7th January 2006
The Victoria Snooker Centre played host to the forth event in the Plymouth U15 Bronze Waistcoat Tour. Victoria player Dale Branton has now achieved a hat-trick of wins taking into a substantial lead in this ever popular West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation tour.

The Final saw a repeat of last months encounter with Branton vs Daniel Keane. Branton took early control of the first frame quickly opening a lead. Keane fought back with a 17 break to take the frame to the colours. Although Branton only needed the yellow, he cleared to the pink with a frame winning 20. Branton opened the second frame with a 28 break but Keane fought hard to get himself back in to the frame. Although Keane showed some thoughtful safety play, Branton had the edge on a battle for the yellow to create a chance for him to clear to the blue. This proved decisive in him taking the title 2-0.

Group A saw Branton battle against Ashley Negus who took an early lead performing some excellent long pots. Branton soon found his range, proving himself too strong for Negus to come out the 2-0 winner.

Debutant Haydon Pinhey faced Curtis Campbell in his first competitive snooker match. The first frame was close with both players potting well. Pinhey was the most consistent overall, coming out the 2-0 winner. Pinhey continued his form in his next match against Branton. However, Branton’s experience proved too much giving him the 2-0 win.

Branton had a scare in the first frame against Curtis Campbell, being taken to the black. After a good spell of safety by both players, Branton eventually secured victory with a long pot on the black. Branton controlled the next frame to win 2-0.

The final match of Group A saw Pinhey and Negus share the first two frames, both finishing close. The decider was another close frame going to the black, which Pinhey potted to win 2-1. Pinhey finished second overall in the group stages behind Branton, securing a well-deserved place in the semis.

In Group B, Keane survived an early onslaught against Dylan Chilcott who built a 26 point lead. Keane held his nerve to come back and pinch the frame. Chilcott continued to pot well in the second frame but couldn’t stop Keane from winning the match 2-0.

Jacob Stokes won his first frame against Christopher Corry. Following a couple of unfortunate in-offs by Stokes, Corry levelled the match demonstrating some sound potting. Corry’s dedication to the game proved vital in this frame particularly as Stokes was one of the most improved players of last season. The decider saw Stokes play two good banana positional shots to hold for the black which proved to be the telling point in Stokes achieving a 2-1 win. Chilcott booked his place in the semis with a polished performance against Stokes, coming through 2-0, joining Keane to qualify from Group B.

The first semi saw Branton sweep aside Chilcott 2-0. A 40 break by Branton in the first frame rattled Chilcott who found it hard to recover. Chilcott has become more consistent this season by reaching the semis and one final proving he is a player to contend with. The second semi-final saw Keane come out a 2-0 winner over debutant Pinhey. Nine-year-old Pinhey was not phased by the occasion demonstrating a cool head and a natural flare for the game. Keane’s experience was enough to get him through this close affair.

Steve Brookshaw, Tournament Director, added "It’s really rewarding watching these youngsters, not only enjoy their snooker but develop their skills week-on-week as a result of regular coaching from the WEBSF coaching staff."

Snooker & Billiards Coaching from WESBSF Qualified coaches is available most Saturday mornings at the Victoria Snooker Centre, St. Budeaux. Contact Roger Cole Mobile: 07850882770 for details.

Report by Steve Brookshaw