14th April 2007
Darren Bond (Tiverton) 16 year old English Junior International defeated Sam Baird (Halberton) 3-2 in the forth event of the West of England Billiards and Snooker Foundation under 21 Silver Waistcoat tournament. The final was full of drama and could have gone either way with both players playing attacking snooker. Bond, when 2-0 down, held is nerve and bounced back to reel of the next three frames to take the winners spoils. In the semi finals Bond was taken the distance by an in-form Grant Cole from Plymouth. Bond winning 3-2 aided with breaks of 64 & 40. In the other semi final Michael Day, Plymouth put up a spirited performance against Sam Baird (Halberton) before losing 3-1. Baird made the highest break of the day, a fine 89 clearance and a 52.

VANSTONES BIG BREAK

The best of the group matches saw Tom Vanstone, Plymouth craft an excellent 87 break in his match against fellow Plymothian Dale Branton. This was only to win him the one frame as rising star Branton took the initiative to win 3-1. Other performances of note came from Mark Green who took Bond all the way before losing by the odd frame. Green had made the trip from Chandlers Ford to compete in the championship. Local player Mitchell Grinstead who finished a respectable forth in what proved to be a very tough group.

BAIRD FAVOURITE

With one Silver Waistcoat event remaining in the series Baird looks like the champion in waiting as favourite to retain the title. His performances throughout this season have raised the bar and there is no doubt he has set the standard for others to aspire to. The final event in the series is on 12th May 2007 at the Victoria Snooker Centre, Plymouth.

Report by Roger Cole