There was a disappointing entry of 47 for the inaugural Ellis Lloyd Memorial event. This end of season ABC competition provided an opportunity to collect a trophy and keepsake engraved glass tankard donated in memory of Ellis, a great friend of billiards, who died on Christmas day last year.
There were six juniors amongst the entrants and players had journeyed from Exeter and Teesside.
Lee McKenna was the only successful junior in their opening matches, the 15 year old did well to beat Richie Evans but then met CIU champion Darren Kell and was comfortably beaten.
Darren praised Lee later as being a useful player in the making.
Tony King was overpowered by Peter Shelley (88 & 54 breaks), Jimmy Chambers lost by 37 to 19 year old John Hartley and Dean Bavister fell to English champion Paul Bennett (50).
Danny Thompson and Matthew Sutton were allocated a bye to the second round but were then beaten by Derick Townend and Ivan Chambers (55) respectively.
Jamie Moore had breaks of 59,91 & 55 in his opening win over Bern French but then lost to Tony Henke who subsequently lost to Phil Welham. Henke had made runs of 63 & 75 when beating David Metcalfe in his opener.
Bill Andress had a 62 break when beating David Atack then a 102 when putting out Ray Moore, but then lost to Richard Lodge who had (61 & 56) wins over Gary Norman and (50) Peter Shelley.
Neal Rewhorn playing from his home base opened with a score of 413 when beating Albert Beard and 414 (92 & 77) against John White.
Breaks of 127 & 102 were made by Neal when eliminating Darren Kell and a 55 when putting out Richard Lodge.
David Nichols continued his fine promise, the 22 year old Eastern Counties bleach blonde made progress to the semi finals via wins over Harry Willis, Tony Keeling and Ivan Chambers. His jaunt was halted by Neal Rewhorn.
Lee Lagan opened his account with a 507 score and break of 153 that proved to be the days highest, when beating Brian Harvey. He went on to beat Gary Rogers and Jim McCann (79) before losing to Paul Bennett in the semi final.
Paul Bennett accounted for Paul Dunning with a 110 break then had runs of 60,91, 56 & 66 when beating John Hartley then six breaks of 50 plus and a 141 when swamping Phil Welham.
The final was a re-run of the recent CIU semi final and English Championship final as Neal Rewhorn took on Paul Bennett.
Neal proved to be a winner in a disappointing game, only one break of 50 was made in the match.
Phil Davis, an ABC stalwart, collected his first material reward by winning the Plate event after his victory in the final over Gary Norman.