Sons Go Top of the League After Massive Away Win
1st Nov - Previous Leaders 3 Cue Angels Smashed 13-2
Was it ever really in doubt? The Sons, putting early inconsistancy behind them, raced to the top of the Careful Puxi Division of the Allied Pickfords 8Ball Pool League last night after humiliating previous leaders 3 Cue Angels 13-2.
In what was billed as a tight game, the Sons fielding their best line up of the season, won with plenty to spare. The fans who made the trek north were treated to a pool masterclass as game after game was won with ease. Well perhaps not ease, but each game the Sons found just enough to get across the line.
The Gent opened and won a scrappy affair, missing several easy balls before he gathered himself for a nice clearance. After that the wins flowed with Frank 'Irresistable' Vaughan (note: self given nickname) looking devastating, Shelly Gao looking in complete control, 'Big' Ron looking dapper, Kev 'Wiggins' Carter looking Northern and Sam 'Now Then Now Then' Ford looking in destructive form.
So the Boys were 6-0 up at the break and with the crowd in a state of shock, they set about extending the lead in the second set of games. Once more the Angels were powerless to stop the onslaught with Kev and Sam getting full houses and Shelly, The Gent and Frank remaining undefeated; all with 2 from 2.
A final score of 13-2 to the away team didn't flatter our heroes this evening. It was the best team performance that this reporter has seen in many a year. To go into the lions den and come away with a result like that was first class.
A note has to be written for the Capt here. Although his playing influence was limited, he captained the side beautifully. Setting simple objectives for each player that even the Northerners in the team could follow; he dealt with players walking out due to 'unforseen issues', strops from dropped stars, home team players practicing between games and never lost focus on the task in hand.
So Sons of the Shed go top of the league, the big question now becomes; can they stay there?
check out the stats page for updated league table
1st Nov - Previous Leaders 3 Cue Angels Smashed 13-2
Was it ever really in doubt? The Sons, putting early inconsistancy behind them, raced to the top of the Careful Puxi Division of the Allied Pickfords 8Ball Pool League last night after humiliating previous leaders 3 Cue Angels 13-2.
In what was billed as a tight game, the Sons fielding their best line up of the season, won with plenty to spare. The fans who made the trek north were treated to a pool masterclass as game after game was won with ease. Well perhaps not ease, but each game the Sons found just enough to get across the line.
The Gent opened and won a scrappy affair, missing several easy balls before he gathered himself for a nice clearance. After that the wins flowed with Frank 'Irresistable' Vaughan (note: self given nickname) looking devastating, Shelly Gao looking in complete control, 'Big' Ron looking dapper, Kev 'Wiggins' Carter looking Northern and Sam 'Now Then Now Then' Ford looking in destructive form.
So the Boys were 6-0 up at the break and with the crowd in a state of shock, they set about extending the lead in the second set of games. Once more the Angels were powerless to stop the onslaught with Kev and Sam getting full houses and Shelly, The Gent and Frank remaining undefeated; all with 2 from 2.
A final score of 13-2 to the away team didn't flatter our heroes this evening. It was the best team performance that this reporter has seen in many a year. To go into the lions den and come away with a result like that was first class.
A note has to be written for the Capt here. Although his playing influence was limited, he captained the side beautifully. Setting simple objectives for each player that even the Northerners in the team could follow; he dealt with players walking out due to 'unforseen issues', strops from dropped stars, home team players practicing between games and never lost focus on the task in hand.
So Sons of the Shed go top of the league, the big question now becomes; can they stay there?
check out the stats page for updated league table
Sons keep momentum going with big home win
24th Oct - Sons rarely troubled in 10-5 over bottom of the table FA Cues
The Sons kept pace with leagues leaders 3 Cue Angels last night with a comfortable home vistory over perenial strugglers FA Cues. However, the 10-5 eventual scoreline flattered the home team slightly with most of the games being tight, close-faught affairs.
Again the key for the Sons was a fast start and that's what they got; leading 5-1 at the break. The Yank kicked off with a good win and was backed up by Kev 'first cab' Carter, The Gent, 'Big' Ron and the Captain. It should have been 6-0 but for lady luck to leave young Scooter when white followed black.
Good play all round ensured that the FA Cues were never given much of a sniff of a comeback with the Gent (3 from 3 on the night) and 'Big' Ron (2 from 2) remaining undefeated. It was also good to see Mrs O coming out of retirement for a win in the doubles.
However, credit is due to the FA Cues who showed plenty of spirit and look a better outfit than their league placing would suggest and the return fixture is by no means a formality.
