Sharks swarm as new season starts

The Far North Pool Association begins its new winter championship tonight with 12 teams ready to battle out for supremacy of the 8 ball variety at various licensed premises across the district.

Local commentator, the anonymous Sharpshooter — a person who has managed to keep their true identity a secret for the past decade — noted the competition had been around for well over 40 years, and interest was as strong as ever amongst the current crop of pool sharks.

The 22-week competition plus playoffs will conclude with the finals set to be played on September 22 at the Houhora Golf Club.

The draw for the opening round is as follows with * indicating the Sharpshooter’s pick as the winner: Herekino Razorbacks to host the Renegades*, Vault Bar hosts the RSA Rangers*, Waipap Gold vs KA Rebels*, Collards Str8 Up take on the Awanui Titans* (as the defending champions) at Collards; Awaz Tigers 1 and Awaz Tigers 2* (a repeat of last year’s division 3 grand final) and the Houhora Marlins* host Awanui 8 Ball.

“I’m picking the RSA Rangers as a dark horse in this year’s competition. So look out for my weekly wrap on this competition with the usual banter, in each and every Tuesday’s edition of the Northland Age.”

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Across

1. It is a mixer only, unlike colas, Bud (4,4)

5. Snakes - as afterthought (4)

9. Found on the church but never again (4)

10. Encircled Java cat I onerously discovered on

holiday (8)

11. Bet I put in the post? (5)

12. Give out a new set of gear to harvest perique (2-5) 13. He has a point to make when it comes to healing

(13)

18. Do not permit as Steve is out of old wives’ tales

(8)

19. Emu lecturer made a bit of an ass of himself (4) 20. Curiously on the main Stu gets a big wave ....... (7) 21 . ...... you will need to know how to do this when it

happens (5)

22. Two parties for the old bird (4)

23. Arraign a farmer type? (8)

Down

2. Cut nail? What an idiot! (7)

3. A smashing love affair ends? (5,2)

4. A guess - like the coroner’s findings? (4,9)

6. I slum it to get responses (7)

7. Spit around and in the kids’ play area (4-3) 8. Return label for French water cake (6)

13. Edward gets a European car? His account should

be checked (7)

14. Not safe but quiet? (7)

15. Get rid of Bert from the roundtable (6)

16. Does he stroll into a bit of rest and recreation? (7) 17. Grape queen? (7)