Pool of talent

In most pursuits, I consider myself a grafter, having to make the most of the limited skill I have to reach my full potential. A notable exception is Pool, where I have no hesitancy in saying I am blessed with a touch of raw talent. This is seldom enough though and having not picked up my cue for over three months, expectations were low going into Varsity week.

I scraped my way through trials with some consistent but uninspiring play, littered with errors characteristic of a man out of practise. Having made the team, just three days ahead of the match, I had little time to sharpen my tools. Still, I could do no worse than last year when, after winning the trials, I succumbed to a dismal 0-3, 0-3 showing in the singles (there was some redemption with 3-0 in doubles).

This year threatened to end up even worse as my erratic form manifested in some wonderful shot making, but ultimately reduced me to another 0-3 on singles. With Oxford 30-18 up overnight, it seemed the match was in the bag but with my contribution a nonentity. On the second day, at 0-2 down in the doubles, my fortunes reversed as I negotiated a decent clearance. With my second singles clash to come, Cambridge had clawed their way back into contention.

My kamikaze approach finally paid off, with some flair, unorthodox speed play unsettling my opponent into unforced errors. After finally getting my first Varsity singles frame on the board, I kicked on to win the exchange 3-0. Utter relief and sheer joy. Sweet enough in itself; the demons of last year (which ended 45-45, meaning Cambridge held on to their title) firmly put to bed. To add the cherry, this final frame took Oxford over the line and won us back the title after a six year wait.

I pride myself on my entertaining and thoroughly unpredictable kamikaze approach. It makes for nervy viewing for teammates, and often has tragic consequences, but I feel Pool should be played with instinct and not over-thought. It's interesting how this is in stark contrast to my approach to running; which is far more considered. My strength here is with consistency and discipline, a mantra echoed by a good friend. Rarely do I sprint or speed up, instead maintaining a punishing pace from the first mile. With Pool, all bets are off with my no nonsense mentality.

Perhaps my enjoyment and success with running could be transferred to Pool by invoking this degree of patience into my game. However, Pool has ceased to be a priority in recent times, with practise limited at best and motivation often scarce. My involvement peaked last year as I reached the heights of the university team, whilst captaining my college to promotion to the top flight. In the end, it had to make way for running; a decision which cost me form this year but which I do not regret in the slightest. This Varsity triumph, and forthcoming tournament matches with college may well resurrect my interest in the wonderful game.