Hassocks pot the billiards honours
The annual Mid Sussex Billiards and Snooker League Harper Cup final was held at the Lindfield Club which brought together two giants of the game, Hassocks C and Haywards Heath Social Club B teams.
It was an intriguing draw with the pairings, and the opening frame saw Hassocks’ flamboyant Anthony Flynn in a tactical battle with the mighty Mark Bright. It was nip and tuck to the latter stages when the enthusiastic audience watched Flynn step by step open up a healthy lead to outwit his opponent 65-33.
The gallant James Gilmore was determined to extend his team’s lead up against the combative Frank Childs, who did not make it an easy passage, however Gilmore stuck to his guns to win 58-22.
The blazing Bogdan Mihai came to the table realising the pressure was placed on him to claw back a frame for the Heath, and he did not let his colleagues down. The courageous Steve West potted many red balls, alas the nominated colours did not wish to drop into the pockets, Mihai took full advantage and produced much confidence in his display to win 49-21.
Mihai’s win gave the adventurous Lee Cannizarro the opportunity to gain the equaliser, however he found the robust Rob Lee playing in top gear as he went ahead on the colours leaving his opponent requiring to secure two snookers, the canny Cannizarro did not fail.
With the final black remaining Cannizarro had a golden opportunity to claim the frame, his attempt rattled around the pocket and drifted over to the opposite side of the table to leave a long pot shot for Lee to gain the team’s 3-1 victory . Lee sized up for the shot and in the silence of the room he potted the black, 61-50.
Mark Coles of Hassocks and Kevin Myles were the unlucky ones not to perform, referee Jason Mamoany and scorer Jon Baxter marshalled the match extremely well.