In the first Derwent Valley Asbestos Removals Individual Handicap semi-final, Kevin Basnett delivered a commanding performance to secure a 3–0 win over Mark Tunstall.
Basnett controlled proceedings from the outset comfortably out-scoring Tunstall to take the opening frame. The second frame quickly followed aided by a break of 44.
Tunstall showed some resistance in the third and led for most of the frame until Basnett delivered a match winning clearance of 31 to secure passage to the final.
In the second semi-final Ryan Ismay produced a composed performance to defeat Stephen Jackson 3–1.
Jackson began the match with an early statement, taking the opening frame despite a break of 30 from Ismay.
Undeterred by the setback, Ismay responded strongly in frame two, tightening up his safety play and capitalising on key chances to level the match.
Ismay held the momentum in the third with some assured play to take the lead. Ismay maintained his form in frame four to confidently close out the match and advance to the final.
The Derwent Valley Asbestos Removals Individual Handicap Final, was ideally set up to be a high quality contest. Featuring two of the form players of the season in Kevin Basnett and Ryan Ismay, it didn’t disappoint.
Ismay opened strongly, taking the first frame with some steady scoring. The second frame followed a similar pattern, as Ismay continued to make the better of the scoring opportunities to extend his lead to 2-0.
Ismay maintained the momentum into the third and looked favourite to take the frame after opening up a significant lead. However, a crucial miss offered his opponent a lifeline.
Recognising there was no room for further error, Basnett drew on all his reserves to craft an inspired frame winning clearance of 68, and establish a foothold in the match.
Clearly growing in confidence, Basnett followed up with another break of 50 to swiftly take the fourth and bring the match onto even terms.
The momentum of the match had clearly swung towards Basnett, who continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over with a series of smaller contributions which proved enough to take the fifth and move into the lead for the first time.
With the winning line in sight Basnett wasted no time in striding over it. Some excellent tactical play created the necessary opening and a break of 48 was sufficient to complete the comeback and secure the title.
Derwent Valley Asbestos Removals director Stephen Jackson was on hand to present the season’s honours.
In the First Division, Kevin Basnett was unbeaten throughout the season and retains the Division One title to complete a League and Cup double.
Ryan Ismay comfortably took the runners-up spot for the second season in succession, with Andrew Mitchelhill finishing in third position.
Ismay also took the highest break prize with a season best of 73, with Basnett comfortably winning the Aggregate Breaks, with a combined total of 1329.
Division Two was a close contest but Stephen Jackson ultimately secured the title ahead of Chris Hunter.
Adam Sowden had his best season so far to finish in third place.
Jackson was consistently the strongest scorer in Division Two for the second season running, compiling an Aggregate Breaks total of 103, with a High Break of 40.
