Now The Sons Are Officially The A-Team!
13th Feb - Sons beat Matrix to offically claim Shed A-Team status
The Sons season just keeps getting better and better. Now, along with the league title, they can officially claim the title of Best Shed Team as they vanquished The Matrix (Now officially known as the B Team) 8-7 in the first annual Sambuca Challenge.
in a rowdy, party-like atmosphere on Shanxi Lu, both teams went hammer and tongs at each other, with the match swinging this way and that. It was The Matrix that made the best start, going a couple of games clear. But with all the tenatiousness of a Jack Russell with a postman in his sights, our brave Sons would not be shaken off. By the time we half way through the second stanza the Shed had their noses in front and refused to be denied. Although The B-Boys pulled it back to 6-6, nothing was going to stop our bunch of heroes from finishing off the job. Johnny 5k and John 'who can Jiang can' Jiang polished off the first doubles and set it up beautifully for Capt and Muzz to drag the Shed over the line.
Then of course Sweet Caroline was sung with much enthusiasm and the biggest crowd of the season were witness to some fairly wild celebrations. Eventually the Cap't drew his troops together and enquired; 'who owns this house?' The answer, as ever, was 'SOS!' And this time we really meant it.
13th Feb - Sons beat Matrix to offically claim Shed A-Team status
The Sons season just keeps getting better and better. Now, along with the league title, they can officially claim the title of Best Shed Team as they vanquished The Matrix (Now officially known as the B Team) 8-7 in the first annual Sambuca Challenge.
in a rowdy, party-like atmosphere on Shanxi Lu, both teams went hammer and tongs at each other, with the match swinging this way and that. It was The Matrix that made the best start, going a couple of games clear. But with all the tenatiousness of a Jack Russell with a postman in his sights, our brave Sons would not be shaken off. By the time we half way through the second stanza the Shed had their noses in front and refused to be denied. Although The B-Boys pulled it back to 6-6, nothing was going to stop our bunch of heroes from finishing off the job. Johnny 5k and John 'who can Jiang can' Jiang polished off the first doubles and set it up beautifully for Capt and Muzz to drag the Shed over the line.
Then of course Sweet Caroline was sung with much enthusiasm and the biggest crowd of the season were witness to some fairly wild celebrations. Eventually the Cap't drew his troops together and enquired; 'who owns this house?' The answer, as ever, was 'SOS!' And this time we really meant it.
Champions!
17th Jan - Sons win league title with win away to basement club FA Cues
What began as the impossible soon became the improbable. As the season took shape the improbable quickly became the possible. As the wins piled up the possible became the probable and last night ladies and gentlemen, in the Masse Bar, the inevitable became the unquetionable truth; the Sons of the Shed were crowned league champions.
Knowing that one win was required from their final two games of the season, the wily Cap't sent out a team with a mixture of youth and experience and although playing below their peak form, our Boys won with enough room that the doubles could be given away. Who won what pales into insignificance compared to what was at stake; the biggest prize in pool - the Careful Puxi Division of the Allied Pickfords 8Ball Pool League.
When the Sons lost their second game, not many would have dreamed that would be the only reverse they would suffer for the rest of the season (so far...), but that's what has happened and the unbeaten run now stands at a remarkable 13 league and cup games.
The Cap't, speaking exclusively to this site, was understandably an emotional man when commenting; 'I can't praise the team enough. The veterans have been superb all season and the newbs have exceeded all expectations. We know the Premier League dogs will be sniffing around certain individuals in the close season but I want to put it on the record that we will not be entertaining offers for any of our stars.' Wise words, as ever, from the Cap't.
So the Shed Heroes will wake up this morning knowing that they are league champions. However the Season is far from over as there is still the Cup and Season play offs to contend with; does yet more silverware beckon for our Brave Boys?
17th Jan - Sons win league title with win away to basement club FA Cues
What began as the impossible soon became the improbable. As the season took shape the improbable quickly became the possible. As the wins piled up the possible became the probable and last night ladies and gentlemen, in the Masse Bar, the inevitable became the unquetionable truth; the Sons of the Shed were crowned league champions.
Knowing that one win was required from their final two games of the season, the wily Cap't sent out a team with a mixture of youth and experience and although playing below their peak form, our Boys won with enough room that the doubles could be given away. Who won what pales into insignificance compared to what was at stake; the biggest prize in pool - the Careful Puxi Division of the Allied Pickfords 8Ball Pool League.
