POOL - A LARGE Weston Pool League contingent got Somerset A off to a winning start in the English Pool Association regional event held at Hustlers in Oxford Street, Weston.

A LARGE Weston Pool League contingent got Somerset A off to a winning start in the English Pool Association regional event held at Hustlers in Oxford Street, Weston.

After a successful 2009 season which saw Somerset A finish second in the region by the narrowest of margins to Devon, hopes were high for them to go one better in 2010.

A home tie against 2008 regional winners Bristol is never easy, but Somerset started strongly winning the first session by eight frames to three and they pushed on to take a half time lead of 16-6.

Needing to reach 23 for victory, the foot came of the pedal a little and Bristol mounted a mini revival. The result however, was never in doubt and despite losing the final two sets 6-5 and 7-4 respectively, Somerset ran out comfortable winners 25-19.

Somerset's next fixture is away to Cornwall on March 14.

Somerset B hosted reigning regional champions Bristol B, who also won the national trophy in 2008.

The past 12 meetings have ended in defeat 11 times for Somerset with one draw, so Somerset B had to be on top form to even be competitive.

A dream start for Somerset B saw them take the first session 8-3, then backed that up with an equally impressive 7-4 second session win to lead at the halfway mark 15-7.

In the third session, Somerset won 7-4, meaning only one frame was needed for victory. Somerset put Bristol to the sword with the match ending 30-14 after another fantastic 8-3 session win.

The Somerset County ladies pool team had a great result in their first match of the new season with a 29-15 win over Bristol Ladies.

The team has seen some changes this year with a few of the old regulars, including the team manager of 12 years, taking a rest from their posts.

Debs Chudley, the new manager, made the decision that everyone should play at least part of the match.

So at half time, the reserves were brought on and all players succeeded in winning at least one frame of the day.

Old hands Twinkle Moore and Teresa Samuels won four out of four, along with new girl Sarah Wait achieving two out of two in her county debut.

The girls next match will be in Great Yarmouth at the county finals, where they are representing the region along with Devon.