There were a total of twenty five entrants for the fifth RIBSA National Intermediate event in the New Institute in Nenagh on Saturday last. There was a strong entry list, with Dylan Rees, who had already won two out of the four previous events the top seed.
Report by Niall Farrell, New Institute Snooker Club P.R.O.
In the early matches on Saturday morning, Jake Byrne had a hard fought 3-2 over Mick Skelly, coming from 2-1 down in the process. Elsewhere, John Torpey beat Andrew Yeates 3-0. John made a fantastic 89 break in the third frame, which would ultimately prove to be the tournament high break. There were also wins for three Nenagh players in this round, with Gary Power, Billy Kelly and Mark Gleeson all defeating their younger opponents. Despite their defeats Mickey Burke, Cathal Burke and Gavin O`Donnell played confident snooker throughout.
Stars of the future
Last 32:
John Torpey 3-0 Andrew Yeates
Declan Monaghan w/o Jason Burns
Dean Callanan 2-3 Martin Thorpe
Stephen Von Beaumont 0-3 Philip Burke
Billy Kelly 3-0 Mickey Burke
Gary Power 3-0 Cathal Burke
Jake Byrne 3-2 Mick Skelly
Mark Gleeson 3-0 Gavin O`Donnell
Shane Hourihane 3-0 Olly Martyn
Limerick`s John Torpey continued his fine form on the day with a comfortable 3-0 over Youghal`s Dylan Rees, the number one seed. Tuam`s James Higgins and Carlow`s Colvin O`Brien put in classy performances, as they overcame Mark Gleeson and Gary Power 3-0 respectively. Additionally, Andrew Doherty continued his impressive record in the New Institute, as he made light work of home player Billy Kelly. Mullingar`s Richie Toal, was involved in a tight contest with Cork`s Shane Hourihane. This match was very hard to call but in the end in was experience that prevailed, as Richie won 3-2.
Last 16:
Dylan Rees 0-3 John Torpey
Declan Monaghan 2-3 Martin Thorpe
John McBride 1-3 Philip Burke
Billy Kelly 0-3 Andrew Doherty
Colvin O`Brien 3-0 Gary Power
Jake Byrne 3-0 Gerry Kineen
James Higgins 3-0 Mark Gleeson
Shane Hourihane 2-3 Richie Toal
In the first quarter final, Colvin O`Brien avenged his defeat to Jake Byrne from last year, as he brushed aside the last Nenagh man standing, with a clinical performance, including a 69 break in the opening frame. Meanwhile, Philip Burke from Ennis took a deserved one frame lead over Andrew Doherty in their match. Andrew levelled at 1-1 before a tentative battle ensued in the third frame. Andrew went on to take this frame and indeed the next frame also, sealing a hard fought 3-1 victory and advancing to the semi-final in the process. In the other two quarter finals John Torpey and James Higgins both went the distance in their games, as they defeated Martin Thorpe and Richie Toal 3-2 in their respective matches.
Quarter Finals:
John Torpey 3-2 Martin Thorpe
Philip Burke 1-3 Andrew Doherty
Colvin O`Brien 3-0 Jake Byrne
James Higgins 3-2 Richie Toal
In the first of the semi-finals, Colvin O`Brien was once again in fine form, as he defeated James Higgins 3-0. In the other semi-final John Torpey found himself 2-1 ahead, with breaks of 88 and 65. The fourth frame came down to the colours, with John potting the brown and fluking the blue to seal a 3-1 win.
Semi Finals:
John Torpey 3-1 Andrew Doherty
Colvin O`Brien 3-0 James Higgins
The final saw John Torpey race into a 2-0 lead, before Colvin won the next two frames on the coloured balls to level the final at 2-2. In the decider, John Torpey was ahead by 31 points with one red left on the table. A poor safety approach on this red, allowed Colvin to come to the table and make a 34 clearance, to win the final on the black ball.
Thanks to all who participated on the day and also to the RIBSA Council for choosing the New Institute to host this event and we hope to host many more in the future.
Report by Niall Farrell, New Institute Snooker Club P.R.O.
