|
In 1923 our league was formed compiling of just a few teams. The teams players were mainly members of the Fort Osborn
Army Barracks, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Although the army barracks are no longer there, we must remember their contribution
to the forming of the league.
Originally, each team rated their players as #1, #2, #3 etc. and they played against the other teams same rated player.
( Player #1 on one team would play Player #1 on the opposing team ) After awhile; some players were increasing their
skills to the point of the matches were becoming unfair. So a handicapped system was adopted into the league. Exactly when,
is disbuted, but in 1949 when Tom Hargreaves joined the league it was in place. Tom Hargreaves is a life member of the Veterans
English Billiard League with a total of 49 years in the league. 25 years of that, Tom was the secretary/treasurer of our organization.
At one point in time, each match night consisted of 3 matches. Partially due to some clubs only had one table and the
amount of players on each team. When matches were played at these clubs they tried to start the matches as early as 5:30pm
(instead of 7pm) as to be able to finish the matches that night. But as the popularity of the game of English Billiards grew
in the Winnipeg Area, they found that 3 matches per Thursday night wasn't enough so they adopted to four matches per Thursday
night. Our league at one time supported 22 individual teams, and is presently supporting 10 teams.
At this time, we all must take a moment to thank the 3 life members in our league, Tom Hargreaves, Jim Simm, and Ray
Trinder. Without their grit and love for our great game, we might not be here. THANK YOU.
I would like to thank Tom Hargreaves for his support and the above information in order to preserve the memories of all
that have come before us. And thanks to Tom's dear friend and orginal member of our league, Harry Lockwood, who
educated Tom on the early beginnings of our league.
History of cue sports, collectables and pictures!
|
