The New Zealand champion makes his debut in this country at Bristol on October 3. He receives 1,000 in 8,000 from Melbourne Inman.
In practice at Messrs. Burroughes & Watts's and at Thurston's, McConachy has favourably impressed those critics who have been privileged to see him at work.
He has a delightful touch, shapes uncommonly well at the top of the table, ticks off close cannons with the delicacy of a Falkiner, and, of course, is a master of the losing hazard. He likes the ivory ball, and, in view of his very short acquaintance with it, handles it surprisingly well. Like the Australian amateur champion, Hooper, the ivory promises to improve the game of McConachy, instead of deteriorating it, as most of us were led to expect that it would.
McConachy and his brother (who was over here with one of the New Zealand contingent in the war) were entertained at luncheon at Frascati's on September 24 by Mr. J. R. Abbott, managing director of Messrs. Burroughes & Watts. It was a small and informal function, but our visitors enjoyed themselves immensely and appreciated the compliment.
in his managerial capacity at the New Burroughes Hall, J. P. Mannock's first executive act was to announce that there would be only one price of admission to view the Second Division Tournament. To all seats the flat rate of 2s. 4d. (including tax) will be charged, an innovation that has much to commend it and is sure to be popular.
Willie Smith scored his first 2,666 points in twenty-five turns against Falkiner at Wolverhampton. This gives an average of over 106 per innings, and reflects remarkable form at such an early stage of the season.
Motoring and billiards seem to go well together with Smith, which is contrary to theory and all preconceived notions. He goes everywhere in his Rover-Sunbeam, and has almost forgotten what it is to ride, in a train. He always takes the wheel himself, but it does not appear to affect his touch at billiards. A spin of 200 miles or so in a day seems to be nothing wonderful to this ardent motoring-golfing-billiardist.
Racing has occupied much of Tom Reece's attention these last few years, but he still hankers after the "scalps" of his billiard "enemies." His great and abiding ambition is to get a match with Inman, Newman, Smith, or Falkiner on a neutral table in a neutral hall, and with neutral ivories, for a minimum stake of £500 aside, which can be increased to any amount.
Reece, whatever his failings, always had the courage of his convictions, and is quite serious in his challenge. He is ready with his money at the first sign of a "nibble." In any case, the Oldham player will throw down the gauntlet in the championship, and is keeping his hand in with an occasional game. He declares he is going to follow the example of the late John Roberts and reach the zenith of his billiards career round about 50. He is 48, and therefore the doyen of the active billiard profession.
It has been suggested that Reece and amateur champion Sidney Fry may engage in a week's match for charity. Reece suggests 3,000 in 9,000, but Mr. Fry thinks the allowance should be a little more liberal. The idea is good, as it would help us to find out exactly the difference between the best of amateur and professional talent.
Some comment, and most of it unfavourable, has been occasioned by Inman's newspaper attempt to belittle the ability of Claude Falkiner. Whatever is behind it all (and one suspects something that has nothing to do with the question of merit), our friend Melbourne does not enhance a reputation for consistency by dragging in the name of Reece in support of his argument. To Inman, Reece is now "right there," but it is not so very many months ago since the self-same Inman said things about his "ole pal" that made one wonder if billiards was really Reece's game at all.
These attacks are to be deprecated, whether emanating from Inman, Smith, Newman, Reece, Falkiner, or anybody else, and tend to increase the bad feeling that has been far too prevalent in professional billiard circles during the past few years. Moreover, it may be suggested that the only fair and square way to get "one in" on a rival is to do it on the billiard table. That is the only way recognized by every good sportsman, to whatever pastime he belongs.
Joe Davis, the twenty-year-old Chesterfield professional, has shown himself to be the most promising recruit to the profession for over a decade. Ambitious and levelheaded, a teetotaller and non-smoker, and possessing remarkable talent, he looks like developing into another Newman.