19th April 2008
Grant Cole from Plymouth, named the ‘Ice Man’ due to his coolness when under pressure on the green baize beat Mitchell Grinsted (Plymouth) 2-1 in the final of the last event of the season to take the crown of West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation Silver Waistcoat Regional Champion. After Cole took the first frame he led by 60 pts only for Grinsted to clear with a superbly fashioned 68 break. Cole kept his nerve to take the final frame and the championship. This is the third time Cole has won this prestigious championship for under 21’s. Grinsted, after finishing runner-up in this final event of the season secured overall third place behind Dale Branton also from Plymouth. In the semi finals Cole beat Mark Green from Salisbury 2-0 whilst Grinsted beat Branton 2-1 in a close contest that included two black ball finishes.

In the group stages, Cole and Branton dominated the proceedings, both losing just one match apiece out of eight matches. Cole’s wins included breaks of 61,53,46 topped with a fantastic 101, the only century of the day just 9 points short of his best in the competition this season for which he takes the overall break prize. Branton also prolific in the break building department made breaks of 48,51,54,59cl,62 & 87 in his seven victories. Green, may have been lacking in the break building department had a consistent tournament, finishing in third place by virtue of losing just two matches. Grinsted, placed fourth had breaks of 65,62 & 45 losing just three matches. Tom Vanstone (5^th), Tom Casey (6^th) and Chris Batey (7^th) could only be separated by frame count back, Casey making the best break of the trio a 55. Breaks of 54,53 & 44 from Tom Kevern could only net him 8^th place in the group. Bringing up the rear was this seasons Plymouth under 16 Bronze Waistcoat Champion Haydon Pinhey was always going to find the competition tough against older and more experienced players. However, he will have gained much valuable experience. WEBSF Head of Coaching Steve Canniford said "In this game, like most others, you have to learn how to loose before you can win. Haydon may have been on the receiving end today but his courage to play at this level can only improve his game. He is certainly one to watch out for in the future" The top three final ranking places are 1^st Grant Cole (2380), 2^nd Dale Branton 3^rd (2020) & Mitchell Grinsted 3rd (1950). Tournament Directors were Steve Brookshaw & Wayne Branton

Report by Steve Canniford