SUMMER LEAGUE IS BACK!!

Step into the spirit of summer with the Northants Bar Billiards Summer League 2025 – where warm evenings, clinking glasses, and great company meet the timeless thrill of friendly competition. Picture yourself chalking your cue as the sun sets outside, a gentle summer breeze drifting through the open doors of a lively pub. Laughter echoes over the clatter of balls as old friends reunite and new faces are welcomed with open arms. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, this is your chance to be part of something truly special – a league that’s as much about the camaraderie as it is the competition.

Each week brings a new match, a new venue, and a new reason to look forward to those midweek summer evenings. With a relaxed, sociable atmosphere and a format built for fun, the Northants Summer League is the perfect way to unwind, meet people, and make memories that last long after the final ball has dropped. 

Matches will commence on Monday 16th June so watch out for fixtures coming soon.

rushden Cons Invincibles

Unstoppable, Unbeaten, Unbelievable: Rushden Cons Crowned Northants Bar Billiards League Champions

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat (or should we say, right off the cue): Rushden Cons are an absolute machine. Not just a good team. Not just a winning team. We’re talking a lean, mean, billiard ball-pummelling juggernaut that has stormed its way to the top of the Northants Bar Billiards League with sixteen wins from sixteen matches. That’s not just a title win – that’s a mic-drop of a season.

In an era where “consistency” is usually something reserved for soggy Yorkshire puddings or a questionable pub curry, Rushden Cons have rewritten the rulebook. They’ve turned up, turned on the style, and steamrolled the league without dropping a single match. That’s right – played 16, won 16. You’d have better odds betting on a pub quiz team knowing every Love Island contestant than on Rushden Cons dropping points this season.

Dominance in the Details

Let’s crunch a few numbers, shall we? Across the season, the Cons racked up 64 leg wins while surrendering just 16. That’s an 80% win rate in legs. And just for fun, they threw in five 5-0 whitewash wins – clean sweeps so comprehensive they left their opponents looking for the instruction manual on how to hold a cue again.

According to one slightly shell-shocked rival player, “It’s like turning up for a friendly pint and finding yourself in the final of the World Championships. They’re just that good.”

But what makes this team more than just a stat sheet dream is the way they go about it. More on that later.

Stew Greenaway: The Consistency King

Every great campaign needs a talisman. For Rushden Cons, that man is Stew Greenaway – a player whose form this season has been so reliable, we suspect he might secretly be a robot.

15 wins from 16 matches. That’s not just solid – that’s iron-clad. If Stew were a pub menu item, he’d be the dependable steak and chips: always there, always satisfying, and never disappointing. Whether grinding out gritty wins or pulling off silky finishes, Stew’s been Mr Consistent in a season full of highlights.

We caught up with Stew for comment, but he was too busy potting balls in a celebratory knockabout. One teammate shouted over, “He’s only lost once this season, and he still apologised for it!”

True to form.

Andy Chambers: The Points Machine

If Stew was the steady hand, Andy Chambers was the flamethrower. Not content with simply winning, Andy decided to go full pinball wizard and rack up a jaw-dropping 108,000+ points over the league campaign.

To put that in perspective, that’s enough points to make most dart players weep and enough to earn you at least three baffled looks from anyone checking the match sheets.

Opposing players have reported that Andy’s breaks are so long and relentless, one player even made it to the bar and back twice before getting his turn. When asked for his secret, Andy smiled and said, “Just a bit of practice, and bribing the barmaid for lucky chalk.”

The man’s a menace… in the best possible way.

A Team Everyone Loves to Play

Here’s the thing that really sets Rushden Cons apart – it’s not just the wins or the stats or even the ludicrously high-scoring displays. It’s the way they carry themselves. They’re everyone’s favourite team to play, and not just because they usually bring good after match food.

Win or lose (let’s be honest, mostly win), the Cons bring a level of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and good humour that makes every match feel like a Friday night at your local – competitive, sure, but always played in the right spirit.

One rival captain put it best: “They batter you 5-0, buy you a pint after, and then help you carry your cue case to the car. It’s maddening. But you can’t help but love them.”

It’s no wonder the team is seen as the league’s best ambassadors. Whether it’s welcoming new players, keeping the banter light, or just being a genuinely top bunch of people, Rushden Cons are everything you want in a pub sports team – talented, friendly, and slightly obsessed with the menu.

The Season That Was

Looking back at their run, the consistency is almost terrifying. No dips. No drama. Just pure, unrelenting quality. It wasn’t just one or two players carrying the load either – the whole squad stepped up, night after night, to deliver the goods.

With every match, the team grew stronger – a rolling cueball of momentum that the rest of the league could only watch in awe (and mild terror).

Looking Ahead

With a perfect season under their belt, the big question now is: can anyone stop them next year?

Well, unless someone sneaks magnets into the table or signs up a retired pro, it’s looking like the Rushden Era might just be getting started.

