Dale Branton – Plymouth Champion 2005/06
Bronze Waistcoat Tour Plymouth Ranking 2005-06
Bronze Waistcoat Tour – Event 1
(Victoria Snooker Cantre, Plymouth)
JOHNSON WINS FIRST BRONZE TOUR OF THE SEASON
Report
1st October 2005
The West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation held their first Plymouth Bronze Waistcoat tournament of the season at the Victoria Snooker Centre, Plymouth. There was a new look to the tournament with a new format being introduced to bring this and other WEBSF Waistcoat tours in-line with the International Billiards & Snooker Federation rules for determining group positions.
15 years old Paul Johnson took the spoils as tournament winner after defeating the reigning West of England Bronze Waistcoat Champion Dale Branton 2-1. Johnson lost the opening frame 38-63 and Branton took an early lead in the second only to watch Johnson hold his nerve, helped with a favourable ‘run of the balls’, to pot the pink to take frame two 56-48 and level the match. Johnson’s confidence grew putting Branton on the defensive and watch as Johnson’s long potting helped him out of trouble time and time again. Johnson once again potted pink to run out a 62-43 winner to take the event one title.
Other notable performances came from newcomer Curtis Campbell who reached the semi-final, losing to Branton 2-0. Jacob Stokes carried on from last season with a solid performance, but with little practise during the summer break just missed out. Another newcomer Chris Corry gained valuable experience in this his first Bronze Waistcoat event. Corry is beginning to reap the rewards of coaching received from one of the WEBSF Coaching Schools held at the Victoria S.C.
Tournament Director, Steve Brookshaw said “The boys looked immaculate in their attire and behaved impeccably throughout the day. The life learning skills these boys take from these tournaments will put them in good stead.”
Report by Keith Millard
Due to an oversight the winner was found to be not eligable to compete in the tournament. As a result the records will be adjusted accordingly.
Bronze Waistcoat Tour Plymouth Event 1 Results 2005-06
Bronze Waistcoat Tour – Event 2
(Rileys, Plymouth)
BRANTON STAMPS AUTHORITY
Report
29th October 2005
Rileys American Pool & Snooker Club, Plymouth played host to the latest event in the West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation (WEBSF) Bronze Waistcoat Tour.
It was 13year old Dale Branton who stamped his authority in winning this second event in convincing fashion.
Branton, who plays out of the Victoria Snooker Centre Plymouth, beat the young up-and-coming all round cue star from Rileys, 10year old Dylan Chilcott 2-0 in the final. This victory takes Branton to the top of the ranking table keeping him on course to defend this coveted under 15’s title.
Branton’s emphatic domination of this tournament was highlighted by the fact that he did not drop a frame of snooker throughout the day. He also recorded the highest break of the day, 37 against Jacob Stokes also from the Victoria Snooker Centre.
Jacob Stokes played against Dylan Chilcott in the deciding match to determine who qualified to meet Branton in the final. With the match poised level at 1-1, Chilcott potted his way to victory to progress to win the match 2-1.
Curtis Campbell showed promise in his 2-0 victory over Christopher Corry. Although Corry potted a few great long balls it just wasn’t to be his day.
WEBSF Bronze Waistcoat Tournament Director, Steve Brookshaw, stated, “It’s a pleasure to watch the players perform the skills they have acquired through the WEBSF coaching school and put them into practice in a competitive arena”.
Report by Steve Brookshaw
Bronze Waistcoat Tour Plymouth Event 2 Results 2005-06
Bronze Waistcoat Tour – Event 3
(Victoria Snooker Centre, Plymouth)
BRANTON BLAZES ON
Report
19th November 2005
Dale Branton secured his second successive win at the third West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation Bronze Waistcoat event held at the Victoria Snooker Centre. Branton, who didn’t drop a frame all day, played with consistency and composure to beat Daniel Keane 2-0 in the final.
Branton and Keane met earlier in the opening group stages where they both produced some skilful play but two superb pots on the blue and pink secured the 2-0 victory for Branton.
Jacob Stokes showed real tenacity and tactical play in his match against Keane. In the first frame, Stokes lost on the black whilst in the second, Keane played some tremendous shots leaving Stokes requiring snookers. Stokes didn’t disappoint but Keane replied by winning the match 2-0.
In group A, Stokes tried to overcome Branton but was outscored with breaks of 43 and 25 which gave Branton the 2-0 lead.
Group B saw Curtis Campbell win a close first frame against Christopher Corry on the black but Corry came back strong in the second demonstrating some sound pots. Campbell responded to the challenge and took the match to a 2-0 lead. Despite Campbell displaying a talent for snooker beyond his years, he just missed out from a place in the semi-finals.