When the Sons lost their second game, not many would have dreamed that would be the only reverse they would suffer for the rest of the season (so far...), but that's what has happened and the unbeaten run now stands at a remarkable 13 league and cup games.
The Cap't, speaking exclusively to this site, was understandably an emotional man when commenting; 'I can't praise the team enough. The veterans have been superb all season and the newbs have exceeded all expectations. We know the Premier League dogs will be sniffing around certain individuals in the close season but I want to put it on the record that we will not be entertaining offers for any of our stars.' Wise words, as ever, from the Cap't.
So the Shed Heroes will wake up this morning knowing that they are league champions. However the Season is far from over as there is still the Cup and Season play offs to contend with; does yet more silverware beckon for our Brave Boys?
Biggest Bottle Job of the Season?
10th Jan - Sons need one more win after Muse Bar fail to show
Our Boys are used to teams taking a look at the league table and deciding:
a. we will get a hiding so can't be assed to travel
b. coming down with suspicious illnesses on the day of the game
...but our opponants set a new low last night.
10th Jan - Sons need one more win after Muse Bar fail to show
Our Boys are used to teams taking a look at the league table and deciding:
a. we will get a hiding so can't be assed to travel
b. coming down with suspicious illnesses on the day of the game
...but our opponants set a new low last night.
Earlier in the season our boys travelled away to Muse on the Bund with as much hope as belief that they could prevail. At that time Muse were top of the league and unbeaten and SOS had recently been beaten at home. However after a close fought affair, our Boys triumped 9-6. Since that date the two teams fortune have been wildly different and it appears that New Boys Muse have finally given up; the prospect of a hammering on Shanxi Lu has proved too much for them and....wait for it....they have dropped out of the league.
The Cap't, speaking exclusively to this site, had this to say; 'bunch of pussies'. Wise words, as ever, from the Cap't.
The Cap't, speaking exclusively to this site, had this to say; 'bunch of pussies'. Wise words, as ever, from the Cap't.
Sons Complete Double Over The Miserable Bastards
13th Dec - Sons win 8-7 to put the league title firmly in sight
A tight, nervy local derby was won by the Shed last night in front of a packed and sometimes raucus crowd in the Shed Bar.
On paper, it looked like a routine win for our heroes, but in local derbies the form book can be thrown out of the window as big underdogs going into the game, the Miserable Bastards scrapped and fought in a very competitive match.
Once more the Sons owed a lot to Shelly 'Wonder' Gao as she recorded her umteenith full house of the season. Added to two from three from veterans 'Irresistable' Frank and 'Big' Ron and the Sons has their winning foundation. They may well be approching their 8th decade of competitive pool play, but displays of power, guile and a little finesse showed that there is plenty of life in the old dogs yet.
The Shed young guns had a tougher time of things with Scoot and Sam getting one win from six. However, it's nights like these are key in getting consistent performances in the future.
So the Shed Heroes march ever closer to that first ever league title and the boys know that three wins from the final four games will be enough so see them home.
The Capt' speaking exclusively to this site from the treatment room commented; 'that's a potential banana skin avoided. One down, four more to play'. Wise words as ever from the Capt.
13th Dec - Sons win 8-7 to put the league title firmly in sight
A tight, nervy local derby was won by the Shed last night in front of a packed and sometimes raucus crowd in the Shed Bar.
On paper, it looked like a routine win for our heroes, but in local derbies the form book can be thrown out of the window as big underdogs going into the game, the Miserable Bastards scrapped and fought in a very competitive match.
Once more the Sons owed a lot to Shelly 'Wonder' Gao as she recorded her umteenith full house of the season. Added to two from three from veterans 'Irresistable' Frank and 'Big' Ron and the Sons has their winning foundation. They may well be approching their 8th decade of competitive pool play, but displays of power, guile and a little finesse showed that there is plenty of life in the old dogs yet.
The Shed young guns had a tougher time of things with Scoot and Sam getting one win from six. However, it's nights like these are key in getting consistent performances in the future.
So the Shed Heroes march ever closer to that first ever league title and the boys know that three wins from the final four games will be enough so see them home.
