Oxford A versus Bucks A Report....
Early start to drive to our first of 6 straight away games, spirits and confidence was high after winning our first two matches, the addition of Jamie McGauley and Nathan Ellis was an even bigger plus, we were however missing Martin Langley (ill) Lee Reade (work) and Lisa Reynolds (ladies starting at same time) but still a very strong team.
Gary Drewett and Terry Davidson were the first 2 on, frames shared, Gary winning his game with Terry finishing runner up. We then went on to win the next 4, the wins coming from Mike Chappell, Jamie McGauley, Nathan Ellis and Alan Gardiner, some superb pool from them all. An out of sorts Andrew Waters up next, unfortunately letting the game slip. Last 2 games of the first session were shared, Nick Bowden winning and Ravi Bath losing the last games... 6-3 up, great start...
Alan Gardiner started us off in the second session and effortlessly took his 2nd game of the day, we then lost the next 3 with the victims being Nick Bowden, Andrew Waters and Ravi Bath. The next 5 games went 3-2 to Oxford, our wins coming from Jamie McGauley and Terry Davidson whilst the unlikely losers were Mike Chappell, Gary Drewett and Nathan Ellis.. session score 6-3 Oxford....
After 2 sessions it was 9-9 and we could have easily been leading by12-6
Third session again went Oxfords way, they won it again by 6 games to 3, we gave away 3 possibly 4 frames to Oxford this session. Nathan Ellis, GAry Drewett and Terry Davidson winning the 3 frames... 15-12 Oxford?
Last session and Andrew Waters up first, normally a very steady player, he had a very off day today and to make it worse, was dished in the last. Alan Gardiner, Nathan Ellis, Jamie McGauley and Mike Chappell then won the next 4 in good fashion, taking it to 16-16. Gary Drewett and Terry Davidson on next, chances went and we lost both, 18-16 Oxford meaning we are only playing for the draw.
Nick Bowden and Stuart Douglas on next, Stuart losing the lag giving control to Oxford but getting a chance (not a great one) an unlucky double kiss put Oxford back in, on the clearance the white should have went in off for the Merola but it stayed up and he took out the finish... i was gutted. Nick Bowden game was a bit back and forth with both players missing chances but luckily Nick got back in and cleared up..19-17 Oxford.
Oxford had a strong young team and at times took out nice finishes but........... we were by far the better side and should have beaten the regional champs at least 20-16 ...
All i see is that Bucks are getting better and better and this may have been a slip but in no way will we let this affect us for future games.
Next game there may be one or two changes, as you know we field a 9 man team and i generally want an 11 man squad though there will be more than that registered as 'A; team players. With the addition of Nathan Ellis and Jamie McGauley, our team is stronger and bigger but i want people to have a fair share of games. Anyone that gets moved from A's to B's will be to improve their confidence, i know what is like when you hit a losing streak, it's a deep hole and it's hard to get out of. So please nobody take anything personally, if i make decisions, it will for your own good and the good of the squad. Any changes will be communicated personally and not via social media.
Anyhoo, that aside.......... well done Bucks for coming together, supporting each other and giving 100%
The future looks good, bring on Selsey..
Lastly, well done to Nathan Ellis, Jamie McGauley, Alan Gardiner for their 3 outta 4's. Gary Drewett, Mike Chappell, Terry Davidson and Nick Bowden for their 50%
UP THE BUCKS

Any team scores?