7^th March 2009
Mitchell Grinsted proved worthy of the support from his sponsors Pete Evans Roofing by winning event 5 of the West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation Silver Waistcoat Tour for under 21’s. This put Grinsted firmly at the top of the overall rankings table and is crowned South West Regional Champion. Grinsted beat fellow County Youth player and friend Dale Branton both in this event and in the overall title race. Both players reside in Plymouth and are joined by a plethora of youth players that are emerging from Plymouth over the past 2 years.

In the semi finals Branton continued the fine form he had been showing all day beating the much improved Jay Bullen (Exeter) 3-0, aided by a fine 60 break. In the other semi final, Grinsted was made to fight all the way against dogged opponent Tom Vanstone (Plymouth), Grinsted eventually taking the match 3-1, setting up a mouth watering final between two of Plymouth's finest under 21 players.

In the group stages Branton easily won group A, winning all four of his matches, losing just a single frame along the way. The second qualification spot went to Bullen after a great 3-0 win over Mark Green who continues to travel down from Salisbury to pitch his undoubted snookering talent against his peers. Things could have been different with the third frame looking like it was Green who was going to take it, but thanks to some dogged determination, Bullen took the remaining colours to set up a black ball respot which he eventually won to seal victory. Chris Coumbe and Alex Hutchings took the fourth & fifth spot respectively. Notable breaks in the group; Bullen 37, Branton runs of 43, 47, 52 and the days highest, an excellent 69 clearance.

Grinsted won group B with three wins. Second qualification place went to Tom Vanstone with two wins. Third and forth places went to newly crowned Devon under 16’s Champion Dan Legassick and Chris Corry respectively. Notable breaks, a respectable 25 from the youngest player Dan Legassick and two fine 50 breaks from Grinsted.

Final ranking table top 8:- 1^st Mitchell Grinsted, 2^nd Dale Branton, 3^rd Mark Green, 4^th Tom Vanstone, 5^th Jay Bullen, 6^th Jake Stewart, 7^th Chris Batey, 8^th Adam Gallen

The seasons highest break was 82 made by Ben Holley from Taunton.

Details of this tour and other tournaments which are organised by the West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation can be found on websf.co.uk or by contacting Roger Cole Mobile 07850882770.

Report by Wayne Branton