POOLMANIA FIVE: GET THE CARLING IN, LADS


James Carling is the new Poolmania champion after arguably the exciting tournament so far.

In a thrilling end to the fifth tournament, Carling defeated David Weller 3-0 in the final to take home his first Poolmania title and became only the second person to do so.

Four-time Poolmania champ Greg Davies lost to the eventual winner in the semi final, after a flawless display in Group Two by not dropping a frame. He finished fourth after losing to Dale Thomas in the third-place playoff, who impressed by claiming top spot in Group One.

It was the first time debutants Carling and Weller had reached the final - for Weller, the first time he had reached the knockout phase on his third attempt.

"Someone had to do it - they've all been saying you needed to be beaten" exclaimed Carling to former champ Davies in his slightly-slurred victory speech. Carling improved on his debut performance in the last Poolmania where he finished third to take home the approximate £23.50 prize.

Davies, one of the top seeds, was upbeat despite failing to make the Poolmania final for the first time - comparing himself to another athlete who has recently suffered a 'blip'. "I'm going to be back. This is just a blip like Roger Federer went through. On one hand I am disappointed to lose, but on the other I'm silently relieved that someone out there is good enough to take the crown."

It was a bad night for the top seeds overall as Joe Newbury failed to make the knockout phase, but he did have some consolation by winning the Plate competition by defeating Mitchell Gadd in the final. It was also disappointing for Mark, who after reaching the semi finals in the last tournament, could only muster a single win at the group stage. 

The Poolmania history books were rewritten not just once, but twice, as the tournament observed its first and second seven-ball frame wins. Davies pulled one over Tom Payne, whilst the new champ Carling grabbed one over Gadd, both in the group stage.

   

Davies: It's all getting a bit boring now

The Merthyr magician makes it four Poolmania titles in a row

Greg Davies continued his rampant domination of TTFE Poolmania after a thrilling 3-2 final victory over Jon Pride at Riley's Canton. In a tournament using British pool tables for the first time and boasting four new wildcard players, Davies was still able to navigate safely to bring home the estimated £40 prize.

Jon Pride reached his first final after two third place finishes, whilst debutants James Carling and Mark flourished by winning their groups respectively. Carling grabbed his first Poolmania podium with third place.

It was a tournament to forget for second seeds Chris Phillips and Mike Pinto, who each finished bottom of their groups. Callum Gigg avoided bottom place in Group One on his first attempt whilst Dale Thomas failed to reclaim his form from the first tournament - but he was happy to make steady progress by just missing out on knockout stage. He said: “I'm happy to live up to my seed for this tournament”.

An unexpected twist in Group Two meant a three way playoff between tie between Pride, Joe Newbury and Mitch Gadd as each of them reached the same points total and head-to-head could not decide the group's runner-up.

There was also a tense moment when a passer-by brushed past Pride mid-shot during his 2-0 defeat to Gadd. The result also triggered the three-way playoff and Pride was particularly angered by the incident.

“I wanted to hit 'im” said Jon, in the post tournament media conference.

Despite the record title-haul, Davies did admit he had some nervous moments during the final. He had even wished that luck could play an extra hand as he battled to his victory.

“To be honest with all due respect, I hoped that guy who hit you came back with the way you were playing”, Davies uttered to Pride after the game.

Davies now hopes to use his winnings for the good of the game in readiness for the next Poolmania, which will boast a player pool of over 15 candidates. He said, “I'll make sure I'll get a trophy with this money for next time”.

As always, the 'Merthyr magician' remained characteristically modest on his chances for the next tournament, always insisting that he will one day be beaten by a worthy opponent in TTFE. However he did display a playful smirk with the relish of his fourth title on the trot.

“It's all getting a bit boring now” he said as he left the venue.

NEW SEASON - Season Seven

Matchday Two - 6-3 Loss VS Canton's Finest
(match score debated to be 5-3)

A late TTFE comeback was not enough to save them from defeat against newly-promoted Canton's Finest.

