After a 4 month break from competition, the Republic of Ireland Ladies Billiards tour returned to their Academy at Sharkx Newbridge recently. It was great to see everyone again.
Annette Newman from Carlow resumed where she left off back in March with another National title win taking the Sharkx Open 2020 to continue her winning streak.
In the first session Christine Carr from Kildare got out of the starting blocks with a good win over Joanna Ward also from Kildare 60-30 with a number of small breaks towards the end of this timed match. Stephanie Morrison from Carlow was to have a close match against the youngster, Jennifer Earle from Dublin to just pip the win 37-30
It was evident that the time off over the past 4 months had an effect on play during the first session but it was back to business by all the players once they got into their stride with competition scores going up.
Session 2 saw Annette having to pull out all her experience against Jennifer to take the win on the clock 46-40 while Christine kept up her good form taking her second win against Stephanie 62-42
In the 3rd session, Annette stepped up a gear against Joanna with good play to finish 74-32 on the timer. Christine was in full flow against Jennifer towards the last few minutes remaining on the clock to take her 3rd win on the evening 66-49
In session 4 Annette knew she had to keep up her form in order to get past Christine who was just ahead on points at this stage, however Annette kept control against Stephanie and took the win 76-36. Joanna had a match on her hands against Jennifer as she pulled away early in the game but Joanna began to play well and with a break of 15 towards the end helped her secure the win 63-54 in a close match
It was all going down to the last session of the evening as has been the case, in so many of these events in the past, to determine the outcome. Joanna again had to dig deep against Stephanie with both players playing well, it was to go to Joanna on the bell 60-52 in another close encounter. Annette had to up her game against Christine and try and keep her from scoring big in order to take the title, with the match close for the first 15 minutes, Annette began to make a number of small breaks of 12 and 18 towards the end to finish with the win and a clean sweep throughout to finish 81-49 and take the title of Sharkx Open Billiards Champion 2020.
Congratulations to Annette on her win and to Christine on a fine performance. Well done to all the players for their participation and certainly made the event a great success.
Our newly elected President Annette Newman presented Jennifer Earle with the Griffith Pin Award for her event attendances over the past two seasons, 25 is the number to reach and she did this on the evening. Congratulations to Jennifer who will now qualify for the Griffith Pot Black Competition in 2021 where the eventual winner will receive a monetary prize and free entry to all RILSA events for the 2021-2022 season.
