Louise Maher from Kilkenny won her first ever National Intermediate Snooker Ranking Title at the RILSA Academy Sharkx Newbridge recently. Runner Up in the event, Grushenka Arnold from Dublin was delighted to get to the final on her first time out in competition with RILSA.
Due to the restrictions we decided to play the event on a 1 frame knock out basis. In the prelim round Stephanie Foley from Carlow won her match against Valerie Maloney from Laois and Louise Maher from Kilkenny had a good win over Tina Keogh from Offaly to go through and complete the quarter final line up.
Elizabeth Lynch from Offaly who was playing in her very first event with RILSA played well to see off Michelle Morris from Donegal to advance to the semis while another newcomer, Grushenka Arnold from Dublin would see off Stephanie Foley from Carlow in a close frame to meet Elizabeth in the semis.
At the other half of the draw, Louise Maher from Kilkenny continued her good form and knocked out another first timer to snooker competition, Nafeesa Naz from Dublin for a place in the semis. Christine Carr from Kildare would go through to meet Louise in the semis with a win over Megan Randle from Wicklow.
Grushenka and Elizabeth were both neck and neck all the way down to the pink ball which Grushenka potted to go through to her first ever final and Louise would also take it on the colours against Christine for her first ever final.
The final was a close affair indeed with both players having a number of chances on the black to seal the match but it was Louise who would pot it for match and take the title.
Congratulations to Louise on her win and well done to Grushenka on a fine performance. We are delighted for both players reaching their first ever final and we look forward to seeing them again at our next event. Well done and thanks to all the girls for their participation and support. Thanks to Bernie, Paul and staff of Sharkx for their continued support towards female cue sports
