RICHARD THE FISH NETS SECOND 'WORLD' SINGLES CATCH
EPIC BATTLE ON ICONIC KEMPTOWN TABLE DEFINES 'ASTONISHING' AFTER-MIDNIGHT TOADS WIN
The climax of this year's World Toads Singles Championship 2024 capped a marathon eight-and-half hour-long tournament with a stunning final between former champions Richard 'The Fish' Crossland and Ed Hill, writes Jim Rosentode.
Fisherman 'Rich', from Lewes and who plays for the Rodmell and Caxton B teams, pushed Ed Hill of the Round Georges pub in Kemptown right to the wire in a 4-3 classic.
Organiser Jonny Wills observed: ''You have to remember Richard was beaten by Ed in '22 in the first round, when Ed won. Then in '23 Richard won the final. And then they go and meet this year in the final. Amazing, it's real game of toads rivalry stuff.''
Fisherman 'Rich', from Lewes and who plays for the Rodmell and Caxton B teams, pushed Ed Hill of the Round Georges pub in Kemptown right to the wire in a 4-3 classic.
Organiser Jonny Wills observed: ''You have to remember Richard was beaten by Ed in '22 in the first round, when Ed won. Then in '23 Richard won the final. And then they go and meet this year in the final. Amazing, it's real game of toads rivalry stuff.''
SURPRISED TO WIN
Hill needed a four out to take the title and landed his first coin precariously in the volcano rim of the Hand in Hand toads table, tilted at an angle like a UFO in a moon crater. This forced Ed to opt for a shot to take them both down, but Ed's landed at the back, missing the target of the wedged coin, and spun off the table.
Richard then stepped in to deliver his own four out with two confident Doigian lobs into the hole. Dazed, he then immediately announced: ''I'm astonished to have won that.''
HOLING AND LANDING SKILL
Crossland's game was praised for some 'amazing' precision landing on the infamous Hand in Hand table, listed as number 5 in the WTSC, a lead renowned in Toads circles for causing players issues in the out-zone from eight down.
For the uninitiated the total odd-score of 31 means players have to find find an odd one score, despite being a bucket lead spanning three fingers wide and four fingers long, it is notorious for the difficulty in landing a one, called a 'Sauron' by locals for the unsettling eye made by the number drawn on the board.
TABLE DEBATE
Throughout the venue there was mixed and heated discussion that the Hand in Hand pub table from Kemptown was both too easy and too difficult. But as well as the length of 7ft 6 and ¼'' from the front, the well-played lead cambered on all four sides, resembling the inflated skirting of a hovercraft. With the volcano-lead hole, the naturally-worn, exposed wood inside challenged many players to adjust to hole in a more measured fashion.
TABLE FIVE BALL DRAW
Despite playing it in his run to the final, 2022 Champion Hill wasn't keen on playing on 'Table 5' again, but as fate had it, he pulled out the number five ball in the draw. After the match Ed stated:
''It was a hell of a night, and a cracking final. I'm still coming to terms with not smashing a four to take it all but we'll get there.''
Both players were mic'd up for a documentary being made on the game, with both expressing a hope their numerous expletives would be bleeped out in the event the documentary film is aired.
Hill needed a four out to take the title and landed his first coin precariously in the volcano rim of the Hand in Hand toads table, tilted at an angle like a UFO in a moon crater. This forced Ed to opt for a shot to take them both down, but Ed's landed at the back, missing the target of the wedged coin, and spun off the table.
Richard then stepped in to deliver his own four out with two confident Doigian lobs into the hole. Dazed, he then immediately announced: ''I'm astonished to have won that.''
HOLING AND LANDING SKILL
Crossland's game was praised for some 'amazing' precision landing on the infamous Hand in Hand table, listed as number 5 in the WTSC, a lead renowned in Toads circles for causing players issues in the out-zone from eight down.
For the uninitiated the total odd-score of 31 means players have to find find an odd one score, despite being a bucket lead spanning three fingers wide and four fingers long, it is notorious for the difficulty in landing a one, called a 'Sauron' by locals for the unsettling eye made by the number drawn on the board.
TABLE DEBATE
Throughout the venue there was mixed and heated discussion that the Hand in Hand pub table from Kemptown was both too easy and too difficult. But as well as the length of 7ft 6 and ¼'' from the front, the well-played lead cambered on all four sides, resembling the inflated skirting of a hovercraft. With the volcano-lead hole, the naturally-worn, exposed wood inside challenged many players to adjust to hole in a more measured fashion.
TABLE FIVE BALL DRAW
Despite playing it in his run to the final, 2022 Champion Hill wasn't keen on playing on 'Table 5' again, but as fate had it, he pulled out the number five ball in the draw. After the match Ed stated:
''It was a hell of a night, and a cracking final. I'm still coming to terms with not smashing a four to take it all but we'll get there.''
Both players were mic'd up for a documentary being made on the game, with both expressing a hope their numerous expletives would be bleeped out in the event the documentary film is aired.
AROUND THE TOURNAMENT
In other rounds newly-seeded Laura Bellamy-Mockford bagged a quarter final slot, losing out to the much-touted Jake Saunders. He was subsequently scalped by Hill, with a fair degree of sledging and banter exchanged during the match.
Fourteen-year-old Harry Douch caused a stir with a great run to the Last Sixteen, while Black Horse landlord and Lewes seed Declan Rowell had to forgo his Round of 32 spot for a work emergency handing fellow landlord Ian Macquire a bye.
