Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS

March 2008 News

BAIRD AND BOND STILL THE ‘BUSINESS’
WEBSF players Sam Baird (Halberton) and Darren Bond (Tiverton) continue to set the bar for their peers to aspire too in Event 3 of the Businessland Under 21 series at Pontins. Baird Beat Bond 3-1 in the semi final and then went on to go avenge Bond’s previous defeat at the hands of Stephen Craigie in event 2. Baird wining 3-1 in the final. Darran Lock (Seaton) narrowly lost in the final of the Plate.

For more information go to Global Snooker Centre

GALLEN EXETER BRONZE CHAMPION
Michael Rogers came from one frame down to beat Adam Gallen 2-1 in the final event the Exeter Bronze Waistcoat but it was not enough to prevent Gallen from overtaking Will Blackmore in the ranking table to secure the Exeter WEBSF Bronze Waistcoat Championship. Gallen, Blackmore, Rogers and Matt Baker all qualify for the Regional Finals on the 24th May 2008. For further details and report go to Exeter Bronze Waistcoat.

This tournament will start again in September 2008 and is open to all those that will be under 16 on the 31st December 2008. Thanks to Mel Berry and the GWRSA Club event sponsors

This time 100% of the entry fees went as prize money!

WATSON HOT FAVOURITE
Daniel Watson has made himself hot favourite to take the Falmouth Bronze series of tournaments, Watson beat Steven Hull 2-0 in the final. For more details and report go to Bronze Waistcoat.

This tournament is open to all those that will be under 16 on the 31st December 2007. Thanks to Bells Court Snooker Club event sponsors

BATEY TAKES SILVER
Chris Batey wins event 4 of the WEBSF Silver Waistcoat tour beating Grant Cole in the final. Cole made the highest break of the day a superb 110 and he still heads the rankings. Go to Silver Waistcoat for results, report due in soon.

This tournament is open to all those that will be under 21 on the 31st December 2007. Thanks to Rileys Snooker Club, Plymouth event sponsors.

This time 100% of the entry fees went as prize money!

WEBSF PLAYERS REACH NATIONAL TEAM FINAL
Mike King (Exeter) Greg Batten (Tiverton) and Sam Baird (Halberton) win their way through to the final of the EASB English Team Championship final to be played later this spring.

The WEBSF Management team and Members wish them the very best of luck in the final.

BATTEN MAKES HIS PLAY FOR GOLD
With three different players wining the first three events, up stepped Greg Batten with a record equalling break to make his play for gold by beating Matt Williams to win the penultimate event of this seasons Gold Waistcoat tournament. Kris Vincent still heads the rankings but all is to play for in the final event. Go to Gold Waistcoat for results, report due in soon.

If you are interested in entering or just want to come along to watch go to WEBSF Calendar of Events to see when the next event is scheduled. All non professional players from any region are welcome to enter this tour providing they join the WEBSF and reside in a region that does not operate a foundation on a similar basis to the WEBSF. For more details contact the WEBSF

Thanks to Rileys Snooker Club, Plymouth event sponsors. This time 92% of the entry fees went as prize money!

Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS

January 2008 News

EASB TO LAUNCH COACHING SCHEME
The EASB are preparing to launch a new coaching scheme. In order to include as many people as possible they need to gather information about who is currently involved in coaching, who wants to become involved and the levels that they aspire to. Go to EASB Coaching Scheme to register your interest.

RETALLACK REACHES FINAL ON DEBUT
Jake Stewart Wins three Redruth Bronze Waistcoat events on the trot beating debutante Tom Retallack in the final. For further details and report go to Bronze Waistcoat. This tournament is open to all those that was under 16 on the 31st December 2007.

GALLEN STARTS HIS BID FOR BRONZE
Adam Gallen won event 4 of the Exeter Bronze Waistcoat. For further details and report go to Bronze Waistcoat. This tournament is open to all those that will be under 16 on the 31st December 2007.

Thanks to GWRSA Club who sponsored the event. This time 100% of the entry fees went as prize money!

BRONZE WAISTCOAT RULE CHANGE
In response to a proposal the WEBSF Management Team have unanimously decided on a rule change to accommodate additional qualifiers to the Grand Finals day. This is to redress a disproportion in the number of players entering the Plymouth series in comparison to Exeter & Redruth. The rule will come into immediate effect.

