With what is fast becoming a club tradition, the final training session before the Christmas was followed by a short walk to the Carlton entertainment precinct for dinner, a few beverages and a pool comp. The first stop was Percy’s Bar due to its close proximity, a la carte menu for Wilks and $10 ‘pot and bar meal’ deals for the rest of us. With a decent feed on board, those who were after a few more drinks or who just can’t resist any chance to compete, hunted down a bar with a few free pool tables and as last year’s champion (Luke Bainbridge) was not present, an interim title was up for grabs. Soon after getting underway our little competition attracted the attention of a couple of would-be hustlers who tried to gatecrash the event. However, as bar flies are bound by bar etiquette, the vast number of coins we strategically placed on the table edges meant they were confined to the sidelines to continue their scheming over a few more ales.
Once again Mike, the “Son Of A Pool Shark” or “SOAPS” Censori, showed great promise in the early rounds only to fall on his sword just short of the final. Adam Trudgen was also knocked out in a semi final, but that was not the last to be heard of this pair. The final saw Sean “The Penniless” Connelly take on club president Dave Jame in a close game with both having shots on the 8 ball for the win. However, it was Sean drawing on his military experience to improvise and overcome the opposition taking the win and setting up a future match with Luke for the undisputed title. While the final was taking place the hustlers returned looking for challengers. Mike and Adam accepted and in what turned out to be the real match of the evening, they out hustled the hustlers and lined their pockets in the process. Thanks to everyone who came along and to all the club members who made 2010 such a great year!
-Dave Jame
