NORTHERN IRELAND NEWS

Northern Ireland v Republic of Ireland

Northern Ireland suffered a rare defeat when the Republic of Ireland beat them in the Billiards International played at Cellbridge, County Kildare. In the opening 3 games, Northern Ireland got off to a good start with Sammy Clarke beating Larry Drennan and Davy Pogue beating Dick Brennan. The Republic hit back with Phil beating debut boy Norman Whallett.

Northern Ireland's 1 & 2 Donnelly and Elliott were shocked by Victor O'Gorman and Aiden Murray, Donnelly going down 2-1 and Elliott crashing 3-0 in the 150 games. Junior player for Northern Ireland Stephen Brown had a 131 unf. break in his win over Robert Murphy. This game doesn't count in the International. 500 games earn 3 points for a win while 1 point is awarded for each 150 game won. Overnight, the score was 8-7 in favour of the Republic of Ireland with ail 5 games starting at the same time.

On Sunday it proved to be a real tense struggle. The performance of the day was by Davy Elliott who played great billiards to swamp Victor O'Gorman with runs of 103. 105 and 97 unf.

The last game to finish was the deciding factor. Paddy Donnelly, after trailing by 300, fought back to take the lead going into the home stretch, but a timely 57 by Aiden Murray and some careless shots by Donnelly saw Murray win the game and match for the Republic.

In the after dinner speeches Davy Pogue, the manager of Northern Ireland, invited the Republic of Ireland to Belfast next year for the annual match. Republic of Ireland team manager Tommy Martin presented mementoes to players and officials.

Saturday's Play

Seniors

Juniors

Sunday's Play

Seniors

Juniors

P.T.S. Reading Rooms Billiards Classic

The first points ranking event of the new season was a repeat of last year's final between number 1 and 2 ranked players in Northern Ireland.

Before a packed house, Paddy Donnelly played steady billiards throughout the match to get revenge for last year's defeat, thus defeating Elliott, 600 points to 417. Paddy had runs of 102 (first visit), 41, 43, 59, 90 and 96. Davy's best breaks were 54, 61 and 92.

The prizes and cheques were presented by Reading Rooms Secretary and Life President of the Billiards Association Stanley Kingsman, which leads me to a rather sad note.

Unfortunately this was to be Stanley's last role of service to the Reading Rooms and Association as he passed away suddenly 2 days later whilst having a game of his beloved billiards in the Reading Rooms, where he was ever present. Stanley was 81, and travelled everywhere to watch the game of billiards. Indeed myself, Davy Elliott and John McIntyre had the pleasure of Stanley's company for dinner after the final in the Reading Rooms, when he was in great spirits. Stanley will be sadly missed by all his friends in the Billiards fraternity.

The Windsor Billiards Classic

The Windsor Billiards Classic, sponsored by the home club, has thrown up some interesting results with all the games being played over 3 x 150 up to the semi-final and final when the 5 x 150 are introduced. This is the first time this format has been used in a ranking event by the Billiards Association.

The last 16 produced a few shocks, with the number 4 seed, Sam Clarke, being ousted by home-based player Trevor Shields, Trevor running out with a 65 in the deciding frame. Jimmy Mclaughlin was another player to bite the dust, being beaten 2-1 by Dunmurry's Tommy McCansland. Number 1 seed Paddy Donnelly was given a fright by Colin Mylchreest before he went through to the quarter finals by the odd game in three. The AH Windsor clash of Davy Pogue and Freddie Cahoon saw Pogue come back from one down to go through, aided by runs of 51, 59 and 43 unf. Freddie's best was a 55. Number 2 seed Davy Elliott eased through at the expense of Bobby Kerr.