It was "third time lucky" for Robert Hall, who succeeded in winning his first Amateur Billiards Circuit tournament at Leeds on Sunday 13th February, having just failed at the final hurdle on two previous occasions this season. In fact, luck had very little to do with this victory, as he had to overcome some stiff opposition in almost every round, defeating in turn, Peter Shelley, Jim McCann, Phil Mumford and ultimately David Rees in the final.

A total of 49 players managed to find the venue at the Northern Snooker Centre, which is not exactly the best sign-posted location on the circuit. Amongst the leading players who did not attempt the exacting feat of navigation were Martin Goodwill and David Nichols, both of whom dropped down the rankings as a consequence. This tournament was the last of the season's six events, which are organised by Harrogate's Derick Townend.

Hall made three centuries during the course of the day, which included a run of 102 early in the final against David Rees. Despite an almost immediate reply of 72 by Rees, this opened a lead which would not be relinquished. Hall, having the better of subsequent exchanges, completed a 315-201 victory with an average of 16.6.

In a model display of consistency, this was an almost identical scoreline to his semi-final win against Phil Mumford, which was 312-202 with an average of 15.6. Meanwhile, Rees had reached the final with a victory over ex-professional, Andrew Sage, who is finding success more easily achieved on the amateur circuit.

Boosted by a contribution from the Northern Snooker Centre, the prize fund amounted to £610 with Rob Hall receiving £150, David Rees £100, and additional cash prizes going down to the last 16 losers. Peter Shelley made the highest break of the day with 187, and Phil Welham had the best one-hour aggregate of 529.

The Plate event returned a surprising winner in Wayne Fox, who comes from Thornaby in Teesside. He had not previously made a break of over fifty in competition, but in the final of the Plate, he made two of exactly that number to defeat the experienced and highly regarded Bill Andress 324-163.