Cumbrian snooker is mourning the death of an outstanding player in both the west and east of the county.
The former Workington Conservative Club player, Wilf Sanderson, 86, was a giant of Cumbrian snooker and contested seven Cumbria County Singles finals winning it four times – in 1966, 1967, 1980 and 1982.
He sits fourth on the all-time list of winners in Cumbria’s premier snooker championship but he was also a prolific billiards player winning many county titles alongside his snooker achievements.
He is fondly remembered for the huge part he played in the all-conquering Workington Conservative Club side throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s.
The titles weren’t solely limited to Cumbria, however, as Wilf formed part of probably the strongest Cumbrian amateur trio ever in the company of John Maughan and Mike Dawson winning national open championships, competing against former pros such as John Virgo and John Pulman.
Wilf moved to Plumbland in the early 80s and featured heavily for Carlisle Buffs Club in the Carlisle and District Billiards and Snooker League continuing in his title winning ways before hanging his cue up in the late 90s.
L&L Property Contractors Snooker League chairman Kevin Basnett said: “Unfortunately Wilf had moved away from playing his league snooker in the Workington area before I started competing.
“However the stories of his title winning achievements are still very much talked about. Wilf was obviously very close to professional status as you don’t win the amount of trophies at that level without possessing tremendous ability.”
