Hi all
Last night saw an exciting conclusion to four months of intense battle in all five divisions. Each Grand Final witnessed a great struggle towards the final outcome, highlighting the competitiveness we have witnessed this season.
Click through for the full story.Division One was the exception to the rule, with the Fyshwick Tavern Embalmers controlling the match over the Fyshwick Tavern Hammerheads before running out winners 13-8. This was a lot different to their victory over the Hammerheads last season where the result was decided in a tense playoff.
The Basement DV8s and Chisholm Tavern fought out the Division Two Grand Final in one of the matches of the night. Chisholm ran away to a massive 7-0 lead before Michelle Massey sparked an inspired DV8s comeback to level at 7-7. Unfortunately for the DV8s, Chisholm kicked away to 12-8 before sealing the premiership 13-9.
Divisions Four and Five both produced fantastic finishes, with the Ainslie Pains defeating the Services Club Shooters 13-11 to start their progression back to the top divisions, and the Wanniassa Rail Runners also winning 13-11 over the Coolabar Motley Cues.
Despite the results in divisions two, four and five, Division Three ultimately proved to be the match of the night. Don’t worry Chisholm and DV8s, you came damn close, but after the disappointment of the 4^th quarter blowout from Hawthorn and Manly’s annihilation of the Storm, sports fans were looking for a great match. (And don’t even mention the cricket).
A local derby saw the Wests Pumas take on the Wests Cougars at The Basement. After a close struggle in the early rounds, the Pumas leapt to an 11-7 lead going into the final turn. The Cougars saw their chances slipping away but a great fightback saw them sitting at 11-10 down then 12-11 down. Enter Captain Tolly and the scores were suddenly level at 12-12 and a playoff, unthinkable at 11-7, was suddenly in order. Both captains traded their lineups after much consultation with their teams, and it seemed that that the Pumas had got it right, leading out with two wins to all but guarantee a passage into division two next year. The Cougars somehow staved off defeat to level it at 2-2 and send the Grand Final into a sudden death 5^th frame. For the second time within an hour, Tolly Auvaa hit the ultimate captain’s knock to win the playoff
3-2 and the premiership for the Cougars.
Congratulations must go to the Hammerheads, DV8s, Pumas, Shooters and Motley Cues for a fantastic season which fell just short of the ultimate goal. I encourage you to build on the confidence you gained from your results this season and aim for the title next year!
But of course, the greatest platitudes must be extended to the victors. Congratulations to the Fyshwick Tavern Embalmers, Chisholm Tavern Eight Ball Team, Western Districts Cougars, Ainslie Pains and Wanniassa Rail Runners. Your victory tonight confirms the effort you have put in over the preceding 17 weeks.
As season Winter 08 has now drawn to a close, I would like to take this chance to thank those who have helped to maintain the ACTEBA’s great name. Beginning of course with all captains, who ensure their players uphold the good name of ACTEBA, and continuing to the venues who allow us to compete each week in their establishment. The venues I’d like to thank are (in alphabetical order) Ainslie Football Club, Belconnen Lakeview Club, Buffalo Bistro, Canberra Labor Club, Chisholm Tavern, Coolabar Pool Room, Fyshwick Tavern, Kaleen Bar & Bistro, Kambah Inn, Ojo’s Café & Bar, O’Sheas Pub, Services Club, Southern Cross Club, The Basement, The Venue, Tuggeranong Vikings (Erindale and Lanyon), Wanniassa Tavern and Western Districts Rugby Club. ACTEBA looks forward to a successful partnership with you in the future.
One must never hit a cue ball in anger without realizing the effort that goes on behind the scenes. With this in mind, I would like to thank the people who have helped me in my first full season as Tournament Director, Doug Percy, Kathy Harmon, Rolf Bandte, Joseph Morrall, Ted Mallowes and Scrol. Your experience and wisdom has helped me through my ups and many downs this year.
Thank you to all teams who took part this season, I look forward to an even more successful year in 2009 as ACTEBA hosts the National Championships. Just a small reminder that nominations for the 2009 Summer season are due at the December meeting.
Signing off for Winter 08 and indeed 2008,
Chris Jones
ACTEBA Tournament Director
0403 545 619
