There were 15 entrants this month at the Cueball December/Xmas event organised by Jimmy Gratton with the approval of Helen Butler.

The event was handicapped and featured Julie Kightley who was playing in her 2nd competition since playing in the Ladies UK Championships. Julie made it past Sam Shanker and went through to the quarter final where she met Justin Loftas. He proved to good for her even with all of his ailments. I refer of course to his dodgy eyes, stiff back, awkward shoulder and of course spiky hair ;-) Justin had already accounted for Jordan Geldard in the first round. Justin played Ian in the Semi final with the arrowstright cueing of the Loftas taking control and moving him to the final.

Jimmy Gratton went out in the first round to an in form Ian Gadd who knocked in the days highest match break of 68. A new face graced the tournaments, Matt Vallecarda who lost by a respectable 3-2 to Paul Beech.

The other semi final was contested by Daniel Bacon and Lee Shanker. Daniel Bacon is a member of the junior snooker club and performed well during the event to record his highest place in the adult handicaps and a bit of pocket money. Lee Shanker proved to strong on his own table 18 and progressed into the final to play Sonic Loftas.

Justin prevailed against the young upstart Shanks and successfully deflected the run that normally accompanies the Shanker Clan in order to take the £90 first prize, not bad considering he had broken down on the way to the tournament and nearly didn't make it, while Lee took home a not too paltry £40 for his trouble.

Noticeable ommissions this month were Mick Davies - on the lash, Mark Jones, Hannah Jones and Alex Anastasiou who were at the English Under 16's(Mark failed to convince the tournament director that he was 15!).

Thanks to all who attended to make this tournament a tournament.... There will be another event in the New Year, keep your eyes peeled on the website for details.