WEEK 17 - Tuesday, 08/06/10, Pick out.

And so it was the return stoush with Unfinished Biz in their backyard, who were 1 point ahead of us in 3rd spot. A win to them would give them a chance at 2nd spot. A win to us would see them drop, temporarily at least, to 4th.

They were a well credentialed team of course, so they gave us 57.7 at the top and 7.5 at the bottom. Our strategy was simple. Snooker, play smart, sink balls and take the opportunities that came. The rest should take care of itself.

The first round saw Diddy & CB pick up wins to get the Cobras going and the margin was 54 going into the 2nd.

But the 2nd was disastrous with a full round of losses, Diddy's 10-0 thrashing the worst of a bad bunch and the margin more than halved to 22.

Hooters lost 10-0 in the 3rd and Diddy choked on a simple black shot, but CB and Pup steadied the ship to retain a slender 13 point margin going into the 4th.

Diddy choked on the black for the 2nd game in a row and Dux was unlucky not to finish when on the black as well. But 2 black ball losses and wins to CB, Pup and Hooters made the 4th the best round of the night for the Cobras, giving them a crucual 24 point buffer going into the final round with 7.5 still in reserve at the bottom.

Pup put the Biz to the sword with a first game win and when Dux lost on the black, the Cobras were home and hosed with 2 games to spare.

Unfinished Biz 208 - Eastern Creek Cobras 221.

The Cobras improve to 5 from 8 wins away, to go with their 8 wins from 9 starts at the Snakepit, giving them a a 76.47% win/loss record (13 wins and 4 losses).












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
6. Hooters: (-16) -146.
5. Dux (-26) -24.
4. Pup: () -21.
3. Diddy: (-18) +53.
2. CB: (+4) +74.
1. Pick: (DNP) +218.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = 19.
3. Diddy: (+10 minus +19) -9
3. Dux: (+10 minus +19) -9
3. CB: (+10 minus +19) -9
2. Pup: (+7.5 minus +19) -11.5
1. Hooters: (-7.5 minus +19) -26.5

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only

5. Dux: (-26 minus -9) -17.
4. Diddy: (-18 minus -9) -9.
3. Hooters: (-16 minus -26.5) +10.5.
2. CB: (+4 minus -9) +13.
1. Pup: (+4 minus -11.5) +15.5.

WIN/LOSS%
[Player Name: (W/L) W/L%]
6. Hooters: (27/53) 33.75%.
5. Dux: (13/17) 43.33%
4. Pup: (36/39) 48.00%.
3. CB: (34/26) 56.67%.
2. Diddy: (44/31) 58.67%.
1. Pick: (49/16) 75.38%.

Cobras Draw – Las Vegas 1
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/las-vegas-1-roster-draw.html

Cobra Stats Explained
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/03/cobra-stats.html

Cobra House Rules











COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
6. Hooters: (-20) -130.
5. Pup: (0) -21.
4. Dux (-18) +2.
3. CB: (+13) +70.
2. Diddy: (-12) +71.
1. Pick: (DNP) +218.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = 13.
3. Diddy: (+10 minus +13) -3
3. Dux: (+10 minus +13) -3
3. CB: (+10 minus +13) -3
2. Pup: (+7.5 minus +13) -5.5
1. Hooters: (-7.5 minus +13) -20.5

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only

5. Dux: (-18 minus -3) -15.
4. Diddy: (-12 minus -3) -9.
3. Hooters: (-20 minus -20.5) +0.5.
2. Pup: (0 minus -5.5) +5.5.
1. CB: (+13 minus -3) +16.

WIN/LOSS%
[Player Name: (W/L) W/L%]
6. Hooters: (26/49) 34.67%.
5. Pup: (33/37) 47.14%.
4. CB: (34/26) 56.67%.
3. Dux: (13/12) 52.00%
2. Diddy: (43/27) 61.43%.
1. Pick: (49/16) 75.38%.

Cobras Draw – Las Vegas 1
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/las-vegas-1-roster-draw.html

Cobra Stats Explained
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/03/cobra-stats.html

Cobra House Rules
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/cobra-house-rules.html

WEEK 15 - Tuesday, 25/05/10, Pick out.

While Pick winged his way to Las Vegas with the winning Vineyard Vultures team, the Cobras found themselves trekking to Mulgoa Road Penrith for our first visit as a team to the Grey Gums.

I took my new toy, the Yamaharley (XVS 650 Classic) for a run down the M4 with my cues over my shoulders and the team folder under my jacket.

When you factored in their -10 female, the Grey Gums had a team score of 2.5, meaning the Cobras gave them 25 at the top and another 2.5 at the bottom.

This week our aim was a little more modest. We just wanted to win, sans Pick. In fact that remained our aim for the 3 games Pick would miss. If we could win all 3, by any margin, we'd be delighted!

The first round didn't go exactly to plan, with only CB and Pup picking up wins. Hooters and Diddy both lost on the black, which limited the damage, but we were still 27 behind as we went into the 2nd round.

In the 2nd Hooters lost on the black while Dux, CB, Diddy and Pup all won their games, bringing the margin back to -18 going into the 3rd round.

In the 3rd, the Cobras put their foot down, winning all 5 games with Hooter's 10-3 the pick of the round and the Cobras were 15 in front going into the 4th.

Diddy lost on the black to start off the round but Hooters, Dux and CB all won their games to carry a 20 point margin into the 5th and deciding round.

Pup, Hooters and Dux all lost their games which reduced the margin to just 3.5, but CB won his game to add 5 to the margin and Diddy finally won his, capping off a solid night for the Cobras.

Hooters managed a positive for & against despite only winning 2 games, and Pup, Dux & Diddy all provided solid support (with 3 wins a piece) to CB who slotted into Pick's spot and seemed right at home, with 5 wins and a +22 margin on the night. Well done CB!!

Grey Gums 210 - Eastern Creek Cobras 222.5.

And so the Cobras improve their away record to over 50% (now 4 wins from 7 away, to compliment their 8 wins from 8 starts at home), taking the Cobras to 80.00% win/loss record (12 wins and 3 losses).












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
6. Hooters: (+2) -110.
5. Pup: (+4) -21.
4. Dux (+5) +20.
3. CB: (+22) +57.
2. Diddy: (+7) +83.
1. Pick: (DNP) +218.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = 0.5.
3. Diddy: (+10 minus 0.5) +9.5
3. Dux: (+10 minus 0.5) +9.5
3. CB: (+10 minus 0.5) +9.5
2. Pup: (+7.5 minus 0.5) +7
1. Hooters: (-7.5 minus 0.5) -8

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only

5. Dux: (+5 minus +9.5) -4.5.
4. Pup: (+4 minus +7) -3.
3. Diddy: (+7 minus +9.5) -2.5.
2. Hooters: (+2 minus -8) +10.
1. CB: (+22 minus +9.5) +12.5.

WIN/LOSS%
[Player Name: (W/L) W/L%]
6. Hooters: (26/44) 37.14%.
5. Pup: (31/34) 47.69%.
4. CB: (31/24) 56.36%.
3. Dux: (12/8) 60.00%
2. Diddy: (42/23) 64.62%.
1. Pick: (49/16) 75.38%.

Cobras Draw – Las Vegas 1
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/las-vegas-1-roster-draw.html

Cobra Stats Explained
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/03/cobra-stats.html

Cobra House Rules
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/cobra-house-rules.html

WEEK 14 - Tuesday, 18/05/10, CB out.

Home again at the Snakepit, this time in the return stoush for the Hustlers who remained firmly planted to last place in our zone with no wins so far.

