Re: FINALS DAY REVIEW
Finals Day returned for the first time in three years and it provided the platform for a great day’s pool. It goes without saying, it’s one of the best days in our calendar year!
[b][u]2022 Arbroath Open[/u][/b]
This year we had a small downturn in entries, albeit that is a common theme across all events this season, so not too alarming! A field of 94 entries descended on Shotz, Arbroath at 10:30am and the presentation of the trophies was being held at 11pm. That is good going for a field of entries that size, with increased races from the second round!
The finalists were local lad David Jack and Logan Hunt (Dundee). David reaching the final for the third time in his illustrious career was also the defending champion! Logan, after having been out of the game for a small period of time, was just picking up his cue again and reached this stage for the first time.
The final was a cracker. David must have thought the dream of defending his title was over when Logan reeled off three frames without reply. David got himself back in the match and looked to level at three-all, only to agonisingly watch the blackball stay out of the middle pocket. Logan took the opportunity to put himself four-two in front! However, from there, David dug deep; probably the deepest he’s had to in a long time and showed great experience to draw the match level at four-all. Both players were now one frame from the title. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Logan as David found one last push to get over the line, winning five-four.
A mention though for Logan, at his young age he shows great temperament around the table. Showing unbelievable composure and ability; it’s a matter of when he’s back in the final and not if.
David, well, he simply continues to sweep up the trophies in front of him. Defending a title such as the Arbroath Open is far from easy; and that can be said confidently because he’s the first player to do so in the 17 years of this competition!
Well done David, 2022 Arbroath Open Champion!
[b][u]Consolation Cup[/u][/b]
Ram’s Heid faced fellow Division 2 compatriots Newgate 2 in the first of the quarter finals. Both teams were ready and raring to go and the match went in favour of Newgate at the start, racing into a three-nil lead. The next few frames were shared and Newgate in the 11th frame led, six-five. The Rams, though, after being forced into a corner won the next two frames to win the tie seven-six.
The Fab were awarded a walkover in their first match due to a no-show.
Legion 1 played St Tams and the singles matches were closely contested and Legion led by the odd frame in nine, five-four. The doubles saw Legion get to six first, but St Tams were not down and out just yet! They took the next two and forced a deciding frame. It was fitting that Legion’s captain, Pam Twaddle, tidied away the clinching blackball, Legion winning seven-six.
Merchants were up against Spiders Web, where both teams believed they’d be booking their berth in the next round. Although Merchants showed an enormous amount of ability to close out the match during the singles matches, winning seven-two.
Semi-Finals
Ram’s Heid v The Fab. The Fab, fresh from their unexpected rest in the quarter finals switched on immediately and marched into a four-nil lead. Leaving it all for The Rams to do, but not insurmountable. Jim Ogilvie got The Rams on the scoreboard and opened up some hope. However, it was short lived as The Fab took the next two. The Rams though, weren’t giving up, themselves reeling off the next two frames and trailed six-three. Winning the first double saw the pressure mount on The Fab a little but they managed to get over the line and win seven-four.
The other semi-final saw Legion 1 face the enormous task of ousting a much-fancied Merchants team. Merchants weren’t for hanging about and made a quick end to the Legion’s hopes of victory with a resounding seven-one win. Perhaps an over-flattering scoreline, but none the less, one of the favourites stood up to the task and secured their spot in the final
Final
The Fab v Merchants
These two teams were perhaps labelled early favourites to make this stage of the event after their league performances and positions in the top tier. Regardless of that, these two teams produced some delightful frames on their way to the final and it was sure to be a close fought end to their seasons! The first six frames were shared and the teams couldn’t be separated. It was three-all heading into the pivotal seventh frame, where Merchants found an extra gear and reeled off the next three frames to take a healthy lead into the doubles, one from the glory at six-three. The Fab found something though and forced their way back into the game, taking the next two frames and getting themselves back into contention. A nervy frame ensued and it was a see-saw of emotions for both teams as it swung from team to team. However, it was Merchants who secured the win with a good finish, winning seven-five.
Unlucky team Fab. Congratulations and very well done to the Merchants, our 2021-22 Consolation Cup Champions.
[b][u]Knockout Cup[/u][/b]
Shotz faced Legion 2 in the first of the semi-finals of our Knockout Cup. Legion 2 were still on cloud nine after their recent League 2 championship win, but faced stiff competition in an experienced filled Shotz team. Albeit depleted slightly with holidays. Legion 2 made a great start and led three-two after the first few frames, it was to be short lived jubilations though as Shotz applied the necessary pressure and quickly got themselves over the line winning four frames on the bounce from four-three down. Winning seven-four on the day.
