Black ball finale at Menstone (From Ilkley Gazette)

Black ball finale at Menstone

8:04pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010

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Members of The Menstone Club in Farnley Road, Menston, were treated to a feast of snooker when the club’s Christmas and New Year Handicap Tournament came to a conclusion Monday night with a dramatic final black finale.

Hodge Waugh (handicap 25), of Ilkley, and Paul Rawcliffe, of Guiseley, (10) battled out a three-frame decider after 30 players had entered the tournament. They included team players and social players.

The handicapping had worked well with many games resulting in close finishes. Hodge had reached the final with some consistent, cool potting and Paul, a keen golfer of Otley Golf Club, had shown his flair with some excellent break building.

Social snooker was put on hold for the night with all eyes on the main table and right from the Barry Hearne style entry to the arena made by the players the spectators were enthralled.

Hodge started well and quickly built a 30 point lead but Paul responded with an excellent 26 break to narrow the gap and after a period of tight safety play and snookers Paul managed to seal the frame on the blue.

The second game was again a tight affair with neither player dominating and it was left to the high colours to decide the outcome. A missed game ball, the blue, allowed Hodge to take the game to the final black and when Paul left it over the middle pocket Hodge made no mistake.

In a final frame decider Hodge again started well and built a nice 20 point lead but Paul laid some excellent snookers and the lead dwindled. With tension mounting it looked like Hodge could have been running out of steam as Paul took the lead and again needed only the blue to seal victory.

A couple of efforts went close but Hodge slotted both blue and pink to take the game to a nail biting climax. The black was knocked safe by each player in turn but on Hodge’s third safety effort the ball cannoned down the table and rolled sweetly into the corner pocket for victory. What a superb finish to an excellent competition.

The tournament trophies and prize money were awarded to Highest Break - John Waite (45); Highest total score - Hodge Waugh (126). The winner’s trophy was presented to Hodge by club secretary Alan Bould. The club intends to hold a handicap pairs competition in the near future. Any new members are most welcome, contact John Waite on 07854 089651 for details.

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