Diddy spoke to CB during the week to advise him he was rostered out this week, although he had initially thought to leave Hooters out, given she's played the most games of any of the roster. But Pick wanted to go for max points which meant bringing Hooters in for the game.

The Hustlers had a team score of zip, meaning the Cobras gave them 47.5 point start. If we wanted max points, we would need to score over 97 points more than the Hustlers on the night, a big ask for any team.

The first round didn't go exactly to plan, but it was a good start. Diddy was the pick of the round with a 10-3, Pup and Pick also picked up wins and both Dux and Hooters lost on the black and we were 38 behind.

In the 2nd Hooters, Dux and Pick all won their games with Pick's 10-3 the best for the round, but losses to Pup and Diddy meant the Cobras were still 32 in arrears and the focus switched to just winning, rather than the max points the Cobras had been focussed on achieving earlier.

In the 3rd, the momentum finally swung towards the Cobras, who won all 5 games with Pup's 10-3 the pick of the round and they were only 7 behind going into the 4th.

The 4th looked just like the 3rd with the Cobras again winning 5 games and Diddy 10-3 the highlight, with the Cobras taking a lead of 17 points into the final round.

The chance to win by max points seemed remote, particularly when Hooters lost on the black in her final match, but Pup saved his best to last, putting on a promised 10-0 display and when Dux and Pick both won their games comfortably, quick calculations meant that Diddy only needed to scratch out a 10-4 win for max points to be achieved.

Alas it was not to be. Diddy did not play to his potential and scraped home 10-7, leaving the Cobras just 3 points shy of the elusive max points target.

Eastern Creek Cobras 237.5 - Carousel Inn Hustlers 190.5.

And so the Cobras retained their unbeaten record at the Snakepit (now 7 from 7 at home), taking us to 78.57% win/loss record (11 and 3).












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
6. Hooters: (+4) -112.
5. Pup: (+21) -25.
4. Dux (+14) +15.
3. CB: (0) +35.
2. Diddy: (+18) +76.
1. Pick: (+30) +218.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = 0.
5. Pick: (+20 minus 0) +20
4. Diddy: (+10 minus 0) +10
3. Dux: (+10 minus 0) +10
2. Pup: (+7.5 minus 0) +7.5
1. Hooters: (-7.5 minus 0) -7.5

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
5. Dux: (+14 minus +10) +4.
4. Diddy: (+18 minus +10) +8.
3. Pick: (+30 minus +20) +10.
2. Hooters: (+4 minus -7.5) +11.5.
1. Pup: (+21 minus +7.5) +13.5.

WIN/LOSS%
[Player Name: (W/L) W/L%]
6. Hooters: (24/41) 36.92%.
5. Pup: (28/32) 46.67%.
4. CB: (26/24) 52.00%.
3. Dux: (9/6) 60.00%
2. Diddy: (39/21) 65.00%.
1. Pick: (49/16) 75.38%.

Cobras Draw – Las Vegas 1
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/las-vegas-1-roster-draw.html

Cobra Stats Explained
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/03/cobra-stats.html

Cobra House Rules
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/cobra-house-rules.html

WEEK 13 - Tuesday, 11/05/10, Pup out.

Last week the Number 1 team in the zone. This week, Number 2.

The Lucky Commandos came to play at the Snakepit and with the Cobras still hanging on to 3rd spot, it was on from the first bell.

During the week the powers that be had reviewed things and made some rather puzzling decisions.

The Lucky Breaks, who so far have not lost a game were left untouched.

The Lucky Commandos, who are in 2nd place, lost 2.5 off their collective handicap, courtesy of Moose dropping from 17.5 to 15.

The Eastern Creek Cobras, who sit precariously in 3rd spot, gained 2.5 onto their collective handicap, courtesy of Diddy going from 7.5 to 10.

I'm sure that makes a lot of sense to someone. Somewhere. Somehow.

In addition Pick and Diddy discussed the opportunity we had with Dux to get him in capable of playing for us during the playoffs. This was particularly important if Diddy ended up being overseas for one of the first weekends in July, which while remote, remained a possibility as a family wedding was scheduled for that time in Fiji.

Pup was flying to Brisbane with work in the morning, so volunteered to take the first roster shift off once he established Dux was right to play.

With all of these moves and changes, the Commandos gave the Cobras a measly 15 point start at the top, with the Cobras retaining the 7.5 down the bottom thanks to Hooters.

The first round was a ripper for the fired up Cobras side.

The Cobras won every game, with a 10-2 to Pick the highlight and the margin was out to 40.

In the 2nd Dux and Pick won their games, but bad losses to the rest meant the margin was back to 25 going into the 3rd.

The 3rd was almost a net even round with Diddy and CB winning their games and Dux losing on the black and the margin was 22.

Pick and CB won their 4th round games with Dux again narrowly losing on the black, meaning that the Cobras took a mere 14 points into the final round.

Hooters book ended her night with a win in the last and Diddy picked up another with Pick losing on the black and together with Hooters 7.5 at the bottom, it was enough to ensure the Cobras won the encounter by a comfortable 15.5 points.

Eastern Creek Cobras 212.5 - Lucky Commandos 197.

And so the Cobras retained their unbeaten record at the Snakepit (now 6 from 6 at home), taking us to 76.92% win/loss record (10 and 3).












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
6. Hooters: (-11) -116.
5. Pup: (-36) -46.
4. Dux (-3) +1.
3. CB: (0) +35.
2. Diddy: (0) +58.
1. Pick: (+7) +188.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +13.
5. Pick: (+20 minus +13) +7
2. CB: (+10 minus +13) -3
2. Diddy: (+10 minus +13) -3
2. Dux: (+10 minus +13) -3
1. Hooters: (-7.5 minus +13) -20.5

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
4. Dux: (-3 minus -3) 0.
4. Pick: (+7 minus +7) 0.
2. CB: (0 minus -3) +3.
2. Diddy: (0 minus -3) +3.
1. Hooters: (-11 minus -20.5) +9.5.

WIN/LOSS%
[Player Name: (W/L) W/L%]
6. Hooters: (21/39) 35.00%.
5. Pup: (24/31) 43.64%.
4. Dux: (5/5) 50.00%
3. CB: (26/24) 52.00%.
2. Diddy: (35/20) 63.64%.
1. Pick: (44/16) 73.33%.

Cobras Draw – Las Vegas 1
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/las-vegas-1-roster-draw.html

Cobra Stats Explained
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/03/cobra-stats.html

Cobra House Rules
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/cobra-house-rules.html

WEEK 12 - Tuesday, 04/05/10

And so we found ourselves at the Lucky facing off with the Number 1 team in the zone.

The new tables at the Lucky seemed different but ok. It was the white ball that seemed to be the problem. And any problem for anyone was a bigger problem for us than for them, given the difference in skill levels.

In any case the Number 1 side gave the Cobras a 62.5 point start at the top, with the Cobras retaining the 7.5 down the bottom thanks to Hooters.

In the first round they set the tone for the match. No point talking about bad luck or missed opportunities. Suffice to say that we all lost between 5 and 0 and the margin was cut to 31.

In the 2nd Pick won his game and CB narrowly lost his, but convincing wins in the other 3 games meant the margin was only 5 after 2 rounds.

The 3rd was more one way traffic, with CB's black ball loss the best for the Cobras and the Breaks ended the 3rd round 21 points in front.

Diddy won his 4th round game and Pick narrowly lost on the black, but this still left the Cobras trailing by 36 as they headed into the 5th and final round.

The Breaks kept the foot on the throat as they surged for that critical 50 point win and got there with straight wins in the 5th, with 53 the final margin.

