Exeter crowned first ever Southern England University Pool Champions

A result of a regionalisation of the national tournament, the Southern England University Pool Championships saw teams of five players play singles legs in a short, 10 frame, format.

The only University to enter three teams into the competition, Exeter went into the tournament with high expectations having narrowly missed out on several major prizes in recent years.

Club captain James Littlefair reported: “Exeter 1sts made a far from glorious start, being held 5:5 by a Kent 2nds side that played out of their skin and thoroughly deserved their reward.

“However, reminded that England won their 1966 World Cup campaign with an unspectacular draw, the team responded emphatically taking a 6:0 victory over Imperial 2nds, followed by a 6:2 win against Surry 1sts.

“The picture looked simple going in to the final match.  A draw or better would mean qualifying for the Championship knockout as group winners while defeat would subject Exeter to 3^rd place and the lower tier of knockout known as the Shield. 

“Any worries about the unknown quantity of Gloucestershire 1^sts did not linger long as Exeter ran out 6-0 winners in front of the cameras of the televised table. 

“It is testament to the strength in depth of the Club that the 2^nds and 3^rds both finished 3^rd in their respective groups of 5.  The 2^nds recorded victories over their second team counterparts from Essex and Oxford and also managed to hold West Country rivals Plymouth 1^sts to a 5-5 draw having lost their opening game to a much fancied Kent 1^sts team. 

“The 3^rds, however, recorded the biggest shock of all.  They defeated the BUCS finalists and number 1 seeds Bath 1^sts 6-3 with a flawless performance which would ultimately cost Bath their place in the Championship knockout.  They also defeated Surrey 2^nds but lost out narrowly to Imperial 1^sts and a very strong UEA 1^st team

Following the 2nds and 3rds both falling to strong competitors, the first team reached the final, where they faced Oxford University 1sts.

James added: “After a difficult start, Exeter eventually took the lead but let it slip away leading to a play-off. The three frames were played simultaneously with a frame win for Exeter immediately followed by one for Oxford meaning it was all down to Jin Foulger in the final game of the tournament.

“Despite being up against it with a tough black tight to the cushion, Jin took on a length of the table double to put the black and win the championship.”

This result marks a successful start to the new season for the club, who saw Thomas Gaughan claim the title of Individual Student Masters Champion earlier in the year.

The University of Exeter Snooker and Pool club welcomes members of all levels offering members a change to learn Snooker, English Eight-ball pool and American pool.