McGuckin and Quinn go top

In Mitchells Snooker Club Paul McGuckin started his crusade in this star-studded Individual league with his opening two frames being against a young star of the future, Feargal Quinn.

Paul was meant to play Connor Gillespie but unfortunately due to other commitments he sadly was unable to play. At very close notice young Feargal came to the rescue to play in this great tournament which will gain him a wealth of experience against some of the best players about. Feargal’s potting ability was clearly visible as he potted several outstanding blacks against McGuckin.

Both frames were close but Paul had several breaks of 27 and 39 to make his mark in this seasons programme. Feargal was very unlucky but he has a bright future on the snooker circuit.

Paul Currie, who appears in all ranking tournament, had a match on his hands when his first match against Peter Reilly from Dungannon. Paul took the first frame by the scruff of the neck with a comprehensive controlled break of 42. Peter tried hard in the second but Paul’s awareness and safety play proved to strong meaning that Currie had secured two valuable points.

Next on the table was McGuckin who needed to be on his toes as his opponent in this round-robin event was Currrie. After a lot of safety play McGuckin going to by reports stole the first on the colours and in the next he had a modest 31 break leaving a scoreline of 2-0.

Reilly and Currie had too much experience for Quinn and both players ran out a 2-0 winners in which Peter had a 51 break in his second frame and Paul had a 33 in his first and 37 in the second.

The final match match in Mitchell’s brought together McGuckin and Reilly. Both players have a lot of respect for each other and after a brilliant display Paul took the first and Peter bounce back to take the second to leave the score 1-1.

The second half took place in Pot Black. John Halferty, considered one of the best long potters on the circuit, took on Joe Loughran. John took the opening frame and was in devastating form to take the next in which included a 37 break. With John in good form, his next opponent was Mickey Quinn and a close encounter was on the cards.

Quinn potted his way to an early lead but John came back strongly leaving the outcome to be decided by the remaining colours. After an excellent bout of safety Mickey took the first frame but John came roaring back to take the next in which included his second 37 break of the night.

The final match brought together Joe Loughran and Mickey Quinn. Joe tried hard but on the night his ability did not show up and Mickey ran out a 2-0 winner.

All players are requested to play all there matches so that a league table can be published.