And so the Cobras suffered our 3rd loss as a team, taking us to 75% win/loss record with the 2nd placed Commandos still to come at home next week.

Lucky Breaks 241 - Eastern Creek Cobras 188.












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
5. Hooters: (-29) -105.
4. Pup: (-36) -46.
3. CB: (-21) +35.
2. Diddy: (-21) +58.
1. Pick: (-16) +181.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +21.5.
5. Pick: (+20 minus +21.5) -1.5
4. CB: (+10 minus +21.5) -11.5
3. Diddy: (+7.5 minus +21.5) -14
2. Pup: (+7.5 minus +21.5) -14
1. Hooters: (-7.5 minus +21.5) -29

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
5. Pup: (-36 minus -14) -22.
4. Pick: (-16 minus -1.5) -14.5
3. CB: (-21 minus -11.5) -10.5
2. Diddy: (-21 minus -14) -7
1. Hooters: (-29 minus -29) 0.

WIN/LOSS%
[Player Name: (W/L) W/L%]
5. Hooters: (19/36) 34.55%.
4. Pup: (24/31) 43.64%.
3. CB: (23/22) 51.11%.
2. Diddy: (32/18) 64.00%.
1. Pick: (41/14) 74.55%.

Cobras Draw – Las Vegas 1
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/las-vegas-1-roster-draw.html

Cobra Stats Explained
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/03/cobra-stats.html

Cobra House Rules
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/cobra-house-rules.html

WEEK 11 - Tuesday, 27/04/10

Fired up after our poor performance on the crappy tables last week, the Cobras were all in early - yes even CB - and in uniform - yes even CB - ready to wreak havoc on this week's opposition, the Grey Guns.

"Fire up Cobras" called Pick as he arrived, the Lucassi with all its various attachments bristling skyward like a farmer with a shotgun waiting for crows.

"Fire up Cobras" muttered Pup in reply as the Mezz potted balls with the speed and rhythm of a sewing machine.

"Fire up Cobras" whispered Hooters as she stroked ball after ball lovingly into the inviting holes that awaited them with her Stuart special.

"Fire up Cobras" said CB, flicking his thongs disdainfully towards the door and playing his pub cue through the balls as if he was dancing to an unseen samba rhythm.

"Fire up Cobras" intoned Diddy with a glassy stare, whipping his Meucci black dot back and forth through the clustered pack with wild abandon.

Time passed slowly as the fever built.

By the time 7.30pm arrived, the Cobras had fired themselves to white hot and were hissing with adrenalin.

But no opposition.

By 7.45pm the Cobras were spitting venom all over the tables, their cues and each other.

Still no opposition.

Diddy called Jase to establish if we had heard from them, as 8pm was officially the deadline for a forfeit.

Jase was able to raise the captain, who had mutinied and departed his own ship. He was no longer playing and didn't seem to care if the team was in or out.

Nor, to be frank, did the Cobras.

They hissed in frustration and spat their team fee into an envelope, taking a forfeit and max points for the round.

Next week they face the Lucky Commando's who hold 2nd spot. The week after they face the Lucky Breaks who lead the zone.

The rest might do them good...

WEEK 10 - Tuesday, 20/04/10.

As we hit the midpoint of the regular season we found ourselves at the Pioneer in Penrith playing the Jack Daniel boys.

CB wasn't able to play due to some personal commitments and we'd picked up Dux to cover for him. Dux, a mate of Pup's, had performed well for us when filling previously and was a solid potter of the ball.

The ace in the hole for the Jack Daniel side wasn't their 27.5 ranked player Ian, as good a player as he was. Nor was it the fact that they were one of the few venues that still played on the old style pub tables. The not-so-secret weapon for Jack Daniel was that the Jack Daniel tables had amazing rolls, dips, twirls slows, staggers and stops.

This ensured that when a brave or foolish soul forgot him (or her) self and played a slow shot towards a distant ball, they were assured of something quite magical that they were not expecting and usually did not want, often resulting in a ball in hand or even loss of game.

Surprise!!

The reasonably well credentialed Jack Daniel side gave the Cobras a 35 point start at the top, with the Cobras retaining the 7.5 down the bottom thanks to Hooters.

In the first round Dux and Pick started us off with wins. Diddy looked set to do likewise, but nervous to play a soft shot on his last ball before the black, he opted for power, missed his ball, which then performed some amazing moves as it ricocheted down the table, before striking some of his opponent's balls, before they in turn struck the black, which also engaged in some physics defying maneuvers, before sinking itself gently in the corner pocket. At the end of the 1st, the lead was 29.

It was the Dux and Pick Show as they made again picked up wins in the second, but despite their efforts, the losses in that round cut the lead to 19.

Hooters gave us our sole win of the 3rd as things went from bad to worse and we were 2 behind going into the 4th.

Diddy finally got on the board in the 4th but one win was never going to stem the tide and we were 20 in the red as we faced the final round.

We saved the best for last, with Dux, Pick and Diddy all picking up wins, but the damage was already done.

And so the Cobras suffered our 2nd loss as a team taking us to 80% win/loss halfway through the comp, on what was a very frustrating night.

Jack Daniel Pioneer 215 - Eastern Creek Cobras 199.5.

Dux had the best for & against for the night in his 3 wins and Pick was again the best of the fulltime Cobras and the only one who was positive for the night.

While we've hit the halfway point for the comp, we have some tough teams we have yet to play for the 1st time.

In 2 weeks time we're away to the Lucky Breaks (current comp leaders) and the next week are home to the Lucky Commandos (currently second). Both games will be tough games against top teams.

We're also facing 3 games without Pick, including a very tough return bout with Unfinished Biz.

On the flip side, we should pause and acknowledge how well we've done in the first half of this comp.

As a team, we're 8 wins from 10 games. 80% is a fair winning percentage for any team.

We've been in 2nd or 3rd place in our zone thus far and will remain in 3rd even after this loss.

Individually there are some performances worth celebrating.

Pick has led the for & against and the win/loss percentage every week from Week 1 and is every bit the inspirational Cobras leader we expected. Handicaps aside, Pick is indisputably the best Cobras player week in week out.

In terms of for and against, in 10 weeks Pick has scored almost 200 points (197) more than he has had scored against him. Well behind in the land of double figures are Diddy (79) and CB (56).

When you look at games won, Pick has won 80% of his games (same as the Cobras team), followed by Diddy who has won 68.89% and CB who has won 57.50%.

But in this league we all play off handicaps that intrinsically influence everything, so how we play against our assigned handicap is also worth considering. When you factor in the opposition handicaps against our handicaps and then adjust, it reveals the value that lesser lights provide to the team.

On a week-by-week basis, Hooters has led once handicaps are taken into account on 5 occasions, Diddy on 4 and CB has chipped in with 1 as well.

Overall Diddy has managed the most consistency against his handicap with an adjusted total of 106, followed by Hooters on 97 and Pick on 83.

We have some tough games coming, but for now we're probably best to take it one week at a time and our next challenge is hosting the Grey Guns at home. We're due a win, so the Cobras will need to fire up!!













COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
5. Hooters: (-20) -76.
4. Pup: (-33) -10.
3. CB: (0) +56.
2. Diddy: (-10) +79.
1. Pick: (+3) +197.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +16.
5. Pick: (+20 minus +16) +4
4. CB: (+10 minus +16) -6
3. Diddy: (+7.5 minus +16) -8.5
2. Pup: (+7.5 minus +16) -8.5
1. Hooters: (-7.5 minus +16) -23.5

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
4. Pup: (-33 minus -8.5) -24.5.
3. Pick: (+3 minus +4) -1
2. Diddy: (-10 minus -8.5) +1.5
1. Hooters: (-20 minus -23.5) +3.5.

