MONDAY 28th JANUARY 2008

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ODDFELLOWS

With recent form not being particularly great, the Tulip ‘C’ were looking forward to this game against a team who have only ever taken a couple of frames from us in any match. Obviously the travelling side were keen to improve on both this and their recent league form. It transpired that the travelling side were more than up for it and whilst we didn’t play particularly poor, we seemed incapable of upping our game when needed.

The first frame saw Jamie pull himself from a clear second favourite, to within a whisker of winning. Having battled back with some good safety and potting, he could only stand in disbelief when an ‘up the rail’ black rattled in one of the corner pockets. His opponent then potted the black for the win. 0 – 1

Saz will perhaps wish she had a bit more self belief or maybe experience under her belt for it appeared that nerves ruined her chance to win her frame. With two shots and with the balls set such that on the practice table, Saz would run them out 9 times out of ten, Saz took the wrong option and managed to go in off passing the initiative back to her opponent. From that point the result of the frame was never in doubt. 0 – 2.

It was now time for someone to step up to the plate and by Christ didn’t he just. Gordon shook hands, won the toss and proceeded to break and dish with some great pots and positional play. 1 – 2

Now it was time for Ian to get us back on terms and all looked well when he was potting for fun until, arghhhh a missed pot cost him the clearance. A few tactical shots then followed but alas despite battling well Ian too succumbed. 1 – 3

It would appear that the odds have not read the script! Rob was next up and was potting for fun when he unexpectedly rattled a ball. From the side it would have seemed that given the way the balls were, the worst Rob could expect was to have to get out of a snooker. Rob’s opponent had other ideas and duly carved through the balls including a very awkward back double on the black to take the frame. 1 – 4

Craig could have lost from the break but was given a chance. Once again despite potting well the clearance broke down and the frame was won by the Odds. 1 – 5.

Anyone noticing a theme here yet?

Maybe Captain Mike could do something. This frame had everything, potting, safety good play, bad play, suicide shots (Mike snookering himself on the black from the last ball) however not sure how but we WON a frame. 2 – 5

Trevor then stepped up for the final singles in a must win frame. Having won the toss he then gave away the advantage by going in off. The Odds player duly accepted the gift and cleared all but one of his balls. It’s catching! Trevor then proceeded to enter tactical mode and brought safe balls into play whilst snookering his opponent. After the third or fourth exchange Trevor got his two shots and cleared the table with only one visit. 3 – 5

It was now down to the doubles to sort the honours out for the match.

First up Craig and Ian. At this point it’s probably best to quote the guys own words ‘we f*ck#d it’. 3 – 6

Then it was Rob and Trevor. Having won the toss Trevor gave the break to Rob who…. déjà vu …. broke, cleared but rattled one when on the verge of a clearance. Eight shots later hands were being shook as the oncoming player denied both his partner and Trevor a shot! 3 – 7

As the lads failed to perform tonight, with the odd exception, it was decided that an all female pairing of Saz and Clare would be used. Alas the cunning plan failed and the girls failed to take the final frame. 3 – 8

On reflection, no one played bad however we seemed to miss key shots just when frames were at our mercy. On the flip side, and in no way meant as an insult, the Oddfellows played much better collectively than I have ever seen before, and thoroughly deserved their 8 – 3 win.

Don’t forget that Trevor & Rob, Ian & Craig and Mike & Gordon are playing doubles matches on Thursday. Any support welcome.

FINAL SCORE

TULIP ‘C’ 3 - 8 ODDFELLOWS