Season Seven is here and it couldn't come too soon for The Thursday Football Experience league team. Season Six promised all forms of hope and grandeur in Division Three, with TTFE even vying for a top two finish after opening with a brace of victories. In the background however, these wins were not convincing enough and shown little of the good form and morale of the previous season. This decline in team confidence, compounded with key injuries and absences, soon condemned the team to an appalling run of 10 losses from 12 matches. Only the lucky survive on that kind of relegation form and it seems TTFE used all their luck in the previous season to lift that Divsion Four trophy. TTFE lost their right to play in Division Three after a miserable 7-2 defeat to Jam Roll on the last day of the season, where a win would have ensured safety. Now once again, TTFE have to start their campaign in the dizzy heights of Division Four.

Canton's Finest, formerly the Canton Young Gunz (part of the Young Gunz family it seems), are no strangers to silverware themselves; they were champions of Division Five last season and earnt promotion with relative ease. This game was going to be tough not just because the Young Gunz tag meant a young side with pace and attitude, but also this was a side used to winning - something TTFE have forgotten about since last October. Nethertheless, spirits were high as the team was amazingly at full strength - with Dave Weller and Paul Preece back to full health, it was just like old times. The magnificent seven were joined by new recruit Dave Bailey, who was drafted in last season to grab some more goals as a striking hitman.

The beginning of game had a particular traditional feel to it; the change back to the Division Four pitch had revived some old memories of the past epic battles against Da Randem Mandem and Cardiff Superstars. Sadly this time around, they are both enjoying their game in Division Three; after the Superstars made a good debut in the higher league at TTFE's expense, whilst Da Randem earned deserved promotion last season. But I knew something was in the air - were TTFE about to bring the good times back to kick start the new season?

The first half proved otherwise. TTFE had very little of the ball and continued to fritter away their chances when they came around. The wet weather did encourage all players to try their luck from afar, but both teams did have very competant keepers - which kept the score down significantly. Saying that, both sides were very quiet on the shooting front, with Weller making only a few saves in the opening ten minutes. The deadlock was broken by Finest from a controversial set piece pass which seemed to be slightly over head height. The attacker was unmarked and was forced to hoist his leg high in the air to strike the ball into the net, past an idle Weller who assumed the fairly obvious of a free kick to the men in black. The referee was quite happy however with the goal and gave a 1-0 lead to the Finest. They then went to stretch that lead to two just before half time, giving them the cushion they needed to sit pretty for the interval.

At half time TTFE took stock of the situation and applied some more rigidity to what had been a very disorganised formation. Finest had the trademark skill and intuition to find the net, but they did lack the confidence to dominate the game, which did allow TTFE to have some leeway in what was becoming a shocker of a game for them. When Finest went 3-0 up, TTFE still looked like a goal was only going to come from an act of misfortune from the opposition. That soon became the reality as Billy Collins scored the first goal for TTFE this season after capitalising on a mistake. After catching a player in possession, he struck well into the bottom corner to finally add some spice to the tie. Soon after a long range shot from Finest put the game to 4-1 and the game was once again slipping away.

TTFE then made a comeback from the dead to give the opposition a real fright. Collins pass across the goal via the boards found an unmarked Joe Newbury who slotted home to make 4-2, whilst Chris Phillips tried his luck from afar and found his first of the season. At 4-3, it was anyone's game again, as TTFE threatened with set piece after set piece in their half, mimicing the Welsh revival witnessed only a day before. However it was not to be, as Finest soon broke away and got the all important goal they needed to finsih the tie. At 5-3 (not 6-3) the game had reached a seemingly inevitable climax.

Finest should have been disappointed to allow TTFE back into the game and one can imagine that they were playing below par in this opening fixture. For TTFE, the mixed wires continue to threaten any hope of harmony returning to the team - as each players is finding it tough to work together again. With so much turbulence over the past season, square one seems to be where most of the team are at.

For the first time in four seasons, TTFE have lost their opening fixture - a statistic which may be a cause for concern, especially as the look on the faces of the lads coming off the field shows that this game could, and should have been won. There is still a lot of work to be done.


Players: Dave Weller, Joe Newbury, Chris Phillips, Paul Preece, James Carling, James Pugh, Billy Collins, Dave Bailey.

Goals: Collins, Newbury, Phillips.

NEW SEASON - Season Six

Matchday One - 9-3 Win VS Cardiff Dragons

TTFE opened the season by upping their unbeaten run to seven matches, after a comfortable victory over Cardiff Dragons.

