John Roberts, has been called the Father of Modern Billiards. He bestrode the Billiards world like a colossus for some forty years. He was an aristocrat and an autocrat, he made a fortune from the game and there are many stories which recall how, in his day, he was Billiards. He played his farewell match in June 1906 but in fact played many more games after this date and in 1910 made a visit to Australia where he was seen by the young Walter Lindrum. Below is an extract from the, "Daily Telegraph," of June 4th, 1906 reporting on Roberts's official farewell.
"Saturday will be a memorable day in the annals of English Billiards. John Roberts, undoubtedly the greatest handler of the cue the country has ever seen, made his last appearance as a public professional player, and defeated Edward Diggle, after a struggle extending over a fortnight, for a silver cup presented by Burroughes and Watts.Limited. Diggle, who will be remembered as the principal winner at the recent tournament under the auspices of the same firm, was on this occasion conceded a start of 2,500 points out of an aggregate of 18,000, and was beaten by 606. Hengler's Circus, Argyll Street, was the scene of the operations. There had been very little change in the internal arrangements of the building. But the circle had been substantially floored and handsomely carpeted, and in the centre stood the table, a magnificent specimen of the manufacturers' art. It was lighted by means of six electric jets, and every phase of the game could be seen to perfection from all parts of the hall. When Roberts appeared on Saturday afternoon he was greeted by rounds of hearty applause by a large attendance which included some members of both Houses of Parliament, the veteran respectfully bowed his acknowledgements. Diggle modestly stood in the background, but his reception, too, was exceedingly cordial.
There was a large attendance to witness the final stage of the match in the evening when the table in the arena was adorned with three notable ornaments. One was a silver tea-service won by Roberts at St. James's Hall so far back as December, 1866, another the magnificent championship trophy, and the third the fine silver cup, the gift of Messrs Burroughes and Watts, to be handed to the winner of the present match. Again Roberts was accorded a big reception, especially by the ladies, who formed a substantial portion of the spectators. The giver of points added only 5 to his unfinished break. Diggle simply responded with four leaving a double baulk with Roberts in hand. After a lovely cannon of the cushion, the veteran settled down in grim earnest. Coaxing the balls to the top of the table he scored a number of nursery cannons, lost position.but regained it with a splendid screw-back cannon, the red ball travelling all round the table and coming back to within a few inches of the white. Cannons again became the order, and Diggle himself remarked, sotto voce, "it's like shelling peas." after scoring 151 Roberts failed, leaving the red within the jaws of the right-hand top pocket. Diggle responded with 126, the break including quite a number of well-judged screw back cannons. Roberts now went at it hammer and tongs, and achieved what proved to be the break of the evening. Some amazing cannons were followed by a delightful long jenny and then came a sequence of nursery cannons, fourteen in all, which were characterised by marvellous delicacy of touch. Varying the monotony, Roberts ran through the white only to secure position for another run of cannons. Finally he tried to pot the red and screw back for a cannon, but miscued, and the break came to an end at 425. The audience cheered, and the veteran, now with 200 of home, had to bow his acknowledgments. Diggle played up courageously and made 96, when he missed an up-and-down cannon with the greatest of hard lines. Meanwhile, Roberts had carried his score up to 17,889, at which point he proceeded to the table with the evident determination of finishing the match. And he succeeded too, the absolute last stroke being a winning hazard. The red ball was bashed into the pocket with a bang, and when the veteran was proclaimed the victor in the final match of his career the audience gave way to their enthusiasm.
| Roberts
| 18,000 | Diggle
(+2500)
| 17,394 |
"Mr Roberts, who was greeted with applause, said in reply: I wish to thank Messrs Burroughes and Watts for the very generous manner in which they have managed this farewell billiard match, and take this opportunity of stating that I think that the profession generally is much indebted to this firm. During my career as a billiardist, extending over forty years, they have always been ready and willing to take up any idea which appeared to offer encouragement to the profession, and carry it out in substantial manner. Though I have this evening played my last public match. I do not intend to give up all interest in the profession. I have a saloon in Leeds with thirty-one tables, that will require my attention periodically, and I hope to have others in the provinces. In addition I shall present to the public during the forthcoming season Madam Strebor, a pupil of mine, as a professional. So that you see I am in hopes of receiving further favours from the public. (Cheers) I hold the opinion that billiards is the game for ladies. No violent exercise is required. Delicacy of touch, wrist play, an even temperament.and constant practice are required to attain proficiency. In conclusion I have a pleasurable duty to perform. Believe me when I say that I cannot find words to express what I wish to convey in the way of thanking you for the very generous support and encouragement I have always received from the public. It has been stated that I have been the means of elevating the tone of the game. If this is so I have received my reward in your approbation. I have only one word more, and that is goodbye.(Loud Cheers) Mr. Diggle, being called upon, made a little speech, and stated that in the event of his health continuing satisfactory he should challenge both Dawson and Stevenson to matches on level terms next session."
When Roberts made his trip to Australia in 1910 he was said to be, "approaching his 63rd year," Andrew Rickets, ' Walter Lindrum,' Page 30) and so he must have been born in 1848. He would thus have been aged 22 when he beat Willie Cook for the Championship in 1870. Roberts won the title eight times in all the last time being 1885. He did not win again because he did not enter, but he remained the best player for many years after that date. I do not know the date of Roberts death - can any reader oblige?