Titans add Pot Black Pairs to trophy cabinet
Titans 2 beat arch rivals Renegades to claim the main prize in the $1000 Pot Black Pairs cash tournament at the Cooper’s Beach Bowling Club earlier this month.
Other teams to feature in the prize money included Wotreweon from Cooper’s Beach and RSA One from Kaitaia sharing third-equal spot.
The event attracted a full field of 32 pairs teams who fought it out for the major prize money. Round 1 took all 32 teams through almost until lunchtime with the winners progressing to round 2 of the main event while the losing teams went into the consolation plate. Both parts were played concurrently with the finals of each played separately at the end of the day.
“As the day progressed and more teams were eliminated from the main event, competition became a little more serious with a name on the fabulous trophy, bragging rights and big bucks at stake,” a report from organisers noted, adding most games went to the full three frames, while play was stopped in the early afternoon so lunch could be served for the 70-plus people in attendance.
“The food was fantastic and it was a good time to relieve a bit of the pressure of play and make new friends.”
A report from the organisers noted the tournament attracted keen and accomplished players from all over the Far North, with the Homestead Tavern teams from Kerikeri snapping up almost half of the entry places as well as treating the players to some traditional Kiwi entertainment in between games!
“The draw was organised at the door as teams registered for the day and play began in earnest around 8.30am. A few teams who started out blearyeyed, were wide awake by the end of their first three frames!”
The organisers were particularly pleased to see a notably high number of lady players with great skills giving the men a good run for their money; planning over the last two months resulted in a well-run draw for the day; while the weather, de´cor, music, food, raffles and atmosphere added to the massive interest generated.
It was noted that ll entry fees were paid back in prizes to the winner, runner-up and third-equal teams in the main event and those teams unsuccessful in the first round were able to go on to play in a consolation plate section for smaller prize money. It was note the players and supporters were entertained all day by MC Peter Wilson, and the many examples of mastery of the cue and cue ball, some crazy shots, interesting ‘uniforms’, laughter, and lots of camaraderie.”
A similar fours tournament was held earlier in the year and this and the recent pairs’ event will now take place annually in May and September respectively.