Northants Bar Billiards League

Recap

What a wonderful opportunity it was to welcome The Cock ‘B’ to the Winter League for the first time in nearly a decade. The all-new lineup has a refreshing mix of youth and experience. Ably led by Captain Phill, they look united and ready to enjoy their first season. They’ll no doubt get some useful wins along the way.

Week 1 saw them travel to the Red Lion ‘B’ in what will prove to be an important fixture for both sides. Along with the R&C, these will no doubt be fighting things out closely all season long. With some players not quite at full fitness or still away at their summer training camps both teams played a 4-man rule early!

First up for the home side was the 2018/19 Mary Leeming Award winner Andy Jarvie against Phill. Despite Andy’s lack of confidence on the table he played steadily and notched up the first point of the season for his team. Lorin was up next against league newcomer Oliver – a more pleasant young man you could not meet. He could have felt hard done by in being drawn against Lorin but no, he opted for the optimistic and enjoyed the experience despite not managing to keep more than a quarter of what he really scored. Nevertheless, Lorin converted to take the lead to 2-0.

Ian’s match against Roger was a real battle – closely fought throughout. With lost scores here and there it really could have gone either way, but it was Ian who managed to edge it and take the win for himself and the team.

On fourth was the battle of the two ladies, Sonya and Anya. Anya took a strong early lead but Sonya pegged her back – perhaps with the inadvertent help of the scorer (Lorin lost control at one stage!). Sonya then took what seemed like a decisive lead only for Anya to come back toward the end. With only moments to go Sonya compiled a break to overtake Anya’s score only to catch a white peg. Anya played the last few shots with aplomb and sealed the leg with a Player of the Match performance.

Andy played Anya in the final leg and never looked troubled as Anya was still revelling in her earlier victory and Andy still had his game face on!!

It’s a real joy to welcome the Cock ‘B’ to the league – we look forward to seeing them again.