John Parrott puts league at top of the tree

The popular former world champion was guest of honour at the league's annual awards night at Wednesfield Conservative Club.

And Parrott, who beat Jimmy White at The Crucible in 1991 to claim the world crown, proved a big hit.

The 52-year-old took part in a question and answer session with snooker coach Andrew Highfield, who helped organise the event.

He dished out numerous awards and then treating 190 spectators to his impressive stand-up routine.

League match secretary Lee Thomson was delighted with the turnout and said the new-look format was well received.

Thomson said: "It was a very good night. We had 190 people there as opposed to 80 last year.

"We used to have a series of exhibition games and that has not really worked for the last three or four years.

"So we opted for a change of format with an after dinner speaker and it worked really well. John was brilliant and just what we needed.

"He did a question and answer session before handing out the various awards. Then he did his stand-up routine, telling tales about his career and his time on 'A Question of Sport.'

"He also stuck around and did as many photographs and signed as many autographs as people wanted. He was very, very accommodating."

Parrott's appearance helped cap another successful campaign as the league enhanced its reputation as the best in the country.

The new season will break off in September with 96 sides doing battle across six divisions.

Thomson said: "We have a full complement of 96 teams again for next season including a new side from Stafford Constitutional, which is excellent news.

"John actually said he doesn't know of a league as strong as ours anywhere else in the country.

"He paid tribute to the committee on the job they are doing to keep the league strong, because that's not the trend around the country.

"It's a hotbed of snooker around here. There isn't another league in the country with as many sides and the standard is very high as well."

That standard was emphasised with a record number of 34 century breaks during the season, easily more than any other league in the country.

Brandhall Labour A claimed the Division One title for the fifth consecutive year by virtue of a deciding frame triumph against Sedgley Ex-Service in their final game of the season.

The top-flight action also saw a new best of 19 century breaks compiled, tour pro Mitchell Mann (Brandhall Labour A) topping the list with a superb 141.

Cannock Cons A will be in the top division next season after winning the Division Two title while Amery made it back-to-back promotions in lifting the Division Five crown.

Bentley Moor marked their first year in the league by winning Division Six.

The league also introduced a new trophy this season in honour of one of their former players, Darren Crossley, who sadly passed away last year.

Thomson said: "Darren was a popular player in the league and his former team-mates from Woodcross and Sedgley WMC clubbed together to provide a trophy.

"We will present that as a special achievement award each year in his honour. Richard Haney, from Wednesfield Cons, was the first winner. He was our junior champion."

Division 1: Brandhall Labour A, runners-up Hotshots SC. Most wins: Richard Haney (Wednesfield Cons A) 26. Highest break: Mitchell Mann (Brandhall Labour A) 141.

Division 2: Cannock Cons A, promoted Forty Four Club A (runners-up) and Bilston BC A. Most wins: Daniel Eaton-Lees (Cannock Cons A) 26. Highest break: Daniel Eaton-Lees (Cannock Cons A) 111.

Division 3: Sedgley WMC C, promoted Golden Cue D (runners-up) and Bilston BC B. Most wins: Lee Bannister (Bilston BC C) 27. Highest break: Shawn Smith (Golden Cue D) 90.

Division 4:Windsor Transport B, promoted Sedgley Ex-Service C (runners-up) and Wednesfield RBL A. Most wins: Joe Hawkes (Sedgley Ex Service D) 26. Highest break: Joe Hawkes (Sedgley Ex-Service D) 61.

Division 5: Amery, promoted Golden Cue G (runners-up) and Wolverhampton Electric D. Most wins: Neil Drewett (Wolverhampton Electric D), Peter Robbins (Woodfield Social D) and Lee Boulton (Triangle) 23. Highest break: Peter Robbins (Woodfield Social D) 66.

Division 6: Bentley Moor, promoted Pennfields D (runners-up) and Shepwell Green B. Most wins: Paul Wakeman (Bushbury Grid C) 26. Highest break: Paul Wakeman (Bushbury Grid C) 54.

Challenge Cup: Hotshots SC, runners-up Sedgley Ex Service A.

Consolation Cup: Golden Cue SC H, runners-up Bushbury Grid C.

Individual Championship: Reanne Evans (Sedgley Ex Service), runner-up Darryn Walker (Pennfields).

Individual Plate: Paul Lloyd (Shifnal), runner-up Mick Brezwyn (Shifnal).

Individual Handicap: Rob Wharne (Stafford Institute), runner-up John Fallows (Shifnal).

3x2 Handicap: Sedgley Ex-Service, runners-up Hotshots SC.

Foursomes: Jack Harris & Riley Parsons (Landywood SC), runners-up Geoff Williams & Gary Miller (Brandhall Labour A).

Pairs Medley: Daniel Ward & Simon Hickman (Sedgley Ex Service), runners-up Peter Hyland & Dwyer Evans (Codsall Firs).

Secretaries: Tom Maddocks (Fordhouses CC), runner-up Robert Temple (Bushbury Grid B).

Grandmasters: Andy Evans (Landywood SC), runner-up Pat McVey (Woodfield Social).