But whatever happens, one thing is certain: the Northants Bar Billiards League is all the better for having them. Their mix of talent, humility, and humour is exactly what the league is about. They play the game hard, they play it fair, and they play it fun.

As another opposing captain put it: “They’re like that one mate who beats you at darts, then buys the first round anyway. You hate them a little, but you love them more.”

Here’s to Rushden Cons – unbeaten champions, scoring machines, and the heart and soul of the league.

Cheers, lads. You’ve earned it.

 

Dawn dunkley

With profound sadness we mourn the sudden and unexpected passing of Dawn – an absolute gem of a human being.

Dawn was a cherished member of the Northants Bar Billiards League for many years. Dawn’s boundless enthusiasm, her cheeky smile and infectious laugh, and her unparalleled kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Dawn’s warmth and vibrant spirit brought joy to every gathering, whether at the table or off it. She was more than a teammate or competitor—she was a dear friend to so many of us and a cornerstone of our league. Her absence will be deeply felt, especially by her team, but also by every member of the league who was lucky enough to share in her company.

During this very difficult time, our thoughts are with Dawn’s family – for whom we know just how devastating this is. We hope you find comfort in knowing how deeply loved and admired she was by all of us. While her passing leaves a great void, we take solace in the thought that she has been reunited with her beloved Ted, whose loss we have also felt so greatly in recent years.

To the rest of the league, let us honour Dawn by remembering the way she approached life and our game—with joy, with humour, with humility and an open generous spirit. Dawn’s memory will remain a source of inspiration and joy for us all. 

Rest in peace, Dawn—you will forever hold a special place in our hearts and you will forever be part of the fabric of the Northants Bar Billiards League.

 

SUmmer League 2024 – Rule britannia!!

What a way to finish! This summer, it is certainly a case of Britannia rules the 4-Pin Summer League 2024. The newly adopted format for the Summer League proved to be a very popular leveller and the season saw some fantastic and closely fought matches.

Mid-way through the season it looked for all the world like it would be the Storm that land a consecutive Summer League crown, but they faltered in the final few weeks just as Britannia rose again from the shadows.

The final league match could have still seen the title go to one of three teams but it was the Britannia Club that held their nerve and were deserved champions – many congratulations!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stevie Anscombe

We are saddened to hear of the recent passing of Stevie Anscombe. A mainstay of the league for many years and a highly capable player. Whether as a team mate, a pairs partner or whether coming on as a late substitute – Stevie could be relied upon to deliver a steadying hand built on a wealth of high level experience.

We’ve missed you of late Stevie – and we’ll be thinking of you and your loved ones as this shocking news sinks in. We’ll be raising a glass to your memory.

Rest in peace, Stevie x

 

Carlsberg – the best team in northants……….not even probably!!

Much like developing the perfect recipe for a thirst-quenching pint, the Carlsberg Club team served up a delicious season of tasty results to once again clinch the Division 1 title in the Northants Bar Billiards Winter League. As early into the season as November, you’d have been nuts to bet against them as they raced into what turned out to be an unassailable lead – such was their thirst to regain the title. The reward for such crisp play was almost an unblemished league campaign, were it not for a single bitter evening with the Red Lion! We bet the Carlsberg captain’s comments were salt and vinegar flavoured that night in the post match team talk!! But that spill of points aside, the team quickly began fizzing again and rightly regained the position as head of the league. Particular congratulations go to Jason Neal for his stella(r) unbeaten league season – a fantastic effort.

Many congratulations to the team – Simon, Jason, John, Stephen, Leanne and Michelle. Champions again!

 

ted’s HEADLANDERS land THE 2023/24 DIVISION 2 title

A memorable season for Ted’s Headlanders who came out of the blocks so quickly at the start of the season and made clear their intent. A string of both consistent and impressive results has earned their place back in the top flight next season and the crown of Division 2 Champions with a game to spare. This team is a delicious cocktail of stalwarts of the league, mixed with new talent and charismatic personality – the perfect team for our league. Whilst next year, in Division 1, will again be a tough test, Ted’s Headlanders have earned the right to celebrate this fantastic season. 

Many congratulations to Martin, Aidan, Mick, Dawn and Richard – well done to you all!

Storm clears way to Summer League Crown

The Storm team managed the rare and remarkable feat of retaining their Summer League Crown.

With the final round of fixtures still to play, the Storm secured the title courtesy of a 3-1 away win at The Cock ‘C’.
The form of the team has been outstanding throughout the summer and bodes well for the Winter League – upon which they can look with optimism.
However, they are short of manpower and so an additional playing member of the team would be a fantastic addition.
If you’re interested in being part of a social, committed and high quality team do reach out via this site!

Well done Storm – Summer League Champions 2023.

Back to Back!

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Champions crowned ahead of season finale!

