Sport
25 October, 2024
Local Jason Stewart representing Victoria in Australian Eight Ball champs
October has been a month to remember for local Jason Stewart, venturing to Perth to participate in the Australian Eight Ball Federation national championships.
Stewart has had a terrific time playing in the Masters grade for Victoria, while he has also had assistance from fellow district local Steven Shovan, who is a non-playing team manager.
With the tournament reaching it’s end, Stewart, at the time of production, has had a productive tournament, taking 19 frames from 32 out of the 14 matches he has played.
As a result, Victoria currently sit third in the competition, sitting behind only South Australia and Western Australia.
Stewart outlined how he was able to make the grade for Victoria.
“We had tryouts in Melbourne, in Bundoora, which was a two-day tryout, and I finished second in my group, so I got a pass in by qualifying,” he said.
“We had 40 participants trying to get in, and I had a pretty good weekend that weekend, and that’s how I got a berth in the coveted Victorian state side.”
After a slow start, Stewart said the ability to build confidence on the table has helped the Victorian team out greatly.
“The level of pool is so high, especially with the top teams,” he said.
“You’re talking about players who are Australian champions in their age groups, both in open and over 50s, so the standard is really high and it’s very intense.
“In front of the TV sometimes, it can be a bit overawing, so for us, it was a bit of settling the nerves, and it’s also a new team we have, so it has taken a bit of time to build.
“We were slow starters and we hadn’t gelled, but we are starting to play some solid pool, but it’s also a different format, so if you try to be too aggressive, the top teams will crucify you, so there’s an element of tactics too, knowing when to go.
“I started off really nervy, and I think I was something like 2-5, but from there, I’ve built my confidence up, and I’ve made sure that I’ve dug in when I’ve needed to.
“The results have come my way and I’ve been confident, not overawed, but to be top three in my first Nationals while going at 60 per- cent, I’m proud of it.
“I’m proud of the fact that I’m wearing a Victorian jumper at the best of times, but to not get stage fright and contribute to the team has been really satisfying for sure.”
Stewart also praised Shovan for his work as team manager throughout the tournament.
“I spent a bit of time with him over the last few years, trying to help him improve some stuff and he’s coming along pretty well,” he said.
“He was with me that day at the tryouts. He’s been trying to progress his pool, so he’s been playing in Ballarat and Bendigo.
“He was asked if he wanted the gig and he jumped at it. I think it’s amazing of Steven to be honest, he’s done a pretty good job, so well done to him.”
Stewart said the team aspect could not be overlooked throughout the tournament.
“It’s a team sport, even if you look at individual results, it’s the way you need to play,” he said.
“Sometimes the results don’t reflect how well you are playing. If we are doing the team things, everyone wins their game that counts.
“We were close against Western Australia and South Australia, got to 6-6 against both of them, and it could have gone both ways. We’re hoping we get another crack at them.”
Now, Stewart, with his experience, wants to continue growing the game in Maryborough, particularly through a youth movement.
“We have our own venue at the old Rovers social room, and we have 220 members in Maryborough,” he said.
“The challenge for us now in the pool community is to embrace the young people, have open nights and family nights, and grow it.
“We’re batting above our weight, with two nights of competition. It’s a good effort, we have quality tables and it’s well-run. It’s a good thing for us as a community.
“The Highland has jumped on board, the Golf Club has jumped on board.
“When I get back, I’ve been talking to the shire, the challenge for us is to get the kids into it. If we do that, we get some coaching and I think we have growth going forward.”