VINCENT & BAIRD QUALIFY
Well done Kris Vincent (Plymouth) and Sam Baird (Halberton) who have both qualified from the South in this years EASB English Amatuer. Good luck from the WEBSF Management Team in the finals

PINHEY LEADS THE PACK
Haydon Pinhey wins Plymouth Bronze Waistcoat event 3 to head the ranking points table. Got to Bronze Waistcoat for more details.

This tournament is open to all those that will be under 16 on the 31st December 2007. Thanks to Rileys, Plymouth who sponsored the event. This time 100% of the entry fees went as prize money!

GRINSTED GRINDS OUT A VICTORY
16 year old Mitchell Grinsted (Plymouth) wins event three of the Silver Waistcoat Tour beating Grant Cole (Plymouth) 2-1 in the final.

GREEN POSTS PERSONAL BEST
Mark Green (Salisbury) sets personal best break. Tournament report and details now in go to Silver Waistcoat.

This tournament is open to all those that will be under 21 on the 31st December 2007. This time 100% of the entry fees went as prize money!

LLOYD LUCKY WINNER
Michael Lloyd from Plymouth won a handicap tournament hosted by Rileys, Plymouth. His prize, a pair of tickets to see Ronnie O’Sullivan play Chinese sensation Ding Junhui in February, (see above) was kindly donated by SnookerPlus. Runner-up was Darran Lock from Seaton and Plate winner was Peter Beckwith, Plymouth. Trophies and other prizes were donated by the Rileys and the WEBSF.

KING WINS GOLD
Mike King beat Kris Vincent in a close fought final to take the third Gold Waistcoat event of the season. It wasn’t enough to topple Vincent from occupying top spot in the rankings. Go to Gold Waistcoat for results.

If you are interested in entering or just want to come along to watch go to WEBSF Calendar of Events to see when the next event is scheduled. All non professional players from any region are welcome to enter this tour providing they join the WEBSF and reside in a region that does not operate a foundation on a similar basis to the WEBSF. This time 91% of the entry fees went as prize money!

Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS

October 2007 News

SNOOKER EXHIBITIONS IN CORNWALL – UPDATE
Due to a change in the UK Championship qualifying format made by the WPBSA; Maximum Promotions have had to replace Jamie Cope with Ryan Day who is provisionally ranked at no 10 in the world. Ryan 27 from mid Glamorgan is an exciting player who was runner-up to Shaun Murphy in this years Malta cup 2007. NEIL ROBERTSON V RYAN DAY promises to be a great feast of exhibition snooker with high breaks a plenty.

BATTEN DOES WELL IN THE RAVENACE METALS LTD PRO-AM
Greg Batten reached the quarter-final of round 1 of the 2007-8 Ravenace Metals Ltd Pro-Am. Greg had comfortable wins over Luke Garland 4-1 and Paul Metcalf 4-0 before narrowly losing 4-3 to Craig Steadman in the quarter finals. For more information go to Global Snooker.

BLACKMORE TURNS THE TABLE
Will Blackmore finally got the better of his former team-mate in a final in winning the first Exeter Bronze Waistcoat event of the season. For further details go to Bronze Waistcoat

This tournament is open to all those that will be under 16 on the 31st December this year. To join the WEBSF and enter this tournament click here. This time 100% of the entry fees went as prize money!

BAIRD WINS AMONGST A BARRAGE OF CENTURY BREAKS
With England badges wherever you looked at the first WEBSF Gold Waistcoat event of the season Sam Baird came through to win. Last season a total of eleven century breaks were made over the course of the tour….this event produced a fantastic six! The best a 123 by Kris Vincent. Full results and report due in soon.

the WEBSF Calendar of Events All non professional players from any region are welcome to enter this tour providing they join the WEBSF and reside in a region that does not operate a foundation on a similar basis to the WEBSF. For more details go to Gold Waistcoat or contact the WEBSF. This time 88% of the entry fees went as prize money!

If you can raise a team of non professional players that you think would be a match for a select team from the WEBSF. Contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.

EXETER BRONZE WAISTCOAT
Check out the dates dates for the Exeter Bronze Waistcoat tournaments which gets underway on the 20th October 2007 at the GWRSA Social Club, Exeter Open to all players within the region or in regions that do not operate a foundation similar to the WEBSF and will still be under 16 on 31st December 2007. For more details go to Bronze Waistcoat or contact the WEBSF. On average over 90% of the entrance fee is distributed as prize money!.

