THE above players met on Thursday evening last at the Bedford Hotel, Balham, where there is an excellent room, well fitted with every convenience.
Play commenced at twenty-three minutes past eight o'clock, Cook being the first to score, starting with a break of 106 off the balls, Roberts's first break being 53. Cook, with one small break of 7 in between, then scored 82; on which Roberts replied with one of 25. But the latter player, on reaching 81, commenced the break of the evening, which consisted of 600 off the balls, containing series of 32, 34, and 121 spot hazards. Of course this break brought down the house, great regret being felt that it should have terminated in Roberts's making a miss cue. Cook, who invariably plays well when his opponent does, then played a break of 247, after which the interval of 48 minutes ensued.
On resuming play, three innings each finished the game, which was 750 up; and at thirty-five minutes past ten Roberts made the game-stroke, winning by 224 points.
This fine piece of billiards was followed by an equally fine exhibition of pyramids, Roberts being again the victor, winning four games to Cook's one. In the last game Roberts put in all the 15 balls in succession, running in off the last ball amidst much laughter. The greatest feat in the pyramid was the American's, who put in all the 15 balls at once, and then ran in, so the 15 balls had to be put up, and he to owe one.
THE return match between these players took place on Wednesday evening at the Grand Hotel, Bristol, when Collins, who is a native, was supported by a good muster of his friends, and this time turned the tables on his opponent, who, however, was conceding an extra 50. As usual, both men were behind time. Half an hour late, the Bristol man commenced with the usual miss, and after a similar shot from his opponent, put in 40, which he supplemented almost immediately afterwards with 131 (35 spots), and soon held a long lead. Bennett was playing very badly, and as Collins went in for another good 99 (29 spots), he at the interval was 694 to 407, Fred's best breaks having been 45, 30, 35. After the recess, play on both sides was poor for some time,
but Collins managed to hold his own, and by the aid of a good run of 131 (41 spots), eventually won by 69 points. A table, re-covered for the occasion, by Burroughes and Watts, was used.
ON Wednesday last Pursell's well-known rooms, which for years have been under the control of "old father" Stammers, were the scene of an exhibition game of 1,000 up, between these well-known players, Taylor conceding 100 points start. As usual, play commenced early (5.15), and the Yorkshireman, scoring very rapidly, with the assistance of 82 (19 spots), and 77, reached 309 to 59} when "Tom" pulled himself together, and put together a hard-earned all-round 84; but this availed him little, as Kilkenny, with 115 (13 spots), again drew away. "Putting out the spot" in earnest, Taylor here contributed 184 (45 spots), and the game was called 327 to 444, when the champion of Yorkshire, by the aid of some rather lucky play, ran up 73 (18 spots) and 33, when an interval took place, the score standing- Kilkenny 609, Taylor 414. After the interval, Taylor was first to make any stand of note, he contributing 196 (62 spots), when the marker called "633, 655," the Northerner in front. Kilkenny then got in with 37, 47, and 82 (14 spots), which, with lesser breaks, helped to take him right away again, although Tom had meanwhile made 54 and 25. The uncertainty of the game now had a fresh illustration, as Taylor, with 106 (31 spots) and 82, ran away to the front, reaching 905 to his opponent's 838. Virtually the match was now all over, as Taylor, by the aid of 91 (28 spots), ran clean out, an easy winner by 157 points.
AT the Globe Hotel, Newton Abbott, the Champion conceded Tom Taylor 250 points in 1,000, and beat him easily, although at one time it looked any odds on the youngster. The game was a short and decisive one, the best breaks being-Roberts 240 (71 spots), Taylor 128 (29 spots), 178 (38 spots); and the game eventually reached-Taylor 973, Roberts 577, when the latter went clean out, but being requested to continue his break, continued on until he had scored 1,135, the break numbering 558 (175 spots).
THESE players have been "starring it" in the provinces during the last two weeks. At Saltburn-on-the-Sea, Cook won two 500 games by 205 and 104 points respectively. At the Wellington Hotel, Rochdale, on a Burroughes and Watts table, Roberts won with an unfinished 243 by three points only; and at Greatbridge, Staffordshire, Roberts beat Cook by 244, both men making large breaks.
IT is stated on good authority that these matches will be resumed this year, and the players will be - Pontifex, Trinity College, for Cambridge, and A. L. Adey, for Oxford, in the single-handed match. They will be supported respectively by Horn (Oxford), and W. J. Sarkies (Cambridge), in the double-handed.
THE match of 1,000 up, in which Shorter receives 282 points, was to have been played on Thursday last, but in consequence of Shorter being ill, Stanley agreed to forego his chance of claiming forfeit, and to postpone the game until Monday next, when it will take place at 367, Strand.