Weather for Ducks?

As the second Semi Final approaches both Daddy Ridout and SuperGaz will be plotting and scheming their way to the final to meet Billy Collins, after he dispatched Callum Gigg. They'll be thinking about which players they will want, what type of game of play and how they will motivate their players. But will they fall victim to one factor which they have no control over whatsoever... the weather!

That's right - will the elements be their undoing? In the Team Picker Cup so far we have had two games which have been played in wet conditions. Both games have been incredibly one sided; in particular with the winning side scoring a massive 12 goals. 

So what is it about the wet weather that makes the game turn into a foregone conclusion? Or is the weather a distraction to the quality of the sides picked or the general performance of the night?

Who likes the rain?

Name	QF Three	SF One
Gareth "Big G" ONeill	1	1
Mike Pinto	1	1
Rolan	ABS	ABS
Jon Ridout	1	ABS
Paul Preece	1	1
Joe Newbury	0	0
Stuart Parsons	0	1
James Pugh	1	1
Billy Collins	1	1
Callum Gigg	1	0
Tom Payne	0	0
Paul Evans	ABS	ABS
Greg Davies	0	0
Luco	0	1
Chris Phillips	0	0
Gareth "Gaji" Jenkins	0	0
Peter North	ABS	ABS
Dan Patterson	ABS	ABS
James "Lunges" Herbert	ABS	0

The table above shows the performances for the two games which were played in wet conditions. Gareth O'Neill and Mike Pinto, who are yet to falter at all at the TPC, certainly take to a wet Sophia like ducks. However Paul Preece, James Pugh and Billy Collins all have registered a full 100% too. When you look at who have lost both games, you find Joe Newbury, Tom Payne, Greg Davies, Chris Phillips and Gareth Jenkins. It's clear from both these games that the sides were quite similar - and in both cases they struggled! 

So beware team pickers if the rain comes in - you may want to pay attention to the table above!

Who is in form?

HOT

Gareth O'Neill continues to set the tournament alight with a 100% record in all games played - to maintain this he will need to beat Jon Ridout in the proposed Semi Final matchup tomorrow night! Mike Pinto also maintains an impressive 3 from 3.

NOT

Gareth Jenkins and Chris Phillips however have had a Team Picker Cup to forget, only registering one win each from all games played. Both participants in the TPC and entering with so much promise, they have just not been able to get the rub of the green. But don't write them off - they are both determined to win their remaining games.    

    

Name	QF One	QF Two	QF Three	QF Four	SF One	Wins	Games	Success
Gareth "Big G" ONeill	1	1	1	1	1	5	5	100%
Mike Pinto	1	ABS	1	ABS	1	3	3	100%
Rolan	ABS	ABS	ABS	1	ABS	1	1	100%
Jon Ridout	1	ABS	1	0	ABS	2	3	67%
Paul Preece	ABS	0	1	ABS	1	2	3	67%
Joe Newbury	1	1	0	1	0	3	5	60%
Stuart Parsons	1	0	0	1	1	3	5	60%
James Pugh	0	0	1	1	1	3	5	60%
Billy Collins	0	1	1	0	1	3	5	60%
Callum Gigg	0	ABS	1	1	0	2	4	50%
Tom Payne	1	0	0	1	0	2	5	40%
Paul Evans	0	1	ABS	0	ABS	1	3	33%
Greg Davies	1	0	0	ABS	0	1	4	25%
Luco	ABS	0	0	0	1	1	4	25%
Chris Phillips	0	1	0	0	0	1	5	20%
Gareth "Gaji" Jenkins	0	1	0	0	0	1	5	20%
Peter North	0	ABS	ABS	ABS	ABS	0	1	0%
Dan Patterson	ABS	ABS	ABS	0	ABS	0	1	0%
James "Lunges" Herbert	ABS	ABS	ABS	ABS	0	0	1	0%

Billy's not silly as Callum crashes out

Check out that shine.. that can only mean rain!

Billy Collins (12) V Callum Gigg (3)

Billy Collins dished out the pain as his team emphatically beat Team Callum Gigg 12-3. 

The first Semi Final of the Team Picker Cup was supposed to be Jon Ridout V Gareth O'Neill, however due to the expected paternity leave which came rather unexpectedly, the game was postponed and the other semi final was brought forward as both players were available. So with less than a few hours to spare Collins and Gigg were in action - only one week after Gigg's crushing defeat of tournament favourite Chris Phillips.

The prospect of playing on an ice rink always raises spirits!

On rainy evening at Sophia Gigg opted for a stronger defence whilst Collins went for a more attacking front. In the end the tactic to push forward favoured Collins as they showed no mercy and destroyed Team Callum on all fronts. In a similar fashion to the Quarter Final game between Joe Newbury and Gareth O'Neill, the more attacking team thrived on the wet conditions and Team Callum just couldn't find an answer to the constant attacking threat.

In what was a more subdued affair due to the heavy rain throughout the evening, there was not a lot of post match banter from two fine gentlemanly figures of the game. Collins will be happy with this performance however as he looks in great shape for the Final.   

