Interclub Billiards.
Works Gold, who three weeks ago were in 6th. Spot on the billiards roster, and needing to win and have other results go their way, to make the final five, have now progressed to the Grand final after a come from behind win against Launceston RSL last Thursday.
Minor Premiers, Launceston RSL White were favorites to win the preliminary final and looked to be on their way when Captain Adrian White and Greg Williams won the first two matches. White conceded 15 start to Gold’s John Fraser and run out a comfortable winner while Williams won a close match against Rolf Stevenson.
The RSL team having consistency winner Dennis Collins to play John Stevenson and last years “A Reserve” billiard champion Wayne Purdon to play Gary Bjarnoe-Elliott, could be excused for feeling a little confident, however the Gold players proved far too strong on the night.
Bjarnoe Elliott, conceding 65 points start, played good billiards, and easily made up the difference to score a strong win. John Stevenson who has shown himself to be a steady finals player, needed to win against Collins to force a “play off”. Stevenson inflicted a big win over Collins, who was never in the game.
With the scores tied at two all, marbles were drawn to effect a play off, Gold’s Stevenson Brothers were draw to play the first two second round games. John again proved too strong for Collins and Rolf reversed the earlier result against Greg William to get home by just seven points, which put Gold into the Grand final this week. The third match between Wayne Purdon and Bjarnoe-Elliott was not required.
The Grand Final on Thursday night at the Works Club is sure to be exciting. Works Blue, defending champions, and having State players Graeme Pickett and Peter Donati, as well as veterans Mike Leslie and Hans Geogieff, plus young guns Zane and Ethan Brown, are warm favorites, however Works Gold will rely on the in form Stevenson brothers, playing of generous handicaps, as well as John Fraser and Gary Bjarnoe-Elliott capable of anything on the night.
Preliminary Final Results:
Launceston RSL White 2 lost to Works Gold 4, Adrian White (170) defeated John Fraser (185) 403-365, Greg Williams (285) defeated Rolf Stevenson (270) 400-381, Dennis Collins (285) lost to John Stevenson (260) 328-401, Wayne Purdon (245) lost to Gary Bjarnoe-Elliott (180) 331-401,
Second Round, Greg Williams (143) lost to Rolf Stevenson (135) 193-201, Dennis Collins (143) lost to John Stevenson (130) 180-201
This week’s Grand Final, Works Blue v Works Gold at the Launceston RSL Club on Thursday night
Nominations for winter rosters in Snooker and 8Ball in all divisions are closing next week, interested groups will find nomination forms from the web site or the Works Club. Players wanting to find a team should contact the Secretary on the number below.
For more information visit the cue sport website, www.nteba.com.au or call the Secretary on 0487 171 966