New seed and table-maker Noel Wilkins justified his rank by making the semi-finals, earning him, along with Jake, Ed and Richard beer prizes donated by Cloak and Dagger.
The event was hosted by WTSC organisers Jonny Wills and Gemma John, who showed a popular fifteen-minute Orientation Film with all sixty-four players in pseudo-sports profiles, dubbed movie footage and an opening sequence filmed in a Kemptown church by Chairman Benton Wieldy set to the music of Prince's Let's Go Crazy, converted to Let's Toads Crazy.
In other rounds newly-seeded Laura Bellamy-Mockford bagged a quarter final slot, losing out to the much-touted Jake Saunders. He was subsequently scalped by Hill, with a fair degree of sledging and banter exchanged during the match.
Fourteen-year-old Harry Douch caused a stir with a great run to the Last Sixteen, while Black Horse landlord and Lewes seed Declan Rowell had to forgo his Round of 32 spot for a work emergency handing fellow landlord Ian Macquire a bye.
New seed and table-maker Noel Wilkins justified his rank by making the semi-finals, earning him, along with Jake, Ed and Richard beer prizes donated by Cloak and Dagger.
The event was hosted by WTSC organisers Jonny Wills and Gemma John, who showed a popular fifteen-minute Orientation Film with all sixty-four players in pseudo-sports profiles, dubbed movie footage and an opening sequence filmed in a Kemptown church by Chairman Benton Wieldy set to the music of Prince's Let's Go Crazy, converted to Let's Toads Crazy.
PLAYERS FROM HOME AND ABROAD
A montage of flags represented the counties and towns taking part, and toading communities were represented by players from Mid-Sussex, Lincoln, West Sussex, Lewes, Brighton and London.
The nation flag of Germany was also shown to represent participants Guido Moller and Leo Agthe who had flown especially from Hamburg to play. Guido was asked to present the Toadstone Trophy to the winner. He declared it was touching honour to be asked, adding: ''I had a wonderful weekend in Lewes. Got up at 7:30am on Sunday - and arrived home at 22:30 - it was a long day of traveling, but really worth it!''
LARGEST SINGLES EVENT
Draws were held before each phase which proved trickier to deliver as the evening progressed. But it failed to derail the event and even gave players a breather between the intensity of matches.
As Jonny pointed out: ''While growing the event we are also finding out what this is. What the WTSC was on Saturday hadn't been done before, as it's the biggest Toad-in-the-Hole singles tournament in the history of the game. We can only take what we learned and improve the facilitation.''
RECORD TAKINGS
The event was held at St Mary's Supporters Club who confirmed the bar had done one of the best nights takings-wise they could remember.
''Frankly it was a behemoth but momentous, and all the people there made the event what it was,'' added Wills. ''We literally dropped a few balls, but we hoped that in the good-natured spirit of our intentions, it raised a smile.''
A montage of flags represented the counties and towns taking part, and toading communities were represented by players from Mid-Sussex, Lincoln, West Sussex, Lewes, Brighton and London.
The nation flag of Germany was also shown to represent participants Guido Moller and Leo Agthe who had flown especially from Hamburg to play. Guido was asked to present the Toadstone Trophy to the winner. He declared it was touching honour to be asked, adding: ''I had a wonderful weekend in Lewes. Got up at 7:30am on Sunday - and arrived home at 22:30 - it was a long day of traveling, but really worth it!''
LARGEST SINGLES EVENT
Draws were held before each phase which proved trickier to deliver as the evening progressed. But it failed to derail the event and even gave players a breather between the intensity of matches.
As Jonny pointed out: ''While growing the event we are also finding out what this is. What the WTSC was on Saturday hadn't been done before, as it's the biggest Toad-in-the-Hole singles tournament in the history of the game. We can only take what we learned and improve the facilitation.''
RECORD TAKINGS
The event was held at St Mary's Supporters Club who confirmed the bar had done one of the best nights takings-wise they could remember.
''Frankly it was a behemoth but momentous, and all the people there made the event what it was,'' added Wills. ''We literally dropped a few balls, but we hoped that in the good-natured spirit of our intentions, it raised a smile.''
This event took place on....
Saturday
26th October
@ St Marys
Supporters Club
Lewes
Supporters Club
Lewes
3pm
SIGN-IN and WARM-UP
4pm approx.
WTSC ORIENTATION FILM and DRAW for ROUND of 64
- no admittance before 3pm -
We recommend spectators arrive at 4.30pm for the first matches
Please refrain from parking in St Marys car park as we need room for the helpers and the food truck to manoeuvre. There are plenty of space around in Lewes.
SIGN-IN and WARM-UP
4pm approx.
WTSC ORIENTATION FILM and DRAW for ROUND of 64
- no admittance before 3pm -
We recommend spectators arrive at 4.30pm for the first matches
Please refrain from parking in St Marys car park as we need room for the helpers and the food truck to manoeuvre. There are plenty of space around in Lewes.