KING BACK IN FORM
WEBSF Gold Waistcoat Champion Mike King after a quiet spell out of the news bounced back with a great run in event 3 of the Pontin’s International Open Series. All eyes where on the in-form Sam Baird picking off a couple of big scalps to reach the last 16 before being dumped 4-1 by Michael Wild. King quietly progressed through the lower half of the draw to go all the way to the final. Having done so well to reach the final King seem to run out of steam as Paul S Davison won 6-2. Scores Davison first 63(59)-10, 73(73)-1, 93(93)-0, 46-75(51), 69-0, 12-74, 70-10, 96(96)-0. Matt Williams reached the last 32 whilst Greg Batten, Kris Vincent, Andy Symons-Rowe & Paul Veitch failed to get out of the blocks this time. For more information go to Global Snooker

SNOOKER EXHIBITIONS IN CORNWALL
A feast of snooker is coming to Cornwall over the next couple of months. Two very different exhibitions to whet the appetite:-

The first event on the 6th October 2007 is promoted by SnookerPlus and features John Virgo & Jimmy White providing a varied exhibition of Trick Shots, Humour and exciting potting.

The second event on the 29th November 2007 is promoted by Maximum Promotions and features a snooker ‘shoot out’ between ‘Young Guns’ Ryan Day and Neil Robertson. Click on the link to get more details.CANCELED

Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS

July 2007 News

GREAT NEWS FOR MATT, BUT WITH A TWIST!
Congratulations to Matt Williams, (Plymouth) on being selected to play for England in the IBSF World Under 21 Championship, 22nd-31st August, Goa, India

Matt is in good company, he will be joined by Michael Georgiou, Forest Hill, London and Robbie Williams, Michael Wallasey. Michael was the country’s No 2 junior 2005/2006, European Under 19 quarter finalist 2006 and reached the final of the EASB Under 19’s last season.- Highest match break 138. Robbie is at present in top form having won three Pontin’s Buisnessland Under 21’s in a row and is the overall series winner, also he has twice reached the EASB Under 18’s semi finals – Highest match break 131. Matt won the EASB Under 19 Tour 2005, runner up in the National Under 18’s the same year and finished 3rd in last seasons Premier Junior Tour Also in his previous World Under 21’s trip he reached the last 32 – Highest match break 143. The eventual winner is promoted to the Main Tour 2008-2009.

THE TWIST!
Matt has to fund the entire trip himself! The WEBSF in association with Rileys, Plymouth are staging a Handicap Snooker Tournament on the 11th August at Rileys, Plymouth in an effort to raise some funds for Matt.

BAIRD ‘ON FIRE’ AT PONTINS
Congratulations to Sam Baird, (Halberton) after winning event 6 of the Pontins Businessland Under 21 Series. Along with Sam, Adrian Bond, Darren Bond, Grant Cole, Darran lock all qualified to the last 32. Both Bond the brothers won through to the last 16 before losing out to Alex Taubman and Stephen Ellis respectively. Darran Lock narrowly lost 2-3 to Liam Highfield in the last 32. Dale Branton (Plymouth) just 15 years did not qualify but will have gained valuable experience from playing against some of the best under 21 players in the country. For more information go to Global Snooker

Sam has continued his good form in the Pontin’s International Open Series by reaching the last 16. Sam lost 4-2 to Jeff Cundy but not before claiming the following scalps:- Mike Hallett 4-1, Scott Miller 4-1 & Dave Manley 4-0. Kris Vincent was close behind reaching the last 32 lossing out 4-1 to Robbie Williams. Matt Williams and Jamie Dykes reached Round 2. Mike King had a tough draw against Antony Parsons losing 3-4.

 

PRACTISE PAYS OFF FOR CARL
Carl Mitchell from Redruth, just eight years old, won his first competitive match in a Perranporth & District Snooker Summer League match for Redruth Royal British Legion at Lanner Institute last week. Carl practises with his father & coach Barry Mitchell up to fifteen hours a week at the Redruth Royal British Legion which is noted for playing a big part in the development of young players in Cornwall.

