Players (L-R) include CantaMia’s Judy Spiller, Claudia Deardorff, and Vickie Jones; and PebbleCreek’s Kathy Smith, Judy Jensen, and Rochelle Zuckerbrow. (Photo by Dan Harris)
Dan Harris, travel team coordinator
On March 26, three talented ladies from CantaMia (CM) traveled to PebbleCreek for a spirited afternoon of pool against three members of the PebbleCreek Billiards Club (PCBC). The clubs faced off in two matches: a fast-paced short-rack 8-ball match followed by traditional 8-ball.
In the end, each club won one match, with the day’s total games finishing in a 12-12 tie. The friendly rivalry highlighted the skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that make these inter-club gatherings so enjoyable.
For those new to the game, short-rack 8-ball is an exciting variation played with just nine balls—four solids, four stripes, and the 8-ball—racked in a diamond formation similar to 9-ball. With fewer balls on the table, games move at a lightning pace, giving every player more frequent turns and plenty of action.
First Match: Round-Robin Short-Rack 8-Ball (18 games total)
The afternoon kicked off with a round-robin format in which each PCBC player faced each CM opponent twice. CM jumped out to an early 5-1 lead, but PCBC rallied impressively, storming back to win the match 11-7.
PCBC’s Rochelle Zuckerbrow was the standout performer, going 5-1 with a string of clutch shots. On the CM side, Judy Spiller earned plenty of admiration for a break shot in which she pocketed four balls—including the cue ball—turning heads and drawing laughs and groans around the table.
Second Match: Ranked Heads-Up Traditional 8-Ball (6 games)
With time running short, the players shifted to traditional 8-ball and paired up based on their round-robin win totals for two quick rounds of heads-up competition. CM regained their momentum and dominated, winning five of the six games to clinch the match.
Beyond the competition, the afternoon embodied everything that draws players to these inter-club events: sharp shots and friendly trash talk at the tables, nonstop laughter between games, and the steady growth of new friendships. The room filled with hugs, handshakes, and promises to meet again as everyone headed home.
The two clubs will renew their friendly rivalry next month at CantaMia. Given how evenly matched they proved to be, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top—but one thing is certain: great pool and even better company are guaranteed.