Summary

To put it simply, this was just a fantastic conclusion to an amazing season. I've been blessed to have only played in very good pool teams but, as captain, I have to admit to taking a little extra pride in the result this time round. In my experience, it's impossible to have a winning team until you have a team. We are fortunate enough to have both. After 15 weeks of bonding, drama, excitement and fun we have successfully claimed the ultimate prize and in a manner fitting of champions. First place in the league at the end of the regular season, a place in the tri-cup and the all important plaque on the wall.[br/][br/] My thanks to every one of you for astonishing individual and collective contributions throughout the season. This goes double for this week where every black we sank was greeted with incredible noise from the non-players. In college terms I believe that Be Unbelievably Rude Not 2 has graduated with honors from the Hoboken Central Division summer session.[br/][br/] Remember ... ... starting next week we do it all again ;-)

The Games

Mike (SL5) won 4 - 1 against a 3
Although the first three racks were close, Mike was good value for a 3-0 lead. The real story of the match however was in the last two racks where Mike followed perhaps one of the worst racks in his life with one of the best and certainly his best this season. Hill-hill his opponent broke in the final rack and never got another shot. An absolutely fantastic clearance from Mike calmed our nerves, his own nerves, and set the standard for the night.

Sean (SL5) won 4 - 2 against a 4
Another hill-hill match from a 3-0 lead. Sean's defensive play earned him what at one stage appeared to be an unassailable lead only to see a good SL4 take it to the decider. Again though, our teams ability to make a clearance proved decisive when Sean held his nerve under serious pressure to run 7 balls and take the match.

Darren (SL7) won 5 - 0 against a 5
Although I thought about not playing, the opportunity to close the season for the team was just too appealing. Fortunately, I was helped by the fact that I played an opponent who had been swept by me just two weeks earlier. Worth noting that I finally managed a break and run this season. It was a total honor to put the finishing touches to an incredible season long team performance and get the celebrations started!