THE ENGLISH NATIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Reardon, Hanley, Stoke

Sunday 26th April 1998

Only nine of the 16 entered sides which had originally entered the event, reported to the venue of the much delayed and amended competition.

A tenth team had been expected to attend but didn't report, thereby affecting the playing arrangements. Two preliminary matches were played, then Derby benefited with a bye in the first round proper. All matches were of aggregate scores with three players per team in one hour games from a named squad of four.

Upset was further caused as two members of an eliminated side—reportedly the worse for drink—caused problems with taunting, and the use of foul and abusive language. A future Association meeting will receive two sources of complaint against the alleged offenders and disciplinary action may be considered.

Preliminary round action saw Darley Dale eliminate Cheshire while Bradford beat the Ironopolis (Middlesbrough) side by 25 points.

Darley Dale were beaten in the first round despite winning two games, Tony James for the North East took them through by 33 points.

The Bradford v Hemlington Social (Middlesbrough) game saw 10 breaks over 50 with Lee Lagan the most impressive with a 332 point win after breaks of 87, 91, 81 and 56 unfinished.

Doncaster eliminated the Leeds trio despite a fine win by Steve Crosland.

Mick Andrew (71 break) performed well for Doncaster, but couldn't prevent the North East making progress with Tony James and Alf Nolan winning in their semi final.

Meanwhile Derby who had to wait for the semi final before seeing action, were out-gunned by Hemlington who had Paul Bennett (68 & 74) and Lee Lagan (78 & 60) winning by almost 300 points each.

The final would see another national title going to Teesside, as Hemlington comfortably saw off the challenge of the North East side.

Paul Bennett had 64,75 & 79 breaks in his near 200 point win over Ron Whitten while Mark Hatton was a 50 plus victor over Tony James.

Lee Lagan produced the only century break of the tournament with a 181 unfinished run to beat Alf Nolan comfortably.