St Denys Cons' Andy Carter goes one better to win the Stuart Hamper Memorial Challenge
Stuart Hamper Memorial Individual Billiards Handicap Challenge final 2018-2019 played at Park Gate RBL on Wednesday 24 April

 St Denys Cons' Andy Carter went one better in this season's Stuart Hamper Individual Handicap Challenge final, as he beat compatriot Mark Emm in the final played at Park Gate RBL. Carter had lost to Chandlers Ford Central’s Korbin Lowe in last year's final, so the victory was an even sweeter achievement.
 
In two well contested semi-final games, Carter (receive +35) was drawn against St Denys Cons teammate Derek King (receive +65) in one semi-final. And the match flowed both ways in the first three-quarters, with numerous 20 point breaks and fine shots being played by both players. Carter however made a decisive 21 unfinished to reach the required 200 points, with King left on a close 176.
 
In the other semi-final, Totton’s Tony Aldridge (receive +30) was paired with the third St Denys Cons player at the final’s night, Mark Emm. Emm started well with a 28 break to help him lead by 176 to 156. Aldridge played some fine cannons and long in-offs but Emm finished the game with a 19 break and eventually won by 200-176.
 
The final was, in comparison to the two semi-finals, an edgy affair, as both players struggled to control their cue balls on the wonderfully prepared Park Gate RBL playing surface. Carter got into a rhythm with a fine 29 break, but that was the highest of the match, as only a few high teen breaks followed in the tense game. Emm made a 16 and 18 to try and find some form but Carter finished the game with a 14 unfinished for a memorable 200-131 victory. Congratulations Andy! 

Semi-finals

 +35 Andy Carter - 200 V 176 Derek King +65

 +25 Mark Emm 200 V 176 Tony Aldridge +30


Final

+35 Andy Carter  - 200 V 131 Mark Emm +25