End of League Round-Up

Season Review

As another exciting season comes to a close, we take a look back at the performances, standout teams, and individual achievements across all three divisions. It has been a year full of tight contests, dominant performances, and plenty of memorable moments.

Premier League

Once again we saw a fierce battle between the Hotshots and Sun teams. In the end, Hotshots Meridian secured their first Frank Smith title, finishing the season 8 points clear at the top.

Their campaign was nothing short of outstanding. The champions lost only one match all season and finished with a superb +82 frame difference, losing an average of just 4.5 frames per match.

New Eltham Kings finished third once again after finally pulling clear of Greyhound, who impressed in their first season after promotion by finishing fourth. They ended the season 3 points ahead of the Pickwick Terrace, who actually won more matches but too many by narrow margins to climb higher in the table.

At the bottom end, Falconwood Club A and Footscray Bears struggled to find consistency, managing just one win each all season. Along with Eltham Hill Club, who looked likely to stay up until the final few matches, it highlights the step up in quality between the First Division and the Premier League.

Player Achievements

• Richard Chapman retained the Rankings Title, winning 23 of his 28 matches, including 10 Top Gun wins.
• Dave Matthews deserves an honorary mention after finishing 4th in the rankings, winning 20 matches, which accounted for almost 25% of his team’s total wins.
• The Top Gun Title was won by Tony Gear, who took 10 wins from his first 11 matches.

First Division

The Plumstead Radical were crowned First Division Champions after leading the table from start to finish. Their consistency earned them promotion back to the Premier League, where they will be looking to re-establish themselves next season.

Terrace Sharpshooters pushed them all the way and secured second place, meaning they too will be playing Premier League pool next season.

The race for third place was one of the most competitive battles of the season. The Belfry, Blackheath Sports Club, and Bellegrove all spent time occupying the position throughout the year. In the end, The Belfry edged it, with just 6 points separating third and fifth place.

At the other end of the table, Bellegrove Bullets, Falconwood Club B, and Plumstead Potters struggled for results during the season. Despite this, Falconwood B produced one of the surprises of the campaign by defeating both of the top two teams.

Player Achievements

• Jeff Laporte won the Rankings Title, claiming 22 victories from 26 matches, including 11 wins in 13 Top Gun matches.
• The Top Gun Title went to Ian Curtis, who produced a perfect start to the season by winning all 12 of his opening matches.

Second Division

The Meridian Ultras dominated the division and finished 15 points clear at the top, securing their first league title and promotion to the First Division.

The race for second place went down to the wire between New Eltham Royals and Plumstead Common A. In the end, Plumstead Common A secured promotion by just one point, narrowly winning their final match of the season to seal the position.

Footscray Social Club continued their impressive progress, finishing fourth in only their second season. Notably, they managed to defeat each of the top three teams during the campaign.

Woolwich Eagles, Meridian Sports Club, and Kirkham Street Sloshers all put in determined performances throughout the year and were involved in several close matches, but ultimately could not keep pace with the promotion contenders.

Player Achievements

• Ben McCarthy enjoyed a superb season, winning both the Rankings Title and the Top Gun Title, he lost only 3 of his 22 matches, with no other player able to seriously challenge his dominance.

Congratulations

Congratulations to all league winners, promoted teams, and individual award winners this season. Thank you to every team, player, and venue that contributed to another competitive and enjoyable year of league pool.

We look forward to seeing everyone back next season for another great campaign.