TRAVEL INFO
🚂Walk from Lewes train station
🚌Bus from Brighton (Lewes Prison stop) Regency Route 28/29
🚗On-street parking in Lewes or outside the club, Christie Road. Saturday parking usually free. Check on Parkopedia. Please refrain from parking in St Marys as we need room for the food truck to manoeuvre
🚌Bus from Brighton (Lewes Prison stop) Regency Route 28/29
🚗On-street parking in Lewes or outside the club, Christie Road. Saturday parking usually free. Check on Parkopedia. Please refrain from parking in St Marys as we need room for the food truck to manoeuvre
Food Confirmed
Finest Neapolitan Pizzas
from 500 Degrees Sliced
Finest Neapolitan Pizzas
from 500 Degrees Sliced
In a collaboration with 500 Degrees Sliced there will be a trailer providing pizzas bespoke for the WTSC.
Authentic Ten-inch Neapolitan Pizzas for a tenner each with vegan options in the flavours you see on their website.
Menu confirmation to follow.
Authentic Ten-inch Neapolitan Pizzas for a tenner each with vegan options in the flavours you see on their website.
Menu confirmation to follow.
WTSC NOW IN OUR 3RD YEAR
''Genius film. What a great night. You really put the work in. Superb organisation.''
''Genius film. What a great night. You really put the work in. Superb organisation.''
WTSC24
Players' Roster
1. David Crowther
2. Mark Powell
3. Reg Martin 2023 Runner-Up🌱
4. Richard Crossland 2023 Champion🌱
5. Wayne Saunders🌱
6. Noel Wilkins🌱
7. Jonny Wills
8. Ross Hossack
9. Ed Hill 2022 Champion🌱
10. Adam King
11. Rob Swabey🌱
12. Roly Dean
13. Matt Mahoney🌱
14. Mark Doig🌱
15. Damon Bloomfield
16. Chris Lloyd
17. Alex Wallace
18. Andy Sanders
19. Christian Cronauer
20. Steve Burrlock
21. Declan Rowell🌱
22. James Porter🌱
23. Simon Barris🌱
24. Harry Douch
25. Matt Douch
26. Ian Macquire
27. Laura Bellamy-Mockford🌱
28. John Edmondson
29. Joseph Weller
30. Jake Saunders🌱
31. Dan Saunders 2022 Runner-Up🌱
32. Josh Saunders🌱
33. Christian Dew
34. Tim Parry
35. Jordan Johnson
36. Ian Bliszczak
37. Ciaran Armstrong
38. Joe Mockford
39. Guido Möller
40. Leo Agthe
41. Edward Emmerson
42. Phil Smith
43. Misza Pawlicki
44. Jerzy Pawlicki
45. Mark Bruce
46. Bekhim Dushkaja
47. Aaron Montgomery
48. Tom Marcus-Walker
49. Dan O' Shea
50. Toby Mariner
51. Ben Robinson🌱
52. Will Entwistle
53. Pete Jarrett
54. Toby Lewis
55. Rachel Conway
56. Dominic Tubb
57. George Reynolds
58. Louise Beck
59. Toby Grimes
60. Ross Ashley
61. William Platts
62. Tom Rogers
63. Mark Brown
64. James Ward
WTSC NOW IN OUR 3RD YEAR
''What a cracking evening, you absolutely smashed it , never had so much fun at a toads event (possibly even any night of my life), I can tell you put a lot of hard work in to it and thank you for that, but also know it definitely paid off.''
''What a cracking evening, you absolutely smashed it , never had so much fun at a toads event (possibly even any night of my life), I can tell you put a lot of hard work in to it and thank you for that, but also know it definitely paid off.''
8 Tables Confirmed
1. St Mary's Supporters Club House Table: 6ft 9'' from the front
2. The Black Horse League Team House Table, Lewes: 7ft 1 and 1/2'' from front - a similar table exists at The Howard, Brighton
3. Country House 'Shelf' Table, Earlsfield, London: 7ft from the lead
4. WTSC Tournament Table w/ virgin lead: 7ft 3'' from the front
5. Lincolnshire 'Roving' Table currently in situ at The Three Horseshoes, Waddington, Lincoln: 6ft 5'' from the front - similar to the Lewes Teams Worlds tables
6. The Hand in Hand Table, Kemptown, Brighton: 7ft 6 and ¼'' from the front
7. Cast-Lead Black Table with Brass Front courtesy of Syc Toad Tables and Leads: 7ft 3'' from the front - sister table to the one at The Caxton Arms, Brighton
8. Rodmell Table by Wayne Saunders: 7ft from the front
2. The Black Horse League Team House Table, Lewes: 7ft 1 and 1/2'' from front - a similar table exists at The Howard, Brighton
3. Country House 'Shelf' Table, Earlsfield, London: 7ft from the lead
4. WTSC Tournament Table w/ virgin lead: 7ft 3'' from the front
5. Lincolnshire 'Roving' Table currently in situ at The Three Horseshoes, Waddington, Lincoln: 6ft 5'' from the front - similar to the Lewes Teams Worlds tables
6. The Hand in Hand Table, Kemptown, Brighton: 7ft 6 and ¼'' from the front
7. Cast-Lead Black Table with Brass Front courtesy of Syc Toad Tables and Leads: 7ft 3'' from the front - sister table to the one at The Caxton Arms, Brighton
8. Rodmell Table by Wayne Saunders: 7ft from the front
Table Selection Methodology
We're simply looking for a mix of tables for fairness. They represent known venues, regions where players are from, lead type and oche distance, which in turn will reflect in the score by visits for each game. A guesstimated optimum number for any table is of course assuming you have a seasoned player on form. In reality a whole afternoon and evening of the WTSC is also a test of nerve, nerves and stamina, as well as consistent accuracy.
