15th October 2005

Sam Cox from Exeter emerged as winner of the first West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation (WEBSF) Silver Waistcoat event of the 2005/6 season, after a dramatic 3-2 win over Darren Bond, Tiverton in a tense final. Masters Snooker Club, Taunton, Somerset for the time hosted this prestigious tournament, from the WEBSF’s ever expanding calendar of events. The tournament boasted a strong field of players from throughout the South-West of England, as competitors tried to gain the early initiative in the seven event ranking series. With a superb number of entries, players were split into four groups, with the top two advancing to the knockout quarter- final stage.

In group A former Devon U19’s County Champion Sam Baird comfortably progressed to the last eight with an immaculate qualifying campaign, winning all five of his round robin matches. In-form Baird produced a string of breaks that included a 68 & 65, surely making him a strong favourite to lift the Taunton title. Joining him in the last eight was Jack Smith, Stroud making his Silver debut. Smith came through as second seed after 4 wins out of 5, his only defeat was at the hands of the lethal Baird.

Group B, Sam Cox, who holds the record for the highest break in the history of the tour, a superb effort of 124 which he made last season, finished top of this group. Joining the ‘breakmaster’ was the exciting young Cornish prospect, Bobby Southworth, Falmouth. Southworth came through with 4 wins and only narrowly missed out on a victory over Cox losing 2-1.

Group C threw up the two most consistent players in the tours history, in the shape of former UK champion Bond and defending overall Silver Waistcoat Champion Grant Cole, Plymouth. It was Bonds yellow to black finish on the colours to win 2-1 that sank Cole’s hopes of heading the group. This left 16 year old Bond to gain the early kudos progressing to the knockout stage as top seed. Cole, who has never failed to qualify to the knock-out stages in every Silver Waistcoat event in the last two years, also progressed. However, being in second place meant he would have a tougher quarter final draw than Bond. Cole made solid breaks of 46, 41, 38 & 36. Robert Charman, a regular from Redruth made the long trip to Somerset, narrowly missed out this time finishing third in this tough group.

Final group D was particularly interesting, as it contained home-town 10 year old Michael Rogers. Much to his credit, Rogers finished third just below the cut. Newcomer Ryan Elcombe, Plymouth and Jay Harrington, Falmouth came out on top booking their place in the last eight with a match to spare. Confident Elcombe topped the group. Out of all four groups this was probably most open and competitive, with everyone gaining at least one victory.

In the quarter-finals Bond raced through to the semi-finals after dispatching Smith 2-0 nil. The Devon star performed brilliantly, making a 75 break in the process, this was to be the highest of the day. Southworth, the sole Cornish player left in the competition struggled with the pace of the table but kept his hopes alive beating Elcombe 2-0 to set up a mouth-watering clash with Bond. Cox continued to quietly progress, overcoming the brave challenge of Harrington 2-0. Cox also made a beautifully crafted break of 52. Without doubt though the pairing of the round was Baird versus Cole. Both started off nervy and shared the opening frames. In a scrappy decider, Cole held the upper hand as he laid a number of snookers. However Baird pulled out an incredible frame and match winning clearance.

The first of the semi-finals was between Southworth and Bond with both players cueing exceptionally well the match would be decided by the odd mistake. In frame one this proved ran true as Bond continued his fine run of form with a 32 break to win the frame easily. Southworth had the early lead in the second, but a missed red with the rest, this allowed Bond to build a 40 break and therefore take the match 2-0 and book a place in the final. Bond was joined by Cox as he narrowly beat favourite Baird 2-1 on the final black. Cox, who had earlier made a 41 in the opening frame, won when he saw Baird's attempted safety on the black, end up with the cue ball dropping in the green pocket. This was the second successive match Baird was involved in a black-ball decider, but clearly his luck had run out!.

The final was moved to the Masters match table, and was eagerly watched by the club management and a large number of players and officials. After a long day of action it was clear to see that both players had been drained. Cox won the opener 56-46, only to be pegged back by Bond when he won the second frame 67-72 on the black. Bond then forged a lead by comfortably claiming frame three by 56-16. Cox, cheered on by his Exeter compatriots, set up a crucial decider when, with a display of impeccable cueing he took frame four 59-25. The final frame was an edge-of-the-seat affair, with both players taking small leads on alternate visits to the table. With four colours left, Cox required only one solitary pot, while Bond had to clear up. Bond had the first chance as he sank a superb brown, blue and pink, to leave himself a match winning opportunity on the black. However with the intensity of the match apparent Bond jawed the black and left a thin cut into the bottom right pocket. Cox, without hesitation potted the black much to the amazement of all watching. It was an exciting and deserved ending to a magnificent and enthralling days play which was enjoyed by players, officials, staff and parents alike. Cox lifted the trophy; his first tour event win for over a year and a half. He is now provisionally ranked top in the Silver Waistcoat rankings. Many thanks must go to the staff and management of Masters Snooker Club who made everyone feel welcome throughout the days play.

Report by Mike Day