So by the end of the doubles, the beers were flowing freely and the band got ready for some Sweet Caroline; a tune that has become something of an anthem for the rampant Sons in recent weeks. However the boys will know that harder tests lie ahead, starting with a true six pointer away to the league leaders next week.
The Captain, speaking exclusively to this site, had this to say; 'it was a workmanlike and professional performance from the boys tonight. We've let ourselves down this season against supposedly weaker opposition so it was important that we did the business tonight. However, next week is a true test of our title credentials.' Wise words as ever from the Capt.
24th Oct - Sons rarely troubled in 10-5 over bottom of the table FA Cues
The Sons kept pace with leagues leaders 3 Cue Angels last night with a comfortable home vistory over perenial strugglers FA Cues. However, the 10-5 eventual scoreline flattered the home team slightly with most of the games being tight, close-faught affairs.
Again the key for the Sons was a fast start and that's what they got; leading 5-1 at the break. The Yank kicked off with a good win and was backed up by Kev 'first cab' Carter, The Gent, 'Big' Ron and the Captain. It should have been 6-0 but for lady luck to leave young Scooter when white followed black.
Good play all round ensured that the FA Cues were never given much of a sniff of a comeback with the Gent (3 from 3 on the night) and 'Big' Ron (2 from 2) remaining undefeated. It was also good to see Mrs O coming out of retirement for a win in the doubles.
However, credit is due to the FA Cues who showed plenty of spirit and look a better outfit than their league placing would suggest and the return fixture is by no means a formality.
So by the end of the doubles, the beers were flowing freely and the band got ready for some Sweet Caroline; a tune that has become something of an anthem for the rampant Sons in recent weeks. However the boys will know that harder tests lie ahead, starting with a true six pointer away to the league leaders next week.
The Captain, speaking exclusively to this site, had this to say; 'it was a workmanlike and professional performance from the boys tonight. We've let ourselves down this season against supposedly weaker opposition so it was important that we did the business tonight. However, next week is a true test of our title credentials.' Wise words as ever from the Capt.
Sons stroll through Cup Game and Progress to 2nd Round
10th Oct - Sons reputation has opponents running scared
The Sons' formidable reputation seemed to have opposition quaking in their boots tonight, as The Side Bar failed to show up for their cup game against the rampant Shed boys.
Lack of communication was blamed, but I think if the Side Bar players look at themselves long and hard they'll wake up realizing they bottled it. A win is a win as they say and the Sons will celebrate this on as much as any other.
Next up in Round 2 is much more formidable team in the form of Stephanie's Pub. SP currently sit pretty at the top of the Allied Puxi division with 3 wins from 3 games. The form line would make it look like a close game, with SP having beaten perenial losers The Boo Crew 10-5 and Muse Bar 9-6 in the Cup. Home advantage might make SP slight favorites, but long time Shed fans can rest assured that the boys will put up one hell of a fight.
Luckily for pool fans everywhere, the night was not a complete loss. Z Omegas, who play out of Paulie's Masse Bar also had a no show so a 'friendly' was quickly arranged. Paulie kindly put up a bottle of spirits for the winning team and the first ever Annual Barcardi Challenge was underway.
Z Omega's currently are top of the Movers Puxi Division and looked like a class above the gallant Sons as they raced into a three game lead. However, never bet against The Sons when there is a bottle of booze on the line and the boys regrouped and frankly kicked ass to record a comfortable win. Thanks to Paulie and the crew in the Masse for providing a great night (you can find a review of Masse under the more tab at the top of this page).
10th Oct - Sons reputation has opponents running scared
The Sons' formidable reputation seemed to have opposition quaking in their boots tonight, as The Side Bar failed to show up for their cup game against the rampant Shed boys.
Lack of communication was blamed, but I think if the Side Bar players look at themselves long and hard they'll wake up realizing they bottled it. A win is a win as they say and the Sons will celebrate this on as much as any other.
Next up in Round 2 is much more formidable team in the form of Stephanie's Pub. SP currently sit pretty at the top of the Allied Puxi division with 3 wins from 3 games. The form line would make it look like a close game, with SP having beaten perenial losers The Boo Crew 10-5 and Muse Bar 9-6 in the Cup. Home advantage might make SP slight favorites, but long time Shed fans can rest assured that the boys will put up one hell of a fight.
Luckily for pool fans everywhere, the night was not a complete loss. Z Omegas, who play out of Paulie's Masse Bar also had a no show so a 'friendly' was quickly arranged. Paulie kindly put up a bottle of spirits for the winning team and the first ever Annual Barcardi Challenge was underway.