Before assessing the ease or difficulty of a lead you need to look at the landing quality of the lead, the size of hole and the distance of the oche. One player's 5-visit is another's horror-show.
The WTSC aims to represent the game as a whole, not cater to player preferences or regional league rules. If we listened to every single person's dislike, we would probably end up without tables. Incidentally, due to the random draws, table suppliers have a one-in-eight chance of playing their own table.
Players also have different definitions of a good table - it might be because it's easy or challenging that they like it, or say a table is bad, because the lead, distance or whatever doesn't suit the player or current form or mood😂.
The intention behind the variations is to balance the score-ability over all eight tables to find the champion toads player who can master them all, and so the game.
We're simply looking for a mix of tables for fairness. They represent known venues, regions where players are from, lead type and oche distance, which in turn will reflect in the score by visits for each game. A guesstimated optimum number for any table is of course assuming you have a seasoned player on form. In reality a whole afternoon and evening of the WTSC is also a test of nerve, nerves and stamina, as well as consistent accuracy.
Before assessing the ease or difficulty of a lead you need to look at the landing quality of the lead, the size of hole and the distance of the oche. One player's 5-visit is another's horror-show.
The WTSC aims to represent the game as a whole, not cater to player preferences or regional league rules. If we listened to every single person's dislike, we would probably end up without tables. Incidentally, due to the random draws, table suppliers have a one-in-eight chance of playing their own table.
Players also have different definitions of a good table - it might be because it's easy or challenging that they like it, or say a table is bad, because the lead, distance or whatever doesn't suit the player or current form or mood😂.
The intention behind the variations is to balance the score-ability over all eight tables to find the champion toads player who can master them all, and so the game.
FYI: THIS IS NOT THE
'WORLD' TEAMS EVENT.
CONTACT THE CSBS IN LEWES TO SIGN UP TO THEIR EVENT IN SPRING AND
THE WAITING LIST. THANK YOU
'WORLD' TEAMS EVENT.
CONTACT THE CSBS IN LEWES TO SIGN UP TO THEIR EVENT IN SPRING AND
THE WAITING LIST. THANK YOU
WTSC NOW IN OUR 3RD YEAR
'Impossible really to
improve upon.''
'Impossible really to
improve upon.''
Waiting List
All spaces have now been taken.
We're happy to put you on this list, in no particular order. We've estimated five drop outs perhaps, but no guarantees. I will put a note out in our Facebook Group or on here when a drop-out space comes up and leave it to you to check in with it. The ten pounds will need to be paid immediately - this tells the tournament you're definitely attending and this remunerates for the organisation, admin, facilitation and venue hire. It's more work than you realise, no matter who disses us 😂
All spaces have now been taken.
We're happy to put you on this list, in no particular order. We've estimated five drop outs perhaps, but no guarantees. I will put a note out in our Facebook Group or on here when a drop-out space comes up and leave it to you to check in with it. The ten pounds will need to be paid immediately - this tells the tournament you're definitely attending and this remunerates for the organisation, admin, facilitation and venue hire. It's more work than you realise, no matter who disses us 😂
- Robert Bishop
- Boz Davison
- Tayla Evans
- Rachel Thomas
- Mark Jones 🌱
- Conal Jacks
- John Miles
- Paul Richardson
- Mat Smith
- James Edecki
- Thomas Andrei
- Paul Austen
- Steve Homewood
More REVIEWS for
the WTSC
the WTSC
''Class.''
''Thank you very much for organising, as always''
''Great day. Thanks for hosting mate. Looking forward to next year already.''
''Why are you asking me? You knew it was good.''
''I've just watched the film ten times.''
''The smoking cage was funny. The atmosphere was brilliant. So different to other tournaments. Just nice to see everyone in that environment.''
WTSC MUSIC PLAYLIST
Here is the bespoke WTSC music playlist for this year. Feel free to use it to enhance your practise.
Let me know if there are any classic tracks you'd like added, bearing in mind there are 300 songs and seventeen hours on shuffle already. If you reach THE FINAL we will need to know your walk-on music, so have a think what that will be.
EVENT DETAILS
and FAQs
and FAQs
Where?
St Marys Supporters Club
Christie Rd, Lewes BN7 1PL
When?
Saturday 26th October, 2024
Time
3pm
There will be an hour for warm up at doors open, and time to warm up before matches. There are no warm ups between rounds. Do not arrive before doors open, even if you are bringing tables. This year they will be collected if this is an issue.
St Marys Supporters Club
Christie Rd, Lewes BN7 1PL
When?
Saturday 26th October, 2024
Time
3pm
There will be an hour for warm up at doors open, and time to warm up before matches. There are no warm ups between rounds. Do not arrive before doors open, even if you are bringing tables. This year they will be collected if this is an issue.
FAQs
What do I do to sign up?
Please join the waiting list below, we now have sixty-four players, our cut-off number for tournament. Please do not send in money unless invited to confirm, you only need to contact us to get on the list.
To join the new Waiting List please email us through the DropBox page. Or if you know Jonny, (the main organiser) contact him direct via WhatsApp, in person or through the socials.
Or you can try via Game of Toads on Facebook with an invite request. Please send us your number for WhatsApp and email address.
