FRANK RICHARDS SINGLES TROPHY

SIMON IS CROWNED COUNTY CHAMPION

Simon Pearce was victorious in the final of the Frank Richards Singles Trophy on Monday night when he overcame a spirited challenge from 18-year-old Arran Chessmore.

Both players struggled on a challenging table at the British Legion, but Simon (Balfour) got the better of the conditions and ran out a 3-1 winner. A couple of the frames could have gone either way, and Arran (Saundersfoot) put up a good performance against an experienced campaigner.


The first frame was a very even affair with the lead going back and for all the time. But when it came to the nitty gritty at the end Simon potted the black for a 1-0 lead. In the second frame Arran played very well, gaining a decent lead and stamping his authority on the frame with a 25 break.

He kept his opponent at bay and eventually ran out an easy winner. The third frame followed the pattern of the first with both players having chances to wrap it up in the closing stages.

Simon then managed to pot the pink to go 2-1 up. Simon got off to a good start in the fourth frame and kept the pressure on his young opponent to win with a decent margin and become county singles champion.

Arran played really well in all the frames and it is a sure thing that it will not be his only appearance in a snooker final.

There was a disappointing turn out for the final with spectators only just reaching double figures. The league are looking at streaming future finals to make them more accessible given we are now living in the digital age.

Thanks to Peter Thomas and Ian Ashworth who shared the refereeing duties.

CARLSBERG CUP FINAL:

LEE LIFTS CUP IN LAST FRAME DRAMA

Lee Boswell won the Carlsberg Cup in a nail-biting last frame with a classy display of potting on Monday night. In an all Manchester Club final, Lee took the first two frames against a nervous Jason Hackett and it looked like it was all over.

Jason got his act together and won the next two frames to set up a tense final frame decider. In the final frame it was nip and tuck all the way until Lee potted the brown, blue and pink to become Division Two singles champion.

This was an excellent match with both players getting double figure breaks and was played in the best of spirits. It was pleasing to see both players dressed in appropriate attire for the final, and were a credit to the Manchester Club and the Snooker League.