Z Omega's currently are top of the Movers Puxi Division and looked like a class above the gallant Sons as they raced into a three game lead. However, never bet against The Sons when there is a bottle of booze on the line and the boys regrouped and frankly kicked ass to record a comfortable win. Thanks to Paulie and the crew in the Masse for providing a great night (you can find a review of Masse under the more tab at the top of this page).
Sons destroy Muse' unbeaten home record with comfortable win
17th Oct - Sons record comfortable win 9-6 at Muse on the Bund
The Sons recorded their best win of the season so far this evening with a sweet victory over new boys and previous table toppers Muse on the Bund.
Muse looked to have plenty of talent in a stacked line up, including a player with a 7 from 7 record (until he got on the wrong end of a classic display from 'Big' Ron...) but came unstuck against in form Sons of the Shed, eventually losing 9-6.
Kev '3am' Carter kicked things off and looked strangly lacklustre, some might say possibly hungover. Surely this dedicated pro wasn't out drinking the night before a key game for the Sons? After this early set back, the Sons rallied to win the next 5 (that's right readers, five games on the bounce) with victories for evergreens The Yank, 'Big' Ron and The Gent and very pleasing debut wins from Sam 'Now Then' Ford and Shelly 'No Nickname' Gao.
Sam and Shelly both played with great composure and had fine debut matches; two more fantastic additions to the team.
5-1 down is a mountain to climb and all credit for Muse for making a good fight of it, picking up 3 wins from the next 4 games. The Sons were not to be denied though, with Jimmy 'Choo' Chong picking up a vital win, before player of the night Frank 'The Yank' Vaughan sealed victory in frame 10.
After the awful home loss to the Grandyard, it was important that the Sons opened their legs and showed their class on the road and that's exactly what they have done. Sons now sit 2nd in the table with a home game against the bottom of the table side next week. "This is where the hardwork starts", said the Captain exclusively speaking to this site, "Two great wins, but they mean nothing if we lose next week." Wise words indeed.
17th Oct - Sons record comfortable win 9-6 at Muse on the Bund
The Sons recorded their best win of the season so far this evening with a sweet victory over new boys and previous table toppers Muse on the Bund.
Muse looked to have plenty of talent in a stacked line up, including a player with a 7 from 7 record (until he got on the wrong end of a classic display from 'Big' Ron...) but came unstuck against in form Sons of the Shed, eventually losing 9-6.
Kev '3am' Carter kicked things off and looked strangly lacklustre, some might say possibly hungover. Surely this dedicated pro wasn't out drinking the night before a key game for the Sons? After this early set back, the Sons rallied to win the next 5 (that's right readers, five games on the bounce) with victories for evergreens The Yank, 'Big' Ron and The Gent and very pleasing debut wins from Sam 'Now Then' Ford and Shelly 'No Nickname' Gao.
Sam and Shelly both played with great composure and had fine debut matches; two more fantastic additions to the team.
5-1 down is a mountain to climb and all credit for Muse for making a good fight of it, picking up 3 wins from the next 4 games. The Sons were not to be denied though, with Jimmy 'Choo' Chong picking up a vital win, before player of the night Frank 'The Yank' Vaughan sealed victory in frame 10.
After the awful home loss to the Grandyard, it was important that the Sons opened their legs and showed their class on the road and that's exactly what they have done. Sons now sit 2nd in the table with a home game against the bottom of the table side next week. "This is where the hardwork starts", said the Captain exclusively speaking to this site, "Two great wins, but they mean nothing if we lose next week." Wise words indeed.
Sons get back to winning ways with comprehensive victory in local derby
26th Sept - Sons look strong in 9-6 win away to the Bastards
The Sons of the Shed got their league campaign back on track with a vital away victory over the Glorious Bastards. Strong performances in the singles meant the team were 8-4 up going into the doubles and couldn't be caught.
The Sons picked a strong line up and offered debuts to Tom 'Scooter' Dixon and Jimmy 'Choo' Chong. The Bastards looked powerful on paper but in the end were no match for the the stroke plan on show from the Sons.
The Blouse kicked things off and frankly looked underprepared in an opening frame loss, missing several balls that he would have got with his eyes shut on any other night except a Thursday. With his record now standing at 5 wins from 10 games, the pressure is on The Blouse to show he can produce the goods when it counts, i.e. on Thursday nights.
