The first major singles final of Carlisle and District Billiards and Snooker League brought together two players who have enjoyed exceptional seasons.
Twice champion Martin Goodhead from the Southend Club faced off against former pool pro and Scotland international player Garry Southern.
Martin had an amazing run to the final, with the 2013 and 2022 champion disposing of Stuart Burgess, Phil Wall, Neil Walby and Allan Stoton in a dramatic black ball decider semi-final to set up the final clash.
Garry had victories over Brian Armstrong, John Metcalfe, Mark Beattie and Paul Watson to book a maiden final on the big table.
It was Garry who struck first, with some good long potting combined with a series of teen and into the 20 breaks to record a 72-7 success.
The second frame was a bit scrappier, with a few chances being exchanged, before a crunch break of 23 put Garry into the lead.
Martin was holding onto the coat tails though and came to the table 27 behind with the colours remaining, and potted a superb long yellow to land nicely on the green, all the other balls in the open.
A miscue with the rest put paid to Martin’s chances, and Garry potted the next few colours to record a 62-26 margin to take a two-frame lead with a potential three to play.
The third frame saw the pattern of the match continue, with strong potting combined with tough safety seeing Garry forge into a strong lead.
A superb 21 break, including a lovely long pink into the yellow pocket, left Martin requiring snookers, and after a few attempts Garry finished off the final couple of balls needed for a well-deserved 3-0 win.
The league has established a YouTube channel and snooker enthusiasts are invited to watch the other big games coming up – the pairs final on Monday May 18, the Brisco final on Wednesday May 20, the Idris Ramdin final on Wednesday May 27, and the merit finals on Tuesday June 2.
Carlisle and District Snooker and Billiards League is certainly on the up, with big plans for the county championship as well.
Cumbria Crack’s John Walsh had a word with one of the men involved in the game’s progress in the city, Mike Griffith.
You can hear what Mike had to say below:
