Snooker: Milne coasts to victory in flawless performance

Brian Milne was a cut above the rest as he annexed the Cookstown Snooker League title in most impressive style, winning every single frame!
Brian Milne with the Cookstown League championship cupBrian Milne with the Cookstown League championship cup
Brian Milne with the Cookstown League championship cup

The Magherafelt cueman, who plays for Mitchells in the East Tyrone League, was in imperious form and also made the top breaks as he brushed aside all opposition to lift the top award at the well-appointed Ardcumber Road premises.

The Cookstown Snooker League has been officially taking place from 1978 and, as each year passes, it seems to get harder for the league co-ordinator to entice players to support the event.

Luckily enough, many of the best snooker players in the area this season willingly stepped up to the plate in order to play in this lucrative tournament.

Simon Cooke and Paul Currie pictured before their Plate final at Potters Snooker Club on Wednesday evening. INCR4-303PLSimon Cooke and Paul Currie pictured before their Plate final at Potters Snooker Club on Wednesday evening. INCR4-303PL
Simon Cooke and Paul Currie pictured before their Plate final at Potters Snooker Club on Wednesday evening. INCR4-303PL

This individual tournament took place in the Mitchells club and, after the draw and when the rules were discussed, the matches commenced.

Milne, who is unquestionably a class act, cued off his opening match which was against Ronan Wilson - who plays all of his snooker at Gervins in Coalisland.

Milne started at a devastating pace, with a brilliant clearance of 116 to take the first frame and within no time he quickly made it 2-0.

Paul Curry, who is the most consistent player on the circuit played his usual solid snooker to earn an excellent victory over Ryan Robinson.

Simon Cooke and Paul Currie pictured before their Plate final at Potters Snooker Club on Wednesday evening. INCR4-303PLSimon Cooke and Paul Currie pictured before their Plate final at Potters Snooker Club on Wednesday evening. INCR4-303PL
Simon Cooke and Paul Currie pictured before their Plate final at Potters Snooker Club on Wednesday evening. INCR4-303PL

The final match in the opening session saw last years’ Cookstown Open Individual winner, Fergal Quinn, easily outpoint Conor Gillespie.

Joe Loughran entered the fray when he served up a tasty treat and dished out an excellent display of snooker to beat young Quinn 2-0.

Gillespie got a first win under his belt, defeating Wilson, but in his next match Currie claimed both frames - including a well-controlled 61 break.

As the halfway stage was nearing the focus was on the main event being, Milne versus Currie. Both frames were very close but Milne just did enough to earn the victory and two valuable points.

Loughran and Robinson were each battling hard to stay in touch but it looked like a two-horse race, Milne still unbeaten with eight points.

Currie needed to keep the pressure on as he broke off against Loughran, but Loughran is a vastly improved player as he proved by sharing the shots in a brilliant contest.

Young Quinn, who recently celebrated his sixteenth birthday, defeated Wilson and continued with some exciting play to take a frame off Currie.

With matches very intense Robinson and Loughran, who meet in the ETSL Division One semi-final, starting to raise their standard as they tried to catch the leader.

Milne unbeaten, the title was secured. but the Magherafelt man ended the day’s play with yet another outstanding performance. Quinn being his final opponent, the lad could only watch as Milne cruised to yet another superb display.

Milne was very decisive and in commanding form as he thus won the Cookstown League, achieving victory in all twelve frames, and the runner-up was Paul Currie.

The highest break also went to Brian Milne, this a well-manicured 116 clearance.

It was a very demanding format for all the players but a special mention must be paid to all participants, especially with all matches being played in one day - which was a good achievement in itself for the hardworking organisers.

And special mention must be made of the Ardcumber club and the proprietor for the excellent condition of the tables and the marvellous associated facilities and the copious amounts of much-appreciated tea and sandwiches supplied throughout the day for all those present.