Another fantastic 2016 for DBS clubs has carried on into 2017 with our men's pool team lining out for this years intervarsity tournament in Nenagh, Tipperary. It was our first time to enter a team for the National Pool intervarsity, therefore the expectations were high for the pool captain Nik and his team. It was also our first time entering two girls in the team, Ellen and Emirjeta qualified to be in the team and we're one of the few girls to compete in the championship. The tournament took place at Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh, Tipperary this year. DBS were drawn in a tough group with DIT C, ITB, NCI, NUIG and DCU.
The registration for the competition started bright and early on Friday, 3rd February at 9:30am meaning that the guys had to leave at 7am to head to Tipperary. The lads competed in individuals and team championships. We were against very experienced opponents from DkIT, TCD and AIT. Hamad, Raj, Ellen, Nik, Emirjeta were against skilled players, however Deepesh Tripathi managed to qualify for the top 64. Straight after the individual competition was the team competition. Our guys competed with some of the best teams in the college. We managed a win for our first game against DCU 7-3 but we were unlucky against DIT, ITB, NUIG and NCI. The last team game that the guys had to win was against NCI. Both teams needed to win the game to go through the shield. The competition was tough and competitive. Raj won the first match against NCI and then lost three games after and then managed to draw (5-5) with them. It was a sad finish for both teams who hoped to qualify to shield. The whole competition was very competitive and our guys put their best foot forward and represented our college well. The early start and late finish on the games left the guys restless throughout the week but were happy to be able to attend at such prestigious event. It must also be noted that none of the DBS players have ever played in an All-Ireland pool championship.
Overall, it was a great experience for our pool team playing against the best colleges in Ireland and networking in the event. The guys willl be having another competition with NCI on Friday. The team will consist of Ellen, Raj, Deepesh, Hamad and Emirjeta. If you are interested in joining the pool team contact the captain Nik at [email protected]