Just when this reporter thought he could jet off to the Costa del Sol between seasons, Gol decide to cut short the pre-season training period and thrust another league campaign upon our footballing heroes. So TTFE are champions for a week, you could say. No time to prepare for the potential heartbreak or elation a season can bring - and yet, they haven't even received their victory rewards!

TTFE's return to Division Three has already made pundits question whether they will sink or swim. The fact that both the previous Division Four champions and runners up, Toto FC and Sheila's Wheels respectively, have failed to gain further promotion suggests that TTFE may not enjoy the smooth plains which they experienced in Division Four. TTFE enter this campaign with the finest form of all eight teams, but will that be challenged by such a step up in class? Will form and morale be enough to mount another title bid against much tougher opposition? This first game was to be the initial test of that very resolve.

TTFE faced the Cardiff Dragons, a side which exemplify the average Division 3 standard. In the past two seasons, the Dragons have survived two successive relegation dogfights to finish in mid table mediocrity, which gives the impression that they are accustomed to finding times hard in the division. We can believe that now the Gol Leagues are reaching a peak in expansion, the topsy-turvy Gol hierarchy is slowly evening itself out; suggesting that there are likely to be fewer Gretna Green-esque rises to the top from the bottom. Cardiff Dragons are a prime example of the middle ground; a win here could be an omen for better things in Division 3 and maybe, just maybe, a promotion charge. A loss however could mean a possible season of struggle and hardship.

So enough of the speculation and expectation. With the usual seven core men, TTFE kicked off their season with much vigour and passion. They controlled much of the ball and enjoyed a good share of possession whilst the Dragons began unsettled. But did this possession lead to an early goal? And if so, who grabbed that important first goal? It was scored by James Pugh, who tussled and turned away from the defence to score with ease. James Carling was not to be outdone so he caught a defender in possession and scored past a helpless keeper. The Dragons struck back with a wonderful solo effort from their key player (a recognisable Division One player), but Carling and Pugh got to work again with two more goals between them. The movement from full back Paul Precce was particularly electric, as he pushed forward on surging runs and was unlucky to score from a quickly taken free kick which was fed to him beautifully. He soon reaped from his efforts after turning in a rebounded shot and making the score 5-1 at half time.

The Dragons were not beaten yet, but it was clear that they were out of ideas. They resorted to playing long, searching balls to find a way to the goal, however the defence snuffed out much of this threat. TTFE on the other hand, had a hatful of chances to add to their goal tally. Billy Collins got in on the act, as well as capitan Chris Phillips. To avoid the old cliche but it has to be said - Christmas had come early.

In truth, TTFE were not challenged in that game and they did begin to drop off in the second half. With a bit more ruthlessness and cutting edge it could have been a real goal feast of over ten goals. Their keeper did however have a good game, always a challenge in the wet conditions which make it a goal keeper's nightmare. Dave Weller wasn't called upon too much, but made some fine saves when called upon. Their key player had tried his hardest to find the net in the second half and just when his shots look goal bound, Weller was on hand to defy and deny. Their next two goals were nothing more than complementary gifts, as Joe Newbury allegedly strayed into the area to concede a penalty (which was subsequently converted) whilst a deflected shot from Preece's leg resulted in an unlucky own goal. If there was to be any criticism of the gameplay, TTFE did leave some areas of the pitch exposed and were sometimes lax in falling into position - but in this game it mattered very little.

With a 9-3 victory, TTFE hoped that overcoming their first potential banana skin in such fashion could put them straight back to where they have been accustomed to - the top! However old habits die hard, even when you are promoted. Division Four runners up and old rivals, the Cardiff Superstars, enjoyed a pretty victory of their own and placed themselves back at the top, just like they did on teh opening day of last season. Despite this fact however, TTFE can take some solace in another old habit which identifies them so well - already our lads have conceded the least amount of goals in the division. A trend I'd like to think will continue throughout this campaign.

Goals: (to be confirmed)

Matchday Fourteen - 5-3 Win VS Almeider FC
(Please note, it is noted as 5-2 on the Gol website but Almeider did score 3 goals)

A five goal blitz from James Carling secured the Sunday Division Four title for TTFE in a highly spirited match against Almeider FC.

