MONDAY 9th OCTOBER 2006

PREMIER A

AWAY

BLACK BULL ‘A’

In a venue that has always proved to be favourable to the Tulip ‘C’ side awaited the ever impressive Black Bull ‘A’. The pub has seen the Tulip ‘C’ players triumph in recent years with the side winning the Premier B divisional cup a few years ago as well as Ian’s Open Plate Final victory in 2005. But it was always expected to be a tough fought encounter with the Tulip ‘C’ still reeling after last week’s defeat & the Black Bull ‘A’ team a well-established side at this level. The night was to provide some real drama and as expected of the Tulip ‘C’ a friendly but vocal match.

Waspy got the ball rolling with what looked to be a game that was going to run away from him after a good start, Waspy making the initial pots before being pegged back. However the Tulip man took full advantage of his adversaries missed opportunities to take the opening frame. 0-1

Glenn, or should we now say “Badger” after he arrived at the venue with a strip of shaven hair missing from his head, doubled the lead shortly after. Glenn was also forced to work hard for his point but took full advantage of his opponents (several) missed chances. When given his opportunity to finish the frame Glenn did so. 0-2

With the 2 self-confessed substitutes opening the night with wins the rest of the team had to keep the standard up and Ian did so without ever really being threatened from the Black Bull Captain. It was again a case of a Tulip ‘C’ player taking his chance when it presented itself. 0-3

By now the Skipper was in heaven, it’s been a while since the team had seen a 0-3 score-line in their favour. But now up stepped Captain Chrome-Dome himself……

MIKE LOSES TO DYKE!!

(our apologies if she’s reading this no offence intended!!!)

Well almost, he had a damn good try at losing but unfortunately he just failed to do so! His opponent taking obvious pity on him and giving him several chances to finish before he actually managed to do so! 0-4

MJ was in no mood to play nice and completely thrashed his opponent to make the scores 0-5. It’s good to see the man back to his best again and by now it was clear that the Tulip ‘C’ team were in for a good night.

Craig recorded his first win in the league for his new club with a calm and controlled game offering his opponent very little to play with and taking victory beyond the grasp of the home side. The ex-Oddfellows player is clearly starting to enjoy playing for his new team and although not yet up to his best form, is showing to be a real asset to the squad. 0-6

But it’s difficult to travel from home and not lose any games and it was unfortunately Trevor who lost the first game of the night for the Tulip side. Trevor broke but didn’t pot anything and could only watch as his opponent potted freely. Trevor did get a go at the table but was only left with a tricky plant, which he was unlucky to miss. His opponent then went on to finish off the game. But that was far from the end of the event for Trevor. A cry from the home side stated that anyone who gets 7 balled has to drop their trousers and run around the table twice. Full credit goes to Trevor who promptly obliged. (Video will be posted when it becomes available). 1-6

Gordon was out of sorts in his frame and looked like joining Trevor on the loser’s sheet before his opponent started missing chances. The Turtle Wax Kid made some good pots and some very good tactical play to give himself a chance on the black but unfortunately rattled it, leaving his opponent with only a half-chance. The Black Bull player though was unable to make the pot and left the black in the jaws for Gordon to snatch victory. 1-7

If anyone had said before the match “we’ll give you a 5-3 lead” the captains would have bitten their arms off! But hang on read this END OF SINGLES; BLACK BULL ‘A’ 1 TULIP ‘C’ 7.

Yes 1-7!

Craig & Ian paired up for the first doubles with the intention of increasing that lead. They fell behind early with the home side making the early pots before snookering themselves. Craig then managed to get 4 balls in before he too failed to pot, but was fortunate to leave very little to play with. The home side couldn’t make a pot and it was Ian who finished the frame with a decent clearance. 1-8

Trevor & MJ made hard work of their victory with Trevor being heckled for not potting. However when he did pot he received a loud cheer (or was that jeer???) from his team mates, but it was Trevor himself who had the last laugh, potting the last ball and the black to give the Tulip side an excellent 1-9 lead.

Waspy and Glenn (sorry……Badger) joined forces to finish the night and despite some very erratic and unpredictable play the pairing won giving the Tulip ‘C’ side a very comfortable win.

FINAL SCORE

BLACK BULL ‘A’ 1-10 TULIP ‘C’

OK Mike you can stop pinching yourself now!!