Rachel Bradley wins RILSA Intermediate Ranking 5 in Newbridge

The 5th and final Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association National Intermediate Ranking event of the 2017-18 season was won by Rachel Bradley from Kildare in a great final against Valerie Maloney from Offaly.

The Intermediate season was yet another fantastic success for our organisation as the numbers are increasing each year.  We are seeing the standard of play improving as these women and young girls take to the green baize on a regular basis.

96 females entered Intermediate events with RILSA this season and we feel that this will break the 100 mark next season as more and more ladies take to the sport through our promotional initiatives within our growing organisation via schools/colleges, youth reach and SARI.

The 5th Intermediate Ranking at Sharkx Newbridge saw great displays of play from a number of players during the day long event.  Rosie Young from Laois and a relative newcomer saw off the attack from young Grace Byrne from Carlow to go into the quarters but was to come up against the Intermediate Number 1 Christine Carr (Kildare) in the quarters who was in form to take their match 2-0 for Christine to move into the semis, Valerie Maloney (Offaly) had a good 2-0 win over Roisin Beale (Kildare) to meet Christine in the semis

The bottom half of the draw saw Rachel Bradley(Kildare) hold off a strong performance from Tina Keogh (Laois) to move into the semis while Susan Hanlon (Dublin) had a good 2-0 win over Lauren Carley (Carlow) to complete the semi final line up.

Valerie was in great form against Christine and won 2-0 against the number 1 to the make the final while Rachel overcame a good fight from Susan to meet Valerie in the final.

The final itself saw some good snooker from both players but Rachel proved the stronger on the day a won through 2-0 to take the title.  Rachel now secures number 2 spot while Valerie is back into the top 8 at number 6 on the National Intermediate Rankings.

Tina Keogh’s performance puts her into 3rd spot while Susan Hanlon finishes 7th after a good season.  Young Grace Byrne is 4th another great season by her.

Congratulations to Rachel on her win and to Valerie on a great performance.  Thanks to all the participants for their support and thanks to Bernie & Paul for all their help and support as usual.

QUARTER FINALS

Chrsitine Carr (Kildare)        2     Rosie Young (Laois)      0

Valerie Maloney (Offaly)      2     Roisin Beale (Kildare)   0

Susan Hanlon (Dublin)        2     Lauren Carley (Carlow)  0

Rachel Bradley (Kildare)      2     Tina Keogh (Laois)        0

SEMI FINALS

Valerie Maloney                  2      Christine Carr               0

Rachel Bradley                    2      Susan Hanlon               0

FINAL

Rachel Bradley                   2      Valerie Maloney            0

TOP 16 NATIONAL INTERMEDIATE RANKED PLAYERS – END OF 17-18 SEASON