9 pairs entered the OPA league doubles on Saturday at the Standing Stones Hotel. With a slightly lower turnout than the previous few years it was decided to split the teams in to two groups to play a round robin format (play against all other teams in that group) to ensure that all players got plenty of competitive pool in. The top two teams from each group would progress to the semi finals.
Group A had 5 pairings and looked on paper like any of them had a chance of qualifying for the semis. After an excellent afternoon of pool the experienced pairing of the Houndog Lee O'Hagan and Steven Walls played the younger duo of Brian Inkster and Steven Craigie in the last group game to decide which of them would top the group with both teams undefeated at that point. Lee and Steven coming out on top by the odd frame to win 3-2 and top the group with Brian and Steven C finishing 2nd but also through to the semis.
Group B also quickly started to take shape and when Kyran Taylor and Robert Gatt met Erlend Grieve and Neil Cormack it looked like this would be the game to decide who topped the group. After a one-sided match Kyran and Robert deservedly came away 3-0 winners and cemented top spot while Erlend and Neil needed a victory in their remaining group game to finish group runners up.
On to the semis and very contrasting games. Erlend and Neil ran out 4-0 winners against Lee and Steven W with the latter suffering a poor run of the balls. In the other semi Brian and Steven C charged in to a 2-0 lead only to be pegged back by Kyran and Robert. Both teams had chances to go on and win the match but it was Kyran and Robert who maintained their unbeaten run and made it to the final.
On to the final. A lightning fast start by Erlend and Neil saw them go 2-0 up thanks to reverse dish and a break and dish keeping their opponents kicking their heels on the sidelines. Robert and Kyran claimed a frame back before E & N moved further ahead before pushing on again to claim a 5-2 win and revenge for earlier in the day.
Thanks to all who took part and to our hosts at the Standing Stones Hotel
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