THE world in the present day moves round so fast, and the people in it are so soon forgotten, that a match between the above two players seems almost like a resurrection. So rarely does the ex-champion exhibit his fine and easy style of play in public that it may be said a new generation has arisen that know not Joseph.
We will therefore congratulate him on his return to public life, especially as his name is coupled with one which seems almost as great a fixture in the world of billiards as his own.
The Running Horse, at 82, Harrow-road, was the scene of the encounter on Wednesday evening last, and we are glad to say both players afforded a treat to those assembled. The billiard-room at the Running Horse can boast of an excellent table and ample room, and Mr. Ascott, the proprietor, has evidently grasped that first principle of business, viz., the more comfortable you make those around you the more comfortable will you be yourself.
The game commenced soon after eight o'clock, Bennett being the first to score, as screwing in off the red ball on the spot from the centre of baulk, instead of playing for the usual cannon off the white ball under the side cushion, he ran up a break of 18, when the balls kissing he was left with a baulk. Soon afterwards, however, he made five consecutive breaks of 28, 23, 22, 34, and 41, missing the last stroke of the break by a hair's breadth; indeed some thought it a cannon, but it was not for Joseph.
In the meantime Hughes's best break had been but 21, the balls certainly running very badly for him. Consequently Bennett, who gave Hughes 300 points in 1,000, reached 190 to Hughes's 391. After a series of small breaks, Bennet, following a break of 40 with one of 22, reached 380 to Hughes's 474; whereupon Hughes made a break of 64, to which Bennett replied with 37, when Hughes again countered with one of 49, thus reaching 587 to Bennett's 448. Shortly after this Bennett played another good break of 62, including 12 spots, which brought him to 512 to Alfred Hughes's 593, when the interval took place, the time occupied up to this point being one hour and twenty minutes. On resuming play Bennett still continued to gain on his opponent, and by means of a 32 and 42 (5 spots) break he reached 629, Alfred Hughes being only 635; the latter, however, here put on a well-played 40, and immediately after played two more fine breaks of 55 and 51, thus reaching 793 to Bennett's 662. On Bennett reaching 690 he made another capital break of 59. Hughes, however, continued to play in capital form, and near the end of the match the following breaks, 47 and 36, made him a winner of the match by 167 points.
The marker scored admirably, but like all truly great men he was modest, and requested that his name should not be mentioned.