30th December 2006
Dan Hine notched up his forty first consecutive win in the latest West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation, Exeter Bronze Waistcoat tournament. After ploughing through the qualifying rounds undefeated Hine was matched against the much younger Michael Rogers from Taunton for the second final in a row. Rogers got a little closer to winning frame this time but Hine proved too strong when it came to clearing the colours, may be third time?

In the semi finals Michael Rogers just held off an out-of- form Jay Bullen 2-1 in hard fought match of missed chances on both sides. The other semi final favourite Hine defeated Adam Gallen 2-0, A critical point in the match came when Gallen failed to capitalise on two frame winning chances in a high scoring second frame, at a rare moment when Hine was showing signs of pressure.

The round robin stages were dominated by the finalists with Hine topping the group and Rogers a close second. Hine potted freely on his way to a clean sweep whilst Rogers only lost the one match, against Hine. Gallen and Bullen where the other two that qualified for the knock-out stages.

In addition to the main tournament a plate competition was run which was won by Gallen. Will Blackmore fought hard to overcome his fellow team mate and adversary on the snooker table but eventually lost 2-1.

The tournament was once again sponsored by GWRSA (South). Tournament Director Mel Berry, Tournament Director and club representative said "Another good performance all round, especially from Hine, who did show signs in the semi final that he was feeling the pressure! This might just spur the others to try a little harder.” Next round scheduled for the 27th January 2007.

Report by Steve Canniford