WITH half the 2010-11 billiards roster (400 up from handicap) season completed, Works Gold moved to second on the billiards interclub ladder after its 3-1 win over the Flaming Devils.

John Fraser (200) beat Heath Rainbow (280), Steven Leary (255) beat Roydyn Bishop (120) and Rolf Stevenson won over Andrew Rainbow (275). 

For the Devils, Josh Rainbow (305) defeated John Stevenson (270). 

Defending premier Works Green travelled to Exeter to inflict a 3-1 win against the country team. 

For Green, Dean Wilson (270) beat Derek Peart (280), Dallas Fry (280) beat John Adams (305) and Glen Johansen (265) won in a close match against Chris Reid (250). 

For Exeter RSL, Rex Swain (185) was the only winner, beating David Thomas (305). 

Works Red was too strong on the night for Longford RSL. Alan Armitage (240) defeated Graeme Purdon (315), Keith Coomber (175) defeated Adrian White (155) and Peter Seaman (305) beat Dennis Collins (315). 

Wayne Purdon (245) was Longford's only winner, defeating Philip Rowbottom (280). 

Ladder-leader Works Black and Works Blue drew 2-2, after Black's David Bates received a forfeit to keep his unbeaten record intact. 

Bruce Lockley (215) played well to defeat Michael Leslie (220). For the Blue team, Peter Donati (105), with the aid of a 49 break, was too strong for Andrew Saltmarsh (220), and Hans Georgieff (265) beat Peter Wallace (265). 

Works Navy had this week's bye. 

One match between Works Black and Exeter RSL remains unplayed with an agreement that they play a double-header on January 13, their next scheduled game against each other. 

Ladder after round nine (not complete): Black 30, Gold 27, Longford RSL 26, Flaming Devils 24, Exeter RSL 24, Green 23, Blue 20, Navy 18, Red 18. 

David Bates continues to lead the player rankings, having won seven matches including this week's forfeit, followed by five players who have won five matches from seven played. 

Best breaks this week: Peter Donati 49, Roydyn Bishop 41, John Fraser 36, Bruce Lockley 31, 26. 

Robertson out

AUSTRALIAN Neil Robertson crashed out of the UK championships on Friday morning (Tastime), beaten 9-6 by Irishman Shaun Murphy. 

The world champion had potential problems staying awake during his match after watching the Ashes Test on late-night television in England. 

Former number one John Higgins, returning to competition after suspension, won the event, beating Mark Williams 10-9 in an epic final. 

Australian players Steve Mifsud, of Melbourne, and Sydney-based Vinnie Calabrese have reached the last 32 of the IBSF world snooker championship played in Damascus, Syria. 

Mifsud, the 1995 IBSF world champion, will play Rodney Goggin, of Ireland, and Calabrese will play Gareth Allen, of Wales, for a place in the last 16. 

Calabrese has made breaks of 139, 139, 122 and 106. Mifsud's best so far is 112. 

For more information: www.nteba.com.au, or call the secretary on 0487171966.