An historic day for the SBI as the first ranking event for ladies was held in Carlow. An incredible day all round as players arrived at 12pm to practice on our Rasson match tables and were then given a masterclass in coaching and mental strength by the new National ladies coach, Cathal Moore. The tournament itself started at 1:30pm and we ended up with Michelle Sherwin of Dublin versus Aisling Cawley of Sligo in the final. The scoreline of 3-0 to Michelle doesn’t reflect how close this match was.
The first frame saw some great potting from both players but it was the cleverness of Michelle that brought her over the line to lead 1-0. The second frame saw Aisling open up with some excellent long pots but she was struggling with the speed of the table and getting into her rhythm was proving to be difficult. The frame was tight again but Michelle’s safety play was exceptional and decided the second frame for Michelle to lead 2-0.
The final frame was a little one sided but saying that 31 ahead with one red left Aisling was still very much in the game. A great pot by Aisling again but snookered herself on the black and had to go for a hard green which she wobbled. It left the door open for Michelle who dually obliged and took the necessary colours to close out the match 3-0.
Aisling said in her interview that she was disappointed with her game and struggled with the speed of the table but how proud she can be to have made the first final of a ladies event in the SBI. Aisling loved the day and was so impressed with the coaching aspect of the day. Everything is geared towards the women’s European championships she said and with more practice and match time on these tables and with the help of our national coach we can compete at the highest level in the game.
Michelle Sherwin’s smile will live long in the memory as she walked into the centre of excellence in Carlow on Sunday. To be playing at a national level again is fantastic and to meet so many nice people on the day has made this a very special day for me. I have waited a long time to get back into this wonderful game and the SBI have given me the opportunity to meet old friends again, play the game I love and make new friends like I did with Aisling and the rest of the players.
I am blown away by the national women’s coach, the support the SBI have shown us and the goal of going to the European championships next year. I really hope I can finish in the top 2 on the rankings as it makes practice a little easier to have a goal like the European championships at the end. To win the very first women’s event in the SBI is an amazing feeling and im looking forward to the next event already.
Both players were eager to tell anyone who has an interest in cue sports to try the women’s tour in the SBI as every opportunity will be afforded to you to become the best you can be.
Winner : Michelle Sherwin Taom women’s Trophy & €125
R/up : Aisling Cawley Taom women’s Trophy & €75
See you all again on October 26th for Ladies Event 2