After being six points behind Cardiff Superstars and losing two games on the trot, it seemed too far out of reach for TTFE to even think about winning the title. It was surely a pipe dream where promotion in second place looked to be the realistic target for the end of season. For a start, how could they beat the in form table leaders when they hadn't even lost a game? Where would they drop six points for them to have a chance to contend again? Even when they dropped those games, TTFE would have to be faultless themselves to have any chance of surpassing them. But once TTFE finally beat Almeider by 5 goals to 3, the dream had become a reality, with each of those seemingly impossible eventualities unolding to create the most dramatic title win of all time.

On the cards before the game, fate looked to be against TTFE in winning this famous victory. They knew that the task of defeating Almeider was a difficult one and for some, this has always been labelled as the toughest game of the season. In terms of history, Almeider have an impressive record against TTFE - two wins and only one defeat by a defaulted goal. Almeider are also a tough team to break down; brandishing their own style of pass and move football, tight marking and can pack a real punch in attack. Therefore, TTFE knew that they had to win and win convincingly if they had any chance of grabbing the title on this cold, October evening. Things didn't start too well for TTFE either - with initially only four players to begin with, it looked like disaster struck for this crucial game. Luckily, all seven players had arrived by the end of the first five minutes of time.

TTFE were at first overwhelmed by a passionate Almeider team, who played some good football and looked hungry to end their season on a win. Keeper Dave Weller had to handle some difficult balls, but he adjusted well to the variety of shots which were being thrusted into his path. TTFE did not get into the game straight away and had little chances in front of goal, being edged out by a muscular defence. It stayed goalless for around ten minutes, suggesting that this could be the first ever goalless half witnessed by this reporter at the Gol Centre. James Carling soon put an end to that by breaking the silence, as well as the iron grip of his markers by slotting home one of the five he scored throughout the game. That was soon matched with an equaliser after a quick free kick taken in the corner by Almeider and was met by a attacker free in front of goal. TTFE took their eye off the ball and paid the price for it. 1-1. Carling soon belted another one underneath the keeper, making it 2-1. But just as half time rolled around, the TTFE defence could not contain an effective Almeider move and an unmarked winger found plenty of space to equalise. At half time, it was a deserved 2-2 draw.

Almeider fancied their chances to go all the way here and must have known that a win for them would be a favour well appreciated from the Cardiff Superstars, who were desperate for TTFE to falter. Remember that Cardiff Superstars had to better the result of TTFE and a win for our lads would mean an automatic claim to the title, regardless of how the Superstars did against 4-4-2. TTFE figured that the way forward was to mark tighter and create more movement in the middle by drawing men out wide. To begin, TTFE seemed even more uncomfortable as the realisation of their task was becoming even more demanding, whilst the clock was slowly ticking away. The nerves had shown in first touches, in bad passing and desperate defending, and the second half was still full of these small, but costly mistakes. Weller on the other hand, seemed to be the voice and the inspiration for the side to compete. In goal he pulled off a number of a outstanding saves, even one with his left leg when a shot seemed unstoppable. He was having the game of his life, calling the shots from his own area as his peers looked shaky on the outfield. Almeider had knocked on the door many times in the second half and their reward came in the form of a rebound in the centre of the area. With no defenders around him the attacker took his early christmas present by hitting the post, only to come off the back of Weller and rebound happily into the net. It was then that the Superstars had arrived.

At 3-2, pitch number eight became the 'cauldron of hate' in which TTFE had surely felt the jig was up. With the Superstars offering their vocal support to the Almeider cause, the third goal against TTFE was met with a loud, deafening roar, which was intimidating to say the least. However, with that cheer the sandbags of nerves which were being carried throughout the game had finally been relieved from the shoulders of our heroes. As if by magic, or some other unexplainable cause, TTFE finally shown the spirit that have got them out of jail so many times this season when the chips were down. The lads knew what had to be done. Carling soon lashed back with an equaliser, then he scored another - and then another. The defence was tight, with each player screaming their lungs out with anything, anything at all, that was constructive. It was shouting for the sake of shouting - anything to get everyone focused and on the game.

