This weekend the N.Ireland Billiards Association held the 4 Nations Billiards Tournament in Celbridge Snooker Club. The International committee extended a warm and sporting welcome to all players and officials to Celbridge Co. Kildare. The event was won overall by England who scored 58 points overall over the two days, followed by Northern Ireland 37, Republic of Ireland 35 and Austria 14.
The Nations Trophy competition is the big event in the International Billiards Calendar and a great weekend was had by all.
THE TEAMS
Rep Ireland Team
A. Murray, L. Drennan, P. Martin , D. Martin, W. Doyle, V. O Gorman, A. Mc Anally, J. Doheny, B. Devlin ( Manager)
N Ireland Team
P. Donnelly, D. Dornan, S. Brown , C. Kirk, J. Mc Laughlin, T. Hunter, J. Weston, K. Campbell, N. Whaley , O. Mc Guigan (Manager)
England Team
R. Hall, M. Sutton, D. Rees, B. Bousfield, R. Patterson, C. Mitchell, T. Clegg, S. Crosland (Player Manager)
Austria Team
C. W Stienier, W. Reichl, F. Knoll, S. Knoll, W. Andreykow, P. Stiegiemer (Player Manager)
Official : Clive Scott Tournament Director
Referees; B, Slee V, Hartley P, Cooper T, Hughes R, Jones J, Bousfield J, Graham G, Murray N, Shanahan C, Fock F, Mes
REPORT
England continue their domination of the annual Billiards International Trophy series.
The annual Billiards International Trophy Tournament took place at Celbridge Snooker Club on Saturday and Sunday, 19th and 20th November last. This year it was Northern Ireland’s turn to be the host nation and despite the fact that there was not a suitable venue available in the North, hence the Celbridge Club in County Kildare, they certainly put on an exceedingly well run event. The players, the officials and the many visitors who travelled with the visiting teams enjoyed the marvellous atmosphere generated throughout the weekend.
The format of the tournament was that each contesting nation, Northern Ireland, Austria, England and the Republic of Ireland put forward a six-man team to contest against each other in two segments, two sets of 150 up, with 1 point awarded for each set and a 90 minute timed game, which counted 2 points per game.
The final outcome was that favourites England again won convincingly with Northern Ireland second, Republic of Ireland third and Austria fourth.
Tournament results:
| Segment | Format | Northern | Austria | England | Republic of Ireland |
| Saturday 10.30 | 2 x 150 up (6 x 1 point per game) | 4 | 4 | 8 | 8 |
| Saturday 12.30 | 90 minute timed (6 x 2 points) | 10 | 2 | 10 | 2 |
| Saturday 14.30 | 2 x 150 up (6 x 1 point per game) | 7 | 0 | 12 | 5 |
| Sunday 10.30 | 90 minute timed (6 x 2 points) | 2 | 2 | 10 | 10 |
| Sunday 12.30 | 90 minute timed (6 x 2 points) | 6 | 2 | 10 | 6 |
| Sunday 14.30 | 2 x 150 up (6 x 1 point per game) | 8 | 4 | 8 | 4 |
| Final scores | 37 | 14 | 58 | 35 | |
Results, of course, tell only half the story. What they cannot convey is the buzzing atmosphere of the occasion and the excellent standard of play. The tournament also produced its quota of high breaks, with more than forty half centuries, fifteen centuries and two double century breaks, the most notable of which were a 245 by Matthew Sutton of England and unfinished run-outs of 150 and 147 by Billy Bousfield of England and Aidan Murray of Ireland respectively. Congratulations to them and to all the participants who contributed to a most successful event.
It was a great pleasure to see so many skilled exponents of the beautiful game of Billiards in simultaneous action and our congratulations must go to the England side on their convincing victory. On our own front, congratulations are due to the whole team for the impressive way they contested their matches, finishing just two points short of second placed Northern Ireland.
Our thanks are due to the Austrian and EABA Referees who travelled from Austria and various locations throughout the UK and gave unstintingly of their time with referee and scorekeeping duties throughout the weekend. A special word of thanks is also due to Clive Scott, whose experience in tournament direction ensured an efficient and smoothly run event.
Phil Martin and Bernard Burke, proprietors of The Celbridge Snooker Club, are to be congratulated for their preparations for the event and the excellent playing conditions they provided. Special thanks are also due to James and Tom at Celbridge for their constant attention and assistance throughout the weekend.
The format of the event presents an excellent opportunity to renew friendships and enjoy the atmosphere of the occasion and the weekend this year at Celbridge was no exception.
Posted by Brendan Devlin, Team Manager
