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BATEY TAKES SILVER 15th March 2008 In the final, Batey won the opening frame, winning on the colours. Cole levelled the match with the aid of a fine 47 break. The deciding frame could have gone either way, as chances were kept to a minimum. Batey, clinching the frame on the colours, finally won the match. Batey booked his place in the final, following a tense semi final win over Salisbury’s Mark Green. After sharing the first two frames, it went to a decider. It was another nail biter, that went all the way. Batey held his nerve the best, to win on the black. Cole also had to fight for his place in the final, after going 1-0 down against tour debutant, current Bronze Waistcoat champion Jake Stewart from Cornwall. Stewart showed little sign of nerves in easily winning the first frame. In the second the score was close, before a timely 53 break from Cole was enough to level at 1-1. Experience at this level paid off for Cole as he dominated the deciding frame, limiting Stewart to few chances, Cole winning 2-1. The Quarter finals saw another player stepping up from the Bronze Waistcoat, Dan Hine from Exeter, making a fine debut to the tour, Hine coming to an end against eventual winner, Batey, 2-0 in the Quarters. Mitchell Grinsted, Plymouth faced Green in probably the closest match of the day. Green came from behind in both frames to snatch victory on the black, and progress to the semi finals with a 2-0 win. Number 2 in the rankings, 16yr old, Dale Branton, Plymouth was drawn against top seed Cole in the quarter finals. Branton had the added pressure of knowing a victory would probably see himself leapfrog Cole in the rankings. This seemed to help Cole who played solidly to protect his top spot. Cole limited Branton to just few chances making breaks of 48 & 42, as he raced to a 2-0 win. In the last of the quarters new boy Stewart performed well to come out on top in his clash against Tom Kevern, Plymouth 2-0. In the Group stages, it was Mark Green who conquered all in group A, winning all four of his matches, dropping only two frames, and making breaks of 71 & 62 along the way. Second place went to Grant Cole, winning three and losing one of his matches. Cole making two breaks of 44 and the highest of the day, a brilliant 110, both in the same match against Kevern the third qualifier with two wins and two defeats. A 40 break was his best effort of the day. The last qualifier from the group was Stewart. In-group B, it was Branton who finished on top, with 3 wins and 1 defeat making breaks of 89 &d 54. Second place went to Hine, also with 3 wins, an 84 break his best effort. Third place went to Chris Batey, again with 3 wins and 1 defeat Batey compiling breaks of 59 & 41. The last qualifying place went to Mitchell Grinsted with a best break of 58. With only 1 event left, scheduled for 19th April at the Victoria Snooker Centre, Plymouth, all is still to play for the four top players. In pole position is Cole (2180pts), close 2nd is Branton (1940pts). Moving up into 3rd place is Green (1590pts) and in 4th place, Grinsted (1520pts). Event 4 winner, Batey (1120pts) was the big mover, jumping from 8th to 5th place. Players are reminded that only the best 4 events will count for the final points tally, so its still all to play for. Tournament Director Steve Brookshaw said, "It’s rewarding to see Bronze Waistcoat players stepping up to the next level. The Bronze numbers are up significantly this season, and with a new tour being added in Falmouth, the future for snooker looks bright." The final event of the season will be held at the Victoria Snooker Centre, Plymouth on Saturday 19th April 2008. Anyone interested in entering should contact the WEBSF via the website www.websf.co.uk". Report by Wayne Branton |