With yet another powerful league victory, their 17th in succession, Rushden Cons overcame their title rivals Carlsberg Club ‘A’ to claim the Division 1 crown once again. They join The Red Lion ‘A’ who were crowned Division 2 champions last week.

Rushden now go into the final league match of the season chasing and incredible 18th win to also gain an ‘invincible’ season. This outstanding team has truly been the class of the field this season, with consistent play they have dominated the Northants League. Even so, they have maintained their well earned reputation for being one of the most social, most welcoming and friendly teams to play against.

We are thrilled to congratulate Rushden Cons as champions for the 2022/23 Winter League season.

The Red Lion ‘A’ have bounced back from their shock relegation from Division 1 last season by claiming the Division 2 title ahead of stablemates The Red Lion ‘B’.

Despite some indifferent form from key players and long absences of others, the welcome arrival of Stevie Oram helped to stable the ship and deliver vital points to the cause. In the end, with a match to spare, they claimed the title with an impressive away win against Ted’s Headlanders.

Both teams thoroughly meriting their league champions status and both are a credit to the Northants League. We all offer you our most hearty congratulations!

We know that you’ll enjoy your evening when you receive your well-deserved awards at Presentation Evening later this year!

Nick Faulkner

It is with great affection and fondness we remember Nick, who has sadly passed away after a lengthy period of illness. Nick was a great team mate, a passionate enthusiast of the game and a proud member of the league. His attendance at the Annual Golf Day was guaranteed and he was a key member of the Inter Area ‘C’ team.
None of us will forget the performance of his life in an Inter Area ‘C’ team match against Oxford which was live streamed via Facebook. He played such an outstanding match and earned his team a famous victory.
A wake is being held for friends to share memories and to raise a glass to Nick at The Headland, Northampton on Saturday 4th February. All are welcome.

Rest in peace, Nick. The league will miss you, but will always remember you.

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Presentation Evening hailed as ‘A Night To Remember’

Recently we celebrated our 50th Anniversary at another spectacular Presentation Evening hosted at the Old Northamptonians Club.
Our wonderful Social Secretary, Michelle Coleman, really pulled out all the stops with a wonderfully decorated venue and seamless organisation. Guests sat for a delicious meal and enjoyed the annual trophy and award presentations.
Big winners on the night were Rushden Cons and The Headlanders for their title wins and Stephen Coleman for his Individual Knockout triumph. Aidan Coe snapped up a number of trophies and awards including the Mary Leeming Award and the Player’s Player of the Year award for Division 2. Chas Peel won the PPOTY for Division 1 after a truly outstanding season.
There were plenty of laughs throughout what was a wonderful, celebratory evening and we hope to post many of the fantastic images that were captured throughout the event on this website very soon.
We also took the opportunity to mark the passing of our founder member and Honorary President Ted Dunkley. We shared some of the most thoughtful comments and memories submitted by league members, and everyone was moved by the spontaneous standing ovation offered to Ted. It was a pleasure to be joined by Dawn, Jason and the family and we know it was lovely for them to see just how much Ted meant to the league and all its members.
Here’s another look at our own tribute to Ted.

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Ted Dunkley – Founder Member and Honorary President

It is with our utmost sadness that we mourn the passing of Ted Dunkley.

After an extended period of poor health we are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Ted. We are truly devastated for Dawn and for their children and grandchildren. Ted was a hugely important, popular, respected and loved member of our league who has been sorely missed in recent times as a team mate, a leader and an advisor – but he will always be remembered with great affection and joy. It is a tragedy that he will be unable to celebrate the 50th Anniversary with us but we shall certainly have him at the forefront of our thoughts.

As a Founder Member of the Northants Bar Billiards League and then latterly the League President, Ted had Northants Bar Billiards to his very core. It is due to his commitment during some of the toughest times that we have a league to enjoy today – we have long recognised the huge debt of thanks due to him. We appreciate fully the contribution Ted made and we look forward to paying a most fitting tribute.

Of course we understand that this devastating news will hit us all very hard and we know that the entire league membership will remember Ted, the many matches that were played, the laughs that were shared and the stories that he told – we sincerely hope that you will take a moment before your next match to remember Ted and raise a glass to his wonderful memory.

Thank you Ted – may you rest in peace.

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Peter Farrelly

Once more we must sadly share the news of the passing of another important member of the Northants Bar Billiards League story.

Pete was a highly gifted player, organiser and record keeper – he diligently sought to record and safeguard the Northants Bar Billiards League whilst achieving considerable success on the national stage.

Pete made an outstanding contribution to our league and will be remembered with great fondness and gratitude for all he brought to his teams, his many friends and to the league as a whole. He was always keen to help players improve and taught many of the finest players we have the key elements of the game which still underpins their success today.

We are grateful for his lasting impact on our league and will always remember him.

Rest in peace, Pete.

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