So far as the season just finished in Australia is concerned, it can be classed as the most successful to date. In a way, there was rather an embarrassment of riches in the shape of four visiting cueists from over the water, besides our local contingent, which now includes A. E. Williams —who can be classed as a resident Australian, as he is qualified to vote at the next Federal elections.
No professional championship matches took place at billiards, all the players being satisfied that Lindrum, per medium of the deadly red ball, would be difficult to dethrone; so the youth retained the title undisturbed. "he battle "of the year was between Reece and Inman, and for the first time in the history of the game Reece managed to defeat Inman in a level match over two weeks. This game caused considerable interest, not through the importance of the meeting, so much as the fine displays given by both players, who were in excellent form, making breaks of 584 and 513, which rank next to Lindrum's 731 as the highest run of the season.
Earlier in the year Lindrum conceded Williams 1,000 in 16,000 on two occasions, which ended in victories for the Colonial by 4,308 and 3,928. Lindrum displayed much better billiards in those contests than in any of his later games.
The merit of these victories was greatly emphasized when Williams a few weeks later defeated both Reece and Inman in games of 9,000 up, in which he received starts of 1,000 and 1,500. Reece held his own, being just beaten by the points conceded, but Inman's deficit amounted to 2,352. As Williams had previously defeated Weiss by 3,583 in 14,000 level, and was next to Reece in averages for the whole season in big games, he should be very pleased with billiards in 1912. Unfortunately an operation at Adelaide prevented him from partaking in a money match with Reece, which might have brought even more distinction to his name.
To the Harverson-Diggle exhibitions little space need be devoted. Right from their opening game in Melbourne Diggle appeared to have been attacked by the complaint known as "that tired feeling," which is so difficult to diagnose. During the tour Harverson only suffered one defeat— in the first engagement with Lindrum—and that might easily have been turned into a win had he so desired.
His performances were:—
In long games he scored 63,693 out of a possible 64,000, winning three games and losing one. His highest break was 430, and an average of 32.91 for the four games. Harverson came fifth on the list of the season's averages.
As with the professionals, amateur billiards in 1912 reached Australian high-water mark. Several records were made. The first was that for the first time since the inauguration of the contests more than two States took part in the Australasian billiard championship. This year Queensland and South Australia joined forces with New South Wales and Victoria, with the result that most interesting contests took place. The following list of champions of the year may be useful for filing purposes:—