Pot Black setting early pace

The former champions look set to launch a major assault this season in order to regain the title they lost last season to Mid Ulster kingpins St Pat’s A.

St Kevins entertained Pot Black in the latest round of fixtures but could do little to halt the early season promise of the Co. Tyrone side. John Halferty was in blistering form as he showed the form that once made him one of the most feared players in the Mid Ulster area, Halferty was on top throughout and young Jordan Shivers could do little to prevent Halferty giving Pot Black an ideal start. Mickey Quinn extended the lead to 4-0 when he knocked in breaks of 64 and 50 to defeat Kevin Murray. Quinn was quick to praise the surroundings and playing conditions “St Kevin’s is a magnificent venue to play snooker, Kevin has put in great effort to get the conditions up to a high standard and it makes the game much easier to play.” Desmond Murray prevented the whitewash as he defeated Paul Mc Guckin in both frames to leave the score 4-2 in favour of Pot Black.

League champions St Pat’s A took on St Pat’s C and will be disappointed to only secure four of the frames. Team captain Brian Milne surprisingly lost a frame against the bullet Gilmore but credit most go to the excellent safety player of the bullet. St Pat’s C will certainly be weakened next week as Gilmore tops his tan up in Spain. Damien Craig also shared frames with Jason Cushenan to leave the score 2-2, the opening frame was surely a record frame as both players had 43 shots on the green ball. Rumour has it that the green ball could not take being hit any more and went into the pocket of its own accord. Colin Reid produced a superb clearance to secure the opening frame from Brian Milne Snr on the black and followed this up to secure the second frame on the pink.

Crocknamohill defeated Longfield as the Draperstown men got their season underway having had a bye on the opening round of fixtures. Information on the match was not forthcoming but it is understood that Crocknamohill won 4-2 thanks to victories for Liam Kelly and Gerry Mc Auley. Pot Black B has suffered a baptism of fire in this seasons campaign as they lost 5-1 to Swa Men. Both teams were guilty of not forwarding information on this match and therefore there is little information to provide. All teams are asked to take note that Feargal Quinn is now playing of +35, Seamus Quinn +14 and Joe Mc Garrity +14.