spoken up and said "it`s not worth going for just 2 legs of Bar Billiards" !
Maybe they`re not as proud as me and several of the team to pull on that white shirt and represent their country :-/ I still get a buzz every time I put it on once a year.
It may only be 2 legs of Bar Billiards, but if that doesn`t get your adrenalin going, especially when dropping a leg or losing on aggregate could mean losing the match by a single point 17-16.Nobody likes to let their team down, especially their National side :o
There have been some great and close matches over the years and i`ve loved being part of all of them.
We have talked to the Jersey committee and players about adding Doubles to the itinerary but they just don`t want to do it. I`m not sure of the main reason. After all, if you played best of 2 games (same as the singles) it would only add another two hours to the fixture on 4 tables and could easily be worked out so that nobody played on the same table during the evening. Plus there is no Ladies match to integrate into the playing schedule.
I agree something needs to be done, but I follow Jim`s post in saying it shouldn`t be included in November. There are a few wives and girlfriends that venture over for that weekend that don`t play and it could put them off going if you added another evening of Bar Billiards :-X
Remember also that it costs them more to come to us when they visit our shores and generally they send a strong squad.
We will send a team, ok it wont be our first choices but I know they will be thrilled to participate ;)
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Post by BB Warrior on Dec 18, 2012 20:40:25 GMT
Some excellent points of view from several different people, including some that do not often get "involved" with the discussions on here but are experienced players who have been involved at international level. 8-) I am glad that I started the topic of conversation, although I must stress that I am not either trying to "change the world" of Bar Billiards or rock the boat as far as the current arrangements are concerned.... but I would like to try to ensure that the game has a future, from the highest level down to "grass-roots" and I think that it is important to look at other options to see if there is a better way forward.... one that would mean that anybody who is selected for the England (or Guernsey and Jersey) teams will want to play in the internationals in years to come and feel that the cost involved is more than justified by playing more games against different opponents. ;D Personally, I am very proud to have been selected and I am looking forward to going over to Jersey in a couple of months time.... although I will be the first to admit that I would be looking forward to it even more if there were more than just the legs for each player. The more that I think about this, the more I like the idea of.... I think the best suggestion is a triangular competition at the Guernsey Open and Sussex open. This would leave Jersey without a fixed date as I agree that it would take away from the reason we all go in November each year. More players may be able to justify time and costs if they are going away to play 2 matches involving 6 to 8 games. This would also make the Guernsey Open even stronger. .... with each of the 3 teams taking it in turns to host the event once avery 3 years. But I also do see the point made by other people here that adding it to either the World Championships (for the Jersey turn) or the Guernsey Open may not be the best idea as it may "devalue" those competitions.... :-/ .... so perhaps a stand-alone weekend (maybe at the end of January / early February?) each year for the internationals would be a better idea? Obviously, the decisions would have to be made after discussions between AEBBA, JBBL and GBBA to see if a solution can be found.... but I would like to thank everybody that has contributed to the thread so far and hope that we may get further feedback from other people as well.... including hopefully players from both Jersey and Guernsey. ;D |
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Post by 4timeschamp on Dec 18, 2012 21:39:58 GMT
I would like to say that like Kevin I have always been proud to wear my England shirt especially away to jersey as this is the older of the internationals and traditionally "the old enemy". Away from home it had always been an incredibly hard and exciting match. I can honestly say that I have never been as nervous in any match as the first few shots in the away leg against jersey. In the past I have been lucky enough to play several times in the internationals and spent many a pound in going so but times alter and now with a young family and rather a hefty mortgage I have to choose which "overseas" events to enter and this year have decided that it is very hard for me to warrant going away got two legs of bb when I can have the same time away for a whole weekend of billiards and socialising. I am gutted to miss jersey away but can't afford to play everything this year.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2012 10:03:40 GMT
We have talked to the Jersey committee and players about adding Doubles to the itinerary but they just don`t want to do it. I`m not sure of the main reason. After all, if you played best of 2 games (same as the singles) it would only add another two hours to the fixture on 4 tables and could easily be worked out so that nobody played on the same table during the evening. Plus there is no Ladies match to integrate into the playing schedule. I agree something needs to be done, but I follow Jim`s post in saying it shouldn`t be included in November No Pairs.....no ladies.....perhaps Jersey would entertain the idea of getting together a Jersey 'B' this year as a one-off ? It need only be a 6-a-side with KT captaining each half of the England team against them and at least all the visitors would then get to play 3 legs whilst on the island instead of just two. :-/ |
