Hi all
The Top 12 playoff for the 2009 Ladies State Team was held over the weekend at The Basement. An excellent two days’ play saw a few new faces in the ACT side to contest this year’s National Championships. The format was 4 times round robin for a total of 44 frames each, with the top 7 qualifying for the state team, and the top 4 qualifying for the Top 4 Shootout to decide the 2009 ACT Ladies Champion.
With two of last year’s team not trying out this year, there were always going to be a few changes, but it was a familiar face in Nicole Welsh who took the early lead, winning 9 out of 11 in round one. Close behind her, though, were Ann Peffer, Gemma Pike and Michelle Massey, al of whom hit 7 wins to sit equal second.
A strong second round of 8 frames saw Ruth Stone move up into equal 4th with Cindy Blackmore, but Nicole still set the pace on 17 overall. Michelle kept up her early good form to sit one frame back, with Gemma 3rd.
Theresa Whitten improved on her first two rounds, hitting 8 from 11 to jump to equal 3rd with Cindy, behind Nicole (10) and Michelle. Gemma, Ruth and Ann rounded out the top 7 at the final turn, but Les Otuhouma, Cath Jones and a resurgent Kylie Power (who hit 7 in rd 3) sat just behind them.
Nicole maintained the lead she had held throughout the weekend to finish 1st on 33 wins, while Michelle made her first State Team in style, finishing 2nd on 31 wins. Gemma produced a big last round to jump back into the top 4 in 3rd on 28 wins. Cindy hit consistent rounds of 6, 7, 7 and 7 to just pip Theresa by one frame for 4th on 27 frames, Theresa finishing 5th on 26.
Hitting her best round of the weekend, Les finished strongly to tie 6th with Ann on 21 frames, the two ladies making up the final two spots in the team. Ruth was three frames further back in 8th after not being able to finish the frames she required to keep her top 7 spot. Kylie had finished strongly on day 2, but was 4 frames short in the final count, finishing 9th on 17 frames.
Melissa Chappelli, Cath Jones and Alison Murphy all played well but were beaten on the day into 10th, 11th and 12th respectively.
Congratulations to the top 7, all of whom will be offered spots on the team for this years Nationals; Nicole Welsh, Michelle Massey, Gemma Pike, Cindy Blackmore, Theresa Whitten, Ann Peffer and Les Otuhouma. Well done also to Michelle and Ann, who have made the side for the first time, and to Theresa, who returns after a few years’ break.
The Top 4 Shootout will be held at the Canberra Labor Club on Sunday 3rd May, starting at 10am. Defending champion Nicole will take on her doubles teammate Cindy, second time top 4 player Gemma and Michelle in her first appearance, in a round robin of race to 4, followed by a final of race to 6.
Well done to all 12 ladies on their play in this years tournament, and a big thank you to The Basement for hosting the final round, as well as Ojo’s Bar and Café and the Canberra Labor for hosting the first round.
Good luck to the 4 ladies for next weekend, come down and have a beer and watch some great eight ball.
Regards,
Chris Jones
ACTEBA Tournament Director
