Australian side named ahead of the Trans Tasman Pockets Cup Clash

Trans-Tasman rivalry; it is as old as convicts and missionaries. At the same time, the strong historical bond between Australia and New Zealand has been enduring and unbreakable.

Decades have past since this rivalry and respect has been played out on the pool table. The wait is now over.

On Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of November, Australia will host New Zealand in the highly anticipated Pockets Sports, Trans-Tasman Pockets Cup. Two days of pressure cooker pool at Pockets in Melbourne, where history restarts and new reputations will be forged.

A Weekend Live Stream pass is just $12, and for the lucky Victorian locals; Pockets venue admission will be just $20.

With a population of around 5 million, compared to the host country’s 25 million, you might think that our Kiwi friends could be at a wee bit of a disadvantage. However, you would be wrong.

New Zealand 8 Ball is going through a similar renaissance to Australia. There has been a switch away from solids and stripes (and NZ rules) to the red and yellow balls, and they have been playing a more attacking rule set. New Zealand 8 Ball is gaining momentum; holding new ranking events and SuperLeague competitions throughout the Land of the Long White Cloud. They have their own rivalry too, between the North and the South; and this has produced a very competitive and highly skilled group of elite cueists.

NZ 8 Ball have put together an outstanding team. Their list is a who’s who of the country’s most renowned players. A blend of youth and experience that the Kiwis describe as “perfect”.

The Trans-Tasman Test Team representatives earned their selection during  the NZ SuperLeague season, ensuring the best team possible…… and they are more than just well prepared; they are laser focused.

NZ stalwart Neil Whalley will lead a group of 6 players in a Mosconi Cup style event.

The New Zealand players include 2023 Pro Series invitees, Simon Singleton, and Des ‘The Whiz’ Wilcox. Arguably NZ’s best two, and well known to their Aussie counterparts.

Simon has been Top Dog for a number of years and Des, who hails from the North Island, is the current ‘in form’ player and current NZ SuperLeague Champion.

Well credentialed players Bayden ‘The Shot Maker’ Jackson and Adam ‘Lightning’ Lilley, together with Adam ‘Shaw Thing’ Shaw and Healey ‘The Hustler’ White, make up the balance of this all star team.

“No mercy” is the Kiwi catch-cry. The pressure on the visitors from within is ramping up. Defeat is not an acceptable option.

One wonders if the team are going to produce their intimidating  Haka, pre-event. ?

Moving across the pond, to the Australian Test Team and the home team’s prospects

The Australian Trans-Tasman Test team includes 3 of the 2022 Pockets Pro Series elite. Series winner Marc Robertson who will Captain the side, together with Michael Scerri and Rusty Wheeler require little introduction. Elite players on any stage.

The Australian supporters will expect big things from these three every time they are at the table; and with national pride at stake, you can expect 110% from them and the entire Aussie squad.

Making up the balance of the Australian Team will be none other than Queensland hot shot and Pro Challenger winner, Ian Craig.

Rusty has been singing the praises of Ian for some time, and it seems that he’s a very good judge. Challenger Series runner-up, WA potting machine Nathan McMahon, and Junior Pockets Series winner the fearless and very talented Sean Dempsey, make up the home team’s 6 representatives.

Australia’s own perfect blend of youth and experience.

The format will be similar to the famous Mosconi Cup. Below is a chart showing this exciting test format.

So there you have it, a rivalry reborn and yet another scintillating weekend of high class pool action, rounding out the inaugural Pockets Sports season 2022.

This time however, the big money is put aside: NATIONAL PRIDE and BRAGGING RIGHTS are at stake.