A new two-player team format was introduced, combining one billiards frame to 200 and one snooker frame, with one point awarded for each frame won under full handicaps. Fourteen players formed seven teams and played a round-robin to determine the top teams. Ray Cullen and Tommy Butler finished first with nine points, while John Bolger and Cathal Comey finished second with eight points, leading to a final on May 6. The snooker frame began with Cathal leading 35-14, then Ray reduced the deficit to 35-32 after taking green, brown, blue, and pink, but Cathal won by taking the black. John Bolger then won the billiards frame 200-150. John and Cathal claimed the inaugural Mick Fitzpatrick Snr. Cup, and John Bolger recorded the highest billiards break of 36.
"This consisted of teams of two players competing in one billiards (to 200) and one snooker frame, with one point awarded for each frame won. Full handicaps applied. Fourteen players entered, drawn into seven teams who played each other on a round-robin basis. Ray Cullen and Tommy Butler finished on top with nine points. John Bolger and Cathal Comey finished on eight points, so these teams met in the final on May 6."
"First order of play was the snooker game, with Ray (-2) versus Cathal (+11). Cathal led 35-14, with five colours left. Ray took green, then brown and blue, closing to 35-26. On the next visit he potted the pink, and now it was a black ball game, poised at 35-32. Cathal held his nerve to take the black and win the frame."
"Next up was the billiards pairing of John (-5) versus Tommy (+30). John started strong, closing the gap to 50-51 following consistent breaks. Now it was anyone's game, and both players continued to score evenly, with John soon leading by 114-99. He extended the margin to a scoreline of 186-136. With Tommy needing a considerable break to close the gap, it was not to be, and John emerged the winner on a scoreline of 200-150."
"So, John and Cathal claimed the honours on the night, becoming the first winners of the inaugural Mick Fitzpatrick Snr. Cup, kindly donated by club member Michael Fitzpatrick Jnr., in memory of his father. Michael also sponsored the runners-up prizes. Highest break was claimed by John Bolger, compiling a 36 billiards break in an early round."
Read at Irish Independent
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