The Capt' speaking exclusively to this site from the treatment room commented; 'that's a potential banana skin avoided. One down, four more to play'. Wise words as ever from the Capt.
Sons One Game Away From Wembley With QF Victory Over Harley's Bar
6th Dec - Sons squeek through in tight game against good opponants
The improbable dream of league and cup double is still very much alive tonight for Sons of the Shed fans the world over after our brave boys won their quarter final away (again away, thanks Pauly) to Harley's Bar.
It was difficult to see how this would play out, with Harley's in a tougher league than the Shed, but the Shed flying high and unbeaten since week two this season. The Harley's fielded their strongest team of the season as the cup was their only realistic chance of silverware left and the Sons responded by picking the best side they had available to them.
The result was a mini classic of a match that swung more ways than an Essex couple after a bottle of Diamond White. Games were traded like blows from heavyweight boxers, first the Shed started well, then Harley's hit back; 4-2, became 4-4, 5-4 became 5-5.
At 6-5 the Sons sent out Scooter for a crucial 12th game; win it and the Sons would be one game from victory, lose and the boys would require two of the doubles games. The game mirrored the match by twisting this way and that way, but Scooter held his nerve brilliantly to restore a two frame advantage for the Sons that would prove crucial.
So into the doubles requiring one frame from three, the Sons sent 'Irresitable' Frank and Shelly 'Wonder' Gao into battle. Our team of beauties looked well in control, but one small slip showed the strength of the opposing team as Harley's sniffed the smallest of opportunites and took the game.
This brought Kev 'Blue' Carter and Johnny 5k into the fray. They looked nervous, but crucially so did their opposition with both teams missing key shots. Eventually it came down to our boys needing three balls to win it. An over hit effort by 5K left Kev with a dilemma; play round the table and leave an easier black or secure the final stripe and hope that 5K could find his potting boots. He opted on the later, leaving a length of the table effort for out of form Edwards. The Sons fans and players held their breath, Edwards had missed everything all night, he got down to play, got up again, then got down and struck a beauty. Boom! Game to our heroes!
So the Sons are in the semi finals, probably against the strongest team outside of the Premiership, the Big Bamboo Hongqiao. The Capt, speaking exclusively to this site commented; 'we've come through a tough test away from home against a very tough team. I'm delighted for the fans and players. We'll take every game as it comes but theirs a real belief we can go all the way.' Wise words as ever from the Captain.
6th Dec - Sons squeek through in tight game against good opponants
The improbable dream of league and cup double is still very much alive tonight for Sons of the Shed fans the world over after our brave boys won their quarter final away (again away, thanks Pauly) to Harley's Bar.
It was difficult to see how this would play out, with Harley's in a tougher league than the Shed, but the Shed flying high and unbeaten since week two this season. The Harley's fielded their strongest team of the season as the cup was their only realistic chance of silverware left and the Sons responded by picking the best side they had available to them.
The result was a mini classic of a match that swung more ways than an Essex couple after a bottle of Diamond White. Games were traded like blows from heavyweight boxers, first the Shed started well, then Harley's hit back; 4-2, became 4-4, 5-4 became 5-5.
At 6-5 the Sons sent out Scooter for a crucial 12th game; win it and the Sons would be one game from victory, lose and the boys would require two of the doubles games. The game mirrored the match by twisting this way and that way, but Scooter held his nerve brilliantly to restore a two frame advantage for the Sons that would prove crucial.
So into the doubles requiring one frame from three, the Sons sent 'Irresitable' Frank and Shelly 'Wonder' Gao into battle. Our team of beauties looked well in control, but one small slip showed the strength of the opposing team as Harley's sniffed the smallest of opportunites and took the game.
This brought Kev 'Blue' Carter and Johnny 5k into the fray. They looked nervous, but crucially so did their opposition with both teams missing key shots. Eventually it came down to our boys needing three balls to win it. An over hit effort by 5K left Kev with a dilemma; play round the table and leave an easier black or secure the final stripe and hope that 5K could find his potting boots. He opted on the later, leaving a length of the table effort for out of form Edwards. The Sons fans and players held their breath, Edwards had missed everything all night, he got down to play, got up again, then got down and struck a beauty. Boom! Game to our heroes!