WIN/LOSS%
[Player Name: (W/L) W/L%]
5. Hooters: (19/31) 38.00%.
4. Pup: (24/26) 48.00%.
3. CB: (23/17) 57.50%.
2. Diddy: (31/14) 68.89%.
1. Pick: (40/10) 80.00%.

Cobras Draw – Las Vegas 1
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/las-vegas-1-roster-draw.html

Cobra Stats Explained
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/03/cobra-stats.html

Cobra House Rules
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/cobra-house-rules.html

WEEK 9 - Tuesday, 13/04/10.

Pup was there when I arrived at our home, the Eastern Creek Tavern. As usual Pick was not far behind, nor was Hooters, with an assortment of future pool sharks in tow.

CB as usual arrived late and without his uniform. We now knew he'd misplaced his shirt and Pick brought him another - hope he fixed the Pick man up for it :-)!

We gave the Bidwell Boozers 40 at the top, but we retained a 7.5 margin at the bottom courtesy of Hooters.

In the first Pup, Diddy and Pick picked up wins, with Diddy's 10-1 being eclipsed by Pick-s 10-0 and the Boozers were 28 in front.

In the 2nd Pup, Hooters, Pick and CB all picked up wins, with Diddy being the only loser for the round, reducing the Boozers lead to 15. That was to be the last game any Cobra lost for the night.

From the 3rd round onwards, the Cobras won every game, so it was simply "pick the margins" to identify the best of a very strong team performance. To put this in perspective, this was one more win than we picked up in our first round demolition of the Carousel Inn Hustlers.

Pick's 2nd 10-0 for the night was the pick of the 3rd round performances, followed by Pup's 10-3 effort. At the end of the 3rd we'd gone from trailing by 15 to leading by 15.

CB's 10-2 was the pick of the 4th, followed by Diddy's 10-3 and we were 45 in front going into the 5th.

Pick's 10-3 capped a great night as the Cobras annhilated the Boozers for max points.

Eastern Creek Cobras 241.5 - Bidwell Boozers 165.

So Pick led the way again, winning all 5 to be 37 up for the night, while Pup also won all 5 and was +24.












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
5. Hooters: (+14) -56.
4. Pup: (+24) +23.
3. CB: (+14) +56.
2. Diddy: (+20) +89.
1. Pick: (+37) +194.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +1.
5. Pick: (+20 minus +1) +19
4. CB: (+10 minus +1) +9
3. Diddy: (+7.5 minus +1) +6.5
2. Pup: (+7.5 minus +1) +6.5
1. Hooters: (-7.5 minus +1) -8.5

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
5. CB: (+14 minus +9) +5
4. Diddy: (+20 minus +6.5) +13.5
3. Pup: (+24 minus +6.5) +17.5.
2. Pick: (+37 minus +19) +18
1. Hooters: (+14 minus -8.5) +22.5.

WIN/LOSS%
[Player Name: (W/L) W/L%]
5. Hooters: (18/27) 40.00%.
4. Pup: (24/21) 53.33%.
3. CB: (23/17) 57.50%.
2. Diddy: (29/11) 72.50%.
1. Pick: (37/8) 82.22%.

Next week we're away to Jack Daniel!!

Cobras Draw – Las Vegas 1
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/las-vegas-1-roster-draw.html

Cobra Stats Explained
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/03/cobra-stats.html

Cobra House Rules
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/cobra-house-rules.html

WEEK 8 - Tuesday, 06/04/10.

I was first into the St Marys Brewhouse on game night, closely followed by Pick, Hooters and Pup.

CB as usual arrived close to start time and without his uniform. I was starting to wonder if he was proud to be a Cobra, but CB said he'd misplaced his shirt when he finally turned up, so all was forgiven :-)!

We gave the Brewhouse a 20 point start at the top, but as Amanda from their lineup was sitting out, we retained a 7.5 margin at the bottom as well.

We started well, with Diddy, Pick, CB and Pup all picking up 1st round wins, to leave us just 9 behind at the end of the first.

However the 2nd round was not as convincing, with only Diddy and Pick picking up wins, so despite Pick's being a 10-2 effort the margin drifted to 13 on the back of 3 losses.

In the 3rd Pick, Pup and Diddy all picked up wins and CB and Hooters only lost on the black ball, so it was a strong round and we were only 1 behind heading into the 4th.

The 4th saw CB, Pup and Pick pick up wins. Diddy lost his 1st game of the night when he went in off after sinking the black and the Cobras took their first lead of the night - 4 points - into the final round.

Wins by Diddy and Pick and black ball losses by Pup and Hooters (along with that 7.5 at the bottom) were enough for the Cobras to squeeze home.

St Marys Brewhouse 204 - Eastern Creek Cobras 213.5.

Pick led the way again, winning 5 to be 24 up for the night, while Diddy (winning 4) and Pup (winning 3) provided strong support on the night.












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
5. Hooters: (-21) -70.
4. Pup: (+7) -1.
3. CB: (-3) +42.
2. Diddy: (+16) +69.
1. Pick: (+24) +157.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +5.
5. Pick: (+20 minus +5) +15
4. CB: (+10 minus +5) +5
3. Diddy: (+7.5 minus +5) +2.5
2. Pup: (+7.5 minus +5) +2.5
1. Hooters: (-7.5 minus +5) -12.5

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
5. CB: (-3 minus +5) -8
4. Hooters: (-21 minus -12.5) -8.5.
3. Pup: (+7 minus +2.5) +4.5.
2. Pick: (+24 minus +15) +9
1. Diddy: (+16 minus +2.5) +13.5

WIN/LOSS%
[Player Name: (W/L) W/L%]
5. Hooters: (14/26) 35.00%.
4. Pup: (19/21) 47.50%.
3. CB: (19/16) 54.29%.
2. Diddy: (25/10) 71.43%.
1. Pick: (32/8) 80.00%.

Next week we're home to Bidwell Boozers!!

Cobras Draw – Las Vegas 1
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/las-vegas-1-roster-draw.html

Cobra Stats Explained
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/03/cobra-stats.html

Cobra House Rules
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/cobra-house-rules.html

WEEK 7 - Tuesday, 30/03/10.

From the moment they turned up, Pick and CB turned this into the Cobras show! They were on F-I-R-E from start to finish!!

But let's start at the beginning.

When I arrived Pup was playing with Ben (ex Shooters) whom I recognised straight away. The rest of the Top Pub crew were new and their handicaps showed it. We gave them 27.5 at the top, but at least that still left us 7.5 at the bottom in reserve.

We started terribly, Pup, Hooters and Diddy all losing their first round matches. While Pup lost on the black ball, Diddy was done to 3. Pick was not prepared to let this start go and with a cry of "Fire up Cobras" he reeled off a 10-1 followed by CB with a 10-4, meaning we were 26.5 behind (almost net even for the 1st round) after a round of play.

Pick's rallying cry did the trick, however. The Cobras settled to the task and won the entire 2nd round with Diddy's 10-3 (reversing his 1st round loss) the highlight of a solid round and suddenly the Cobras were 1.5 in front.

In the 3rd Diddy, Pick and CB all won with Pick (10-1) and CB (10-2) vying for round honours. Hooters narrowly lost on the black, so it was a solid round and the Cobras stretched their lead to 13.5.

The 4th was almost a mirror of the 3rd, with wins to Diddy, Pick and CB. Hooters again only lost on the black. Diddy's 10-3 was surpassed by 10-1's for both Pick and CB, meaning the Cobras had a 29 point lead going into the final round.