Reigning champions Station faced a full strength Newgate team, who were the only team to claim a win over the recently crowned League Champions. This match had all the makings of a dramatic finals day encounter. However, it wasn’t to be for the Newgate guys on the day, with the Station running away with a flattering seven-nil victory. This was certainly a day that the Newgate guys just didn’t get the necessary run of the ball.
Final
Shotz v Station
A re-run of the last KO Cup final, Shotz were looking to make amends for that defeat. Station were looking to complete the domestic team double and take home the honours. The first five frames saw Shotz take a slender, three-two, lead into the tail end of the singles matches. Station somehow found themselves quickly in the driving seat by securing the next five frames, and with that the title of KO Cup Champions. A sterling display from Station after an early scare from the Shotz team.
Well done to the Station, our 2021-22 Knockout Cup Champions!
[b][u]ADPL Doubles[/u][/b]
The doubles final was a blockbuster line-up. Countless titles amongst all four of the players, two-time defending champions David Williams and Graham Dunbar were aiming to claim their third successive title in a row. Meanwhile David Jack and Greg Alexander were plotting to claim their second title as a pair, having won back in 2017. An honourable mention for Graham, contesting each doubles final since 2016; an incredible feat.
We’d all prepared for a marathon, setting up our seats to watch these great pairing do battle in the pool arena. After some early exchanges though it was evident that David and Greg were not for hanging about and punced on every opportunity they were presented with. It was just one of those days when it was one chance pool in each frame. One of the quickest, certainly in recent history, doubles finals saw David and Greg win by a five-one scoreline.
This, on another day, could so easily have been the reverse scoreline; the standard of these four is that high, quite frightening in fact.
Well done to both David and Graham though for their monumental efforts in the doubles over the past three seasons.
Congratulations to David and Greg, our 2021-22 ADPL Doubles Champions.
[b][u]ADPL Singles[/u][/b]
Semi-Finals
James Curran v Greg Alexander
James continues his rich vein of form and took his place in the semi-finals, looking to continue his good run at the Cliffburn Singles and more recent Forfar Singles title. Greg was, well, what can we really say about this guy that isn’t already known? A master at what he does; this guy just turns it up a notch at Finals Days.
This stage saw races increase to five and both players set out their stall with early exchanges, Greg was quick to run away in this one, winning five-one, but James will not be disappointed with his efforts over the course of the season.
Steve Hamilton v Colin Brown
Steve probably surprised himself on Sunday, perhaps having no expectations let him loose and play to his strengths. He took his place in the semi-finals and faced team-mate Colin Brown. This one got off to the best of starts for Steve as he took the first frame quickly and convincingly. However, one error in the next frame would see him fail to recover and from there Colin quickly stood on the gas to win through five-one.
Steve will look back and give himself a pat on the back, a great season overall.
Final
Greg Alexander v Colin Brown
A monumental final between two close friends both vying for a piece of ADPL history. Greg was looking to extend his title haul to seven, Colin was trying to get that first coveted title win. Both players with an array of experience have been here many times. Greg playing his eleventh ADPL Singles final, Colin in his fourth!
The match was going to be a cracker, and well, it didn’t disappoint. Although it looked like it was going to be a convincing win for Colin. He managed to play some flawless pool and refuse to give Greg much to feed on, and stretched into a mammoth five-one lead. He was one from that title! However, Greg, the experienced and determined lad that he is showed some phenomenal resilience and wasn’t prepared to give up, he too then turned into flawless mode and reeled off the next four to tie the match up at five-all.
Perhaps the outcome the crowd wanted, but I’ll bet both players didn’t want, a decider!
Greg was first to have a go at getting over the line but retreated and opted for a safety shot with three colours remaining. Colin escaped and a couple of visits later he was steadying himself to assemble his route to victory. He mapped out that route meticulously and sank, probably the most important black ball of his pool career to date! The emotion in him was clear for everyone to see, even got some of his friends bubbling too :-)
That was a tough one to watch for all of Colin and Greg’s close friends/teammates wanting neither of them to lose.
A very hard luck story for Greg, who will, without doubt be back at this stage many more times before getting to his pension!
Well done to Colin, after years and years of trying; probably close to giving up the hope that this day would arrive, he managed to compose and apply himself for the full day to the ability we often see in glimpses! Finally that monkey can come down off of your back!
Well done and congratulations Colin, our 2021-22 ADPL Singles Champion!
So there we have it, another year done and dusted in the ADPL.
Hope to see you all soon!