So the Sons are in the semi finals, probably against the strongest team outside of the Premiership, the Big Bamboo Hongqiao. The Capt, speaking exclusively to this site commented; 'we've come through a tough test away from home against a very tough team. I'm delighted for the fans and players. We'll take every game as it comes but theirs a real belief we can go all the way.' Wise words as ever from the Captain.
Sons Avenge Only Defeat of the Season With Away Humiliation of the GrandYard Cafe
30th Nov - Sons get revenge with 11-4 thrashing
It was a dark night; an awful, sobering experience the first time our Sons met the GrandYard Cafe this season. Taking the opposition too lightly, the Sons came unstuck, losing on the final black of the night.
An extensive injury list meant that the Sons were down to only six available players for the return grudge match, forcing a recall for 'Big' Muzz. The game looked to be a tight one with teams exchanging frames through the first stanza. But it seems the Sons have matured as a team this season and this time things were to be very different as from 4-4, the outfought GrandYard players couldn't win another game all night, losing 11-4.
Particular congrats go to Frank and Shelly for a full house each, but the final word goes to young 'Scooter' Dixon, who recorded his first maximum in Shed colors. Well done that man!
30th Nov - Sons get revenge with 11-4 thrashing
It was a dark night; an awful, sobering experience the first time our Sons met the GrandYard Cafe this season. Taking the opposition too lightly, the Sons came unstuck, losing on the final black of the night.
An extensive injury list meant that the Sons were down to only six available players for the return grudge match, forcing a recall for 'Big' Muzz. The game looked to be a tight one with teams exchanging frames through the first stanza. But it seems the Sons have matured as a team this season and this time things were to be very different as from 4-4, the outfought GrandYard players couldn't win another game all night, losing 11-4.
Particular congrats go to Frank and Shelly for a full house each, but the final word goes to young 'Scooter' Dixon, who recorded his first maximum in Shed colors. Well done that man!
Sons kick the Camel to Move Two Points Clear
23rd Nov - Sons do double over Camel Bar with 10-5 home win
'Must Win' was how the Capt described this fixture and, in the end, thats just what the Sons managed, prevailing 10-5 over an eventually outclassed Camel team.
However, the final score only tells part of the story and the Shed were made to scrap hard for their win. At one point the score was tied at five each before the Shed's class and experience pulled them through.
Long odds would have been given on Jonny 5K, Kev 'Blue Sky Thinker' Carter nor Shelly 'Wonder' Gao winning a game of singles between them, but that's exactly what happened. Luckily the Shed bat long and strong these days with the three stalwarts (combined age - 295) 'Big' Ron, 'Irresistable' Frank and the Capt all going three from three.
Eventually the Sons eased from 5-5 to 10-5 and another potential slip had been avoided.
Results went with our boys this evening and they are now 2 games clear of their nearest challengers. At the beginning of the season the league title was merely a dream, but now, maybe now the dream could become a reality.
23rd Nov - Sons do double over Camel Bar with 10-5 home win
'Must Win' was how the Capt described this fixture and, in the end, thats just what the Sons managed, prevailing 10-5 over an eventually outclassed Camel team.
However, the final score only tells part of the story and the Shed were made to scrap hard for their win. At one point the score was tied at five each before the Shed's class and experience pulled them through.
Long odds would have been given on Jonny 5K, Kev 'Blue Sky Thinker' Carter nor Shelly 'Wonder' Gao winning a game of singles between them, but that's exactly what happened. Luckily the Shed bat long and strong these days with the three stalwarts (combined age - 295) 'Big' Ron, 'Irresistable' Frank and the Capt all going three from three.
Eventually the Sons eased from 5-5 to 10-5 and another potential slip had been avoided.
Results went with our boys this evening and they are now 2 games clear of their nearest challengers. At the beginning of the season the league title was merely a dream, but now, maybe now the dream could become a reality.
Once More the Sons Reputation Goes Before Them as Another Team Bottles It
16th Nov - Sons retain top spot after The Office cry sick
Another week, another win for our glorious Sons. Only this time they had a lot of help from opposition who clearly didn't fancy the mauling they had coming to them. The Office were the bottlers this time and the Sons were happy to take their 8-0 forfeit win.
Never to let an opportunity for some pool pass them, a tournament was quickly arranged and Johnny 5K prevailed. Well done that man.