Dylan Chilcott continued his good form all day and potted well in his match against Ashley Negus. Although Negus missed the start of the season, it was clear he had not lost his touch performing some surprising shots throughout the tournament. Chilcott went on to win 2-0 and extended his success by not dropping a frame in his other preliminary rounds against Corry and Campbell.
In the semi-final, despite playing some good safety shots, Negus lost 2-0 to Branton who just proved to be too strong on the day. Chilcott played against Keane in the other tense semi-final that concluded with Keane winning 2-0.
Tournament Director, Steve Brookshaw commented, “The third Bronze Waistcoat produced some great matches and the boys were impeccable in their dress sense, manners and sportsmanship”.
Report by Steve Brookshaw
Bronze Waistcoat Tour Plymouth Event 3 Results 2005-06
Bronze Waistcoat Tour – Event 4
(Victoria Snooker Centre)
BRANTON TOP OF THE POTS
Report
7th January 2006
The Victoria Snooker Centre played host to the forth event in the Plymouth U15 Bronze Waistcoat Tour. Victoria player Dale Branton has now achieved a hat-trick of wins taking into a substantial lead in this ever popular West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation tour.
The Final saw a repeat of last months encounter with Branton vs Daniel Keane. Branton took early control of the first frame quickly opening a lead. Keane fought back with a 17 break to take the frame to the colours. Although Branton only needed the yellow, he cleared to the pink with a frame winning 20. Branton opened the second frame with a 28 break but Keane fought hard to get himself back in to the frame. Although Keane showed some thoughtful safety play, Branton had the edge on a battle for the yellow to create a chance for him to clear to the blue. This proved decisive in him taking the title 2-0.
Group A saw Branton battle against Ashley Negus who took an early lead performing some excellent long pots. Branton soon found his range, proving himself too strong for Negus to come out the 2-0 winner.
Debutant Haydon Pinhey faced Curtis Campbell in his first competitive snooker match. The first frame was close with both players potting well. Pinhey was the most consistent overall, coming out the 2-0 winner. Pinhey continued his form in his next match against Branton. However, Branton’s experience proved too much giving him the 2-0 win.
Branton had a scare in the first frame against Curtis Campbell, being taken to the black. After a good spell of safety by both players, Branton eventually secured victory with a long pot on the black. Branton controlled the next frame to win 2-0.
The final match of Group A saw Pinhey and Negus share the first two frames, both finishing close. The decider was another close frame going to the black, which Pinhey potted to win 2-1. Pinhey finished second overall in the group stages behind Branton, securing a well-deserved place in the semis.
In Group B, Keane survived an early onslaught against Dylan Chilcott who built a 26 point lead. Keane held his nerve to come back and pinch the frame. Chilcott continued to pot well in the second frame but couldn’t stop Keane from winning the match 2-0.
Jacob Stokes won his first frame against Christopher Corry. Following a couple of unfortunate in-offs by Stokes, Corry levelled the match demonstrating some sound potting. Corry’s dedication to the game proved vital in this frame particularly as Stokes was one of the most improved players of last season. The decider saw Stokes play two good banana positional shots to hold for the black which proved to be the telling point in Stokes achieving a 2-1 win. Chilcott booked his place in the semis with a polished performance against Stokes, coming through 2-0, joining Keane to qualify from Group B.
The first semi saw Branton sweep aside Chilcott 2-0. A 40 break by Branton in the first frame rattled Chilcott who found it hard to recover. Chilcott has become more consistent this season by reaching the semis and one final proving he is a player to contend with. The second semi-final saw Keane come out a 2-0 winner over debutant Pinhey. Nine-year-old Pinhey was not phased by the occasion demonstrating a cool head and a natural flare for the game. Keane’s experience was enough to get him through this close affair.
Steve Brookshaw, Tournament Director, added “It’s really rewarding watching these youngsters, not only enjoy their snooker but develop their skills week-on-week as a result of regular coaching from the WEBSF coaching staff.”
Snooker & Billiards Coaching from WESBSF Qualified coaches is available most Saturday mornings at the Victoria Snooker Centre, St. Budeaux.
Report by Steve Brookshaw
Bronze Waistcoat Tour Plymouth Event 4 Results 2005-06
Bronze Waistcoat Tour – Event 5
(Riley’s, Plymouth)
BRONZE BLITZ BY BRANTON
Report
28th January 2006
Talented youngster, Dale Branton, claimed his fourth successive win at the fifth leg of the Plymouth West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation under 15 Bronze Waistcoat Tour held at Rileys, Plymouth.
