Brotherhood trio victorious in Team of Three final
Brotherhood deny Lennons 6th Team of Three honours
Sponsor, Glen Shawcroft of Alfreton SC presents the trophy to winners, YM Brotherhood ‘A’
Scorecard
YM Brotherhood ‘A’ 4-2 Lennons SC ‘H’
Jonathan Hall 59-53 David Birley
Dave Wilkinson 43-57 Gavin Shirley
Gary England 87-51 James Harrison
Jonathan Hall 29-67 David Birley (41 break)
Dave Wilkinson (32) 64-54 Gavin Shirley
Gary England 59-53 James Harrison
Venue: Alfreton SC
Referee: Stuart Wheatley
Previous Rounds:
YTM Brotherhood ‘A’ Lennons SC ‘H’
SF: Alfreton SC ‘A’ (4-0) YM Brotherhood ‘B’ (4-2)
QF: YM Brotherhood ‘A’ (no2) (4-3) Clowne Liberal ‘A’ (4-0)
L16: BYE Newbold CA ‘A’ (4-1)
The 53rd Team Of Three Final, sponsored by Alfreton SC, unfolded as anticipated—a gripping showdown between formidable contenders. Representing Lennons SC 'H', David Birley, Gavin Shirley, and James Harrison squared off against YM Brotherhood 'A's Jonathan Hall, Dave Wilkinson, and Gary England.
Eager to add another accolade to their collection after securing the Premier Division title weeks earlier, the Lennons trio faced determined opposition from Brotherhood.
The opening frame, a battle of wits between seasoned players, stretched to nearly 50 minutes. Hall seemed in control until Birley seized an opportunity with just the colors left. Yet, a missed black by Birley breathed relief for Hall, paving the way for Brotherhood's initial lead.
The second frame unfolded similarly, marked by tension. Both Shirley and Wilkinson vied for dominance over pink and black, engaging in a strategic safety exchange. To Wilkinson’s dismay the pink unexpectedly found its way into a pocket from a Shirley safety shot, aligning him for a swift black to level the score at 1-1.
Brotherhood surged ahead once more as Gary England commanded his frame against James Harrison. However, a skillful break of 41 by the informed Birley swiftly balanced the scales.
Unfazed by an earlier stroke of luck, Wilkinson orchestrated a revengeful victory over Shirley, bolstered by a 32 break, edging Brotherhood closer to triumph.
The tension peaked in the sixth frame as Harrison rallied to force a decider. Amidst a palpable atmosphere, both players engaged in a strategic deadlock, with the elusive black poised among a cluster of reds, captivating the Alfreton audience. Ultimately, it was a critical misstep by the Brotherhood player that sealed the fate, inadvertently potting the black from a safety play.
With both contenders eyeing the final black, a strategic duel ensued. Harrison gambled on a daring back double, leaving the fate of the match hanging. England, seizing the opportunity, mirrored the daring move, clinching the title for Brotherhood with a decisive shot, met with applause from the spectators.