It’s the finals countdown
The first round of the Far North Pool Association’s annual two-week play-off series saw the top four teams of the regular season meet at Frosty’s Vault Bar in Kaitaia last Tuesday night where the main event ended with the Renegades emerging triumphant over arch rivals and defending champions, the Titans, by 7-2.
Local commentator Sharpshooter in his round up of proceedings noted it was a surprisingly lopsided affair (with the score 6-2 after the singles matches were completed).
“As the current minor premiers, the Renegades won the first four games which set them up well for what was a well-earned victory,” he said.
Elsewhere, the Vault Bar defeated the RSA Rangers 7-6 in a match which had to go to a team game.
“The Rangers hung in there after an even start before the Vault led, only to be pegged back to 5-3 at the turn before the Rangers won two to tie it up, with two to play. One each on the last two doubles set the match up for a team game and it was all over in five minutes with a ballin-hand foul swinging the result in the Vault team’s favour,” Sharpshooter reported.
Which led to the Rangers unit being eliminated from the championship race. Still, “A great season by the Rangers, a new team in top company, and to be playing off in a major championship, and only just missing out on progressing to the second week of the playoffs.”
Sharpshooter turned his attention to the Division 2 clashes where Awaz Tigers One beat Razorbacks 7-4 (4-4 singles) at Awanui Sports, while Awanui 8 Ball sneaked past Collards Str8 Up 7-5 (4-4).
“Both good matches with chances aplenty but that’s sport in not always favouring the losers,” he said, noting Collards were also eliminated but the Razorbacks get a second chance tonight.
In Division 3, the Marlins well and truly speared the Rebels 7-4 at Houhora (no score card), while the Awaz Tigers Two just beat Waipap Gold 7-5 (5-3) in Awanui.
“It wasn’t until the last game that the win was secured for Tigers, with the pressure being applied by the Gold doubles pairing of Jasmine Marino and Ivan Moeke, alas the Tigers tail wagged just enough for the win.
“Gold’s loss now eliminates them for 2019.”
■ Tonight’s draw represents the last chance for teams to make it to the finals and is as follows, Titans vs Vault at Awanui Sports, Razorbacks vs Awanui 8 Ball at Herekino Tavern, and Rebels vs Awaz Tigers Two at Collards Sports Bar. All three matches start 7.30pm.
The Marlins, Renegades and Tigers One sides have now all qualified for grand finals day this Sunday which starts at 10.30am start time at the Houhora Golf Club.