Christensen crowned FNPA singles champ

Ken Christensen was crowned the Far North Pool Association Men’s Singles Champion for 2018 after beating Noon Matiu in the final at Kauri Arms Tavern last month.

Christensen (KA Rebels) defeated Dave Dickman, Mike Apiata, Murray Dysart and Hone Mark on his journey to the title; while Noon (Awanui Titans) defeated Leroy Nicholls, Brian Bellass, Tang Roberts and Etana Heka to make the final.

Local 8-ball commentator Sharpshooter was there watching from the wings and noted the title on Sunday, June 17, was keenly contested by 41 cueists, “all revved up to play and test out their prowess on the green baize”.

Sharpshooter added it was fantastic day and featured a high standard of pool. On behalf of the FNPA, he thanked Kauri Arms Tavern for providing lunch and the venue for this tournament.

Turning his attention to the domestic competition, Sharpshooter noted several 7-5 scorelines were recorded in week 12/ 22 of the FNPA winter league at various venues last Tuesday evening.

Collards Str8 Up took the spoils but only just in winning 7-5 (after leading 5-3 at the turn, ie. after the singles matches were completed) over the Herekino Razorbacks, Awaz Tigers Two came a close second to Tigers One also by a 7-5 (4-4) margin, Waipap Gold hosted and just lost to Awanui 8 Ball 7-5 (5-3); and the Titans beat KA All Day at Awanui 7-5 (4-4). Elsewhere, Collards All Hearts and Herekino Boarhunters drew 6-all; Houhora Marlins hunted up a storm at the Kauri Arms Tavern and played a steady match to record a 7-6 win (5-3) over the Rebels.

Belated results from week 11 the previous Tuesday (June 19) — as yet unpublished — included KA All Day hosting and defeat Waipap Gold 7-5 (5-3) with Sharpshooter noting, “The Gold team are an improving team and may catch you out if you aren’t awake.”

Other results saw the Razorbacks win 7-5 over All Hearts despite trailing at the turn 5-3 by winning all four doubles matches; Rebels and Tigers Two fighting each other to a standstill at the Arms; the Titans also drawing with the ever improving Marlins outfit at Awanui after the visitors had gone out to a handy 5-3 lead which made the premiers sweat on the doubles.

As well, Tigers One were undone by the might of the Renegades at Awanui 9-3 (5-3); the Boarhunters were forced to accept a draw with Collards Str8 Up after winning the singles 6-2 before facing some good determined doubles play from the Str8 Uppers; while Awanui 8 Ball won by a walkover default as the Collards Back In Black failed to muster a team. Back in Black have since folded.

STANDINGS: Renegades 96 points, Titans 94, Awanui 8 Ball 91, Marlins 79, Rebels 76, All Day 74, All Hearts 71, Str8 Up 70, Tigers Two 69, Razorbacks 66, Boarhunters 62, Tigers One 60, Waipap Gold 58. DRAW tonight is:

Collards All Hearts vs Awanui 8 Ball, Boar Hunters vs Waipap Gold, Houhora Marlins vs Collards Str8 Up, Razorbacks vs Back in Black, KA Rebels vs KA Renegades, KA All Day vs Awaz Tigers 1, Awanui Titans vs Awaz Tigers 2.

Also coming up is the FNPA delegates’ meeting at Awanui Hotel 7pm next Monday.

Across

1 & 10ac. The last minute or the last sixty? (3,8,4)

9. Earthy handbag may be ready to slip (4,2,1,6) 10. See 1

11. No fun with profuseness of caffeine (8)

13. Almost rate as 8’s (5)

14. Rattles on the fringes? ....... (5)

19 . ..... with this tied 6 at the back (8)

21. Goes with sweet initially and I object to notice (4) 23. Emotionless, Ed & I stop Asians perhaps (13) 24. Where you find no end of window dressing? (5,6)

Down

2. Phobias about cut offs (4-3)

3. An island of steel bands (4)

4. Note times up to pass (6)

5. Found heavenly part of chalet here, albeit false (8) 6. Keyless lock used by 19 (5)

7. Reportedly, the posh weather reporters’ prediction

for the kings of Iran (5)

8. Solicitude, but no clues for nincompoop (5) 12. Hold back sappers’ carriage (8)

15. Gary ran into the silo (7)

16. Do you need a black suit to use it? (5)

17. Agreement in Spanish is, in French, a nap (6) 18. Even both ways (5)

20. The return of the primulas’ annual display is all to

do with the nose (5)

22. You would be lucky to be on one (4)