With only the top few International qualifiers determined, it was once again down to the final ABC event of the season at the Reardon in Stoke to decide who would complete the final eight places in the rankings and an invitation for England duty next season. It was great to see some of the Northern Ireland International players over for the Easter weekend, along with their families, allowing them the chance to compete in an ABC for the first time.
In the preliminary round, there were some tight finishes, with both Tony Clegg and Andy Housley winning by a single point in their respective games against Mark Hatton and Peter Cooper. Reigning English Champion Tony James came down to earth with a bump, losing to Branson Hoole, despite making a 67 break. Matthew Sutton, appearing in only his second ABC of the season, made the highest break of the round, a 98, in a comfortable win over David Richardson.
Belfast's Sammy Currie had breaks of 69 and 62 in his game with David Burgess, but the Englishman still won by 101 points.
In the first round, Jimmy Chambers was in fine form, knocking in breaks of 140 and 136 against a helpless Mike Allen, whilst John Smith made a 113 in his win over Brian Moffatt. Brian Harvey ran in the highest hourly total of the day, when scoring 478 in his win over Andy Housley, including breaks of 97, 91 and 51. Added interest was given to the clash between David Rees and Phil Mumford with both players being on the outskirts of the top eight places. Rees sealed the victory with two breaks in the fifties. Alf Nolan was back in form following his recent ill health, and included a 92 break in his win over David Peaker.
Jim McCann made an excellent 164 break in his second round win over Phil Davis, whilst a 116 from Matthew Sutton helped him put out Nolan. Phil Welham and Brian Harvey both reached the quarter finals with respective wins over fellow England Internationals Paul Dunning and David Rees.
In the quarters, Teesside's Darren Kell made breaks of 70 and 62, but could only watch as Steve Crosland left it until the final event of the season to make the highest break of the year, a wonderful effort of 212.
This secured the EABA's inaugural National break prize, and ensured his progression to the semi-finals. Brian Harvey turned the tables on Matthew Sutton in a repeat of their English Championship semi-final clash, and Jim McCann and Phil Welham completed the line up for the last four.
Crosland's good form was not maintained in the semi-finals as he went out to McCann, who made breaks of 106 and 50. Brian Harvey continued his impressive run with a 52 point win over Phil Welham.
Brian went on to win the competition with the help of an 89 break in the final, this victory being sufficient to regain his place in the England squad. McCann's showing was also enough to book his place. Steve Crosland finished the season at the top of the rankings, ahead of Dave Burgess in second and English Champion Tony James in third. Mark Hatton is the only new face in the top eight, finishing in his best ever position of 7th.
Tony James won the plate event from a very strong line-up that included no fewer than seven International players. Breaks of 79 and 72 helped him to victory in the final against Sammy Currie of Belfast.