Team glory for Alfreton SC
Newbold come close to long awaited title.
Score Card
Newbold CA ‘A’ 258-271 Alfreton SC ‘A’
Rob Morley 46-45 Kyle Ryde
Mark Nunn 48-74 Jack Morton (31 break)
Lee Hage 48-53 Tom Haney
Steve Goodwin 72-35 Ian Rose
Kieron Wood 36-64 Glen Shawcroft
Handicap 8-0
Venue: Lennons SC
Referee: Stuart Wheatley
Lennon's Snooker & Pool was the venue for the 68th final of the highly esteemed Briggs Snooker & Pool Group One Team KO competition, organised by the Chesterfield & Districts Snooker League. The event, held last night, featured a compelling clash between Alfreton SC 'A' and Newbold Community 'A', teams from the Premier Division, promising an evening of riveting snooker.
The anticipation surrounding this encounter was palpable, given the proximity of the two teams in the final standings of the league, with only one position separating them. Led by captain Kieron Wood, Newbold Community 'A' harbored aspirations of clinching the title for the first time in 26 years. Conversely, Alfreton aimed to extend their impressive streak of three consecutive victories in the competition.
The opening frames saw Rob Morley representing Newbold and Kyle Ryde for Alfreton, setting the stage for an enthralling battle. Morley seized the initiative early on, capitalising on scoring opportunities while Ryde struggled to gain momentum. In the aggregate format of the competition, a strong start often dictates the course of the match. Morley's substantial lead, nearing 30 points with only the colours remaining, hinted at a favourable outcome for Newbold. However, Ryde's resilient performance in clearing the colours narrowed the gap to a single point, setting the tone for a closely contested encounter.
Jack Morton and Tom Haney of Alfreton asserted their dominance in their respective frames against Lee Hage and Mark Nunn, propelling their team into the lead. Nevertheless, a commendable display from Newbold's seasoned player, Steve Goodwin, coupled with some fortuitous breaks and exemplary single-ball potting against Ian Rose, ensured the match remained finely poised.
The final frame saw Kieron Wood facing off against Glen Shawcroft, with Newbold holding a slender 15-point advantage. Wood's adept long-potting skills initially buoyed the hopes of Newbold supporters for a long-awaited Team KO title. However, Shawcroft's resurgence, marked by precision potting and strategic safety play, gradually tilted the balance in Alfreton's favor. With the blue ball sunk and Wood unable to secure a snooker on the pink, Alfreton clinched the title once again, extending their remarkable streak.
In a packed venue, spectators from both camps accorded both teams a well-deserved round of applause, acknowledging the intensity and skill displayed throughout the match. The trophy was then ceremoniously presented to the triumphant Alfreton team, marking another chapter in their illustrious history in the competition.