Speaking exclusively to this site, the Capt commented that 'as far as i'm concenred it moves us one game closer to our season objective, i'll take this every week.' Wise words from the Capt.
16th Nov - Sons retain top spot after The Office cry sick
Another week, another win for our glorious Sons. Only this time they had a lot of help from opposition who clearly didn't fancy the mauling they had coming to them. The Office were the bottlers this time and the Sons were happy to take their 8-0 forfeit win.
Never to let an opportunity for some pool pass them, a tournament was quickly arranged and Johnny 5K prevailed. Well done that man.
Speaking exclusively to this site, the Capt commented that 'as far as i'm concenred it moves us one game closer to our season objective, i'll take this every week.' Wise words from the Capt.
Sons Progress in Cup After Scare Against Stephanie's Pub
9th Nov - Sons win after trailling 0-4. Shelly produces 'wonder shot' to seal the win
The Sons showed their metal last night as they recovered from a dreadful start to emerge victorius in this 2nd Round match of the Puxi Cup.
It looked like our brave boys and girls were going to be outgunned as they slid behind 0-4. However a combination of solid play and over-confident hosts (they only fielded five players ladies and gents) hauled the Shed's asses back to 4-4.
Once more our heroes were on the ropes as Stephanie's won the next two games to make it 6-4 to the hosts. However, it seems as if the Shed boys spent their summer break developing that elusive quality in sportsmen the world over; backbone. Last season the Shed would have lost from that position and indeed they lost almost all of their tight games. Nevertheless this season, well this season things are different. This season the boys just don't know when they are beaten and produced another stunning display of backs-against-the-wall pool to win the last two singles and move to 6-6 as we entered the doubles.
This is where things got interesting; how would both teams play under the glare of a possible quarter final spot in Puxi's most prestigious Cup tournament? Well it turns out the Shed had nothing to worry about with Shelly Gao in their team. Partnering with Sam Ford, Shelly produced one of the shots of not just this but of any season to put the Shed in front for the first time on the night. Snookered on the black, Shelly called for a jump cue. The 100s of spectators present held their breath...could she??? would she??? It was never in doubt. The white ball sailed over the oppo's ball, hit the black firmly in the middle and in it rolled.
Mass hysterics followed from grown men who frankly should know better, but with one more win needed, the Shed couldn't yet relax. But it seems as with that single shot the momemtum had shifted, the Suns would not be denied as Frank and Kevin polished off a remarkable turnaround.
So our heroes progress to the QF. Rank outsiders at the start of the competition; who would be brave enough to bet against them now?
9th Nov - Sons win after trailling 0-4. Shelly produces 'wonder shot' to seal the win
The Sons showed their metal last night as they recovered from a dreadful start to emerge victorius in this 2nd Round match of the Puxi Cup.
It looked like our brave boys and girls were going to be outgunned as they slid behind 0-4. However a combination of solid play and over-confident hosts (they only fielded five players ladies and gents) hauled the Shed's asses back to 4-4.
Once more our heroes were on the ropes as Stephanie's won the next two games to make it 6-4 to the hosts. However, it seems as if the Shed boys spent their summer break developing that elusive quality in sportsmen the world over; backbone. Last season the Shed would have lost from that position and indeed they lost almost all of their tight games. Nevertheless this season, well this season things are different. This season the boys just don't know when they are beaten and produced another stunning display of backs-against-the-wall pool to win the last two singles and move to 6-6 as we entered the doubles.
This is where things got interesting; how would both teams play under the glare of a possible quarter final spot in Puxi's most prestigious Cup tournament? Well it turns out the Shed had nothing to worry about with Shelly Gao in their team. Partnering with Sam Ford, Shelly produced one of the shots of not just this but of any season to put the Shed in front for the first time on the night. Snookered on the black, Shelly called for a jump cue. The 100s of spectators present held their breath...could she??? would she??? It was never in doubt. The white ball sailed over the oppo's ball, hit the black firmly in the middle and in it rolled.
Mass hysterics followed from grown men who frankly should know better, but with one more win needed, the Shed couldn't yet relax. But it seems as with that single shot the momemtum had shifted, the Suns would not be denied as Frank and Kevin polished off a remarkable turnaround.
So our heroes progress to the QF. Rank outsiders at the start of the competition; who would be brave enough to bet against them now?