THE town’s most talented players were runners-up in a prestigious national competition on Sunday.

Northwich returned a best ever result at English Pool Association (EPA) Interleague finals in Great Yarmouth, narrowly missing out on a maiden title.

They lost to Trent Trophies A in the final.

“The lads were awesome,” said Kevin Barry after the 10-4 defeat.

“We went with the intention of winning the tournament and very nearly succeeded.”

Reigning Cheshire Interleague champions Northwich had never been past the last 32 on their previous three visits to the south coast.

The nine-strong team, in which Barry was joined by Fred Backhouse, Shaun Brearley, Darryl Fallows, Matty Hubert, Dean Mogford, Steve Moores, Lewis Webber, Adam Wong and Amos Wright, roared through Saturday’s group stages with wins over Bracknell and Ascot B and Dorking only to be paired with favourites Preston South.

An impressive 10-6 success put them on course for the final.

Victories over Trent Trophies B, South Norfolk and Midland Railway secured a final date with five-times former winners Trent Trophies A, broadcast live on the internet.

And the Staffordshire outfit, last champions in 2008, added another title to their collection in convincing fashion.


Pick up Wednesday’s edition of the Guardian for more on the Northwich’s fine run to the final.