Gilbert Shepherd Memorial Shield 2015 (Part 3 - Competition Summary)

And so to the main event!   After a bumper entry - the entry form filled up in 24 hours, 24 players assembled for the 10 o'clock start time.  Andy Rance had been quite anxious after some late & last minute drop outs, but with several entrants on the Reserve List, a few phone calls saw the ideal 4 groups of 6 format (thanks to the Challow boys, Lee Wood, Mike Bishop & Chris Rose for making the journey over!).  Apart from a few computer gremlins re printing, this certainly didn't detract from what ended up as another much enjoyed, successful tournament.  There were quite a few matches to get through in the Group Stages & playing at a good pace was recommended! Alan Pearce took the Best Non League Player award for a very creditable 3 wins from 5 matches.  It was joked with his son Ian that with Neil Tolley & Gav Twigg already having won this title in past tournaments, Ian is now the only one of that group of mates who hasn't won it!  Best keep sharp for the Greene King, eh Ian?

Alan being presented with his trophy & prize money by Andy.

Dave Greathead took the Group Stages High Break prize with a nice 36 & is being presented with his prize money by Club Snooker Rep Pete Billingham.

After the group stages, the quarter finals lined up thus:

Table 1 - Dave Rowe v Dave Greathead

Table 2 - Pete Billingham v Phil Hall

Table 3 - Jon Hawkins v Simon Ellam

Table 4 - Kev 'Cuz' Higgs v Andy Rance

Table 1 & 2 seem to be annual fixtures as it was the same in the Greene King back in Autumn.  Dave Rowe progressed 2-0 as did Pete, also 2-0, but at a slower rate - it's never pretty on table 2!  Jon beat Simon, also by a 2-0 score line, but Cuz was pushed all the way to a deciding frame v Andy, taking it 2-1 on the pink in the 3rd!

So the semi finals lined up as:

Table 1 - Kev Higgs v Jon Hawkins

Table 4 - Dave Rowe v Pete Billingham

Cuz progressed to the Final to defend his crown by a 2-0 score line, whilst Dave was taken to a deciding frame by Pete after he went 1-0 up. Pete levelled with a 'Valentino' break (that's a 46 for all you non-MotoGP players!), but Dave sealed his place in the final taking the 3rd.

Jon receiving his semi finalist prize money from Andy.

Pete receiving his semi finalist prize money from Andy.

Pete receiving his Knockout Stages High Break prize money from Andy.

So, it was wholly appropriate that the 2014 GSMS Winner (Cuz) faced the 2014 Greene King Winner (Dave Rowe) for the 2015 GSMS title.  Cuz started brightly & held a lead to the colours, but Dave nipped it for a 1-0 lead.  Cuz responded with good tactical & potting in the 2nd to level at 1-1.  In the decider it was Cuz's turn to come from behind as he trailed by 26 with just the brown to black left.  Cuz got his 4 point foul & went on to take the last 4 colours to level the scores & force a re-spotted black!  After a couple of quality well weighted tactical shots leaving both the cue ball & black safely on cushions, Cuz had left black & cue ball on opposite side cushions.  It's always a possibility of a double with that situation, but Dave punched the black around the angles for a 'cocked hat' to take the GSMS title for the first time.

Cuz receiving his Runners Up Shield & prize money from Andy.

Dave receiving the GSMS Shield & prize money from his team-mate & Captain, Andy.  Congratulations Dave who is now holder of the Greene King, House Singles Triple Crown & League Singles.  He likes setting records, doesn't he!

Thanks to Andy for all his hard work in organising what is a very popular event which was enjoyed immensely by all involved.

Thanks also to John Beardsley for his immaculate table preparations & to Oz, Lucy & Erik Cawthorne for keeping us all fed & watered throughout.

Keep your eyes open for the next annual all-day tournament which will be the Greene King in Autumn.