The 5th was characterised by a black ball loss for Diddy and wins to Pup, CB and Pick (10-2) to seal an emphatic 43 point win.

Pick led the way only allowing 10 points in his 5 win hall and CB was just behind him, letting in 17 in his faultless night at the office.

Eastern Creek Cobras 215.5 - Top Pub 172.5.












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
5. Hooters: (-10) -49.
4. Pup: (-8) -8.
3. CB: (+33) +45.
2. Diddy: (+8) +53.
1. Pick: (+40) +133.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +3.5.
5. Pick: (+20 minus +3.5) +16.5
4. CB: (+10 minus +3.5) +6.5
3. Diddy: (+7.5 minus +3.5) -4
2. Pup: (+7.5 minus +3.5) -4
1. Hooters: (-7.5 minus +3.5) -11

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
5. Pup: (-8 minus -4) -4.
4. Hooters: (-10 minus -11) +1.
3. Diddy: (+8 minus -4) +12
2. Pick: (+40 minus +16.5) +23.5.
1. CB: (+33 minus +6.5) +26.5.

WIN/LOSS%
[Player Name: (W/L) W/L%]
5. Hooters: (14/21) 40.00%.
4. Pup: (16/19) 45.71%.
3. CB: (17/13) 56.67%.
2. Diddy: (21/9) 70.00%.
1. Pick: (27/8) 77.14%.

Next week we're away to St Marys!!

Cobras Draw – Las Vegas 1
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/las-vegas-1-roster-draw.html

Cobra Stats Explained
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/03/cobra-stats.html

Cobra House Rules
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/cobra-house-rules.html

WEEK 6 - Tuesday, 23/03/10.

The grudge match of the round for the newly formed Eastern Creek Cobras was always going to be the stoush with the Vineyard Vultures.

Why?

Well the Vineyard Vultures were the reigning Las Vegas Shootout champions, off to Vegas to represent Australia within the next couple of months.

They had a spectacularly unsuccessful Las Vegas season, surpassed only by their spectacularly successful run of wins as they flapped undefeated through the Silver Cup and then cawed and pecked their way undefeated through the Las Vegas Shootout.

While this sustained performance was a credit to all of their players, there was no doubt that at the heart of that success was Pick and Scotty, the most highly handicapped players on their roster.

Since their epic win, Pick had formed the Eastern Creek Cobras with the core of the old Carousel Cue-Tease team and CB, a fancied ring-in from the Lucky Shooters team.

The Cobras were keen to show everyone including the Vultures they were legitimate playoff contenders. But for the Vultures, stung by the loss of their most fancied players, this was an opportunity to make Pick regret branching out on his own.

Added to this was the fact that the new handicaps were in place. Pick stayed on 20, CB stayed on 10, but Pup and Diddy went from 2.5 to 7.5 and Hooters went from -10 to -7.5, adding 12.5 to the team handicap.

As a result, The Cobras gave the Vultures a miserly 7.5 start at the top, neatly cancelled out by the 7.5 Hooters gave us at the bottom.

On the night Hooters arrived with 2 budding Las Vegas stars in tow, as her sons took in a bit of the 8ball action.

In the first round Pup, Hooters, Diddy and CB all registered wins, with Pick losing in a black ball game, meaning the Cobras got their nose back in front by 6.5.

In the second round Pick and CB won their encounters and Pup lost on the black reducing the margin in the Cobras favour to 1.5.

In the third round Pup, Diddy and Pick all picked up wins, including a crucial 10-0 performance by Pick, so the Cobras took their biggest lead, 11.5 into the fourth.

In the fourth round Hooters, Diddy and Pick picked up wins, resulting in a margin of 12.5 going into the final round with Hooters 7.5 at the bottom still to come.

The final round continued the swinging momentum that had characterised the entire match. Hooters won her encounter, Diddy lost on the black and when CB won the final game the Cobras had stung the Vultures by 17 points.

So in the end the Cobras had hissed their way to a win and sunk their fangs into the dying carcass of the Vultures. A faint “caawww, caawww” was drowned out by the silibant hiss of the crazed Cobras. “SSSSSSSssssssssss”.

Eastern Creek Cobras 208.5 – Vineyard Vultures 191.5.

It's only Week 6, but it's still worth noting that we have been around 1st & 2nd spot for the entire time thus far and despite the handicap adjustments, are well placed to keep troubling even the best sides!!












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
5. Hooters: (+2) -39.
4. Pup: (-3) 0.
3. CB: (+5) +12.
2. Diddy: (+1) +45.
1. Pick: (+12) +93.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +7.5.
5. Pick: (+20 minus +7.5) +12.5
4. CB: (+10 minus +7.5) +2.5
3. Diddy: (+7.5 minus +7.5) 0
2. Pup: (+7.5 minus +7.5) 0
1. Hooters: (-7.5 minus +7.5) -15

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
5. Pup: (-3 minus 0) -3.
4. Pick: (+12 minus +12.5) -0.5.
3. Diddy: (+1 minus 0) +1
2. CB: (+5 minus +2.5) +2.5.
1. Hooters: (+2 minus -15) +17.

WIN/LOSS%
[Player Name: (W/L) W/L%]
5. Hooters: (13/17) 43.33%.
4. Pup: (14/16) 46.67%.
3. CB: (12/13) 48.00%.
2. Diddy: (18/7) 72.00%.
1. Pick: (22/8) 73.33%.

Next week we're home to Top Pub. Let's go SIC Cobras!!

Cobras Draw – Las Vegas 1
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/las-vegas-1-roster-draw.html

Cobra Stats Explained
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/03/cobra-stats.html

Cobra House Rules
http://cobras8ball.blogspot.com/2010/02/cobra-house-rules.html

COBRA STATS

COBRA SCORECARD EXPLAINED

Where to begin?

Handicaps.

Every player playing in the 8ball league is assigned a handicap. Handicaps are designed to create an even playing field. In theory if people are handicapped correctly and they play to their handicaps, results would be very equal in any encounter.

To explain For & Against etc. let's start with a simple example.

Example.
- Diddy’s handicap is 7.5.
- Diddy wins his first game 10-5.
- Diddy loses his 2nd game 7-10.
- Diddy loses his 3rd game 4-10.
- Diddy wins his 4th game 10-2.
- Diddy wins his final game 10-7.

For & Against.

For & Against tells each player how they went on the night (or over the course of the competition).

To get Diddy’s “for” you add up the points Diddy scored. In this example Diddy scored 10, 7, 4, 10, 10. So Diddy’s “for” is 41.

Similar to get Diddy’s “against” you add up the points scored against Diddy. Diddy had 5, 10, 10, 2 and 7 scored against him, so Diddy’s “against” is 34.

Diddy’s for & against subtracts the amount scored against him (34) from the amound Diddy scored (41), so in this example, Diddy’s for & against is +7.

Handicap-Adjusted For & Against.

For & against tells each player how they did on the night, but does not provide feedback on how they are playing compared to their handicaps and therefore how valuable the player's performance is to the team. The only real way to compare the performance of players on different handicaps is to take their for & against and subtract their handicap from it.

In this example Diddy’s handicap is 7.5. A handicap is a representation of skill level (out of 30), but more importantly, it is the free points given to the opposition for that player. Ideally each player will aim to get these free points back through the games they win and their for & against.

So in this example, we’ve already established that the for & against is +7. As Diddy’s handicap is 7.5 (points given to the opposition), his adjusted for & against is -0.5 on the night in question.

Diddy's performance can now be compared to that of his team mates, when their For & Against and handicaps are evaluated, using this method.