What's the likelihood of people dropping out? Ten per cent, so about five spots. Stay tuned to this site and the Game of Toads Facebook group and we will alert you. We can't stop those with unwanted spots passing them on though.
But you told me... All the info has been on the website for six months.
I've already signed up and paid. What do I do? Relax. Scroll back up to the Players' Roster.
Please join the waiting list below, we now have sixty-four players, our cut-off number for tournament. Please do not send in money unless invited to confirm, you only need to contact us to get on the list.
To join the new Waiting List please email us through the DropBox page. Or if you know Jonny, (the main organiser) contact him direct via WhatsApp, in person or through the socials.
Or you can try via Game of Toads on Facebook with an invite request. Please send us your number for WhatsApp and email address.
What's the likelihood of people dropping out? Ten per cent, so about five spots. Stay tuned to this site and the Game of Toads Facebook group and we will alert you. We can't stop those with unwanted spots passing them on though.
But you told me... All the info has been on the website for six months.
I've already signed up and paid. What do I do? Relax. Scroll back up to the Players' Roster.
Why is the format straight knockout?
The tournament is not a pub or taproom event designed to keep people drinking, despite the fact we enjoy those competitions very much as well. The WTSC however is a serious competition to find out who the best player is. We've gone for straight knockout as this is how most 'pro' tournaments are structured and the fact there's no debate about winning and losing. We make the matches best of five instead of three, so there is better chance to make a match of it.
Are spectators welcome?
Of course. Members get in free of course and for guests of the club, entry £5 cash. Seats and tables are provided in a slightly different set up to a normal day, and most are geared for watching the matches. Last year there were lots of spare tables and chairs.
Can Club members enter the WTSC?
Of course. Club members are welcome and can put their names down for the Waiting List if they want to take part. Please remember it's not a club-organised event and the entrance fee is ten pounds when asked to confirm. This covers the run-up year of admin, promotion, legwork, organisation leading up to the WTSC, not just event day facilitation. People send emails at eleven at night in a panic they have not entered, so this has to be dealt with.
Does the organiser have an advantage?
No. It's notoriously difficult to win your own tournament. To do so you'd need to be some kind of 'King', 'President' or 'God of Toads'. I won't be getting extra warm-ups, I will be too busy setting up. Saying that I will do my best to go as far as I can 🐸😂👑JW
Do people who provide tables have an advantage? Not really. There's a one in eight probability they will end up on their 'home' table and even then there's the added pressure of the expectation they will be good.
All player have a heads up about the tables and lengths so can prepare accordingly.
The tournament is not a pub or taproom event designed to keep people drinking, despite the fact we enjoy those competitions very much as well. The WTSC however is a serious competition to find out who the best player is. We've gone for straight knockout as this is how most 'pro' tournaments are structured and the fact there's no debate about winning and losing. We make the matches best of five instead of three, so there is better chance to make a match of it.
Are spectators welcome?
Of course. Members get in free of course and for guests of the club, entry £5 cash. Seats and tables are provided in a slightly different set up to a normal day, and most are geared for watching the matches. Last year there were lots of spare tables and chairs.
Can Club members enter the WTSC?
Of course. Club members are welcome and can put their names down for the Waiting List if they want to take part. Please remember it's not a club-organised event and the entrance fee is ten pounds when asked to confirm. This covers the run-up year of admin, promotion, legwork, organisation leading up to the WTSC, not just event day facilitation. People send emails at eleven at night in a panic they have not entered, so this has to be dealt with.
Does the organiser have an advantage?
No. It's notoriously difficult to win your own tournament. To do so you'd need to be some kind of 'King', 'President' or 'God of Toads'. I won't be getting extra warm-ups, I will be too busy setting up. Saying that I will do my best to go as far as I can 🐸😂👑JW
Do people who provide tables have an advantage? Not really. There's a one in eight probability they will end up on their 'home' table and even then there's the added pressure of the expectation they will be good.
All player have a heads up about the tables and lengths so can prepare accordingly.
What's the history of the WTSC?
The WTSC - World Toads Singles Championship - is now in it's third year.
In 2022 sixteen of the best Toads players came together to compete rallied round by organisers Jonny Wills and host Gemma John. In 2023 that number doubled to 32. This year there will be sixty-four players, making it the largest singles tournament in the known history of the game.
The WTSC is held at St Marys Supporters Club in Lewes, a private members venue renowned for it's sport and games-playing history and it's famously long bar counter.
What are the WTSC's intentions and how does it distinguish itself? The tournament seeks to make itself a beacon for fair play and non-competitive edging and uses eight different Toads tables to represent the idiosyncrasies inherent in the game. As well as the general rules of Toad-in-the-Hole it has it's own WTSC Rules and Guidelines including self-governing oches where other players are invited to score or be the 'Toadrunner'.
The WTSC is aware the game is both multi-levelled and absurd and welcomes serious competitors finding their Toads home among friends. To this end the event itself celebrates the game with humour, a bespoke orientation film and soundtrack, keen organisation and solid structure for serious competition.
Players meet with other enthusiasts in the community in an atmosphere geared towards fellowship and fair play and tend to have a brilliant day regardless of how far they progress in the tournament. This year the tournament brings together all the communities of Toads, including Brighton, Lewes, Lincoln and London; East, West and Mid-Sussex, plus players for the first time from Germany.
The WTSC - World Toads Singles Championship - is now in it's third year.