At 5-3 a sigh of relief and jubilation ringed out from the TTFE players as they knew that after such a tough clash, they had not only won the game, they had won promotion, and now they had won the title to the league. Well done TTFE, you acheived the impossible. You earned the title of champions for a Heraculean performance which may not have shown the true talents of your ability, but it certainly embodied the TTFE spirit of perseverance, determination and good teamwork. You should be proud. A great end to a wonderful season which has had many plaudits from pundits, whilst commentators like myself have been forced to eat our own hats.

Goals: Carling 5.

Final Goal Tally: Carling 39, Phillips 13, Pugh 13, Collins 9, Newbury 3, Preece 1, (Default) 12.

Matchday Thirteen - 5-0 Win VS Gringos FC

TTFE brought themselves a step closer to the title with a convincing victory over Gringos FC.

It was another full house for the lads, as the magnificent seven rode on into the sunset with another win under their belts. With promotion assured, TTFE had to get another three points to keep the title dream alive. Earlier on Sunday night Cardiff Superstars had subdued Almeider FC and a loss would have meant disaster for our footballing heroes. With a heavy nerve, TTFE overcame the latest banana skin to be placed in the path to championship glory.

Gringos have been languishing at the bottom end of the table this season, but their style of play begs a real question why. They close down quickly, have good player attendance for each fixture and seem organised with a game plan. Although they have proved to be much better than league whipping boys Sao Flora in terms of points, Gringos have found it hard to climb up from the depths. The way they begun the proceedings certainly put the frighteners on the soon-to-be Division Three side; complete with a hardened spirit and hardened demeanor. Gringos are reputedly the most physical side in the league and at first TTFE seemed intimidated with their strong shoulders and misplaced tackles. It was a relief therefore when Carling opened the scoring. From then on, the game was only going one way and the realisation for the lowly position of these amigos was revealed.

For you see, the problem that Gringos encountered was the creating the end product. They were able to hold onto the ball with brute force and through tenacious tackling, but they could not get into a position to score. By merely peppering the goal with long shots, Weller was not fully stretched to his usual best as he didn't need to be. Gringos only had one clear-cut opportunity when the defence had gone awol but the TTFE ball stopper was on hand to grab his second clean sheet of the season.

At the other end of the pitch, the golden boot award looks to be sewn up with another goal scoring frenzy from James Carling. The charismatic playmaker enjoyed another goal feast with a total of four goals, each from his domain in the centre of midfield. James Pugh was unlucky to get on the score sheet but he could be accredited to making some clever runs, which unweaved a tightly drawn defence. Pugh's sneaky flick past an oncoming defender onto Carling's path to set up his second goal was truly a delightful piece of play.

Billy Collins was eager to boost the 2-0 scoreline at half time, so he even resorted to poaching goals from Carling! The ball had strayed into the paths of both players but it was Collins who took the opportunity to find the bottom corner with a sweet strike. Carling completed his goal rout and took the tally to five, at which point the game had been clearly won. It then became a greater challenge to keep the prized clean sheet.

The defence stood up well against the physical exertion they had to face - with very little forcing its way through. Paul Preece was in good spirit and had pushed the game forward with his usual, seemingly invincible runs. Collins made it known that he had the fire with a particularly loud, booming voice and he also got into his usual scraps and battles, emerging with yet another injury to add his long list. Chris Phillips was reserved in defence, finding gaps to unleash the occasional thunderbolt which this week just didn't find the net. His current goal drought is becoming a source of amusement for all, but he still maintains that the best is yet to come. Another bit of banter was Weller's distribution, which surprisingly, gained a positiove repsonse from his teammates. In truth, he earned the perfect 10 he'd been personally striving for over the last few games.

With one more game to go, TTFE only have to win and the cup goes to them. Winning is never easy but this year it has become the norm. C'mon TTFE!

Goals: Carling 4, Collins.

Goal Tally: Carling 34, Phillips 13, Pugh 13, Collins 9, Newbury 3, Preece 1, (Default) 12.


So what do TTFE have to do win the title?

Win. As the Cardiff Superstars beat Almeider FC, they remain tied on points with TTFE on 33 each. As Weller discovered midweek, when teams are on the same points they are ordered in the table by head to head results; meaning that on aggregate TTFE have the upper hand over the Superstars by a single goal (4-6, 9-6). Therefore, TTFE must better or equal the result of the Superstars' game against 4-4-2; if the Superstars lose, TTFE win the title regardless. TTFE can win the title regardless of how the Superstars do if they beat Almeider FC.

