25^th April 2009
The final event of the West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation Exeter Bronze Waistcoat was won by Will Blackmore who beat Michael Rogers (Taunton) 2-0 in the final. With the this being the final event of the series it was between the finalists as to who would win the Exeter series title. Both players had chances in the final but it was Blackmore's potting along with two slices of good fortune in the final frame that won him final event and with it the title of WEBSF Exeter Bronze Waistcoat Champion. The top four ranked players plus a wild card now travel to Plymouth to compete in the Regional Finals on the 30th May. The other players that qualified are Jay Bullen, Adam Gallen and Adam Chadwick. In the semi final Rogers beat Bullen 2-0 and Blackmore beat Gallen by the same score line.

In the round robin stages tournament favourites Gallen and Blackmore both got off to fliers. Gallen beat Chadwick and Bullen comfortably. Blackmore not to be out-done followed suit with wins over Chadwick and Rogers. Both players were to be stopped in their tracks, Gallen fell to Rogers and Blackmore lost to Bullen. The latter stealing the game with an excellent 34 clearance after a fluked red. With both players pride taking a dent the following game between them was to prove a tense affair. In the early stages both missed good opportunities to score before Gallen took control and build a lead with solid potting and well executed safety play. Blackmore clawed his way back into the game only to see Gallen fluke the pink to win. Bullen and Rogers both started slowly but got better as the tournament progressed. Bullen had back to back wins against Blackmore with the aid of a 47 break and Rogers found some consistent form in his latter matches with back to back wins over Gallen. With points between the top four in the rankings being very tight every frame win proved vital in deciding the Exeter champion. It was Rogers that took top spot in the group stage on aggregate points count back, followed by Bullen, Gallen and Blackmore.

Mel Berry the Tournament Director said "It's been another good series ending with any one of four players competing for the Exeter title. I am confident any one of the players going to the regional finals can lift the overall title if they continue to perform as they have done all season." The event was sponsored by Baulk line Snooker SW and hosted by GWRSA Social Club, Exeter.

Report by Steve Canniford