Victoria Snooker Centre players Branton and Daniel Keane met in a tense final where expectations ran high on both sides. Keane’s determination to succeed became apparent after taking an early 24 point lead managing to keep Branton at bay during the first frame. Keane consistently found good length in his safety play leaving Branton in trouble on several occasions. Faced with what only looked like a safety shot, Branton chipped a red into the corner pocket gaining ideal position on the blue to complete a 31 break. A shell-shocked Keane then struggled to find good safety, which gave Branton a further chance to make another decisive 31 to take the first frame. Unable to retain his composure in the second frame, Keane didn’t quite find the safety play he had demonstrated in the first frame, leaving Branton to run out a 53-9 winner for a 2:0 win. This result reinforcing what is already a convincing lead for Branton at the top of the ranking list.
Keane reached the final with a favourable run of the ball against 9 year old Haydon Pinhey of Rileys. Keane took full advantage of this to win the first frame with ease. During the second frame, Pinhey refused to let Keane’s good fortune get the better of him and battled to the end, taking the game to the colours. Keane’s experience of playing League snooker was apparent after playing some tactical snookers of which Pinhey failed to escape from. This was enough to secure him a 2:0 win.
The second semi-final saw Branton against Riley’s potting machine, Dylan Chilcott. Armed with the knowledge of Chilcott’s potting power, Branton kept him at distance, forcing a series of mistakes, which he made the most of to cruise to a 2:0 win, making breaks of 33, 24 and 21 along the way.
Group A saw Branton finish top without dropping a frame making breaks of 31, 29 and the highest of the day, a 44 against Pinhey. Pinhey had a comfortable 2:0 win against Christopher Corry making two breaks of 14 demonstrating a level of consistency despite his young years. Corry’s second match against 10 year old Curtis Campbell went the distance. After Campbell took a 1:0 lead, Corry’s dedication paid off for him to level. Despite Corry taking the initial lead in the deciding frame, Campbell fought hard to win comfortably 2:1. The last match in Group A saw Pinhey vs Campbell, the winner taking the runner up slot to secure a place in the semis. Pinhey potted well to win an edgy first frame on the colours. The next frame was much the same going all the way to the black. Pinhey then made a telling mistake on a safety shot allowing Campbell to bring the match level. In the decider, Pinhey scored freely to secure his place in the semis by winning the match 2:1.
Group B saw Keane take the lead 2:0 against Chilcott in what were very close frames. The match between Keane and Negus was also a close affair, both players sharing the first 2 frames on the colours. Negus failed to make the most of his opportunities following a string of excellent long pots.
Although the frames were even at one each, Keane stepped up a gear on the deciding frame to win comfortably 53-10. The result of the tie between Chilcott and Negus would see the winner go through to the semi’s. With both players aware of this, it made for a very tense encounter. After sharing the first two frames, the decider really put their nerves to the test with both players making mistakes throughout the match. Chilcott came through 54-44 to secure his place in the semi-final.
The Tournament Director commented, “The youngsters are a credit to the sport showing determination and dedication throughout the highs and lows of the tournament. The level of sportsmanship demonstrated is admirable and will no doubt stand them in good stead in developing their confidence and social skills outside of the tournament arena”.
Report by Steve Brookshaw
Bronze Waistcoat Tour Plymouth Event 5 Results 2005-06
Bronze Waistcoat Tour – Event 6
(Victoria Snooker Centre, Plymouth)
BRANTON CONTINUES TO DOMINATE
Sorry No Photo’s
Report
18th March 2006
Dale Branton who plays out of the Victoria Snooker Centre, Plymouth is on target to retain the title of West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation Bronze Waistcoat Champion by winning the 6th event of the Plymouth Bronze Waistcoat tour.
Rileys Pool & Snooker Club, Plymouth played host to this popular tournament for Under 15’s, Branton’s 2-0 win against Jacob Stokes in the final proved a one sided affair, Branton outplaying Stokes in the first frame, quickly opening a substantial lead with a string of small breaks. Stokes refusing to lie down, battled hard in the next, limiting Brantons scoring opportunities. This tactic seem to limit Branton progress for most of the frame and Stokes look like he was going to level the match after he had played what he thought was a good safety, only to see Branton pot a superb black to win the frame and match.
Stokes booked his place in the final, with a gritty 2-0 win over Ashley Negus. Stokes looked dead and buried in their first frame needing two snookers and the remaining 25 points to win. However, after getting the two required snookers, he then took green to pink setting up a black ball shoot out. Negus who was visibly taken aback by Stokes’ comeback failed to pot an easy black to take the first frame gifting the frame to Stokes. With a confident Stokes , and a deflated Negus, there was only going to be one outcome to the match.
