Annette Newman from Carlow was back in great form in our 3rd National Amateur Billiards ranking event the Griffith Masters, taking the win comfortably after a great display of billiards throughout the competition. Also in great form was Valerie Maloney from Laois who took runner up spot for the second ranking event in a row, showing that she is back to form in competition.
Session 1 of this 30 minute timed round robin competition, Annette Newman from Carlow played good billiards to take the win over Tina Keogh from Offaly who is playing very consistent billiards this season on the alarm 74-42. Joanna Ward from Kildare had a close encounter against Christine Carr from Kildare just taking the win on the clock 49-40 while Valerie Maloney from Laois had a close match win over Stephanie Foley from Carlow as the seconds ticked down to finish 53-42
In session 2 Annette had to dig deep to keep ahead of Valerie going into the final seconds to take her second win on the alarm 52-40. Christine had a close encounter with Stephanie just winning their match on the alarm 51-40 and completing session 2 on the evening Joanna and Tina drew on the alarm 47-47.
Session 3 saw Annette up her game against Joanna with a number of small breaks closed out the win on the clock 83-41. Tina would get her first win on the evening against Stephanie in a very close match winning it 45-40 on the alarm. Christine struggled to score as she can against Valerie who played solid billiards taking the win 52-34
In the 4th session Annette continued her winning form against Stephanie with a strong performance taking the match 76-42. Joanna would just pip Valerie on the alarm by 1 point giving her her first win on the evening 44-43 while Christine improved her scoring against Tina to take the win on the alarm 59-46.
The 5th and final session would see Annette complete her 5th win on the evening against Christine on the clock 67-45. Tina had a close encounter against Valerie just taking the win on the alarm 56-49. Joanna finished off her session with a win over Stephanie on the alarm 46-32
With all the scores tallied, Annette was well ahead with a total of 352 points followed by Valerie on 237 just 1 point ahead of Tina in 3rd spot on 236, Christine in 4th spot on 229 with Joanna just two points behind her on 227 in 5th place followed by Stephanie on 196. As you can see many close finishes that could have gone either way on the evening.
Congratulations to Annette on her win and well done to Valerie on her runner up place. Thanks to all the girls for their support and to Bernie, Paul and staff of Sharkx for all their help.
We wish our 5 players heading off to the Women’s European Billiards Open in the Northern Snooker Club Leeds UK this weekend the very best of luck to Annette, Tina, Joanna, Christine and Stephanie all flying the flag for Ireland, enjoy ladies and play well.