In 2022 sixteen of the best Toads players came together to compete rallied round by organisers Jonny Wills and host Gemma John. In 2023 that number doubled to 32. This year there will be sixty-four players, making it the largest singles tournament in the known history of the game.
The WTSC is held at St Marys Supporters Club in Lewes, a private members venue renowned for it's sport and games-playing history and it's famously long bar counter.
What are the WTSC's intentions and how does it distinguish itself? The tournament seeks to make itself a beacon for fair play and non-competitive edging and uses eight different Toads tables to represent the idiosyncrasies inherent in the game. As well as the general rules of Toad-in-the-Hole it has it's own WTSC Rules and Guidelines including self-governing oches where other players are invited to score or be the 'Toadrunner'.
The WTSC is aware the game is both multi-levelled and absurd and welcomes serious competitors finding their Toads home among friends. To this end the event itself celebrates the game with humour, a bespoke orientation film and soundtrack, keen organisation and solid structure for serious competition.
Players meet with other enthusiasts in the community in an atmosphere geared towards fellowship and fair play and tend to have a brilliant day regardless of how far they progress in the tournament. This year the tournament brings together all the communities of Toads, including Brighton, Lewes, Lincoln and London; East, West and Mid-Sussex, plus players for the first time from Germany.
Will there be filming this year?
There may well be a documentary film-maker who makes stuff for the BBC and Ch4. They are instinctively discreet and still. They are professional and friendly people with a genuine interest in the game. Please feel free to talk to them and share your stories, if they attend.
Why aren't there more women in the tournament? There are four women taking part as an example of the inclusiveness of the game. We can think of two more potential female winners as well but they haven't entered. When people blame men for the lack of female entries that is just sexist. All players just need to practise more if they want to compete in the top hop flight. Perhaps boys are predisposed to chase games and sport techniques more like they did at school, but that is a societal issue and we believe that is changing right now. As far as Toads is concerned it's already inclusive, and there is seldom judgement or resentment, where the better players practise a lot and enter competitions and leagues which are open to all genders and persuasions.
What do you win?
Along with the honour of being crowned "World Champion", you'll receive the gold-leafed Toadstone Trophy aka Mr 'Bufo' Toad to guard over for a year, picture left. It weighs just about a kilogram less than the football world cup.
Layered with bufonite and gold leaf the oak-disc base represents the four coins used in Toad-in-the-Hole. You'll get your name on the trophy engraved on a special tag placed on the oak coin stack that Bufo sits on.
Legend has it his bufonite-layered centre will protect you from poison (!) 😂 Above Bufo is pictured on his visit to the trophy and engraving shop in Hangleton, where upon its arrival, the owner said: "I was not expecting that!'
We have some sponsorship things in the pipeline, it just takes a bit of negotiation and organising.
There may well be a documentary film-maker who makes stuff for the BBC and Ch4. They are instinctively discreet and still. They are professional and friendly people with a genuine interest in the game. Please feel free to talk to them and share your stories, if they attend.
Why aren't there more women in the tournament? There are four women taking part as an example of the inclusiveness of the game. We can think of two more potential female winners as well but they haven't entered. When people blame men for the lack of female entries that is just sexist. All players just need to practise more if they want to compete in the top hop flight. Perhaps boys are predisposed to chase games and sport techniques more like they did at school, but that is a societal issue and we believe that is changing right now. As far as Toads is concerned it's already inclusive, and there is seldom judgement or resentment, where the better players practise a lot and enter competitions and leagues which are open to all genders and persuasions.
What do you win?
Along with the honour of being crowned "World Champion", you'll receive the gold-leafed Toadstone Trophy aka Mr 'Bufo' Toad to guard over for a year, picture left. It weighs just about a kilogram less than the football world cup.
Layered with bufonite and gold leaf the oak-disc base represents the four coins used in Toad-in-the-Hole. You'll get your name on the trophy engraved on a special tag placed on the oak coin stack that Bufo sits on.
Legend has it his bufonite-layered centre will protect you from poison (!) 😂 Above Bufo is pictured on his visit to the trophy and engraving shop in Hangleton, where upon its arrival, the owner said: "I was not expecting that!'
We have some sponsorship things in the pipeline, it just takes a bit of negotiation and organising.
How do we facilitate the members of St Marys?
Please be aware we have hired the space for a tournament and this year we will have double the amount of competitors. Some tables and chairs are by oches for spectating and some are standalone. Last year there were at least four empty tables and twenty spare seats all day and night. This year will be much busier so we're asking members not there for toads to please work with us and not begrudge our special day.
The help we have received through our friends at St Marys in making the event a success has been outstanding and we are very grateful. Obviously we have paid money to hire the main room of the venue, so we assume that everyone wants us there and for all to have a good time.
Prior to the event, we submit a plan that is ratified by the club committee and organise the room accordingly. As it is an important event for the Toads community and Sussex, now gaining a niche amount of national and international traction, we hope members will understand the room will be a little different to other days and refrain from playing on the toads tables - as they don't belong to us - when the event is in progress.
If any members still have a problem please contact organiser and St Marys club member Jonny Wills directly and he will gladly answer your questions, or he will come and find you and address the matter in person. We have instructed our welcome hosts to invite everyone to remember to sign in: players, members and spectators, to insure accountability and a cordial atmosphere, so that we know everyone is there to make the day a nice one for all.