The other semi saw the 9 years old ‘Pocket Rocket’, Haydon Pinhey face a dominate Branton. Branton with a clinical display of potting mixed with excellent safety play quickly raced to a 2-0 final score line.
The group stages saw a tense match between Christopher Corry and Pinhey. The first frame went to a delighted Corry on the black, who’s dedication to practice finally reaped just reward. However, Pinhey soon found his form, living up to his nickname with some tremendous long potting to turn the match around and win 2-1. In a match between Negus and 10 years old Curtis Campbell both players were potting well and the match could have gone either way. It was Negus, the more experienced of the two, that used this to his advantage to secure a 2-0 win. Negus had mixed fortunes in his remaining two matches, against Stokes he won 2-0, making a 21 break along the way. In the second against Branton, Negus took a 1-0 lead, before losing the next two frames to lose 2-1.
The tightest match of the day saw the Pinhey and Campbell battle it out. The first frame went to Campbell after a long spell of safety on the final black. Pinhey then levelled the match 1-1 to take the match to a decider. This also proved an epic frame with both players displaying good potting and safety play. However It was Pinhey who stayed the distance eventually wining on a re-spotted black to leave Campbell shattered.
With only two events left to secure one of the four top places to qualify for the grand final, there are a few players still in with a chance. With four consecutive wins Brantons place is virtually secured at the top. However, the remaining three places could go to anyone of five players.
Tournament director, Steve Brookshaw said, “its really good to see the game played in such good spirit. With the pressure building on the players to secure a place in the finals, defeat is still handled in a gracious manner, the lads are a credit to their sport”.
Report by Roger Cole
Bronze Waistcoat Tour Plymouth Event 6 Results 2005-06
Bronze Waistcoat Tour – Event 7
(Victoria Snooker Centre, Plymouth)
BRANTON PLYMOUTH BRONZE CHAMPION
Sorry No Report
25th March 2006
Bronze Waistcoat Tour Plymouth Event 7 Results 2005-06
Bronze Waistcoat Tour – Event 8
(Riley’s, Plymouth)
BRANTON PLYMOUTH BRONZE CHAMPION
Report
8th April 2006
Rileys Snooker Club, Plymouth hosted the final event of this years West of England Billiards & Snooker Foundation Bronze Waistcoat Tour. Dale Branton, who has been in superb form all year, defended his Plymouth title emphatically by winning 7 out of the 8 local events. The top 4 ranked players from each of the three areas competing in this tournament will be brought together for the Finals Day of the WEBSF Bronze Waistcoat Tour to see who will be crowned the coveted overall U15 Regional Champion.
The final saw Branton against Daniel Keane with both players demonstrating some skilful play. Branton secured the victory by winning 2-0. Keane and Branton had scares in the semis by going 1-0 down. Keane turned his tie around against Ashley Negus, who looked intent on reaching his first final. Negus ran out of steam in the deciding frame allowing Keane to mop up the colours to take him through. The other semi-finalist, Jacob Stokes performed a gutsy display to secure third place on the leader board taking a frame from Branton along the way.
The group stages saw Branton drop a frame against the young Hayden Pinhey. Branton took the first frame with two breaks, 38 and 28 but Pinhey levelled taking the frame on the black. Branton eased to victory in the decider to win 2-1 and continued his form to overcome Curtis Campbell and Ashley Negus 2-0. ‘Pocket Rocket’ Pinhey was not deterred by his first defeat and produced potting well beyond his years to beat Campbell 2-0. Negus edged in front against Campbell taking the lead 2-1 in what were very close frames. He continued his success by taking a 2:0 victory against Pinhey.
Group B saw the return of Dylan Chilcott who produced some sound potting against Keane in a tough match where Chilcott held on to win 2-1. Stokes, who has shown consistent form of late, defeated Chilcott 2-0. During the preliminary stages, Stokes also triumphed 2-0 against Chris Corry. Although Corry played well on the day, Keane was able to draw from his experience to win 2-0. Corry’s match against Chilcott was a hard fought affair and finished with a 2-0 victory for Chilcott. The Bronze Waistcoat Tournament Director said he was pleased to see such excellent sportsmanship and manners around the table. He added that the tournaments not only encouraged players to progress within the sport but also helped with character building, giving them the tools to deal with other obstacles they may come across in life. He also wished to give thanks to the Victoria Snooker Centre and Rileys Snooker Club for their hospitality and for providing such excellent venues.
Report by Steve Brookshaw
Bronze Waistcoat Tour Plymouth Event 8 Results 2005-06
Dale Branton – 48,44,43,43,37,37,35,34,33,32,31,31,31,28,28,27,25,25,25,24,24,24,24,23,23,22,22,21,21,20
Ashley Negus – 21
Jacob Stokes – 21
WEBSF 