The Isle of Wight B pool team have returned home as champions after an unbeaten run at the Channel Islands International Pool Tournament in Jersey, overcoming sides from across Europe to lift the trophy.
Two teams from the Isle of Wight – IOW A and IOW B – made the trip to Jersey last month to compete in the long-running annual event, which saw 11 teams from Jersey, Guernsey, Portugal, Exmouth, Yeovil and the Isle of Wight play in a league-style format before heading into a knockout stage.
The Isle of Wight B team were dominant from the outset, winning 9 of their 10 matches and drawing the other to finish top of the table as the only unbeaten side.
In the quarter-finals they defeated Yeovil B 8-3, followed by a commanding 8-1 victory over Exmouth in the semi-final. They then secured the title with an 11-6 win against Guernsey in Saturday’s final.
The event was played across 3 days – Thursday evening, Friday and Saturday – at venues in Jersey.
While the B team celebrated success, it was a tough weekend for the IOW A side, who managed just a single win during the group stages and finished at the bottom of the table.
Sunday’s focus shifted to the singles competition, where Isle of Wight B’s Jake Larkins put on a standout performance to claim the individual title. Larkins was also voted Player of the Tournament by his fellow competitors in recognition of his high-quality play throughout the weekend.
Three members of the current squad were also part of the Isle of Wight team that won this event back in 2017, marking a special return to form on the international stage.
