The Jack May Tavistock snooker knockout shield. Final on April 1: Conservative D 3
West Devon A 0
THE underdogs Conservative D performed heroics to overcome favourites West Devon A to win the first ever Jack May Tavistock Snooker Knockout Shield at the Royal British Legion, in Tavistock.
Despite a favourable handicap Conservative D had to call on all their resources to overcome a West Devon Side who have previously proved that the handicaps were no bar to their progress in the competition.
Lillicrap got Con D off to a winning start with a hard slog win over Hurford that went down to the brown ball. Both players potted several reds but the colours were proving elusive and it was down to a couple of fine long pots from Lillicrap that proved the difference.
Next on Heartfield found West Devon's Heathman in formidable form with Heathman all but eliminating the handicap in quick time. In the 'nick' of time though Heartfield found his touch/riding his luck at times but also putting some good balls to take the game away from Heathman and make it two for Con D.
The next game saw dangerman West Devon's Emptage up against Con D's day. day played a mixture of safety and took swing balls when they were on. Emptage gave a good account of himself but was not able to make any inroad in to the handicap and Day's steady game enabled him to run out comfortable winner and with it the cup for Con D.
This was a superb win for Conservative D who have spent most of the season in the lower half of the league but credit must also go to West Devon A who helped make a good cup final played in the right spirit by both teams.
Organisers thanked the Royal British Legion for hosting the event and referee Angus Stewart.