THE Portland and District Eight Ball Association has fulfilled a long-time ambition with success at last month’s Victorian Eight Ball Country Cup Championships, held at Warrnambool.

Portland has long been trying to get a start at the championships and finally got their chance when division four side Sunraysia Green withdrew from the 30th annual tournament.

That allowed Portland a place in the field – competing against Geelong Wanderers, Clarkefield, St Arnaud, Whipstick Miners, Western District Ladies, Goldfields, Western Plains and Bendigo Ladies.

And not only did Portland perform well, they were able to take out the division four title.

The Portland association is now in the midst of planning the Portland Open tournament, which will be held at the Royal Hotel on weekend of June 24-26 with about 70 entrants expected and a $1000 prize for the winner.

The Portland and District Eight Ball Association was formed in 1969 and generally plays two seasons each year at various venues.

The current season has 14 teams, split evenly between divisions one and two, with competition held each Wednesday night.

As well as the strong contingent of Portland teams, there are also three teams from Heywood and one from Condah.