Bates is bang on cue with Intermediate title

WEXFORD SNOOKER had a strong showing at the Irish championship finals held in the SBI Academy, Carlow last weekend. Numerous championships were played to their conclusion.

Enniscorthy’s Ben Doyle won the Irish Challenge Tour championship, defeating Donegal’s Aman Goal 3-2 on the last black in the decider. It was a great performance from the man more noted for his pool exploits, but a serious performer on the big green baize table.

Alex Currid gave a great performance in the Irish Under-21 championships, defeating the national number one, Leon Crowley of Cork, in the semi-final, and making a 102 break in the process.

He came unstuck in the final against Nenagh’s Noel Gleeson, losing 4-1. Alex’s time will come in the not too distant future.

The performance of the weekend from a Wexford point of view came from Shane Bates, who beat a hot favourite in the semi-final of the Irish Intermediate championship, Nenagh’s Mark Gleeson, 3-0.

The following day, he shone again in the final, defeating Dublin’s Andrew Doherty 4-0. It was a fine win for this all-round sportsman, and a gifted snooker player who already has an Irish Junior championship among his many achievements.

Rodney Goggins, following on from his 3-2 loss to James Wattana the previous week in the Legends World Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, won the first-ever Irish 6 red championship by beating Dublin’s Philly Browne 6-0 in the final.

He also added the Irish Over-40 championships for the third time, defeating Dublin’s Johnny Farrell in the final 5-0. It was his eleventh title for the season.

It was a great weekend for Wexford and the one-table Liam Mellows outfit that caters for all competitive players.