Curdridge's Nick Alford wins the
2015 Stuart Hamper Individual
Billiards Challenge
Churchills Eastleigh, Wednesday 22 April
 

Curdridge's Nick Alford made it two wins in two years for the Curdridge billiards team, after compatriot Derek Fry's win last season, as he beat Park Gate's Paul Tavender in the final held at Churchills Eastleigh.

The semi finals, played on the same evening, paired Alford against Totton Rec's billiards veteran Tony Aldridge and Tavender squared up against fellow Park Gate team player and captain Chris Pullen.

Pullen (receive +130), who beat Daniel Zagaroli in the quarter-finals, kept his handicap advantage over Tavender (receive +55) well into the game. But thanks to some near misses from Pullen, clawed his way back to trail by only 40 odd points. Pullen looked set to win, requiring three to reach the required 200 points mark, but unfortunately played his opponents ball for a two point penalty! Tavender took advantage and made a fine 22 break under pressure and eventually won, leaving his friend stranded on 197. Hard luck Chris!

In the other semi, Alford (receive +85), who beat Totton's Steve Allen in the quarter finals, started well against Aldridge (receive +30) and led by 50 for most of the game. Aldridge however showed why he has won multiple billiards titles with Pot Black Snooker Club and numerous other teams over the years, by playing some fine cannons across the table to claw his way back. Alford made runs of 19 and 20, but Aldridge responded with a 33 break and a 21 to leave himself on 198. Alford held his nerve though and fell over the line for a memorable win to put himself within touching distance of the title.

The final pitted the wits of two original snooker players, who are finding they love the three ball game more than the congested free for all that the former game brings! Both players struggled somewhat on the faster, tighter number one table at Churchills, but still treated the spectators to some exciting, nerve jangling play.

Alford played some fine in-offs, but looked nervous in the early stages, missing some simple shots at the top-of-the-table. Tavender made a fine 34 break, and along with mixing his consistent potting with two wonderful 'short jennies' in a row into the left hand middle pocket, clawed his way back from the handicap advantage in favour of Alford.

As the game neared its conclusion, both players started to play some great cannons and in-offs, but Tavender missed a couple of relatively easy pots to let Alford in with some coolly taken in-offs to eventually win by 200-179. The late Stuart Hamper, who played for Curdridge, would be proud to see a second Curdridge player lift the trophy in two years. Well done Nick!