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Post by BB Warrior on Dec 19, 2012 18:03:10 GMT
Ive just had a random thought which is slightly off the main issue but popped into my head as ive not much better to do despite being at work, but one which may present a future for internationals in latter years, maybe a youth international set up if at all possible may improve the chances of keeping some good ol fashioned bragging rights between nations alive, but im sure that wont be possible for the forseeable future due to lack of numbers in the game altogether. Sorta off topic i know :) I actually think that's a good idea Phil. England, Jersey and Guernsey all have worthy youngsters. Perhaps Jersey would consider adding a Channel Islands v England youth challenge towards the end of the World Championship event. It need only take 20mins playing on all the tables at the same time. tommo It is an idea to consider for the future.... and I am reluctant to be negative about anything that would potentially encourage young players to play the game competitively.... however I am not sure that it would be practical at present for a couple of reasons... 1) The costs involved for travelling, unless a sponsor can be found.... unlikely I would think. :-/ 2) I can think of a number of good young players in England.... maybe a few in Jersey.... perhaps only one or two youngsters in Guernsey, so I am not sure that the Channel Islands would be able to raise a team for it? ??? Perhaps a better idea would be to arrange a North (Oxon, Northants, Berks, Bucks & Cambs) v South (Sussex, Surrey, Kent & Hants) Under 25's (or Under 30's) Challenge Match, with perhaps either 7 or 11 a-side depending on the response that the idea gets, which could either be played on a "Home & Away" basis each year or could be hosted alongside another competition for a one-off annual competition? ;D This could be a way of starting the ball rolling for a future international challenge in times to come.... ;) |
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Post by BigPhilMac on Dec 19, 2012 18:21:55 GMT
I actually think that's a good idea Phil. England, Jersey and Guernsey all have worthy youngsters. Perhaps Jersey would consider adding a Channel Islands v England youth challenge towards the end of the World Championship event. It need only take 20mins playing on all the tables at the same time. tommo It is an idea to consider for the future.... and I am reluctant to be negative about anything that would potentially encourage young players to play the game competitively.... however I am not sure that it would be practical at present for a couple of reasons... 1) The costs involved for travelling, unless a sponsor can be found.... unlikely I would think. :-/ 2) I can think of a number of good young players in England.... maybe a few in Jersey.... perhaps only one or two youngsters in Guernsey, so I am not sure that the Channel Islands would be able to raise a team for it? ??? Perhaps a better idea would be to arrange a North (Oxon, Northants, Berks, Bucks & Cambs) v South (Sussex, Surrey, Kent & Hants) Under 25's (or Under 30's) Challenge Match, with perhaps either 7 or 11 a-side depending on the response that the idea gets, which could either be played on a "Home & Away" basis each year or could be hosted alongside another competition for a one-off annual competition? ;D This could be a way of starting the ball rolling for a future international challenge in times to come.... ;) Thats a cracking idea i must admit and i could think of quite a few players who could take part and do it well! I reckon that should be something to consider, all the same for an imternational it might be an idea if the respective channel islands could see how many youngsters are in their leagues should such a game ever take place :) as far as the internationals are concerned, a triangular day makes perfect sense, two birds with one stone and covera a lot of costs! |
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Post by BB Warrior on Dec 19, 2012 18:44:34 GMT
No Pairs.....no ladies.....perhaps Jersey would entertain the idea of getting together a Jersey 'B' this year as a one-off ? It need only be a 6-a-side with KT captaining each half of the England team against them and at least all the visitors would then get to play 3 legs whilst on the island instead of just two. :-/ Perhaps I am just being a bit silly here.... nothing unusual there.... ::) .... but I don't understand how Jersey raising a 'B' Team for a 6-a-side helps give the 11-a-sideEngland 'A' players 3 legs of games? I would understand if it was 4 legs as I presume the idea would be for the Jersey players to play 2 different England players over 2 legs.... :-/ ??? ??? |
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Post by Coleman Jnr on Dec 19, 2012 19:59:14 GMT
This may be slightly off track, are people allowed to come along, who are not in the team? I know this seems strange, with you struggling to find people to go and play, but I know that say if my dad does make it into the first 11, I would like to come along for a bit of good old fashioned morale support.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2012 20:30:06 GMT
Perhaps I am just being a bit silly here.... nothing unusual there.... ::) .... but I don't understand how Jersey raising a 'B' Team for a 6-a-side helps give the 11-a-sideEngland 'A' players 3 legs of games? I would understand if it was 4 legs as I presume the idea would be for the Jersey players to play 2 different England players over 2 legs.... :-/ ??? ??? That's exactly it. Jersey 'B' players would play 2 legs, each against a different England player. So the England players would play 2 legs each against Jersey A and 1 leg against Jersey B (adds up to 3). |
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Post by Sir Chancelot on Dec 19, 2012 21:01:33 GMT
As this thread develops, the old brain cells are kicking in.
