The summer season of the South London & Kent Pool Alliance commenced on Thursday night in what promises to be the most competitive season in the league’s history.

In the Elite division newly promoted Summerfield, inspired by Ben Beaver’s 3/3, played exceptionally well to beat last year’s runners up the Pickwick by 3-0 in sets (9-6 in frames).

Last year’s champions the Hotshots were pushed all the way by the Rack Pack (formerly New Eltham Social Club) eventually winning by 2-1 in sets (8-7 in frames).

Martin Donohoe used the break to strengthen his Riley’s Woolwich team (formerly We Anchor in Hope) and reaped the rewards with a 3-0 in sets (10-5 in frames) victory over Riley’s A (formerly O’Connors A).

Riley’s Rovers got off to an impressive start winning the first three frames against O’Connors before it all went pear shaped and they lost the next twelve to lose the match 2-1 in sets (12-3 in frames).

In Tier 2 East debutants New Eltham Social Club’s youngster fought back to take the last two frames and the final set from Our lady of the Rosary to leave with a credible 2-1 in sets (11-4 in frames) defeat.

The Royal Oak, last season’s runners up, edged out Erith Snooker Masters 8’ers (formerly The Great Harry) by 2-1 in sets (8-7 in frames) in a tense encounter between these local rivals.

The Blue Anchor were more convincing winners away at the Running Horses by 2-1 in sets (10-5 in frames) and look set for another good season.

In Tier 2 West debutants the Old Tigers Head pushed the Bellegrove Social Club all the way before losing 2-1 in sets (8-7 in frames) with Dan Foley 3/3 for the Bellegrove.

The Fox Under the Hill have got off to a flying start with a 3-0 in sets (11-4 in frames) away win at the Coach & Horses, with Richard Merricks & Chris Gaunt both 3/3 for the Fox.

The final match in this division saw a rejuvenated Kings Arms team secure an impressive win away against the Dutch House Nuthouse by 3-0 in sets (13-2 in frames).

Teams interested in joining the SLKPA can visit our website at www.slkpa.com or contact Paul Gafa on 07753 926291 for information.