SUCCESS on the table isn’t the only reason Westbury pool player Danny Tallentire can afford to crack a smile.

Partner Shannon fell pregnant one-month into the England international’s 2017/18 season, and it seems the thought of welcoming a new member to the family spurred Tallentire to complete his best season to date.

The 25-year-old not only won the Pool National A Team Southern Region title, but also topped the league’s averages with ‘a game in hand’.

Losing just 10 of his 40 frames this season, Tallentire’s remarkable year was topped off when Evie was born two weeks after his final game.

He said: “I found out about Shannon’s pregnancy a month into the season.

“In the second half of the season I was suddenly in a position where I’d be competing for top spot in the averages.

“For my last game I had Shannon in the back of my mind and my opponent joked that he hoped she’d go into labour on that day.

“She didn’t and later gave birth to Evie who’s been excellent. We’re both very happy.”

Tallentire pinned part of his form boost to practising on a regular basis after purchasing his own table since moving in with Shannon.

The Wiltshire A skipper said: “The season has gone really well.

“It was my first year as captain, so I was feeling a bit of pressure, but it couldn’t have gone better for me.

“The short format means it’s a lottery, which is why I’m surprised I topped the averages.

“A bad day can set you back so to top the averages by 30 points – which is like ending the season with a game in hand – was very pleasing.

“I couldn’t have predicted this before the start of the season. I’ve finished in the top ten before which allows you to trial for England but never top.”

After dominating the regional scene, Tallentire now aims to kick on with his international career – starting at this year’s Nations Cup.

After snubbing a GB U23s spot to link up with the senior squad, the Westbury cueman has quickly found his feet on the international baize.

He said: “I’ve had a good run and competed in different countries. We have the Nations Cup later this year, we can expect to face tough competition from Scotland and Northern Ireland while Australia and Gibraltar are strong too.

“I’ve been trying to get better.

“I had a few bad seasons and slightly lost my way. But since I moved in with Shannon I’ve got my own table and had the time to practise.

“Pool is a confidence game, and when you’re playing well things are easy.”