York simply could not match the skill and intelligence on display from the Lancaster team. At one point it appeared inevitable that Lancaster would win 9-0 and leave York totally embarrassed.
Louise Whitehead opened proceedings with a gritty victory under pressure. This advantage was extended with further victories including an excellent display from Fran Heaphy who outrageously doubled the black to make the score 4-0. Veteran pool player and four times Roses team member Hayat Kara then played a typically efficient and nullifying game to guarantee an emphatic 5-0 scoreline and four crucial points.
There were notable performances from the exceptional Lucy Hartshorn and Rachel Rooney who increased the winning margin. The only Lancaster defeat was for the desperately unfortunate Sarah Jordan of Grizedale, who turned in an impressive display in her first ever Roses appearance. She will undoubtedly return in the future to make up for this defeat.
The men’s team also enjoyed a fruitful evening on the baize. York were missing a few of their star players due to exam pressures, yet still had a team capable of doing serious damage to Lancaster. However, the night was characterised by bottle; or more specifically one team lacking it and another having it in abundance. In each of the first three matches, York took a 1-0 lead in the best of three encounters yet lacked the necessary courage to finish off their opponent. Early victories for James Stone, Graeme Gibson and Chris Houston settled the home side’s nerves. The manner of their victories: gritty and uncompromising were a real positive for the home side. Jimmy Cinquemani made the score 4-0. Though, the veteran pool player rode his luck a little, it was no more than he deserved after a successful college career which has taken in stints in Cartmel, County and Graduate Colleges. Co-Captain Lee Osborne ended the contest with a clinical performance, but only after Bob Floyd, a player generally considered to be the best on campus slumped to a disappointing defeat.
A further victory for the excellent John Bekalo, also Co-Captain sealed an impressive performance. Lancaster dominated the evening bar sports without breaking sweat.
