Summary

A loss that felt like a win for the following reasons: [ul] [li] Be Rude Not 2 lost by the same margin and Severe Arthritis lost at least 2 matches therefore we remain top of the league.[/li] [li] Skill levels meant that we were slightly handicapped by the handicaps last night.[/li] [li] We won't be playing at O'Donoghues again this regular season! ...with the awful tables, it's no coincidence that our two defeats have both been in this bar.[/li] [li] Next week we are finally at home and indeed 4 of our last 5 matches will be at the Quiet Woman.[/li] [/ul]

The Games

Sparky (SL4) lost 0 - 2 against a 3
Repeat result from last week. I notice that in Sparky's 6 matches played, every time his opponent has won a rack he goes on to win. Sparky has swept his opponent in every match he's won. Can't remember too much about the actual match apart from a feeling of pain!

Mini (SL4) won 4 - 0 against a 2
In truth, Mini's opponent was never going to win this match and although Mini struggled through the early stages due to extreme heat in the bar he eventually ran out a clear winner. I do remember it requiring his opponent to miss an 8 ball with ball in hand which always makes me laugh! One mention has to go out to the worst shot of the night candidate in rack 2 when Mini tried to play his ball over the pocket and completely missed! This followed hot on the heels of his previous worst shot of the night candidate when he aimlessly smashed his last stripe around the table when potting it and finishing on the black would have been easier.

Mike (SL5) lost 1 - 3 against a 4
An 8 break in the first rack got us all excited that this would be the trend of the match... ...alas it was not to be and although each rack was hard fought, Mike's opponent just had that little extra run of the ball. Rack 3 when Mike potted his 3 ball in the side pocket only for the white to nestle against the only stripe on the table and cover the 8 ball hanging in the pocket still makes me cringe!.

Sean (SL5) lost 2 - 5 against a 6
This was a very good match in which Sean more then held his own for long periods. A couple of half opportunities that escaped him will be sure to bother him until he gets a chance for revenge. Great shot in rack 4 when Jake ran most of the table and left his final ball over the pocket. Sean stepped up and potted Jake's ball using his own and sat the white right on top of the black. A further cunning defensive shot gave Sean the rack.

Mark (SL5) won 5 - 0 against a 2
Mark's debut as a SL5 ended in victory that again, never really looked in doubt. As soon as news of the other matches filtered through and the importance of this point was highlighted, Mark put in an excellent display that included a couple of defensive shots... ...I think he's been watching me, Mike Sean etc.. Good to see that when the going got tough for the team, we have players capable of stepping up to the plate.

Shot of The Night

Mike: For the second week running it has to be Mike Spurr on the basis the one shot 8 break won the rack.

Worst Shot of The Night

Mini: Mini looks like he's going to push me all the way for most worst shots of the night this season. Completely missing the ball?!? ...do me a favour!