Things picked up for the boys from there and some solid play from 'Big' Ron, The Gent and new boy 'Scooter' Dixon saw the Shed race into a 3-1 lead. A narrow reverse from Jimmy 'Choo' left the Captain with a key game in match six. A tight but deserving victory meant the Shed were 4-2 at the interval.
Progress continued smoothly after the break with more wins from the Capt (2 from 2 on the night), The Gent (2 from 2), and Scooter (2 from 3 in a solid debut). Even The Blouse (1 from 3) chipped in with a lucky but very welcome win.
So it was party time when the double rolled round with the Glorious Bastards looking anything but glorious, with their season in tatters. The Sons with Jimmy Choo and Big Ron collected the first game without fuss and the boys looked good for a ten point haul. Up next were Eileen and The Blouse. Eileen carried The Blouse and almost single handedly pulled off a great win only to fall at the last when white followed black. This small mistake can be put down to the pressure of having to carry someone as heavy as The Blouse all game.
The Sons were left to celebrate a famous and well-deserved win. Cries of: "who owns this house"? "Sons own this house"!! Could be heard long into the night. As the Sons partied this reporter looked over to the other side of the bar and noticed a lot of long faces; the home teams transformation from Glorious Bastards to Miserable Bastards was complete.
26th Sept - Sons look strong in 9-6 win away to the Bastards
The Sons of the Shed got their league campaign back on track with a vital away victory over the Glorious Bastards. Strong performances in the singles meant the team were 8-4 up going into the doubles and couldn't be caught.
The Sons picked a strong line up and offered debuts to Tom 'Scooter' Dixon and Jimmy 'Choo' Chong. The Bastards looked powerful on paper but in the end were no match for the the stroke plan on show from the Sons.
The Blouse kicked things off and frankly looked underprepared in an opening frame loss, missing several balls that he would have got with his eyes shut on any other night except a Thursday. With his record now standing at 5 wins from 10 games, the pressure is on The Blouse to show he can produce the goods when it counts, i.e. on Thursday nights.
Things picked up for the boys from there and some solid play from 'Big' Ron, The Gent and new boy 'Scooter' Dixon saw the Shed race into a 3-1 lead. A narrow reverse from Jimmy 'Choo' left the Captain with a key game in match six. A tight but deserving victory meant the Shed were 4-2 at the interval.
Progress continued smoothly after the break with more wins from the Capt (2 from 2 on the night), The Gent (2 from 2), and Scooter (2 from 3 in a solid debut). Even The Blouse (1 from 3) chipped in with a lucky but very welcome win.
So it was party time when the double rolled round with the Glorious Bastards looking anything but glorious, with their season in tatters. The Sons with Jimmy Choo and Big Ron collected the first game without fuss and the boys looked good for a ten point haul. Up next were Eileen and The Blouse. Eileen carried The Blouse and almost single handedly pulled off a great win only to fall at the last when white followed black. This small mistake can be put down to the pressure of having to carry someone as heavy as The Blouse all game.
The Sons were left to celebrate a famous and well-deserved win. Cries of: "who owns this house"? "Sons own this house"!! Could be heard long into the night. As the Sons partied this reporter looked over to the other side of the bar and noticed a lot of long faces; the home teams transformation from Glorious Bastards to Miserable Bastards was complete.
Sons lose unbeaten record in home reverse shocker
13th Sept - Sons throw away winning position against unheralded GrandYard Cafe
When historians consider the great sporting chokes of all time, generally you'll here mention of Greg Norman throwing away the Masters, or Jana Navotna gifting Steffi Graf a Wimbledon title whilst leading 4-1 in the final set.
Well, the choke that this reporter witnessed last night in The Shed Public House, Shannxi Road, Shanghai, China beats them all. Leading 4-0, 6-3 and 7-6, the Sons failed to close out what was considered to be a home banker, going down 8-7 to the GrandYard Cafe. Credit has to go to the GrandYard players who kept fighting and showed great team spirit to hang in and dig deep. The Sons, by contrast, lost their form, their composure and in some cases their dignity as the game reached its dramatic conclusion.
It all started so well as the Sons raced into a 4-0 lead, but things began to unravel quickly. What started out looking like a routine win quickly became car crash viewing as we entered the doubles. With the game tied at 6-6, 'Big' Ron (player of the night with an exceptional 3 from 3) and 'Big' Ryan ( 2 from 3) looked solid and composed in a routine win to take the Sons within 1 game of the finishing post. Next up Oi Oi (1 from 3 on the night) and the debonair Jon Edwards (2 from 3) started well, controlling the game. Things went sour though when a routine black was potted by Oi Oi, swiftly followed by the white ball, gifting the frame to the GrandYard. At 7-7 the momentum was firmly with the away team and in a hard and close fought final game, so it proved, with the Captain (0 from 2) and the Machine (0 from 2) unluckily losing on the final black of the night.
