Sexton win right on cue at the Bay

SNOOKER

THE surprise package to come through the 22-strong entry and win Saturday’s one-day event at Whitley Bay Snooker Centre was North Shields’ 21 handicapper Craig Sexton.

Having won his way through three rounds to reach the semis, Sexton then produced probably his best win of the day by outscoring one of the two scratch players in the field - Gateshead’s Brandon Hall - 3-2 in the closefought decider.

In the bottom half of the draw, Throckley’s first-time entrant Kyle Pringle (off seven) won through to the final with convincing victories over North Shields youngster TJ Rendles (off 56), Boldon’s Adam Parker (off 14) and Morpeth’s Gerry McNally (off 35).

With the time well past midnight it was agreed by both players and the organisers the final should be made the best of three frames instead of the usual five.

In a cat-and-mouse final it was the Shields potter (who was receiving 14 points a frame start) who came out top after inching home in two straight frames.

Hall’s second-round run of 85 against Dudley’s John Best earned the Gateshead player the £10 bonus award for the highest break of the day.

Lynemouth’s Wayne McDonald staked his claim to the Plate trophy after edging past Brian Hall 2-1. ■■WITH a representative in each of the recent semi-final shootouts of the Newcastle East End League’s Singles Championship, Heaton Meadowfield SC would have expected to have at least one through to the final.

Unfortunately it was not to be after Paul McHugh (pictured, on right) lost 3-1 against Gosforth Cons’ John Best and Mark Falcon also failed in his efforts to get a frame on the board.

He went down in three straight frames to King St billiards player Gaz Evans.

The best-of-five-frame final will break off on Tuesday, June 20 at Wallsend ROAB Club (7.30).