Joint league champions tie cup final

COPNOR Cuestars B finished joint top of Division Four in the Portsmouth league and then managed a bizarre draw in the cup final.

The youngsters shared the league championship with Copnor F as both sides amassed 107 points.

But their dream of lifting the Peter Rook League Cup outright was ended when staff at the host club called time.

With her team trailing 6-4, Ashleigh Aslett had squared the match against home side Emsworth Sports & Social Club, who had beaten Cuestars B in last season’s final.

Coach Pascal Richard said: “Sadly, there was no time to finish the match with a play-off that is meant to take place as apparently the bar had to close.”

But he added: “I’m immensely proud of how they’ve done this season and gutted for them as there’s no doubt in my mind that they deserved to win both titles outright.

“I can’t wait to see how they will adapt to the challenge of playing in the slightly – but noticeably – higher standard of Division 3 next season.

“They have been a credit to themselves and to me and to the club. I can’t tell you how proud I am of all of them.”

RICHARD ON HIS LADS AND LASSES

Skipper Chloe White:I am pretty sure Chloe didn’t lose a match all season. Her opponent, Greg Harding, a fine town player in his own right, drew with her but was gushing in his praise for how she played.

Her brother Callum White:Callum has become remarkably adept at potting crazy-good single balls at vital moments. A future Mark Williams, perchance?

Rio Smith: Rio has come on well this year and is now beginning to string balls together more often, adding a bit of consistency to his talent.

Ryan Compton:  Ryan has shown an immense improvement in shot selection and tactical play this year, as well as working on his technique. He is one to watch over the next season or two for sure.

Ashleigh Aslett:Ashleigh tied the cup final, coming on at 6-4 down, and did very well all season in her first year in the league. Nerves of steel playing the last match well after 11pm with many spectators.

Sam Laxton: We know from before that Sam is a seriously talented lad at only nine. Clashes with football kept him out for a lot of the season but when called upon he did superbly and he’s going to get better and better.

Andy Holbrow: The lone regular adult in the side who never failed to turn up to help us get six players out each week.

Kev White, father of the super siblings:A reluctant but willing reserve on the odd occasion.

Richard is “looking forward” to seeing which one makes a first 50 break, which one wins a first Bronze Tour event and which one will be “the first pupil to beat the teacher” in competition.

“I’m sure it won’t be long before one of them knocks me out of some event or other, at the rate they are progressing,” he said.

Picture by Steve Toms.From left: Ashleigh Aslett, Chloe White, Callum White, Ryan Compton, Rio Smith and Andy Holbrow.

Report by Tim Dunkley.