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Posted by Spud on 03-05-2010 19:05

WOW !!!

When I arrived at Suzy's yesterday morning, I already knew that we were gonna be without Shaggy & Knocky due to holidays, but then, I found out Graf was unavailiable, and also that Kyle was recieving the last rites over in Wallington!!!
It's fair to say our expectation levels for the day ahead were low.

Some frantic phone calls followed, as Hughie and myself badgered every pool player in our phones that could be eligible (Apologies to those who's Sunday morning peace was disturbed..) eventually, our S.O.S was answered by The Legend Nutmeg. So with 9 players on board, we set about getting some points on the board.

Our first match was against the lovely Tolworth Ladies, who include Croydon's very own Cathy Fox amongst thier ranks.
We played very well, securing a 14-4, with Nuttmeg getting 2/2 for us.

We were now due to play the winners of Croydon B vs. Tolworth, which most people would have had Tolworth as favourites for.
Not on Croydon's shift though. . .

The B team pulled all kinds of rabbits from hats to get a 9-9 against the superstars of Tolworth, it truly was an awesome performance.
However, the way our group was set, it meant there had to be a winner, so now the boys had to rally round and get themselves fired up for a three man / three frame play off.
All frames were being played simultaneously. Steve Pantony was first to finish, with what honestly, was one of the best dishes I have ever seen. . . It was truly spectacular, and to do it in a play off made it even better. Shortly after Ray narrowly missed out, so 1-1 and all eyes now turn to Paul Haliston (Chatty) vs. Frank Strivens.
Frank with two in hand, missed a finish which if you know the man, was extremely un-Strivens like to miss.
Chatty held his nerve to roll them home and give Croydon B an epic victory.

So early doors in the comp, and it was Croydon A vs Croydon B to win the group, and thus, the right to go on and compete for the cup outright.
The good news for the A's, was that Graf was able to make a cameo for us, and obliged with a 2/2. Some brilliant pool was played by both sides, but the A's got our noses in front and stayed there, to win the game and the group;.

We were joined in the winners group by the two other group winners, Godalming who came through fairly comfortable in the end, and Premier, who were with us on the back of a 1 frame shoot out with Warriors.

Premier were on first against Godalming, whilst we all sat and enjoyed the fine fruits of refreshment provided by Suzy's bar.
Premier were superb, and dispatched Godalming fairly ruthlessly.

So on we went vs. Godalming knowing that we only needed a draw to leave us a with a shot at Premier and the Cup.
Horror amongst horrors though, we had lost both Nuttmeg and Graf by this stage. . . We needed a miracle, which we got in the form of Lazerus Kyle Pickett, who rose from his death bed in our hour of need. Naturally, he won 2/2 !!!
Nick and Miller were the other maximums as Godlaming gave us a massive fight which we didn't expect. . . we held our nerve to get the 9-9 we required. Godalming were out now, 3rd place for them.
It was us and Premier for the title.

We played out of our skins. The Telfords were magic, especially junior, 4/4 for them in what was truly an awesome and powerful display.

Big thanks to all the B team lads that stuck round and shouted us on, your support was well appreciated, and hold your heads high on a fine day for Croydon pool.

Your Croydon A Heroes, in which everyone deserves immense credit for what was almost 12 hours of commitment are:

Hugh Telford
Wayne Pope
Tom Telford
Andy Esgrove
Nick Pool
Cliff Mills
Mark Miller
Kyle Pickett
Graf Bishop
Tony Nuttman
And yours truly . . .

Well done lads X