Northern Ireland News

WINDSOR BILLIARDS CLASSIC

The big upset in the quarter finals was the surprise defeat of Paddy Donnelly by
Gerry Gavan, this putting Gerry into his first ranking semi-final. The All Windsor Clash
between Davy Pogue and team-mate Trevor Shields was a real nail-biter before Trevor just
got home. Tony Buttimer just edged out Tommy McCausland in the odd game in three, while
Davy Elliott ousted Banger’s Darl Hayes. The semi-finals went the way of the favourites with
Shields winning 3-0 and Elliott 3-1 after dropping the first game.

The final, which was watched by a full house, was won by Davy Elliott, who
throughout the final played some brilliant billiards, capped off by a great 132 in the final
game. The winners’ cheques were presented by Windsor Chairman Billy Craig, whose club
sponsored the event, and have also said they will be sponsoring the event next year.

WEST BELFAST BILLIARDS CLASSIC

Having reached the semi-final stages, the event was held over a weekend to
accommodate the N.I. International team’s fixture with England.

The semi-finals between Paddy Donnelly and Stephen Brown and Davy Elliott and
Sammy Clarke were expected to be won by the Number 1 Donnelly and Number 2 Elliott (and
winner of the fast 2 West Classics), but Sammy Clarke had other ideas and before his home
crowd defeated hot favourite Elliott, winning 500-456.

Young Stephen Brown gave Paddy Donnelly a run for his money before Paddy got
home 500-401; a good performance by the Junior International who was playing in his first
ranking semi-final.

The final between two West players never really got going due to a lot of tension in a
packed Clubroom. Sammy Clarke hit a 103 break to get himself back into the game, but a
couple of 50 odd breaks by Donnelly secured the title for the Number 1 ranked player.

Charlie Brady, West Club’s Chairman, presented the cheques to players. Davy
Pogue, Secretary of the Billiards Association, presented Belfast Crystal to referees Hugh,
Algie, Billy Doherty, Jim Stewart and Eddie Bell for officiating at the Windsor Final and West
Final. Players and Officials were treated to a cabaret by the West Club, after the
presentations.

Top break was a 168 by Paddy Donnelly (top 8 section), and 87 by Freddie Cahoon
(outside the top 8).

The next ranking event is the Premier Billiards Classic at Glengormley, sponsored by
Savoury Foods, Snooker Ireland and the host club owner Eugene Crazier.

On the international scene, Scotland have confirmed that they will be coming to
Northern Ireland on the 6th – 8th June to play a return against our national team, who travelled
to Scotland last year. The game will be played at the seaside venue of Bangor Reading
Rooms. A warm welcome awaits the Scottish squad.

VLADIVAR BELFAST & DISTRICT BILLIARDS LEAGUE

With 3 weeks of the season still to go, Windsor ‘A’ have assured themselves of the
league title. After 18 matches they have only suffered 1 defeat, so it’s congratulations to
Davy Pogue, Trevor Shields, Freddie Cahoon, Sammy Currie and reserve Billy Craig, who
also played his part, stepping in when somebody wasn’t available. Trevor Shields holds the
top break to date (131) and Freddie Cahoon looks likely to become Player of the Year with
just 3 games left, so it’s been a good year so far for the Windsor men, with the cup events
still to go.

JACK BATES MEMORIAL

The annual match between the two Belfast leagues, the Vladivar B & D and the Irish
News Provincial League will be taking place shortly for the”Jack Bates Memorial Trophy”.

The best players from each of the 2 leagues will be competing, in honour of probably our
country’s best ever billiards player. Do any of your readers recall Jackie Bates?

“THANKS FOR EVERYTHING”

Finally, through “The Amateur Billiard Player”, could I, on behalf of all the Northern
Ireland party who travelled to Kings Lynn for the recent International say a big “thank you” to
Derrick and Peg Townend and the sponsors for all their kindness and hospitality. We all had
a great time and look forward to welcoming you back to Northern Ireland next year for the
third playing of the friendly cup. A special thanks also to the Mailings Snooker Club for
hosting and sponsoring the event; it was a pleasure to play in very pleasant surroundings,
and Manager Kevin of the club couldn’t have done more for us.

Thanks from all the Northern Ireland party.