How can I guarantee entry if a space comes up? By paying to confirm you're coming when asked to do so. Please bear in mind this is a standalone private club event not a pub or league one.
If you do miss out come along and support your favourite player, watch some amazeballs Toads skills or just come for the nail-biting tension and booze. You may just want to see if its for you next year. There is space to allocate spectators who can also get in to St Marys from four pm for just £5.
Please be aware we have hired the space for a tournament and this year we will have double the amount of competitors. Some tables and chairs are by oches for spectating and some are standalone. Last year there were at least four empty tables and twenty spare seats all day and night. This year will be much busier so we're asking members not there for toads to please work with us and not begrudge our special day.
The help we have received through our friends at St Marys in making the event a success has been outstanding and we are very grateful. Obviously we have paid money to hire the main room of the venue, so we assume that everyone wants us there and for all to have a good time.
Prior to the event, we submit a plan that is ratified by the club committee and organise the room accordingly. As it is an important event for the Toads community and Sussex, now gaining a niche amount of national and international traction, we hope members will understand the room will be a little different to other days and refrain from playing on the toads tables - as they don't belong to us - when the event is in progress.
If any members still have a problem please contact organiser and St Marys club member Jonny Wills directly and he will gladly answer your questions, or he will come and find you and address the matter in person. We have instructed our welcome hosts to invite everyone to remember to sign in: players, members and spectators, to insure accountability and a cordial atmosphere, so that we know everyone is there to make the day a nice one for all.
How can I guarantee entry if a space comes up? By paying to confirm you're coming when asked to do so. Please bear in mind this is a standalone private club event not a pub or league one.
If you do miss out come along and support your favourite player, watch some amazeballs Toads skills or just come for the nail-biting tension and booze. You may just want to see if its for you next year. There is space to allocate spectators who can also get in to St Marys from four pm for just £5.
Facebook Group
Scan the QR code (right) to go to the Game of Toads Facebook group, or click this link and ask to be join and get the latest updates. |
Remember: There Can Be Only One!
Are all abilities welcome? Yes. Toads is an inclusive and levelling game. We will spread out the levels and draw out of a hat to balance things out and give everyone a fair crack. The standard though is generally very high. The tables are diverse, but of course there many variables with how players enjoy the game, and the best the WTSC can do is facilitate eight different tables to reflect that. The tournament is not just for the best players, it's for all competitors. The hop flight players already get their due as seeds.
How do you do the draw?
Out in the open. No secrets here. This stops doubts that the event is being fiddled in some way, or to the advantage of those running it. Well it's just me and my sister, so.... eh-hum. The plan for the draws is above under the heading: FORMAT
Do you take toads seriously or is it just fun? Be aware this is a serious yet friendly event and draws the connoisseurs and competition-orientated players of the game. Everyone wants to win, you can see that on their faces when they do. And we all already know it's an absurd, beguiling game, so at this level the absurdity of Toads is even more refined! Don't be put off though, because you couldn't meet a profoundly cooler bunch of people.
How do you do the draw?
Out in the open. No secrets here. This stops doubts that the event is being fiddled in some way, or to the advantage of those running it. Well it's just me and my sister, so.... eh-hum. The plan for the draws is above under the heading: FORMAT
Do you take toads seriously or is it just fun? Be aware this is a serious yet friendly event and draws the connoisseurs and competition-orientated players of the game. Everyone wants to win, you can see that on their faces when they do. And we all already know it's an absurd, beguiling game, so at this level the absurdity of Toads is even more refined! Don't be put off though, because you couldn't meet a profoundly cooler bunch of people.
What happens if I'm late?
Matches will carry on regardless of a no-show or if you are late. Please don't wander off if you have an imminent match. Just listen out for when the music goes off and announcements are happening. BTW: There are no refunds, as we blew the budget long ago. Examples are: doing at admin at midnight for players paying after the pub, talking in venues to explain everything, social media posting etc. The list is as endless as you want to make it.
Matches will carry on regardless of a no-show or if you are late. Please don't wander off if you have an imminent match. Just listen out for when the music goes off and announcements are happening. BTW: There are no refunds, as we blew the budget long ago. Examples are: doing at admin at midnight for players paying after the pub, talking in venues to explain everything, social media posting etc. The list is as endless as you want to make it.
What tables are being used?
We will earmark 8 traditional-style cast, sheet or wrapped-sheet lead tables and they will be a range of styles.
We are happy to receive any other tables you might want to bring in to the mix, for the sake of fairness and regional representation. As long as its a fair standard played table and toads can go down the hole. We can put them all into a draw to see which ones are played... if there are no objections to the quality of the table! Nearer the time we will try and let people know what tables are being used, the criterion is that they are all different, so be prepared to adapt your game.
Provision of tables does not guarantee earlier entry and extra warm-up, thank you.
The broader the range the better for more equitable play and the diminishing of 'home-table advantage'. Of course the table draw every round should also help reduce this.
There is an argument for having a sheet lead and alloy top table represented and we are constantly debating this. Please let us know your thoughts either way. Currently people are leaning towards traditional cast leads. We won't be using sheet or alloy lead tables, although there is no reason to exclude them from a future tournament in my humble opinion, as one of each may give players a new puzzle to work out.
We will earmark 8 traditional-style cast, sheet or wrapped-sheet lead tables and they will be a range of styles.