Opposition/Handicap-Adjusted For & Against

The one thing that Handicap-Adjusted For & Against doesn't do, is tell us how we should have gone against our opposition, assuming the handicaps are representative of skill level.

In order for us to more closely match the way that the wizard views individual performance, we need to factor in the quality of the opposition.

To do this, instead of directly subtracting each person's handicap from their for & against on game night, we adjust each person's handicap against the average handicap of the opposition, and then adjust the net figure that results against the for & against on the night, to provide an adjusted for & against.

It's probably easiest to provide an example.

Let's say we're playing a team with the following handicaps: 5, 15, 20, 10, 10.

The opposition team's total handicap is 60.

Their average handicap (60/5) per player is 12.

The average handicap of the opposition is subtracted from our player's handicaps and then compared to their for & against for the night.

Here is how it would look for the Cobra players:

Pick is handicapped as a 20. In this example the opposition is 12, so Matt on his handicap is expected to score +8 against this opposition. Accordingly 8 will be subtracted from his total for & against for the night.

CB is handicapped as a 10. In this example, the opposition is 12, so Chris on his handicap is expected to score -2 against this opposition. Accordingly 2 will be added to his total for & against for the night.

Diddy & Pup are handicapped as 7.5. In this example, the opposition is 12, so Diddy & Pup on their handicaps are expected to score -4.5 against this opposition. Accordingly 4.5 will be added to their total for & against for the night.

Hooters is handicapped as -7.5. In this example, the opposition is 12, so Hooters on her handicap is expected to score -19.5 against this opposition. Accordingly 19.5 will be added to her total for & against for the night.

If we return to our original example and add this information in it goes like this;
- Diddy’s handicap is 7.5.
- Average opposition handicap is 12.
- Diddy gets to subtract 4.5 from his F&A.

- Diddy wins his first game 10-5.
- Diddy loses his 2nd game 7-10.
- Diddy loses his 3rd game 4-10.
- Diddy wins his 4th game 10-2.
- Diddy wins his final game 10-7.

- Diddy's F&A is 41-34 or +7.

- Diddy's opposition/handicap-adjusted F&A is +3.5.

It will be interesting to see how this changes the picture of how we're performing individually and in our contributions to the team.

Win/Loss%

Win/Loss% is simply a review of the games won versus the games played to give a % of games won. This provides additional information information about how each player is performing.

In this example Diddy played 5 games and won 3 of them. This is a win/loss% of 60.

How to deal with a negative handicap (statistically speaking).

Females are provided with an incentive in the league and can be graded with negative handicaps ranging up to -10.

If you subtract a minus, you are actually adding this figure on. In the example of Hooters, if she has a F&A for the night of +7 and her handicap is -7.5, her real contribution to the team on the night is:

+7 minus -7.5 = 14.5.

This accurately reflects the additional value that Hooters handicap provides to her team on the night.

WEEK 5 - Tuesday, 17/03/10.

On Tuesday, the day before I returned to work after 2 weeks break, I got really sick. Hot and cold sweats, a splitting headache, aches and pains in my joints, running a 39 degree temperature.

In any case I was determined not to let our 5 man team down and after dosing myself up with panadeine, headed off to the game.

We were at the Lucky Australian playing the Lucky Shooters on their home turf.

CB used to play for the Lucky Shooters who gave us a 15 point start at the top and 10 (for Hooters) down the bottom.

In the first round Hooters and Pup picked up wins but we lost the other 3 games and were up by just 5.

In the 2nd round Pick, Diddy and CB all picked up wins, but Pup got run out on, meaning we were only up by 2.

The 3rd round was our best round, with Pick, Diddy and CB picking up wins and Pup losing on the black. But the game continued to hang in the balance, with us leading by 5.

For the 2nd week in a row, our 4th round was a disaster. Pick picked up the solitary win and we were down by 6 with Hooters 10 point buffer keeping us in the mix.

CB and Diddy picked up wins in the last round and Pick lost on the black, but it wasn't quite enough and the Eastern Creek Cobras had narrowly lost their first match :-(.

Lucky Shooters 206 - Eastern Creek Cobras 201.












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
5. Hooters: (-18) -41.
4. Pup: (-22) +3.
3. CB: (+2) +7.
2. Diddy: (0) +44.
1. Pick: (+8) +81.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +11.
5. Pick: (+20 minus +11) +9
4. CB: (+10 minus +11) -1
3. Diddy: (+2.5 minus +11) -8.5
2. Pup: (+2.5 minus +18.5) -8.5
1. Hooters: (-10 minus +11) -21

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
5. Pup: (-22 minus -8.5) -13.5.
4. Pick: (+8 minus +9) -1.
3. CB: (+2 minus -1) +3.
2. Hooters: (-18 minus -21) +3.
1. Diddy: (0 minus -8.5) +8.5


Next week we're home to the Vineyard.

WEEK 4 - Tuesday, 10/03/10.

Yes, you might have noticed that I did not mention who was rostered out.

That's because I found out on the previous night that Scotty could no longer play Tuesdays, meaning we would all need to commit to playing each week as much as we possibly could and that we would need to find a sub for the 3 weeks that Pick was in Las Vegas.

Meantime Pick rang me on the afternoon before the game with the great news that the tables were in, brand new milleniums, in situ and ready to play on.

We were overjoyed.

Nathan was on duty, but Ralph had left instructions for the pizza to be laid on and Nathan did a great job replacing a missing light on the 2nd table part way through the night.

Our opponents were Unfinished Biz. I liked most of the boys, but like most people, I didn't have much time for Chef. This clash had extra spice because Hooters and Chef had recently had a falling out. Both came with their partners and that issue never raised its head at all on the night.

Unfinished Biz were a very good side and gave us a 57.5 point start at the top and 10 (for Hooters) down the bottom.

In the first round Pick showed the way with a win, while both Diddy and CB lost narrowly in black ball games and the margin was back to 45.

Diddy picked up the sole win for the 2nd round and Pick lost in a black ball game with the margin reducing again to 35.

In the 3rd round we played out best games, winning 4 of the 5 with Hooters, Diddy, Pup and Pick all picking up crucial wins, bringing the margin back to 45.

However the 4th was a disaster, with no games won and only the single black ball loss for Pick, meaning the margin was just 14 going into the final round.

Diddy picked up a controversial win in the final round after Chef went in off (1 ball in hand), then reached into the pocket and while doing so, knocked a ball over the pocket away from that pocket (another ball in hand?) followed by Diddy placing the ball that was knocked away from the pocket back to its previous position (yet another ball in hand?). An argument ensued, with the final result being that Diddy played the ball in hand but Chef replaced the ball knocked away from the pocket in its knocked away position. When Chef gave away another ball in hand with Diddy on the black, he then swept the balls with his hand and forfeited the game.

In the final game, CB lost in a black ball game and we had scraped home with a win by the barest of margins.

Eastern Creek Cobras - 221.5 - Unfinished Biz 218.

While we only won 7 games, we won the encounter and the Chef was sent home with a tick in the loss column, which was all that mattered! Go Cobras!!












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
(This Wk) Cumulative
5. Hooters: (-23) -23.
4. CB: (-24) +5.
3. Pup: (-14) +25.
2. Diddy: (+6) +44.
1. Pick: (-9) +73.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +18.5.
5. Pick: (+20 minus +18.5) +1.5
4. CB: (+10 minus +18.5) -8.5
3. Diddy: (+2.5 minus +18.5) -16
2. Pup: (+2.5 minus +18.5) -16
1. Hooters: (-10 minus +18.5) -28.5

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
5. CB: (-24 minus -8.5) -15.5.
4. Pick: (-9 minus +1.5) -10.5.
3. Pup: (-14 minus -16) +2.
2. Hooters: (-23 minus -28.5) +5.5.
1. Diddy: (+6 minus -16) +22

Next week we're away to LA Shooters.

