Curdridge's Derek Fry wins the
2016 Stuart Hamper Individual
Billiards Challengefor the second
time in three years!
Churchills Eastleigh, Wednesday 20 April 2016
 

The Stuart Hamper Memorial Individual Handicap Billiards Challenge had three Curdridge Royal British Legion players and one Hamble Social cueist all vying for the prestigious trophy at Churchills Eastleigh.

The semi-finals draw for the 200 points-up format, had Curdridge’s Brian Bull (receive +85) verses 2013-2014 winner Derek Fry (receive +80), and two first time semi-finalists, Gwen Gamblin (receive +130) up against Hamble’s Paul Knights (receive +80).

Derek and Brian played on the faster, tighter table number 1, and to start with, showed some final night nerves, as some pots and in-offs they normally stroke in with ease went amiss. But as they found their range, they both played some fine shots in the middle section of the game. Fry however was in no mood to give up the chance to play in the final for the second time in three years and won by 200-135, thanks in part to a 19 break.

On the other table Gwen was reveling in the playing conditions and played some wonderful cannons and pots. Her 50-point handicap advantage helped as well, but she kept Paul from getting into his normal flowing stride. Paul came back in the middle section of the game to give his spectators some hope, but Gwen closed the game out, winning by 200-153.

So for the first time in the Southampton and District Billiards and Snooker Association’s history we had a female player in the final of a major competition – well done Gwen. The game started well with both players playing freely, scoring some excellent in-offs and cannons. Gwen kept her handicap advantage until the mid 140s but Fry was closing in, and made a 13 break to remain in contention. It was nip and tuck in the last 30 points but Fry made a 15 unfinished to win his second championship in three years by 200-180. Congratulations Derek and Gwen!

SEMI-FINALS

Gwen Gamblin REC +130 (Curdridge RBL) 200
V
Paul Knights REC +80 (Hamble Social) 153


Derek Fry REC +80 (Curdridge RBL) 200
V
Brian Bull REC +85 (Curdridge RBL) 135


FINAL

Derek Fry REC +80 (Curdridge RBL) 200
V
Gwen Gamblin REC +130 (Curdridge RBL) 180