22nd December 2007
Michael Rogers from Taunton has been many times a finalist but never a winner of the WEBSF Exeter Bronze until now that is. Against Rogers in the final was two times winner Will Blackmore had been in great potting form, making a string of small breaks throughout the day. Rogers game plan was obvious from the start, keep Blackmore tight with good safety play and score off his mistakes. The plan proved a good move as Rogers gradually took Blackmore out of his stride and amassed frame winning points to win 2-0. In the semi final Rogers had the best break of the day a 34 against the improving Matt Baker to win 2-0. In the other semi final former winner Adam Gallen seem out of sorts as Blackmore potted his way to a comfortable 2-0 win.

The group stages culminated with several players in position to qualify for the knock-out stages. In group A Gallen finished top with the second place undecided. Ben Mills had the difficult task to beat Rogers by 88 points to qualify in second, less points and Jay Bullen would qualify. If Mills lost then Rogers would qualify. After a gallant attempt by Mills, Rogers qualified by potting the black to win by just one point. Mills did well in some of the other group matches taking frames off seasoned players Gallen and Bullen to record his first wins.

Blackmore won the second group with ease, potting at will after some sloppy safety play from his opponents. Second place was not decided until the very last frame, Baker had started the tournament in fine form and look certain of taking one of the qualifying spots. However, Adam Chadwick after a poor start came strong as the groups came to a conclusion. A win over Baker meant that he had to beat Blackmore to have any chance on points count back. Blackmore proved too strong and won comfortably allowing Baker to qualify in second place.

The tournament was sponsored by GWRSA (South). Tournament Director Mel Berry said "It’s good to see Rogers win at last, he has great potential, let’s hope this spurs him, the newcomers on to improvement". Anyone under 16 interested in playing in this tournament should visit the WEBSF web site www.websf.co.uk

Report by Steve Canniford