TRI-NATION BILLIARDS
Sealand Leisure, Queensferry (17th-18th November 2001)
On Friday 16th November, players from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and England assembled at The Gateway To Wales hotel in Queensferry to compete in the annual triangular Billiards International between the countries.
With the addition of Eugene Hughes to the Republic squad, their team was unquestionably the strongest ever side to represent Eire in this competition. However the "host" nation were fully aware of the impending challenge from both visitors from across the water. The competition was staged by Sealand Leisure who afforded the tournament the luxury of closing down the main room of their club for the weekend to ensure top class playing conditions. No match was played on a table with anyone playing on an adjacent table, alongside or at either end.
Session 1 saw the best possible start for England with a clean sweep in the 2 hour sessions against Northern Ireland - the highlight of which was an impressive 546-322 victory by Darren Kell over 1999 IBSF World Semi-Finalist and Irish No.1 Paddy Donnelly. His win included the weekend's highest break of 140 backed up with further runs of 59 and 83.
Session 2 was the 2x150 up format between England and the Republic and marked the debut of Eugene Hughes in the competition with a fluent 2-0 victory over Phil Welham. Other highlights were a 107 break by Steve Crosland in his 1-1 draw with Vic O'Gorman and a run of 88 by Brian Harvey in his draw with Phil Martin. The closely fought session resulted in a narrow 7-5 win for England.
Session 3 was probably the decisive factor in the destiny of the tournament even though England were not involved! The pressure was on the Republic in these 2 hour games to match England's performance in Session 1. This challenge did not materialise and the session was shared. Eugene Hughes again showed his class with breaks of 125, 86 and 81 against John McIntyre but victories by Jimmy McLaughlin, Sammy Currie and Roy Lattimer gave Northern Ireland the draw.
The Saturday evening saw all three teams join referees, wives and guests at an official function held at The Gateway to Wales hotel. After an excellent meal, England Team Manager Derick Townend presented certificates to all players and officials to mark the occasion. He also presented a framed certificate to hotel manager Mike Sudbury in recognition of the hotel's co-operation in staging the weekend. Battle recommenced on the Sunday morning with Session 4 between the two Irelands in the 2x150 up format. Northern Ireland showed great character and fighting spirit with a tremendous 8-4 victory. The highlights were a beautiful 107 break by John McIntyre and a 1-1 draw secured by Jimmy McLaughlin against Eugene Hughes.
Session 5 saw England seal their victory with a 4-2 win over the Republic. Peter Shelley made the only century of the session along with four other breaks over 50 in his game with Victor O'Gorman. Brian Harvey had runs of 94 and 93 in his comfortable win over Larry Drennan.
The final session re-emphasised England's winning margin with a 9-3 victory over Northern Ireland. Darren Kell maintained his 100% record with a 2-0 win over Sammy Currie giving him 10 out of 10 points from his four games. Roy Lattimer finished his international debut with a creditable 1-1 draw against Peter Shelley.
At the conclusion of the event, a wonderful buffet was laid on in the lounge at Sealand Leisure. The Tri-nations Trophy was presented to Derick Townend by Ian Purcell, Manager of Sealand Leisure. The EABA wishes to thank Ian and the Corbetts group of companies for their cooperation and generous sponsorship in making this event such a success. Tribute was also paid to Clive Scott and his band of referees who carried out such sterling work in a thoroughly efficient manner over the whole weekend. Thanks were also given to Harry Wah who did much of the groundwork for this event at his local club.
