THE semi-final and final games were played at Messrs. Thurston's, 45, Leicester Square, London, W. i, on June 12 and 13. The games were played on a standard table fitted with "S t a n f a s t" cushions and "Janus" cloth, and crystalate balls were used.
First: SILVER CHALLENGE TROPHY, presented to British Legion by the late J. M. Hogge. SOLID GOLD MEDAL, or CHAMPIONSHIP CUE AND CASE.
Second: GOLD-CENTRED MEDAL, or CHAMPIONSHIP CUE AND CASE.
Third: SILVER MEDAL, or CHAMPIONSHIP CUE AND CASE.
Fourth: SILVER MEDAL or CHAMPIONSHIP CUE AND CASE.
All Medals and Cues presented by Messrs. Thurston and Co. Ltd.
The preliminary rounds in this Tournament were very keenly contested, and some very good games were played, the co-operation between branches being excellent.
In the semi-final and final games, the Eastern, South-eastern, Northeastern and Wales areas were represented as follows: Robert White, Brill Branch, Bucks.; C. E. McGibbon, Netley Branch, Southampton; John Bellerby, Bishop Auckland Branch, Co. Durham; W. Grist, Cwm Branch, Mon., Wales.
In this game, C. E. McGibbon was, unfortunately, compelled to withdraw owing to sickness. Mr. White was awarded the game.
This was an excellent game, very keenly contested, and the standard of play was very high indeed. Mr. Bellerby, however, although brilliant at times during the game, could not quite find his best form, and was beaten by his opponent, who played very consistently and well during the whole game.
| W. Grist
24, 25, 36, 41, 51 | 500 | J. Bellerby
16, 18, 49, 53 | 389 |
This was a real good game, far better than the result would imply, for although Mr. White played extremely well at times, he could not possibly stand the pace of his opponent, who played right on top of his form, and averaged 15, and seldom went to the table without scoring.
Mr. Grist is not only to be congratulated on winning the trophy for his branch, but on his present form he should be quite capable of winning many others in the near future.
The sporting spirit throughout the Competition was extremely good, and all players really played the game.
All competitors in this year's result are new to the finals, although they have often played in the earlier stages of the competition, and this brings them all the more credit.
We trust that the trophy going to Wales will do much to increase interest in this Tournament and in billiards generally.
We congratulate the winner on his splendid effort.
| W. Grist
42, 45, 64, 65 | 1,000 | R. White
24, 33, 35, 50 | 574 |
The prizes were distributed by Captain Wilfred Kingdon, the Chairman of our Metropolitan Area, who congratulated the winners on their performance, and passed a special vote of thanks to Messrs. Thurston for the use of their hall and the presentation of cues and medals, and to Mr. W. G. Clifford for his valuable assistance to the Tournament.