WEEK 3 - Tuesday, 02/03/10, Scotty rostered out.

What a day.

It was my last day at work before 2 weeks off and I arrived at work just before 7am, with a plan in place to leave at 5pm, plenty of time to get to comp on time.

Things started ok, but there were constant interruptions and slowly the day went off course. At 2pm a 2 hour meeting turned into a 3.5 hr meeting, compounded by the fact that one of my staff resigned just prior to the meeting. This created a mountain of unforeseeable issues that couldn't wait because I wasn't going to be in for 2 weeks.

I finally left at 8pm, which by any stretch was a long day.

I'd been in touch with Pup to explain my predicament and he'd already picked up the folder and explained to the guys.

By 8pm our opponents wanted to forfeit me and the decision was made to substitute Marshall, CB' cousin. Thank goodness he was able to slot in and held us avoid a forfeit.

The Cobras got a start on the scoresheet. There was an error with Pick's handicap (he was down as 25 instead of 20) but the start should have been 12.5.

Pup, CB and Pick got wins in the first and on the scoresheet the Cobras were 16 up at the first break.

However only Hooters picked up a win in the 2nd and the score was only 1 up at the 2nd change.

Hooters, Pick and Marshall won their 3rd clashes to give the Cobras an 6 point buffer after 3 and when Pick, Pup and CB won their 4th round battles we took an 11 point margin into the final round.

Marshall, Pup, Hooters and Pick all won their final games and in the end the Cobras won comfortably.

However there was the issue of Pick's incorrect handicap. The scoresheet said Bidwell Boys 183 - Eastern Creek Cobras 207.5. The actual score was Bidwell Boys 183 - Eastern Creek Cobras 212.5.

I emailed DK after the match to see if we could change the score, which would affect the points we got for the win.












COBRA SCORECARD

After 3 rounds here's how the handicap adjusted for and against looks.

For & Against
(This Wk) Cumulative
5. Hooters: (-3) 0.
4. CB: (+5) +29.
3. Diddy: (DID NOT PLAY) +38.
2. Pup: (+7) +39.
1. Pick: (+15) +82.

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +11.
5. Pick: (+20minus+11) +9
4. CB: (+10minus+11) -1
3. Diddy: (+2.5minus+11) -8.5
2. Pup: (+2.5minus+4) -8.5
1. Hooters: (-10minus+11) -21

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
5. Diddy: (DID NOT PLAY)
4. CB: (+5 minus -1) +6.
3. Pick: (+15 minus +9) +6.
2. Pup: (+7 minus -8.5) +15.5.
1. Hooters: (-3 minus -21) +18.

Next week we're home to Unfinished Biz and Hooters is rostered out.

WEEK 2 - Tuesday, 23/02/10, CB rostered out.

Pick and I had a few stressful moments leading up to our first home game, as dramas with the old tables meant we had no choice but to play on them for our first home game against the Grey Gums (yes, this is what the trees look like), a team I was not really familiar with.

On the up side Ralph did throw on great pizza, did provide the coins to feed the tables and did have the shirts ready. Pick did a fantastic job with the shirts. Diddy & Pup both coughed up the shirt fee on the night while CB who was rostered off, and Hooters & Scotty who were skint, can fix Pick up next week!

They were a better side than the novice Carousel side we played the week before, but we definitely had to take our opportunities as the crappy tables and some very dodgy rolls meant both teams were playing chance with any slow or soft shots.

We gave Grey Gums a start of 27.5 and ended the first round -23.5 after wins to Diddy, Pick and Scotty. The 2nd round was a perfect round - 5 wins - and we were 1.5 up going into the 3rd.

Diddy, Pick and Pup picked up wins in the 3rd increasing the margin to 9.5 points and again in the 4th, taking the margin to 14.5 and when Diddy, Pick and Scotty picked up wins in the last, the Cobras had their 2nd win in succession.

Eastern Creek Cobras - 222 - Grey Gums 195.5.

Highlights included Diddy's first ever haul of 5 straight wins on a game night and Pick still with a big fat zero in the games lost column! Go Cobras!!












COBRA SCORECARD

For & Against
(This Wk) Cumulative
5. Hooters: (-9) +3
4. CB:(0) +24
3. Pup: (+9) +32
2. Diddy: (+26) +38
1. Pick: (+26) +67

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +4.
5. Pick: (+20 minus +4) +16
4. CB: (+10 minus +4) +6
3. Diddy: (+2.5 minus +4) -1.5
2. Pup: (+2.5 minus +4) -1.5
1. Hooters: (-10 minus +4) -14

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH] This Week Only
5. CB: (DID NOT PLAY).
4. Hooters: (-9 minus -14) +5.
3. Pick: (+26 minus +16) +10.
2. Pup: (+9 minus -1.5) +10.5.
1. Diddy: (+26 minus -1.5) +24.5.

Next week we're away to Bidwell Boys.

WEEK 1 - Tuesday, 16/02/10, Scotty out.

After some last minute adjustments to the roster (welcome CB), we kicked off against Ozzie's new Carousel Inn Hustlers (yes, the boys surely didn't look anything like this) at the Carousel Inn.

The outcome was never in doubt, given 3 of Ozzie's boys had never played competitive cue sports before, but we showed them the ropes and had a very enjoyable first hit out as a team.

All Cobras won at least 4 out of 5 games.

The highlights were 10-0 run outs from Pick in Round 3, CS in Round 5 and then Pup's first 10-0 in competition against Ozzie to finish the match.

Predictably Pick played a leading role, giving away a frugal 9 points in winning 5 games straight.

The margin was 38 points after Round 1, 55 points after Round 2, 78 points after Round 3, 85 points after Round 4 and a monster 127 at the end of the game.

Carousel Hustlers 121 - Eastern Creek Cobras - 248.












COBRA SCORECARD

FOR & AGAINST
5. Diddy: +12
4. Hooters: +12
3. Pup: +23
2. CB: +24
1. Pick: +41

Opposition Adjusted Handicaps
[Hcp minus Opp Av]
Opp Av = +8.
5. Pick: (+20 minus +8) +12
4. CB: (+10 minus +8) +2
3. Diddy: (+2.5 minus +8) -5.5
2. Pup: (+2.5 minus +8) -5.5
1. Hooters: (-10 minus +8) -18

FOR & AGAINST (Opposition/Handicap Adjusted)
[F&A minus net OAH]
5. Diddy: (+12 minus -5.5) +17.5.
4. CB: (+24 minus +2) +22.
3. Pup: (+23 minus -5.5) +28.5.
2. Pick: (+41 minus +12) +29.
1. Hooters: (+12 minus -18) +30.

Next week we're home at the Eastern Creek Tavern against Grey Gums and CS is rostered out.

LAS VEGAS 1 - DRAW

A couple of things about team rotation.

Please note that if you are unable to play at short notice we'll understand, but the draw will not be re-written, you'll simply play one less game than you were rostered to play.

If you're rostered off and don't have other plans, come along and support the team!

Our team roster for this season is Pick, Hooters, Pup, Diddy, CB & Scotty.

