MONDAY 12th MAY 2008

ESSEX TROPHY SEMI FINAL

NEUTRAL VENUE – THE FLYER

Q BALL ‘A’

At the start of the night we knew we had this one last chance to get some silverware from what has turned out to be a mediocre season, performance wise. We had to win this one match to make the final and we would have to do it without Rob, Mike, Tam, MJ or Saz. Whilst we can always cope without the others, Saz would be sorely missed, her sizeable assets quite often proving to be somewhat of a distraction for the opposition, lol. After a coin toss we nominated Q Ball as the home team.

Stand in captain Ian (The Cat) nominated himself for the first frame. Whilst Ian seemed to be ahead all the way through the frame, he never seemed to be able to stay completely in control, running out of position a couple of times when it looked like he might clear the table. This was the case when he failed to get good position on the black from the last ball. Still attempting a pot he was unable to control the cue ball which found the corner pocket. The Q Ball player then cleared the remaining balls and took the frame. 1 – 0

In frame two the Q Ball put forward their best player. This left Ian with a tricky tactical decision. Waspy’s better half Claire was our eighth player and it was always the intention to play her against their best player. However this would mean that in all probability we would be 2 down after 2. After discussions it was agreed to stick with the plan. Claire didn’t get a look in as the Q Ball player cleared in a couple of visits 2 – 0

Craig was given the challenge of trying to chalk up our first frame and Craig duly obliged. Never looking in any trouble, including a very nice clearance, he won the frame giving our players something to cheer. 2 – 1

In frame four the opponent had a dry break giving Andy first crack. Andy took reds but the clearance broke down with an easy shot missed. After a few shots, and misses each, Andy was presented another opportunity which he took. He potted the last three reds plus the black to take the frame. 2 – 2

In frame five the Q Ball player got to the black first. The black looked a sitter so we used our collective mental powers (don’t ask) to try and put him off. PMPL it worked!!!!! The black was missed and Gordon would get a reprieve. The frame went tactical with Gordon trying to get two shots however, he presented the Q Ball player with another although somewhat more difficult chance. Once again the black was missed (voodoo magic) and this time Gordon got the decisive snooker. With the resulting two shots, Gordon cleared the table with some quality pots. 2 – 3

In frame six the Q Ball player had a dry break but managed to leave it safe. Trevor played a containing shot however his opponent potted a great ball to get going. No sooner had he got into the balls he fouled failing to hit a cushion. Trevor then cleared to last ball which jawed in a corner pocket. The Q Ball player then tried to get a snooker but just left a very tight path to Trevor’s last ball. Trevor made the shot but was unfortunate enough to have the cue ball go the length of the table and rest against one of the opponent’s ball leaving him snookered on the black. Trevor got out of the snooker, potted the black and the bloody white went in but I am NOT BITTER. GRRRRRRR 3 – 3

Pete played frame seven and the frame was never in any doubt. Pete played very positive and put together a quality clearance to finish. 3 – 4

Waspy then did pretty much exactly the same and we were on the cusp with just the doubles to play. 3 – 5

Gordon and Waspy stepped up and played what was a tight game that could have gone either way. Unfortunately, they gave away two shots and despite leaving a difficult clearance, the Q Ball player was up to the challenge and duly potted the balls 4 – 5

Andy and Pete were given the next frame and Andy had the first chance to take control but unfortunately fouled when all was looking good. With the Q Ball failing to do much with the resulting two shots the frame went tactical. Pete potted the odd ball here and there whilst the Q Ball pair failed to make any real impression on the frame. Finally Andy was given a sniff at the black and that was all that was needed. Frame and Match to the Tulip. 4 – 6

FINAL SCORE

QBALL ‘A’ 4 - 6 TULIP ‘C’