BAIRD MIXES IT WITH THE BEST
Congratulations and commiserations to Sam Baird (Halberton) who after reaching the EASB Pro-Ticket Play-Offs was knocked out in the first round by Michael Wild (Oldham) at the Northern Snooker Centrein Leeds, five frames to one. Wild went on to reach the semi-finals, where he lost David Grace. Grace lost 6-3 Martin Gould (Middlesex) in the final. If Gould can win his next four matches at Prestatyn, North Wales, he will qualify for the Shanghai Masters event.

Baird will be disappointed at not getting past the first round but we recognize the magnitude of this achievement of being one of just 16 of the country’s top amateur players to earn a place in the play offs. Well done Sam! (WEBSF Management Team & Fellow Members)

Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS

May & June 2007 News

WEBSF RECEIVES DONATION
At the Plymouth & District Billiards & Snooker League presentation evening President, Mr John Brice presented a cheque to WEBSF Champion Roger Cole & one of the WEBSF’s most promising players from Plymouth, Tom Vanstone. The benefactor was Mr Chris Harris of DHS Tools Ltd. In association with the Plymouth & District Billiards & Snooker League Beneficiaries Galley

BATTEN BATTERS ALL
The penultimate Gold Waistcoat event of the season took place last Saturday and Greg Batten battered all-comers with a superb display of consistent break building. Report now in go to Gold Waistcoat Event 4

BOND WINS BUT BAIRD IS CHAMPION
Bond wins event 5 but Baird does enough to become the 2007 WEBSF Silver Waistcoat Champion. For further details go to Silver Waistcoat Tour Finals

Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS

April 2007 News

JAKE STEWART – REGIONAL BRONZE CHAMPION
Jake Stewart, Redruth carved through a field of talented young snooker players to win the coveted WEBSF Bronze Waistcoat Championship. Runner-up to Stewart was Will Blackmore, Exeter, left. For further details go to Regional Bronze Waistcoat Finals

BOND BEATS BUDDY BAIRD
Darren Bond beat Sam Baird 3-2 in a close fought final of Silver Waistcoat event 4. Full report now in, go to Silver Waistcoat Event 4

REDRUTH BRONZE CONCLUDES
The last Redruth Bronze Waistcoat produces a close finish as Alex Wills wins on the day and James Freeman wins overall. For further details go to Redruth Bronze Waistcoat Event 5

EXETER BRONZE PLAYERS PLAY CATCH-UP!
In the very last Exeter Bronze Waistcoat of the season Dan Hine is eventually turned over as Adam Gallen takes event 6. For further details go to Exeter Bronze Waistcoat Event 6

Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS

March 2007 News

PLYMOUTH INTERNATIONAL SNOOKER CHANNEL ISLAND CHALLENGE

Top Plymouth Snooker Club Rileys will be center stage this weekend, 24th March 2007, when they play host and main sponsor to the inaugural Plymouth International Snooker Channel Island Challenge. This invitation only tournament breaks new ground for Plymouth in the world of team snooker and will expectantly prove to be the beginning of an annual event that brings together top amateur Billiards & Snooker teams from England, Wales, the Channel Islands and further a field in future years.

Rileys have secured sponsorship from local firms Crownhill Taxis Services, Challenger Tyre Centre and received a donation from the Jersey Billiards & Snooker Association. The organisation of such a prestigious event requires a high degree of expertise, which would normally prove expensive. Rileys have called upon the Plymouth Referees Association and West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation (WEBSF), the latter being the top organisation of its kind in the region. The WEBSF regularly stage the Gold, Silver & Bronze Waistcoat Tournaments throughout the region. On the Friday evening the players and officials will meet with the Mayor of Plymouth Michael Fletcher at a Civic Reception in the Council Chambers before returning to Rileys where further entertainment has bee organised.

The main objective of the tournament is to expose the Channel Island teams to quality opposition, in preparation for the Home Internationals to be held at the Pontins Festival of snooker, Prestatyn, North Wales in September. The tournament consist of three matches; Senior Snooker; Junior Snooker and the less often seen but no less skilful, English Billiards. All teams consist of three players. In the senior snooker match there will be six teams from the Channel Islands against six teams top teams selected from Plymouth, Exeter, Cornwall, Wales, Pontins, and Cuestars, the latter covering South & South East England. The Junior match pitches Jersey against some of the best rising talent from Cornwall and the WEBSF. In the English Billiards match top teams from Devon and Cornwall take on the unknown quality of Jersey. In all 26 International players will be in action playing a total of 256 frames of Snooker and over 8 hours of English Billiards on the Saturday. This augers well for a top class display of quality Billiards & Snooker, If you have never witnessed a 100 break live, Rileys is the place to be!

