An Evening with Dominic Dale
The 2018 West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation (WEBSF) Gold Waistcoat Masters tournament and snooker exhibition by Professional Dominic Dale was recently hosted by Jesters Snooker Hall in Swindon. Both the events were kindly sponsored by Totally Reward, who specialise in Human Resource and Reward Services.
Dominic Dale arrived early to meet with spectators prior to the snooker exhibition start. After introductions by WEBSF volunteers Steve Canniford & Deborah Branton who set out the format for the evening and inform the audience of the aims and objectives of the WEBSF, the exhibition got underway. Dominic Dale and WEBSF main sponsor Silvia Mondello of Totally Reward presented the ‘Masters’ and other WEBSF tournament winners with trophies and prize money. Dominic was then introduced with a potted history of his achievements during his time as a professional player and part time TV commentator and presenter. Dominic’s first opponents were Victor Balgariev and Shane Kearns, two young players who are regulars at the Jesters Saturday morning Snooker Coaching sessions. He then played two WEBSF tournament regulars, Martin Pitcher and Kevin Collins.
This first session was followed by a buffet and grand draw comprising of over sixty prizes generously donated by businesses and members of the WEBSF, the top prize was a hand-made cue, case and snooker accessories. A full list of prizes can be seen on the WEBSF web site. After the draw, Dominic took questions from the audience which was intermittently interrupted to auction World Snooker Shoot-out polo shirts, the proceeds of which Dominic kindly donated to WEBSF funds.
When play resumed Dominic’s next opponent was the WEBSF Bronze Snooker Open Champion, Connor Benzey from Hampshire. Followed by the newly crowned WEBSF Gold Series Champion, Andy Neck; two local young brothers; Taylor & Jaydon Elliot and the Masters runner-up James Lee. During the exhibition Dominic made two century breaks, on what was a tight table. Dominic finished the exhibition with a series of trick shots infused with amusing and interesting stories. The evening was drawn to a close giving thanks to Dominic and to all those involved in making a very enjoyable evening. The draw and auction raised over £1000 that the WEBSF will put to good use to continue providing ‘Billiards & Snooker for all’ in the community.
Anyone interested in any of the WEBSF activities or are interested in participating as a volunteer should contact Steve Canniford should contact Steve Canniford, Mobile 07891940995 or visit www.websfsnooker.com or WEBSF Facebook.
Report by Steve Canniford
WEBSF 