A return this weekend for the North East’s most prestigious “Amateur Event”, the “Pub Players Spring Series”, as our attention turns to Sky Lounge for this 64 man competition. With a fully booked event, with several new faces, the event is sure to bring out the best in all competing.
We thought we would do a quick preview of the games lined up for Sunday in the first round, as well as “Ones to watch” & “New Comers”
Big Match-Ups;
Jake Bell v Alan Brunton
Our first standout game pits new-comer Jake Bell, up against previous Runner-up Alan Brunton. The lad with the big mouth faces a tricky opening game, as Alan has shown throughout previous events that he can compete with the best. Our predictions? Jake to have too many Coors. Alan 4-0
Chris Leopard v Iain Pine (XVII)
For the millionth time, these 2 boys have been drawn out against each other to renew the rivalry. Luckily, both players have been able to qualify in previous events despite the clash. First event winner Piney will be looking to confirm his spot amongst the best, while Leopard will be hoping to make it past the semi final for the first time. Our predictions? Pine to be 3 Sambucas deep by 11am. Iain 4-3
Ones to Watch;
Stephen McPherson
Winner of 2 of the last 3 events, as well as the opening favourite with the bookmaker, Big Mac will be looking to keep up his fine form. Winner of last weekend’s tournament, held by his younger brother Graham Roper, Stephen shows no sign of slowing down. With a BYE in the first round, it will take Neil Eddy to knock the lad off the top.
Bookmaker Odds; 5/1 fav
Glen Lane
Runner-up in the previous event, Glen will be trying to forget going in off on the black in the final frame, hoping his recent weeks form will finally clinch him the victory he chases. Glen recently won the Sky Lounge Thursday Flyer with a strong field of 18 entrants, so he’s coming in to the weekend cueing well.
Bookmaker Odds; 9/1
Steven Shotton
After dispatching both Liam Dunster & Tom Cousins in recent money matches, ‘Rafa’ will be hoping he can surpass both those feats by winning his first Pub Players Event. With a fairly nice draw, the main man will be hoping the distraction from Coors & the 2.20 @ Fontwell don’t prove too costly.
Bookmaker Odds; 40/1
New Comers;
Kevin Brown
Our first newcomer spotlight lands on South Shields lad Kevin Brown. The senior enters the field with very little knowledge of his opponents, however what is certain, is that Kevin will give every single frame 100% effort, as he looks to open his debut with a strong run. Bookmaker Odds; 7/1
Lee Boggie
Despite Jay Dewar telling us for months that Boggie is “fucking shite”, the Sky Lounge boy will be one of the new lads that people will consider a threat. Recent money match wins over Stephen Brown & Iain Pine will definitely give Lee positives and the locals will be out in full force to cheer him on. Even in his lasses socks. Bookmaker Odds; 8/1
The event will be streamed live from the Sky Lounge YouTube channel, the link will be posted on their page on the day of the event. From us at NorthEastPool, good luck!