ENGLISH JUNIOR RANKING SERIES: 2004/05

Event One: Hartlepool Snooker Centre, Hartlepool

Sunday 5th September, 2004

The first of the season's Junior billiards tournaments took place at the Hartlepool Snooker Centre on Sunday 5th September, 2004. The 15 entries were almost exclusively from the Teesside area, only Daniel Weston, who travelled across from the North-west, making a journey of any significance. His dubious reward was a first round draw against Michael Donnelly, who played outstanding billiards all day and eventually came through the field to win the event with some ease.

Donnelly, who had good breaks in all his matches, made the highest of the day (68) in the final against Dominic Mulhall, who was also displaying good break-building expertise in earlier rounds. However, in the final test he found Donnelly was always moving too fast, and after an hour's play had to concede defeat 357-233.

Two local snooker players, Kalem Lodge and Darren Cook, did exceptionally well to reach the semi-final stages, but were then easily defeated by Mulhall and Donnelly respectively, who, despite their comparative youth, are already seasoned campaigners with extensive experience of match-play billiards.

Donnelly took £45 and a fine trophy for his victory, which included £5 for his high break. The win also gave him an early lead in the national rankings. Mulhall received £20 for his contribution to the day's entertainment, and ex-IBSF World Snooker Champion, Neil Moseley, who is resident at the Hartlepool venue, presented the prizes.

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