English Amateur Billiards Championship 2010/2011
Semi-finals and Final
The Whitworth Institute, Darley Dale, Derbyshire DE4 2EQ
A year of trial and triumph has ended triumphantly on all fronts for Matt Sutton. Congratulations from us all.
The final against Rob Hall was surprisingly one sided with Rob having one of those days to forget. Matt is always strong-willed and determined and seldom plays poorly. His style of play is such that it leaves little to go wrong. A very good hazard game, extensive contributions at the top, accurate potting and the will to freeze out opponents and gobble-up oceans of table time makes him very difficult to beat. Opponents need to score heavily when the chances arise but even so they can always expect a potent response.
Rob started well and looked to be cueing smoothly as he built up an early lead of 150 which arguably could and should have been much bigger. By halfway he was 200 behind and the second session was one-way traffic with Matt dominant and Rob, starved of good opportunities, having to endure the onslaught. The semi-finals were likewise one-sided. The Sutton/Goodwill clash was a low scoring affair with Martin totalling only 572 points after four hours play, despite a break of 196 giving him a lead of 22 at the interval, after which the Sutton machine took over.
Rob Hall played really well in his game against Phil Mumford. Five century breaks and a host of other telling contributions gave him a resounding victory. Rob’s performance typified his season: consistent and classy and for the second year running top of the EABA rankings. In most people’s minds the final was a tough one to call but proved otherwise.
The Whitworth Institute was full to capacity with people standing at the back: a rewarding sight for everyone concerned. Another star of the final was referee Joe Graham who gave a faultless display.
Harry Wah, a great supporter of billiards and the EABA for many years was guest of honour and presented the prizes. EABA president Alf Nolan journeyed from Newcastle despite recent ill-health. Will we ever see anyone with a greater passion for the game?
Many thanks to Clive Scott and all the officials and also to Jim McCann and his team of helpers at the Whitworth.
The Whitworth Billiards Room is a fine venue and the EABA wishes to express its gratitude yet again.
A question for the billiards historians: has anyone managed to win four English titles before the tender age of 28?
Saturday March 12th, 2010
| Matthew Sutton 51, 87, 237, 119, 116 |
929 | (22.1) | Martin Goodwill 62, 196, 79 |
572 | (13.6) |
| Robert Hall 124, 123, 104, 99, 79, 50, 153, 191, 99, 80, 60 |
1,406 | (25.1) | Phil Mumford 88, 87, 61, 55 |
663 | (11.8) |