SAM THE DEMOLITION MAN
Sam Baird makes it two on the trot as he takes the third Silver Waistcoat event. Further details go to Silver Waistcoat Event 3

Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS

February 2007 News

WEBSF ELITE FLY THE ENGLAND FLAG
Mike King, Greg Batten & Andy Symons-Rowe have narrowly lost 10-8 in the semi final against Germany.

The WEBSF Management Team take this opportunity to congratulate them on their achievement. Getting to the semi’s and losing by just 2 frames is obviously disappointing but it is still more than most have achieved and should not be underestimated. To represent your country at any level of competition is a great achievement. Well done!

REDRUTH BRONZE
Results just in for the third and fourth Redruth Bronze Waistcoat tournament of 2006/7. James Freeman and Jake Stewart share the spoils. For further details go to Redruth Bronze Waistcoat Events 3 & 4

LEARNING THE FINER ART OF ENGLISH BILLIARDS
Four budding snooker players try their hand at English Billiards in order to further their knowledge of angles and touch play.

HINE WINS, BUT LOSES
Hine is Exeter champion but loses his unbeaten run. For further details go to Exeter Bronze Waistcoat Event 5

JOHNSON WINS COUMBE CHAMPION
Paul Johnson wins back to back Plymouth Bronze events whilst Coumbes secures Plymouth title. For further details go to Plymouth Bronze Waistcoat Event 5

BAIRD RAISES THE BAR
The second Silver Waistcoat event took place last Saturday and Sam Baird raised the bar, setting new standards for his peers to aspire to. Further details go to Silver Waistcoat Event 2

BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR HINE
It was business as usual for Dan Hine in his relentless pursuit of the West of England Bronze Waistcoat Champion. For further details go to Exeter Bronze Waistcoat Event 4

Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS

December 2006 News

BAIRD WINS HIS SECOND GOLD WAISTCOAT
Mid Devon seems to be a hot bed for Snooker talent. Last month Darren Bond (Tiverton) won the prestigious Gold Waistcoat Tournament, this month fellow team mate Sam Baird (Halberton) took the spoils. For further details of this premier West Country Snooker Tour go to Gold Waistcoat Event 2

CHILCOTT WINS HIS FIRST PLYMOUTH BRONZE
Dylan Chilcott wins Plymouth Bronze tournament, event 3, but Coumbe still ranked top . For further details go to Plymouth Bronze Waistcoat Event 3

Steve Canniford BLOG-NEWS

May 2006 News

NEW MEMBER OF WEBSF COACHING TEAM
Congratulations to Peter Bradbeer, Rileys, Plymouth, for successfully achieving the WEBSF Bronze Coaching status. Peter is not new to coaching, regularly giving of his time to pass on valuable snooker knowledge and experience. This qualification is recognition for the skill and hard work he has carried out. Well done Peter!

BAIRD’S POT OF SILVER
Sam Baird wins Silver Waistcoat Tour event 5 and becomes this years overall Silver Champion to leap frog from third place in the rankings. Darren Bond is the Silver ‘Breakmaster’ with a superb 117. Full report and results go to Silver Waistcoat Event 5

PLYMOUTH DEVON CHAMPIONS
Full report and results go to Bilby Cup

Plymouth City Billiards & Snooker Youth Initiative
The development of Junior Billiards and Snooker in Plymouth is about to take a huge step forward as a result of a £6,947.00 grant from the Local Network Fund through the Devon Community Foundation. Full report go to Plymouth City Billiards & Snooker Youth Initiative Home Page

BRANTON REGIONAL BRONZE CHAMPION
Full report and results go to Bronze Waistcoat Finals Day

HINE WINS EVENT 4 BUT GALLEN EXETER OVERALL BRONZE CHAMPION
Dan Hine may have one the last in the series but Adam Gallen wins the overall Exeter title. For full report and results go to Exeter Bronze Waistcoat Event 4