Here's our draw & roster:

16/02/10: Week 1 away vs Carousel Inn - Scotty out.
23/02/10: Week 2 home vs Grey Gums - CS out.
02/03/10: Week 3 away vs Bidwell Boys - Scotty out.
09/03/10: Week 4 home vs Unfinished Biz - Dux out.
16/03/10: Week 5 away vs LA Shooters - Dux out.
23/03/10: Week 6 home vs Vineyard - Dux out.
30/03/10: Week 7 away vs Top Pub - Dux out.
06/04/10: Week 8 away vs St Marys Brewhouse - Dux out.
13/04/10: Week 9 home vs Bidwell Boozers - Dux out.
20/04/10: Week 10 away vs Jack Daniels - CB out.
27/04/10: Week 11 home vs Grey Guns - Dux out.
04/05/10: Week 12 away vs Lucky Breaks - Dux out.
11/05/10: Week 13 home vs Lucky Commandos - Pup out.
18/05/10: Week 14 home vs Carousel Inn - CB out.
25/05/10: Week 15 away vs Grey Gums - *Pick out.
01/06/10: Week 16 home vs Bidwell Boys - *Pick out.
08/06/10: Week 17 away vs Unfinished Biz - *Pick out.
15/06/10: Week 18 home vs LA Shooters - Hooters out.
22/06/10: Week 19 away vs Vineyard - Diddy out.
29/06/10: Week 20 away vs Top Pub - Pup out.
03/07/10: Silver Cup (Diddy out)
04/07/10: Silver Cup (Diddy out)
10/07/10: Las Vegas Shootout
11/07/10: Las Vegas Shootout
17/07/10: Las Vegas Shootout
18/07/10: Las Vegas Shootout

* Las Vegas Trip (2009 winner)

Remember of the available players, the 5 with the best handicap adjusted for & against will go into any shootout. Weekly updates on this will be here on the blog.

COBRA HOUSE RULES

It's important to have some rules around how the team works.

BE COMPETITIVE. Remember we want to win games, so do your best. If all players are available, the top 5 players based on handicap-adjusted for and against will go through to any shootout.

BE SHARING. Any prizes etc. won at any shootout or team event will be split between all regular team members.

BE ORGANISED. Give your team mates as much warning as you can if you can't play and remember that the draw will not be re-written.

BE SUPPORTIVE. Even if you are not playing, you should support the team if you don't have other commitments. This applies to regular games but especially to shootouts.

BE POLITE. We can be competitive and still show good sportsmanship, so take pride in behaving politely to others and to each other.

BE PROUD. You're a Cobra! Wear your Cobra shirt on game day!

BE HAPPY. We do this for fun, so have fun!!

Eastern Creek Cobras

I'd been badgering Jase about finding us a venue with Milleniums or valleys, but I wasn't holding my breath.

The Lucky teams were locked in as were the teams at the Clock. The Plumpton was still not supporting a league team (what a waste of good tables), the Marayong Brewhouse had ripped out their Milleniums and so it went on.

So I was quite surprised when Jase and D.K. called me to say there were brand new Milleniums going into Eastern Creek - 2, possibly 3, and gave me the green light to try to get a gig there.

I first checked with Pick & TK to get a pulse on whether they were sweet to play out of Eastern Creek as it was furthest for them. They were fine. Pick also pointed out that Eastern Creek still worked with Cobras. So it was time to go and make that happen.

I soon found out that the place was run by 2 brothers. I spoke to Nathan on the phone on the phone but he confirmed that Ralph was the brother I needed to speak with.

We had a good chat on the phone, but Ralph wanted to have a chat in person. He wanted someone to come and clearly explain how it worked and what was required of the pub.

Pick was unavailable, so Pup and I fronted and Ralph was really pleasant and seemed quite interested. I took my league folder and Pup and I did a really good job of selling the league and how it works. We were really clear about registration costs and courtesy food/nibblies for home games. We confirmed that we were happy to chip in for uniforms ourselves and that we would pay the weekly costs etc. so the rego and the food were his only costs.

Ralph said he would need to discuss it with his brother & that as he was away during the week, he would call me on the weekend.

On Friday Pick rang me. He confirmed that he'd already gotten the shirts sorted - actually arrived - for a measly $21 per shirt! So each player only had to chip in $21 for a shirt - much cheaper than what we'd spent on our Cue-Tease uniforms the previous season. The only issue is that we'd gone ahead and put Eastern Creek Cobras on them. If they turned us down, we'd be in strife!

Rather than wait, I dropped into the pub on Saturday afternoon after learning Ralph would be there by checking in with Nathan the night before.

I felt strangely anxious but when Ralph and I finally started chatting, he set my concerns to rest.

He confirmed they had decided they would be going ahead and support our rego as their first team. He expressed some interest in the 2nd team deal and I said we might be able to help find a second team, but Ralph wanted to talk to a couple of locals who bring their own cues in first to see if they wanted to put in a 2nd team, so he said he'd let me know.

I rang Pick to give him the good news & he was rapt! I also rang DK and left a message for Pup, before texting the team.

We were now officially the Eastern Creek Cobras!

Cobra Beginnings

It all began when Pick approached Hooters to sound her out about playing in a new team. Hooters was loyal enough to want to rope Pup and I in and the opportunity was one that had to be seriously considered.

We'd just completed our first year as the Cue-Tease team, playing out of the Carousel Inn (refer http://cue-tease.blogspot.com/ for more).

Pup and I had swapped the team lead status all year and Hooters had been consistent, but in truth it had been a challenging year with few wins as a team or opportunities to demonstrate our abilities.

Pick presented an opportunity to step up and solved our team selection issues nicely. We weren't going to go around again with Pinky following several outbursts and poor behaviour from Pink bits during the previous year. Our only reservation about proceeding was around Ozzie, who we would have loved to take with us. But the bottom line was if we were to seriously challenge for Las Vegas, we would need some solid experienced players to balance the relative inexperience of the team.

Before we finalised the roster, Pick, Hooters, Pup and I sat down together to talk through how it would work. It was a good chat and I immediately felt that we were a good fit. We would have fun as a team and we expected to be competitive. We would behave courteously and not tolerate poor sportsmanship from each other.

Pick would be the elder statesman, able to provide guidance that would help Hooters, Pup and I develop our games.

We discussed venues. We could still play out of the Carousel Inn (the Cue-Tease former pub) or the Vineyard (Pick's former pub), but both had older Amarda tables.

We were keen to play off Millenium or Valley tables as these were the tables used in the play offs and in Las Vegas, but there were a very limited number of venues who had them and some of those venues (e.g. the Plumpton Inn) had a reputation for not supporting a team in the league. So we agreed to keep trying to find a venue with these tables until we were forced to make a decision closer to the start of the season.

We debated names. Pick wasn't keen on Cue-Tease, it was a bit cute for him, and we agreed a new name would be better to define a new team. Names had to have some linkage to the venue, but we could still decide on one that we could start to identify with. We tossed a few ideas around and settled on Cobras. This worked for one potential home - the Carousel Inn - and we liked the cobra 8ball image.

We acknowledged that given Pick was the only player currently ranked over 2.5 we would need a couple more experienced players in our line up.

Pick wanted to bring TK on board, a Victorian with a steady hand and a good eye. He had not played in the NSW 8 Ball League, so would start off 10.

I wanted to bring the The Machine in, currently off 15, to complete the roster.

So the initial team roster for the Cobras was:
Pick - 20
Machine - 15
TK - 10
Diddy - 2.5
Pup - 2.5
Hooters - 10

Pick and I were clearly the key organisers in terms of getting things moving.

The Carousel Inn would not pay for shirts and we acknowledged that it was unlikely an alternative venue would either, so Pick went to work on the shirts and I went to work on the venue, badgering everyone from Dave Reljic to Jason Dimitrias and going in to a few venues to check out tables.

We were a team without a home, but at least we were a team.

The (insert venue here) Cobras were born.