Tension hung thick inside Kennedy’s Classic Club in downtown St. John’s. The two-time defending champions, Titans, were on home turf. Comfortable surroundings. Familiar tables. But comfort doesn’t pot balls.
Money Team walked in like they had something to prove — and they proved it.
Marzak, now in his second year with Titans, opened against Money Team captain Pooran. Leadership showed early. Pooran controlled the tempo, tightened the table with smart defensive play, and took two straight racks. Marzak fought, but Pooran’s strategy suffocated any real momentum. 1–0 Money Team.
And then history — not the kind you frame. For the first time in over two years of league play in the NPPA Elrick Pat Beazer 8 Ball Team Tournament, a Titans player forfeited. With a 15-minute grace period for the opening match and five minutes thereafter between sets, Charbel was unable to present. Ringo claimed the 2–0 forfeit win. No cue struck. Just points on the sheet. 2–0 Money Team.
Champions don’t usually give away racks. That one stung.
One of the headline clashes of the night. Titans’ new addition Andrew versus Michael — who lifted a trophy with Titans last season before returning to Money Team. Andrew came out hot, claiming the opening rack. But Michael responded like a man who knew the room well. Two straight racks. Clinical. 3–0 Money Team.
The hill was coming into view early.
Stamma, recovering from a recent emergency surgery, showed heart just stepping to the table. But Cue Ball Ricky wasn’t in a charitable mood. The Titans man delivered two straight racks, clean and decisive, putting Titans on the board. 3–1.
A pulse.
Next, was the veteran presence of My Boy, versus the young fire of Inshan, MVP of the league’s first year, reminded everyone why. Calm patterns. Confident finishing. Two well-constructed racks that pushed Money Team to the hill. 4–1.
Pressure shifted hard.
With the night hanging in the balance, the Titans captain B.A.D.stepped up against the formidable Comeback Kid of Money Team. He dropped the first rack but tightened the screws defensively and adjusted beautifully. Comeback Kid couldn’t find his way home. Two straight racks under maximum pressure. Titans stayed alive. 4–2.
You could feel the room lean forward.
Ses — the man who sealed last year’s title for Titans — opened strong, taking the first rack against Keon. But Keon settled. Slowed it down. Thought it through. Intelligent positional play, sharp decision-making, and two straight racks later, the night was over.
Final Score: Money Team 5, Titans 2.
This wasn’t just a loss. It was a statement.
Titans have worn the crown for two straight seasons. Respect is earned, and they earned it. But this is a new year, a new race, and nobody is handing them a third trophy.
The armor didn’t shatter — but it cracked.