The 2005 Whitworth Masters comprised eight invited players; the seven top ranked players plus Branson Hoole.

Branson had stepped into the breach in 2004 at very short notice, and in appreciation for his efforts, was invited by the selection committee to deputise for Peter Shelley, who unfortunately had to decline for business reasons.

The first batch of matches in the qualifying rounds gave an early indication of the players likely to be in contention in the latter stages. Phil Mumford showed fine cuemanship, making a century and a ninety break in his first match against Steve Crosland, with a couple of very good floating white runs and a neat little masse cannon of worthy note. Phil Welham, the English Champion, failed at the first against Dave Nichols the reinstated amateur, and eventual winner, but recovered in his second match to inflict a heavy defeat on John Mullane. Welham had another scoring spree in his third match when outpacing the up and coming Robert Hall of Lincoln.

In the meantime Dave Nichols ended his robin run with three relatively narrow wins, and Jim McCann sailed through to the semi-finals looking confident and set for success. The semi-finals were as expected, tough encounters between players of matching experience. A dogged and lack lustre match between Welham and McCann saw the Darley Dale man earn himself a place in the final for the second year running. The second semi-final encounter saw Dave Nichols gathering pace and always looking dangerous whenever given the opportunity.

For me, the shot of the 'Masters' came from Phil Mumford when having been left a bad lye by Dave Nichols he played a masse in-off and spun the red ball a good 30 inches into the top corner pocket. A shot that raised a good round of applause from the ever faithful spectators. The final round, unfortunately, did not live up to expectations. Dave Nichols cut loose and Jim McCann appeared to lose his momentum . Heavy scoring by Dave with an average of thirty in the first half left Jim trailing for most of the game with very few opportunities to recover.

The 'Masters' lived up to its reputation of being tough competition in very enjoyable company. An evening's entertainment at the Darley Dale Cricket Club and refreshments provided by the wives of the local billiard enthusiasts put the icing on the cake for an excellent weekend's sport.

Referees in attendance:

Clive Scott, Dave Smith, Peter Cooper, Bob Slee, Mike Billinge, Dean Manders

Special Guests:

Clive Glover, Jock McGregor, Alf Nolan