Though there were only eight players entered the play was of a good standard with Rhys Cochrane quite outstanding. Only one player, apart from Cochrane, made a century break and this was 107 by Matthew Bolton. But there were many breaks in the 40 to 50 region and it is obvious that there is some useful billiards talent down under.
| R. Cochrane
141, 95, 144, 207 | 1,232 | A. Waller
61 | 654 | ||
| M. Bolton
107, 57 | 1,135 | A. Mahoney
| 610 |
| R. Cochrane
249, 107, 101, 64, 62, 50 | 1,552 | M. Bolton
| 1,065 |
The Under-18 billiards was played in conjunction with the Australian Interstate team championships. Cochrane, representing Queensland, reached the final and played against Aaron Mahoney representing Victoria. Cochrane won this match by 901 - 281 and made breaks of 133.118.69 and 64. During the competition Cochrane made breaks of 118.195. and many smaller efforts.
Theresa Whitten wins Inaugural Tournament A ladies billiards tournament was held during the weekend of the Victorian Ladies Minor Snooker championship. There were eight entries. The event was won by Theresa Whitten. Theresa beat Phyllis Beswick by 175 to 108 in the final. This total of 175 was the highest of the tournament The highest break was 18 also by Theresa.
Thirteen years have elapsed since Paddy Donnelly last won the Northern Ireland Title, but for Paddy it was a lucky thirteen as he defeated Andy Sharpe for his fifth win. Before a packed house, Paddy delighted his supporters with a string of 50+ breaks to defeat Andy 758 - 560. Andy is better known as a snooker player but played some good billiards throughout the championship, and knocked out defending champion Davy Elliott. John McIntyre had the top break -165. Donnelly will start next season ranked No.l. McIntyre moves to No.2 whilst Elliott drops to 3. Billy Loughan is No.4. The top four only are seeded in ranking events of which there will be at least four next season.
Open to players who have not won the Northern Ireland Title. The winner was Joe Heaney from the West Club. Heaney had a break of 54 in defeating Bobby Kerr by a mere eleven points in the final, 458 - 447. Kerr had a break of 51. The best break of the tournament was 104 by Colin Mylchreest.
At the Northern Ireland B&SCC AGM, Davy Pogue was unanimously elected the N.I. team manager taking over from Con Egan. Davy Pogue says:-
"I'm really looking forward to this new challenge as billiards is thriving here. I have plenty of plans for next season, not least that the proposed fixture with the England team will take place. We also have games lined up with the Republic Senior and 'B' teams, and there is to be a visit from the Malta International team.. Some of us are hoping to get over to England to play in some of the billiards events over there. We have a busy time ahead."
You certainly do have an interesting programme lined up for next year and, with the enthusiasm that there seems to be on your side of the water, I'm sure that you will have a very successful season. As regards events here, BQR will ask Derek Townend if he will send you his fixture list. Going on past years, the most convenient ABC Pro-Am would be the one which has been held annually at Widnes. Thank you Davy Pogue