(No Team Pic)

Team Billy: (L-R. Mike, Luco, Stu, Billy, Gareth, Paul P, Pugh) 

Team Callum (L-R. James, Chris, Callum, Gareth, Joe, Greg, Tom)

Sophia is closed - so no TTFE or TPC!

That's right no action for this week! The door to the pitch will be shut so PLEASE DO NOT GO TO SOPHIA THIS WEEK!

Regardless of finding a replacement pitch, the remaining Semi Final of the TPC will take place on 30th August.

Running Scared!

Rumour mill has it that Ridout has pulled out of his semi-final match against BigG tonight... some are saying that he's running scared!

Form as a picking indicator in the Semis?

So who will you be rooting for in the Semi Finals? The only recognised keeper left in the competition, Billy Collins? The Team Picker Cup's best performing player, Gareth O'Neill? Maybe the more defensive Callum Gigg? Or even the Valleys' only hope, Jon Ridout?

How will they pick at this stage of the competition? Will it be experience by trusting the players who got them there? Or will they take a more scientific approach...

Below is a table of wins gathered by each player at the TPC. O'Neill rules the roost by being on the winning team in every fixture - the only player to do so. That's impressive, and possibly intimidating for his opponent this Thursday? Ridout's record isn't too bad at 2/3, and if you believe Meatloaf that ain't bad at all. That includes Gigg as well, whose performances haven't been too shabby.

So then semi finalists - will this affect your picking over the Semi Final round?

Name	QF One	QF Two	QF Two	QF Three	Games	Wins	Success
Gareth "Big G" ONeill	x	x	x	x	4	4	100%
Joe Newbury	x	x	0	x	4	3	75%
Callum Gigg	0		x	x	3	2	67%
Tom Payne	x	0	0	x	4	2	50%
Mike Pinto	x		x		2	2	100%
Stuart Parsons	x	0	0	x	4	2	50%
James Pugh	0	0	x	x	4	2	50%
Jon Ridout	x		x	0	3	2	67%
Billy Collins	0	x	x	0	4	2	50%
Chris Phillips	0	x	0	0	4	1	25%
Greg Davies	x	0	0		3	1	33%
Gareth "Gaji" Jenkins	0	x	0	0	4	1	25%
Paul Preece		0	x		2	1	50%
Paul Evans	0	x		0	3	1	33%
Rolan				x	1	1	100%
Luco		0	0	0	3	0	0%
Peter North	0				1	0	0%
Dan Patterson				0	1	0	0%

Gigg-ling all the way to the semis

As explained, TPC sponsors must have a photo of the contestants!

Callum Gigg (10) V Chris Phillips (5)

Pride before a fall springs to mind as the man behind the TPC Chris Phillips falls at the first hurdle to Callum Gigg in a 10-5 loss.

It was a nice clean surface this week after last week's washout, but that didn't help Phillips as the rich vein of emphatic victories continued with yet another crushing performance by Team Callum. Until half time the game was a relatively even affair with both sides contending hard taking the score to 5-4 to Team Callum at the interval.

The turning point was to come in the second half where despite getting off to a strong start, Team Chris just couldn't convert their chances and are swamped by a fine Team Callum counter attack. Stu Parsons pictured below had a particularly great half and was instrumental in leading the charge.

What would this game be remembered for? A lack of balls, heroic Billy climbing the tree to retrieve the best ball we had and Gigg's basis of picking a goalkeeper based on race (or is it nationality? Billy's 'Team England' causing quite a stir!)

And what did our victor have to say about his win as he booked his place against Team England's Billy in the semi final? It is all luck. It is good to know that a gentleman remains in the competition instead of well... Mr Phillips. It will be a bit of grudge match in the semi finals as Gigg will meet 'Team England's' Billy Collins - that will be an interesting game indeed.

Mr Parsons seeking a slot on the blog with a topical theme - permission granted Stu!

Callum remains modest in the greatest of victories

Team Chris (Clockwise L-R) - Dan, Luco, Paul, Billy, Gaji, Jon, Chris

Team Callum (from L-R) Stu, Tom, Pugh, Rolan, Callum, G, Joe

T-Minus 6 months to TTFE Poolmania 2013!

Whilst this week's report is being written - although do check out the explosive interview with Chris if you haven't already - I wanted to let you know that if the TPC isn't floating your boat, not to worry! TTFE Poolmania is only 6 months away and 2013 looks to be the biggest one yet!

Poolmania fans have the chance to seek a peek at the new website devoted entirely to the longest standing TTFE competition, which will be contended for the ninth time. The website will have all the stats, matches and any reports from the time - the perfect place for all fans to reminisce!

So here's your first glimpse... expect more soon! Until then sit tight and get working on your potting!

The Barbarian Slaughter

Callum at half time... nice pants Cal!

So, in what this pundit has gone on record as the upset in the competition so far, Callum 'the Barbarian' Gigg has beat slaughtered Chris 'all talk' Phillips and gone through to the semi-finals.

