Sport
9 March, 2026
Challenges after pool tournament team reshuffle
Only two players from the originally selected team — captain Mitch Phillips and 2025 David Harvey Shield winner Sam Postlethwaite — were able to take part.
ST ARNAUD representatives sides have been part of the Victorian Eight-Ball Country Cup Carnival for a 23rd year.
However, the local players faced unexpected challenges before making the trip to Mildura.
Only two players from the originally selected team — captain Mitch Phillips and 2025 David Harvey Shield winner Sam Postlethwaite — were able to take part.
The late reshuffle created difficulties the team was ultimately unable to overcome.
The weekend began in unusual fashion when Sam accidentally spilt a mug of coffee across the rear seat of Mitch’s car on the way to the venue. Considerable time was spent removing and cleaning the seat, and although the crisis was resolved early in the evening, it was an omen for what followed. St Arnaud’s opening match was against the Western District Ladies — a contest the team expected to win.
Early results suggested confidence was justified, with Mitch and Sam starting strongly and debutant Kyle Postlethwaite also claiming a frame.
However, seasoned players Ivan Wild and Steve Rodger went down, as did rookie Ben Medlyn, leaving scores level at 3–3.
It was left to the final debutant, Dan Harkin, who held his nerve superbly to secure the only victory of the day.
Round three produced St Arnaud’s heaviest defeat, going down 6–1 to Clarkfield.
The sole highlight was an exceptional effort from Mitch, who not only won his frame but cleared the table from the break.
With only two matches and a bye scheduled for Sunday, the team was playing for pride.
St Arnaud squandered a winning opportunity against the Geelong Wanderers before finishing the carnival with a loss to the unbeaten Sunraysia Gold side — a team softened up enough to be unexpectedly defeated in their semi-final.
Despite the tough weekend, Mitch and Sam both finished respectably with five wins and three losses. Sam’s final frame producing another high point for the St Arnaud contingent when he seven-balled his opponent.
Kyle Postlethwaite was next best at four wins and four losses, followed by Steve Rodger (2–6), Dan Harkin and Ivan Wild (1–7), and Ben Medlyn (0–8).
The St Arnaud season is scheduled to start on April 15.
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