Summary

What a great start to the season... ...ruined only by my own performance!

The Games

Sean (SL5) won 4 - 1 against a 4
We were all a little worried after the first rack but in no time Sean found his rhythm and simply had to much for a good 4. A couple of clever defensive shots ultimately gave us a great start to the match. Bandit!

Lori (SL3) won 2 - 1 against a 4
In truth, the outcome was never in doubt. A great cut on the black in the top left pocket saw Lori deservedly win the first rack and one of the shots of the night with a seven ball / two ball combo in the second. Incredibly, Sam got out of jail in that second rack but Lori had already won the psychological battle and Sam didn't get near her in rack 3. Bandit!

Mark (SL4) won 3 - 2 against a 4
The match up of the night and a real contrast between Mark's fluid style and Steve's dogged determination. Mark stormed into a 2-0 lead without Steve getting close but a number of good defensive snookers by Steve tied the scores. It has to be said though that had 'that' black gone in the middle pocket cushion first and with a cannon on Steve's stripe then the match would have been over and we'd already be talking about the shot of the season! As it was it came down to the deciding rack and a fantastic run out by Mark. Anyone remember the amazing cut on the five ball the length of the long rail to get on the black? (the shot before that to give himself a chance of the cut was pretty good also!). Bandit!

Heather (SL2) won 2 - 1 against a 3
Ironically Heather only had a SL2 rating because of a few losses whilst playing for Be Rude Not 2. How poetic then that her first game as a 2 would be against Be Rude Not 2... ...suffice to say I don't think she'll be a 2 for long! The match was never in doubt although Emily played well? Best shot from Heather was in the first rack to play her final stripe in the middle pocket with a bit of draw to finish straight on the black... ...no mistakes black went in clean. Did I write that a SL2 is playing with draw! Bandit!

Darren (SL7) lost 2 - 5 against a 7
Rusty, careless call it what you like but three bad misses in racks 1, 4 and 5 ultimately cost me the match against a player that you cannot afford to miss against. Needs to try harder!

Shot of The Night

Two shots stand out for me:

Lori: Lori's fantastically executed thin seven ball / two ball combo in rack 2.

Mark: Mark's awesome five ball cut the length of the long rail with perfect position on the black.

Worst Shot of The Night

Darren: Without doubt my lame effort at a long, straight two ball with the table open for an easy run out. With a 2-1 lead in the match, Tim's next shot was to pot an easy black and level the scores.