The first ladies intermediate championships took place in Celbridge SC on Saturday 4th July. Semi-Final 1 seen youngster Grace Park take on Ronda Sheldreck. Grace had learnt a lot from her 1st tournament and had overcome her nerves this time round. She was very solid and although Ronda made good comebacks in both frames Grace comfortably took both frames to win the match 2-0.
The other semi-final seen couple Maria Murray and Catherine Fitzsimons face off. Catherine won the 1st frame comfortably, but Maria was outstanding on the colours in the 2nd frame, potting a screamer of a black to tie the match at 1-1.
Catherine got off to a good lead in the 3rd, but Maria pegged her back. She was 5 points behind on the pink; with the black hanging over the corner pocket, it was virtually a pink ball match. Maria potted a fantastic pink; looked a certain for the match but hit the black too hard and it struggled out of the pocket and landed over the green pocket to leave Catherine a welcome pot which she took to take the frame and match. Maria said her nerves had overtaken her.
Catherine V Grace in the final. There was literally nothing to pick between these two in this match. In their previous meeting Catherine had beaten Grace convincingly. Catherine took the 1st frame on the pink, Grace too the 2nd frame on the pink to level at 1-1. The 3rd frame was exciting as Grace needed a snooker on the pink.
Catherine then went in off to bring Grace right back into the match. Grace missed an attempted pot on the pink and Catherine potted a fantastic pink the length of the table to win the frame and match and take the inaugural Intermediate Champion title.
Congratulations also goes to Ronda Sheldreck who was presented with her most improved player of the season award. Huge thanks to Phil for use of his wonderful facilities and to James for looking after so well as usual.