We are happy to receive any other tables you might want to bring in to the mix, for the sake of fairness and regional representation. As long as its a fair standard played table and toads can go down the hole. We can put them all into a draw to see which ones are played... if there are no objections to the quality of the table! Nearer the time we will try and let people know what tables are being used, the criterion is that they are all different, so be prepared to adapt your game.
Provision of tables does not guarantee earlier entry and extra warm-up, thank you.
The broader the range the better for more equitable play and the diminishing of 'home-table advantage'. Of course the table draw every round should also help reduce this.
There is an argument for having a sheet lead and alloy top table represented and we are constantly debating this. Please let us know your thoughts either way. Currently people are leaning towards traditional cast leads. We won't be using sheet or alloy lead tables, although there is no reason to exclude them from a future tournament in my humble opinion, as one of each may give players a new puzzle to work out.
What's the difference between the 'Lewes Worlds' in April and the WTSC 2023 in October? Yes, we have been asked this question 😂 Ours is a singles event designed to find the best player and 'World Champion' across 8 different tables, principally how the game is normally played – one on one – when you walk into different venues. The oche lengths respect the original venues.
The WTSC is held at a private members club and from a competition point of view separates out the home-table champions to see who has really got game. For some it works like a New Year celebration for the new season.
The Lewes Worlds in April is like a brilliant 'Toads Christmas' end of season event at Lewes Corn Exchange with approximately 200 in attendance. The matches are for teams of four – like a last round league match – on eight near-identical sheet-lead tables, so strategically, it's a different approach.
The WTSC is held at a private members club and from a competition point of view separates out the home-table champions to see who has really got game. For some it works like a New Year celebration for the new season.
The Lewes Worlds in April is like a brilliant 'Toads Christmas' end of season event at Lewes Corn Exchange with approximately 200 in attendance. The matches are for teams of four – like a last round league match – on eight near-identical sheet-lead tables, so strategically, it's a different approach.
Where does my entry fee go, I usually don't have to pay for toads etc?
We've hired a private club and spend the year organising the tournament. A normal pub or taproom puts on events to make a great day and sell beer and food. They are designed to keep you there, so they are mostly free. Or of course, maybe your admin fees for other events are paid for by someone else?
The WTSC is a standalone private event to facilitate toads-playing connoisseurs to enjoy their beloved game of 'drops' in an optimum environment without distraction or yobbery.
The ongoing work I do as WTSC Organiser throughout the year equates to admin, emails, SMSs, FB messages, WhatsApp messages, social media, promotion, marketing, artwork, website hosting, networking, data curation, liaising with facilitators, discussing seeding with experienced players, and fielding questions from potential participants - every time I go out😂.
There is always something to update every week. Plus, in the build up, the tournament has expenses for preparation, transport, event set-up and set-down, and of course the making of player framework and infamous orientation film. Still, Benton Wieldy, Jim Rosentode and Sean Connery have all kindly waived their fees.
All of the above is done as a passion hobby and there is no profit, as you can calculate by adding up the hours from all the activities. Please don't be flippant and start rumours, just imagine if you want to bother doing it. And no, I didn't nick this idea off anyone. Ideas for events are in the air, so why not organise something yourself?
All in all, the entry fee total comes to three days full-time freelance work at my usual rate before tax, and the actual work I put in is from three weeks up to a month full-time. And I do all this in my spare time after work.
This year we are looking for sponsors and ways to grow the WTSC.
We've hired a private club and spend the year organising the tournament. A normal pub or taproom puts on events to make a great day and sell beer and food. They are designed to keep you there, so they are mostly free. Or of course, maybe your admin fees for other events are paid for by someone else?
The WTSC is a standalone private event to facilitate toads-playing connoisseurs to enjoy their beloved game of 'drops' in an optimum environment without distraction or yobbery.
The ongoing work I do as WTSC Organiser throughout the year equates to admin, emails, SMSs, FB messages, WhatsApp messages, social media, promotion, marketing, artwork, website hosting, networking, data curation, liaising with facilitators, discussing seeding with experienced players, and fielding questions from potential participants - every time I go out😂.
There is always something to update every week. Plus, in the build up, the tournament has expenses for preparation, transport, event set-up and set-down, and of course the making of player framework and infamous orientation film. Still, Benton Wieldy, Jim Rosentode and Sean Connery have all kindly waived their fees.
All of the above is done as a passion hobby and there is no profit, as you can calculate by adding up the hours from all the activities. Please don't be flippant and start rumours, just imagine if you want to bother doing it. And no, I didn't nick this idea off anyone. Ideas for events are in the air, so why not organise something yourself?
All in all, the entry fee total comes to three days full-time freelance work at my usual rate before tax, and the actual work I put in is from three weeks up to a month full-time. And I do all this in my spare time after work.
This year we are looking for sponsors and ways to grow the WTSC.
Does the WTSC Toadstone say 2023 or 2025?
The trophy says 2023 in a traditional engraving font. The misreading and subsequent rumour may have been caused by light conditions, age-related eyesight, inebriation, the lateness of the hour, sledgey-banter: or all five.
That's a five in Calibri font.
The trophy says 2023 in a traditional engraving font. The misreading and subsequent rumour may have been caused by light conditions, age-related eyesight, inebriation, the lateness of the hour, sledgey-banter: or all five.
That's a five in Calibri font.