Billiards Season 2026

Home Team Report:
A great result for New Haw on an evening where all three games followed a similar pattern and the 1st two were almost mirror images of each other. We started the 1st frame at 7.30 with Mark and Lol. Unfortunately Lol didn’t start until about 8.00 and by that time Mark, for a variety of reasons, was over 50 points ahead. Lol did come back well however, but battling against his own lack of form/confidence and with the table and balls somewhat favoring his opponent, he was unable to convert his opportunities into the win. Considering the circumstances therefore, it was a good 2 points. Don’t worry Lol, I’m sure it will turn round soon. Frame 2 then proceeded to turn frame 1 on it’s head, with Steve continuing to play well, he scored quickly and left Trevor very few opportunities in the early exchanges, racing into a 40+ point lead. As with the 1st frame good fortune contributed considerably to the early scoreline so when things finally turned around Steve was too far ahead for Trevor to catch despite a valiant effort. The final frame brought myself and Martin together for the decider. Unfortunately for Martin he wasn’t really able to get going early on and with me finally beginning to find some form, several double figure breaks and a 20+ put me into a considerable lead (almost 60 points at one stage) A couple of bad misses however shattered my still fragile confidence and I started to play defensively. Scoring in 2’s & 3’s I crept towards the finish line while Martin scored consistently if not heavily and he almost caught up before I finally tripped over the winning line. The minimal advantage I received in the run of the balls was probably the final difference in the scoreline but I believe it was a deserved win in the end and on the balance of the evening I think a fair overall result between two evenly matched teams. Thanks to the Staines team for an enjoyable evening. AS

Away Team Report:
It was a night that Staines needed to win if they wanted keep up there good form and position at the top. Staines arrived early and the draw was done, with Mark vs Lol, Trevor vs Steve and Martin vs Andy.

The first frame, Mark and Lol. At the begining of the frame is was a bit of tit for tat, neither player scoring points. With the balls on the cushions Mark decided to pot white and double bulk, using this as an advantage to get a chance to score. This worked on a few occasions allowing Mark to score a couple of 10+ breaks and take a comfortable lead of 60+. It looked like Mark was going to run out an easy winner but Lol wasn't going to let this happen. He quickly made a brilliant 19 break and then 16 straight after. This getting him over the 100 mark and putting pressure on Mark. Mark eventually ran out winner 150 -130 a very good comback from Lol.

Match 2, Trevor vs Steve. Steve started off strong, playing some lovely billiards and having lots of run (Deserved run). Trevor never looked like scoring and moaning after every shot. Steve notched up a 50+ lead and then Trevor started to play. He made a fantastic 23 break which he was unlucky to rattle the white attempting an in off and the chances then came Trevors way. Trevor taking his chances and making a few 10+ breaks and reducing the lead to about 10. With both players on 100+ it became a race to 50. Steve finding the edge with a few flukes but ran out winner 150 - 123. Although Steve had alot of run if Trevor had calmed down earlier he may have had a chance of winning. Well done Steve.

The last game was the main event with 2 of the leagues top players matching up. Martin hasn't lost to Andy for a few seasons but it was clear to see Andy wanted it more. Martin finding it hard to score and Andy playing lots of good shots, grouping his balls together. Although Andy had taken a heavy lead and shots going his way it was Andy who was tutting. Andy not happy with his play and the run he was having!!!! (Which I must add was lots) Andy needing 7 and Martin looking like he wouldn't make it to 2 points. Martin started to find some form and make some good breaks reducing the lead and looking like he could snatch the match. This wasn't going to be the case. Andy running out winner 150 - 133. Andy played very well, you could see how much the win meant to him. Well done.

It was a good night although the result didnt go Staines way. You could see the teams were evenly matched with all 3 frames going the same way. However the 3 players who won deserved their wins and the run they also got. Thanks for a good evening and we look forward to the return. MC