OVER a period of 20 years plus, Steve Cole has seen the rise and fall of Park Gate RBL A.

A 10-0 home drubbing by Terry Azor’s all-stars, City Transport A, followed a game two weeks previously when the once great side managed to field just two players for the trip to Swaythling B.

But it isn’t all bad.

Park Gate RBL A finished ninth in the Premier last season and were promoted to the new eight-team Super League after Totton Rec A declined to enter.

They now hold fifth spot.

And seven players were on hand for the visit of City Trans. Joining Cole, Dave Rees and three recent signings from the Portsmouth league, were Ronnie Binns and Cole’s old schoolfriend and former practice partner Tony Bennett.

Perhaps the dynasty started by players like Colin Norton, Bob Cooper, Richard Parsons, and Jimmy and Danny Auld, is re-awakening.

Cole, 40, said: “You’ve got two or three good teams but there’s not a lot of strength in depth elsewhere. You do need a strong five to challenge. Unless you get a couple of new players you’re going to struggle to challenge a lot of the youngsters.”

Cole even played alongside his old woodwork and metalwork teacher John Lambert in the early days.

But as he pointed out: “The standard’s crept up (since then).”

Indeed. But who was best? Colin Norton or Bob Cooper.

Cole nominated Norton, just. “When he played for us, Colin was exceptional,” he said. “He was very, very solid in a match. If he was on 50 or 60 and the frame wasn’t won, he wouldn’t take a chance.”

Rees, 47, from Waterlooville, recalled the team’s heyday: “It was awesome. Steve was loving it. They couldn’t touch us.”

And Rees reckons the Southampton league is now much stronger than the Portsmouth league.

Azor, City Trans A captain, said: “I certainly think Steve - like me - has matured and is still playing decent snooker. I always enjoy coming here.”