In a game that was billed to be 'one sided' and 'embarrassing for Callum', Callum shocked and awed with an impressive performance. The Barbarian turned up prepared with notes/research and his classic, quiet but confident demeanour before setting to the task of taking Chris' team apart!

Chris' disappointing was evident to all present but has gone on record and said:

"Well, Callum must be favourite for the whole competition now then! I clearly underestimated him as he was clearly the better team-picker, captain and player!"

Sadness in the eyes of the fat, mouthy lad expressed how humbled he was to have taken on Callum though as he went on to say:

"It's really a shame because I only really started the competition because I wanted bragging rights and I'm not convinced that's what everyone else is in it for the same thing, I think they just want a bloody t-shirt! Nobody else is even claiming they have a chance at winning, it's all so polite and so TTFE!"

Chris' team failure... too old, too crap!

And was Chris gracious in defeat? Well, not really. Although he has said on many occasions that Callum was the better picker, captain and player, when asked if there was anything he'd do differently and would he pick the same team he has also controversially said that he would pick differently!

"Sure, there were some good players on my team but there were some disappointments too, I won name any names here but let's be honest here - we lost, we were not good enough, the team and myself are to blame for that!"

"Yes, I'd definitely pick differently, a stronger defence, a better balance and possibly the chance to still be in the competition now, but it's too late isn't it!"

"I got it wrong on the day and picked a losing team... what a bunch of losers!"

"I'm telling you right now, I wanted some of the players Callum took from the pot, and I chose some that I shouldn't have, I made some picks based on the player rather than the team... I started thinking, 'he's good' rather than, 'he'll fit well in the team', or 'I need him to fill that position' - Callum wasn't so Naive, he stayed calm and picked balance!"

So, onto the semi-finals:

Jon Ridout vs Gareth "Big G" O'Neill
Billy Collins vs Callum Gigg

Given the previous games, Big G's smashing of Joe and Callum beating the competition favourite and sexiest player,  it might be a case of Billy and Ridout scrapping it out for bronze pride and Big G vs Callum in the final.

It's being said by the louder pundits now that Callum will go on to win it but I guess we can only wait and see really.

Either way, the TPC is likely to move up a gear now as people get closer to the cotton-polyester mix!

No...

... he couldn't!

More to follow!

Can Chris clubber Callum The Barbarian?

It doesn't take long for Phillips to wind up a crowd...

It has been a long time coming but finally Chris Phillips will take centre stage in the final Quarter Final of the first ever Team Picker Cup. As architect of the competition and after weeks of convincing players that it could ever happen, he will now make his mark against Callum Gigg in what will be a tricky fixture. And not to mention a real contrast in volume between them!

This week will signal the end of what has been an exciting round so far - full of goals, guile and the occasional goading. It has also been tinged with the odd bit of controversy too, with goal line scrambles and handball calls. It would be naive to think that will end here - especially with Phillips involved.

• TPC Fact: Experience is the key. Each player that has been eliminated so far has only picked once according to the Team Picking list; the victor having picked twice or more. This week this trend will come to an end as both players have picked teams at least twice (Phillips 4 times, Gigg twice).  

If you believe the hype and all the fighting talk, this tie is merely a formality for Phillips on his path to T-shirt-covered glory. The calibre of his opponent is irrelevant as his name is already written on the trophy, he claims.  Respected legends of the game have lambasted "Plasmo" for his utter lack of respect for not just his Quarter Final opponent, but anyone who will face. Former 5-a-side football professional Willie Maykit is among those who feel Phillips has taken his arrogance to a whole new level. "He may be brimming with confidence, but the field is littered with worthy knights who want to claim the throne" he said. "I bloody hope Gigg gives him a good kicking! Go Barbarian!"

Has Gigg been pillaging a bit too much?

With the media whirlwind surrounding Phillips, one would forget the more modest challenger known in TTFE circles as the 'Barbarian'. Callum Gigg, fiercely patriotic and known for his reflective demeanour, will surely be quietly plotting the downfall of TTFE's most famous extrovert. However some aides in his camp have started to worry about Gigg, feeling that he's taking his adopted nickname way too seriously. Our insider told us: "He's flipped his lid. I mean seriously. He watched Conan The Barbarian non stop all week and you can see the blood lust in his eyes. I asked him about his strategy and he told me bluntly  that it is 'to crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women' - I would not want to be Plasmo right about now".

Meanwhile TPC organisers have been criticised by players and fans alike for the length of last week's opening ceremony. Intended on adding glamour and glitz to the competition and to bring in viewers from the Olympics, it was widely slammed on social media website Twitter as being too cheap and too long. One tweet said, "Do the TPC think we're stupid? Fake Michael Buffer and less game time #TPCFail"., whilst another said "Crap TPC game and ceremony last week. Mr Loverman was a fat white guy and superman didn't even fly."

TPC organisers are yet to comment on the matter and no ceremony has been planned for this week's game or any of the semi finals.