Whilst the fans definitely got their money's worth watching an epic encounter, the Sons will wake up this morning knowing that this was one that got away; points thrown down the drain. The Captain will make the boys fully aware that the difference between a good team and a great one is how they pick themselves up from adversity and go again. The Shed need to prove to their Captain that they can do this as they head onto the road for two away games that could define their season.
Stats and tables will updated later
13th Sept - Sons throw away winning position against unheralded GrandYard Cafe
When historians consider the great sporting chokes of all time, generally you'll here mention of Greg Norman throwing away the Masters, or Jana Navotna gifting Steffi Graf a Wimbledon title whilst leading 4-1 in the final set.
Well, the choke that this reporter witnessed last night in The Shed Public House, Shannxi Road, Shanghai, China beats them all. Leading 4-0, 6-3 and 7-6, the Sons failed to close out what was considered to be a home banker, going down 8-7 to the GrandYard Cafe. Credit has to go to the GrandYard players who kept fighting and showed great team spirit to hang in and dig deep. The Sons, by contrast, lost their form, their composure and in some cases their dignity as the game reached its dramatic conclusion.
It all started so well as the Sons raced into a 4-0 lead, but things began to unravel quickly. What started out looking like a routine win quickly became car crash viewing as we entered the doubles. With the game tied at 6-6, 'Big' Ron (player of the night with an exceptional 3 from 3) and 'Big' Ryan ( 2 from 3) looked solid and composed in a routine win to take the Sons within 1 game of the finishing post. Next up Oi Oi (1 from 3 on the night) and the debonair Jon Edwards (2 from 3) started well, controlling the game. Things went sour though when a routine black was potted by Oi Oi, swiftly followed by the white ball, gifting the frame to the GrandYard. At 7-7 the momentum was firmly with the away team and in a hard and close fought final game, so it proved, with the Captain (0 from 2) and the Machine (0 from 2) unluckily losing on the final black of the night.
Whilst the fans definitely got their money's worth watching an epic encounter, the Sons will wake up this morning knowing that this was one that got away; points thrown down the drain. The Captain will make the boys fully aware that the difference between a good team and a great one is how they pick themselves up from adversity and go again. The Shed need to prove to their Captain that they can do this as they head onto the road for two away games that could define their season.
Stats and tables will updated later
Sons get league season off to a winning start
5th Sept - Great Start for the Sons.
The Sons made a winning start to the new league campaign with a hard fought but ultimately comfortable 10-5 victory over outgunned Camel Humps.
The Sons had two debutants in the team and both recorded three wins - 100% starts from both. 'Big' Kev Carter was
impressive in singles and doubles and looks a very canny signing by The Captain. Aaron 'Oi Oi' Loveday was streaky, but wins are wins and we'll take 'em all day.
There was a welcome return to form from The Captain, who looked secure in two singles victories. Jon 'Norfolk Slim' Edwards also chipped in with 100% from two games.
Our two veterans VC Frank 'The Yank' Vaughan and 'Big' Ron Lindsay had mixed nights, but you can't buy the experience that they bring and we know they'll both be back with a bang. 'Big' Ryan 'Muzz' Murray won more games than the Aussie cricket team has won all season with a doubles win and Eileen 'Yoga' Kong will open her account next week for sure.
Inexplicably the away team captain (a female), gave player of the night to Oi Oi.
5th Sept - Great Start for the Sons.
The Sons made a winning start to the new league campaign with a hard fought but ultimately comfortable 10-5 victory over outgunned Camel Humps.
The Sons had two debutants in the team and both recorded three wins - 100% starts from both. 'Big' Kev Carter was
impressive in singles and doubles and looks a very canny signing by The Captain. Aaron 'Oi Oi' Loveday was streaky, but wins are wins and we'll take 'em all day.
There was a welcome return to form from The Captain, who looked secure in two singles victories. Jon 'Norfolk Slim' Edwards also chipped in with 100% from two games.
Our two veterans VC Frank 'The Yank' Vaughan and 'Big' Ron Lindsay had mixed nights, but you can't buy the experience that they bring and we know they'll both be back with a bang. 'Big' Ryan 'Muzz' Murray won more games than the Aussie cricket team has won all season with a doubles win and Eileen 'Yoga' Kong will open her account next week for sure.
Inexplicably the away team captain (a female), gave player of the night to Oi Oi.