It seems England are having difficulty in finding 11 players to travel to Jersey in February 2013.
As the already smaller leagues in the Channel islands and the relatively small amount of registered players have problems also, fielding 11 for AWAY matches, surely the six-a-side format would be worth considering for the England v Channel Islands Internationals.
If England reckon they can provide 12 players, then my idea of a four team knockout works with Guernsey playing Jersey in the semis each year, to meet the winners of England A v England B.
Not rocket science.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2012 21:11:01 GMT
Not rocket science, but too radical a change, Stormin'.
The great tradition of the 11-a-side International is one that neither England nor Jersey are likely to wish to change.
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Post by Sir Chancelot on Dec 19, 2012 22:27:43 GMT
Not rocket science, but too radical a change, Stormin'. The great tradition of the 11-a-side International is one that neither England nor Jersey are likely to wish to change. Sorry Tommo, I must have imagined there were several withdrawals aldready, and perhaps I am wrong in remembering that Jersey had difficulty in fielding 11 top players in the previous International in February 2011 ::) |
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Post by Chris_Sav on Dec 20, 2012 14:35:35 GMT
This may be slightly off track, are people allowed to come along, who are not in the team? I know this seems strange, with you struggling to find people to go and play, but I know that say if my dad does make it into the first 11, I would like to come along for a bit of good old fashioned morale support. The more the merrier normally!! Bring your cue!! Sav |
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Post by The Chubbster™ on Dec 21, 2012 14:14:46 GMT
Personally, (and this is coming from someone with only limited knowledge having never played or watched an England match) I'd kill 2 birds with one stone and hold all international matches on the Bournemouth pairs weekend, and here is why.
1. There seems to be problem getting people to the Bournemouth Paris at the moment due to costs, this could remedy that situation.
2. You would have "in-built" support/spectators for the international matches, as people are already going to be there.
3. You double up on 2 quite expensive Bar Billiards weekends, hopefully eliminated another problem of players being unable to attend.
4. From what I can remember, the Bournemouth Paris weekend has plenty of time to spare. Matches finish early on Saturday evening and don't forget we have all Friday night with nothing to do (apart from the disco) I'm pretty sure there could be room for the England - Jersey International.
5. The Queens Hotel have been fantastic to us down the years. I can think of no better way to reward them than holding an international match each year. I'm also pretty sure they would offer some sponsorship/discounts etc.
Just an idea!
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Post by BB Warrior on Dec 21, 2012 15:55:37 GMT
Personally, (and this is coming from someone with only limited knowledge having never played or watched an England match) I'd kill 2 birds with one stone and hold all international matches on the Bournemouth pairs weekend, and here is why. 1. There seems to be problem getting people to the Bournemouth Paris at the moment due to costs, this could remedy that situation. 4. From what I can remember, the Bournemouth Paris weekend has plenty of time to spare. Matches finish early on Saturday evening and don't forget we have all Friday night with nothing to do (apart from the disco) I'm pretty sure there could be room for the England - Jersey International. 5. The Queens Hotel have been fantastic to us down the years. I can think of no better way to reward them than holding an international match each year. I'm also pretty sure they would offer some sponsorship/discounts etc. Just an idea! Agree entirely.... especially if it's being moved to France!! :o ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2012 19:14:44 GMT
What makes everyone think we'll have better luck there? And besides, every time I've been there its been very expensive!!! And not to mention the language barrier!
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