A personal view
Saturday morning saw an early start from Lincoln after picking up
Lincoln’s young hopefuls, Matt and Wayne. However, we hit the
road at 8a.m. heading north to Middlesbroughmy first visit to a
Junior All England Finaldestination the Quoit and Rifle Club. It
seemed an unusual name for a club holding the All England Junior
Billiards Finals. The map provided by Albert Hanson was excellent
and we arrived before 10.30a.m. with no diversions.
Entering the club first impressions were good with four tables in a self-contained
room with ample seating space for many spectators.
The under sixteen’s championship was already in progress; all the
competitors correctly dressed in while shirts, dark trousers, bow ties
and waistcoats an excellent dress code. All matches were refereed
throughout by local qualified referees.
Albert Hanson, the tournament organizer, had things well under control
with matches finishing and starting on time throughout the day.
Three or four local radio broadcasts kept interested locals well
informed.Competitors and spectators alike were treated to an excellent
buffet meal..
All the competitors received trophies on the day and will receive
certificates, complete with photographsa nice touch.
The eventual winners of both sections, Matthew Sutton, U16 and
Robin Wilson, U19, were the class players on the day and are to be
congratulated on their success.
All in all, an excellent day. Congratulations are due to all those who
organised, assisted and participated.
Perhaps I am allowed a criticism. I would like to see all the competitors
staying to the end for the Presentation to receive their Trophies
personally.
A very good day and my thanks to Albert Hanson and all at
Middlesbrough for making us so welcome.
Better luck next time to Lincoln entrants; but, as I explained on the way
home, it is the taking part that matters.