THE INS AND OUTS OF COLLEGE POOL
MERTON (predicted finish:1st)
As last term’s league champions, few would contest Merton’s status as top seed. Strong performances facilitated their cruise past the majority of opposition. A narrow loss to Hertford proved the only slip, in a season that saw them lift the league title for the third time in seven years. With a strong university contingent, the only barrier to their success may be fi xture clashes. Barring that, however, Merton will go in to this term’s knockout competition as strong favourites.
Star Player Geraint Morgan has proved a jewel in the crown of Merton’s side. Seven victories in eight singles matches last term saw him joint top of the league averages. Captain Ben Holroyd cannot be far off him, with six wins of his own. Both are also likely to be hunting individual success in this year’s singles competition.
Captain’s Talk The ever-modest Ben Holroyd commented, “Said to be the most talented group of players in Merton’s history, the team secured the league with a record total of 63 points. An early season 9-0 victory over Pembroke gave the squad the confi dence to win their second title in four years. With such an accomplished roster at my disposal, I envisage a straightforward cuppers triumph. However, complacency has not set in; the team spent the close season formulating a revolutionary new playing order described as ‘terrifying’ by a startled onlooker from St Catherine’s college. In summary, we are targeting our fi rst ever league-cup double and cannot be expected to falter."
ST CATZ (predicted finish: 2nd)
Despite losing two of theirmatches, Catz still managed to claim the runners up spot last term. Behind this was their ability to squeeze every possible frame out of their opponents. The games they won, they managed t o win decisively and by a large margin. Perhaps the best example of this was a 7-2 demolition of Mansfi eld - undoubtedly St Catherine’s best performance of the season. This ability to infl ict a thrashing on opponents saw them do well in the league, but if they are to do well in the knockout competition, Catz will have to ensure they maintain that high standard in a more consistent fashion.
Star Player Catz Captain Danny Binnington proved his worth last term, winning six of his eight matches. Andy Wright and Oxford University Pool Club secretary Dunstan Barnes are also likely to be vital if Catz are to claim the cuppers trophy that has so long escaped them.
Captain’s Talk As flamboyant as ever, the St Catherine’s captain Danny Binnington was clearly feeling confident about his side’s chances in the cuppers competition: “I can’t wait to beat Merton so I can shove my pool cue up Zander Khan’s arse."
HERTFORD (predicted finish: 3rd)
Hertford had lost their reputation in recent years as a force to be reckoned with in college pool. This year, however, that has all changed. Promoted the season before last, Hertford have announced their intentions in formidable fashion. New players, and a side which has matured beyond it’s years have made up for those they lost last season. A third place fi nish, and gritty victory over eventual champions Merton, has ensured the Division One newcomers attract all the attention going in to cuppers.
Star Player Both Rob Knight and Dave Penkett enjoyed fantastic form last season, winning seven iout of eight singles matches. With Hertford’s strength tending to lie in scrappy, hard-fought victories, individual brilliance from this pair will undoubtedly prove invaluable in cuppers.
Captain’s Talk Newly elected captain David Peniket commented, “The joy of promotion last season was tinged with sadness as Hertford lost arguably its two best players, Captain Paul Abbot and OUPC Secretary Mark Salter. However, with a raft of new members, under the old hand of Nabeel Alsindi, we managed to be the surprise package of the competition, leading for much of the season. Amongst our ranks are two of the three top frame winners, and we comprise a good selection of tactics and mindless potting ability (Rob Knight), and mild alcoholism. Surely one to look out for in cuppers."
MANSFIELD (predicted finish: 4th)
Two seasons ago, Mansfi eld claimed both the league and cup titles in the same year. Whilst many of that side have now moved on, they have maintained their status as a strong force in college pool; aided by the introduction of some talented freshers this time round. Mansfi eld’s performance against arch-rivals Merton last season illustrated the talent and determination inherent in their side. Only a missed black in the decisive frame prevented the underdogs from claiming victory.Fourth position ended up a fair reflection in the league.
Star Players Andrew Wood proved an invaluable asset in last season’s campaign. New to the college scene, he won seven in eight and is bound to be a prominent fi gure in cuppers. Martin Slater and Richard Collins have also impressed, despite being in only their fi rst year. Both are promising prospects for the future, and will be looking for individual glory in the forthcoming singles event.
Captain’s Talk Andrew Wood, the Mansfi eld vice captain, had the following words to say about his team; “This year was always going to prove a test for Mansfi eld. Having lost a number of our old guard, it was up to the new blood to prove their worth on the highest stage. Fortunately we performed well, and the younger players have matured beyond their years. Cuppers will be a great event, and i’m sure we have improved suffi ciently to warrant a semi-final spot. Bring on Merton!”
SOMERVILLE (predicted finish: 5th)
Not renowned as a major force in pool circles, Somerville have proved one of the big surprises this time round. Mirroring their Division 2A counterparts, Somerville only erred once in their capture of the 2B title. With four games going their way at a score of 5- 4, scrappy matches are Somerville’s speciality. The knockout format will undoubtedly suit them if they make it to the latter stages of the competition.
Star Player Lei Xiao has proved an invaluable asset in his captaincy of Somerville this time round. Having collected together a talented team, he still managed to excel in his personal general game play.
Captain’s Talk Xiao commented, “We have played superbly this season and to put in a good performance in cuppers would be the icing on the cake.
LINCOLN (predicted finish: 6th)
Relegated from Division One the season before last, Lincoln showed their prowess by bouncing straight back to the top division last term. Losing only one match in their obliteration of Division 2A, the college may yet prove a dark horse in the cuppers competition. In past years the college has dominated the event. With such a pedigree, few of the top seeds would relish an encounter with the old boys of fi rst division pool, although it remains to be seen whether this team can still cut it at the top level.
Star Players As shown by their runaway title in Division Two, all the Lincoln players have been in great form this season. A similar team effortwill be needed to compete in cuppers. However, Simon Faulkner is one man who sticks out. His fantastic potting and positional play has inspired Lincoln on numerous occasions this season. Clearing up from the break three times in competitive matches, Faulkner would prove a match for any player in the university on his day.
Captain’s Talk Lincoln captain Matthew Clinch is optimistic about his team’s chances: “Lincoln One are looking forward to this year’s cuppers with even more optimism than last year, when we reached the semi-fi nal stage. We’ve been able to keep the core of last year’s team, and the new players have really stepped up to replace the guys we lost last year. Hopefully we can keep up the tremendous form we showed in the league last term, and challenge for the title...or at least get further than Exeter and Jesus!”
26th Jan 2006