Which teams face relegation?

Sao Flora resigned themselves to Division Five long ago but it became mathematically impossible for them to survive only a few weeks ago. Gringos FC can still survive the drop if they win their game and B and A lose, but the odds are stacked against them; they face in form third-placed Da Randem Mandem whilst B and A play already doomed Sao Flora - who have yet to win a single game all season.

Matchday Twelve - 4-2 Win VS Da Randem Mandem

TTFE won promotion to Sunday Division Three after a stunning comeback against third-placed Da Randem Mandem.

This clash was evidently the pivotal point in TTFE's bid for the title; with each possible result throwing up such differing conclusions, TTFE had to understand what exactly was at stake. A loss here would surely allow Da Randem Mandem back into contention of grabbing the second promotion spot at their expense, whilst the Superstars would look certain to widen the gap at the gap and edge closer to title glory. On the other hand, TTFE could take promotion with a win here and eliminate any chance of their opponents taking their prized promotion spot away with a healthy eight point gap over them. In this sixpointer, a draw was the booby prize which benefitted neither team with a point which leads them both towards nowhere.

With so much at stake, it was TTFE tradition that they started on the back foot against the big hitters of Sunday Division Four. Determined to make TTFE pay for their previous 8-3 drubbing, Da Randem Mandem were gunning for victory with similar tactics as before; confuse, trick and leave defenders for dead and execute a lethal shot at goal once the space had been created. It was a tactic which had given them acclaim of division top goal scorers for the majority of the season. The vengence stemed of course from the meagre three goals that they could only score against TTFE in that fateful game. Here that looked like just a blip as they took the lead and secured a two goal cushion after some lacklustre play and a genuine failure to close down. Billy Collins was also dismissed for a dangerous challenge, which gave way for a sustained pressure campaign upon goal, dealt adequately however by ball stopper Dave Weller. The plan was in place for the Randem Mandem - they looked comfortable and ready to make the breakaway once TTFE heads had dropped.

TTFE were not done yet however. There were some bad touches from the majority of the TTFE team, but it seemed that nerves were taking their toll on TTFE. Once the game began to settle down a bit TTFE had found their scoring boots, but were unable to overturn the 2-1 lead before the interval. The opportunities to score had often fallen to the hands of the TTFE sharpshooters, but their cutting edge was not as clincal as they should have been. TTFE had enough of the ball to score another, but they just couldn't take their chances well enough. If viagra could improve scoring in front of goal as much as scoring beneath the sheets, a bottle here would be just what the doctor ordered.

So instead of firing blanks, TTFE slowed the tempo and made their opponents dance to their own waltz. By holding the ball and playing the break TTFE beagn to get the clear cut chances in front of goal. The TTFE defenders also had much more satisfaction in standing the attackers up and slowing their individual runs, which had caused so much havoc in the first half. By capitalising on mistakes TTFE played with patience to expose a weak defence. As demonstrated in the first game, their defence was not as strong as their attack, which in turn is undoubtedly the deadliest in the league. Once the possession spell they held was broken, an open shot at goal was almost certain - a fact which the lads that begun to exploit with three strikes in the second half. With the game descending into a contest once more, tempers expectedly began to flare up and tackles became harder and more dangerous. With some of this antagonism directed at enforcer Paul Preece, he later stated that his new enemy number status had given him a new calling within the TTFE ranks, as chief wind up merchant. The opposition were just mystifed at how the centre back simply dismissed all calls upon him and kept his mind on the task at hand - a confusion which waged into obsession and subsequently, into a lack of concentration. Their mental grip on this game was now slipping, even if the strong arm tactics had been relentless in their execution.

It was another good game overall for the defence, especially keeper Weller, who played another excellent game in goal. He too mystified his opponents with some astonishing saves and kept the high scoring team to their knees with a measly two goals. But this was a team effort which showed the real desire to push the pain barrier when so much is riding on it. TTFE played like a Division Three team and it's fitting really because now in a few weeks time, they will be amongst that very crowd.

Goals: Phillips, Newbury, Carling, Collins.

Goal Tally: Carling 30, Phillips 13, Pugh 13, Collins 8, Newbury 3, Preece 1, (Default) 12.