The first major event of the year took place at the Paramount Hinckley
Island Hotel in Leicestershire on 14th September. The countries competing
in the ladies team event were England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland got of to a great start with winning results against
team Wales and Ireland. With only two matches left we knew a result
in one match would guarantee us a place in the final.
On the Saturday morning we were scheduled to face England and after
a bad start we pegged it back to 7-7 and in the deciding frame, former
European Champion Carly Smith took a quality clearance out for England
and all the pressure was on our last match against Scotland.
Again we got of to a poor start by the girls standard and fell 5-3
behind, with a bit more team spirit we got it back to 6-6 and even
the pool Gods were against us as Scotland fluked the 8 ball to go
7-6 up. Now with no margin for error the two Northern Ireland players
left standing had to win, Stacey McConnell did just that leaving team
mate and my sister Mary to try and clinch the match and a place in
Sundays final. With a lot of tension between both women shots alternated
until a mistake seen Scotland’s Monica McEwan fouling by potting
the cue ball. It was then Mary took her chance to set Northern Ireland
a date with England in the Final.
The Final
England rushed into a 3-0 and 5-2 lead with clearances from Jackie
Baker, Amy Hallas and Barbara Taylor. Northern Ireland showed great
character to get it back to 6-4 but unfortunately it wasn’t
enough as England took the match 8-4.
Well done Northern Ireland ladies 3 major finals in row is a great
achievement and a special well done to our very own Tiny (Julie Henderson)
who finish 4th in the over all team indivual ranking behind Lynette
Horsburgh, myself and Amy Hallas.
In the singles event I lost 5-4 to Jackie Baker in the first round.
Lynette Horsburgh (Sco) continued her good form to win the title beating
Barbara Taylor (Eng) in the final.
Other winners:
Mens Team- England
Mens Champion- Gareth Hibbert (Eng)
Juniors Team- England
Juniors Champion- Steve Petty (Eng)
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