St Pat’s A crowned League Champions

THE Hayes Fuels Mid Ulster League Championship has reached its conclusion with the most exciting title finishes in years. Swa Men were leaders for most of the season but a heavy defeat against St Pat’s A ended their hopes while it catapulted the Magherafelt side into title contention. Defending champions Pot Black were always in the hunt but a run of poor results in the last four games proved to be their downfall as St Pat’s A regained the league title

St Pat’s A travelled to Johnny’s knowing that four points would secure the league title but got off to the worst possible start as Gerry McAuley inflicted a rare defeat on Colin Reid. It could have got worse for the Magherafelt side as Dermot McAuley almost snatched the opening frame against Brian Milne, as it turned out Milne managed to secure both frames to leave the match level. John Donaghy was in excellent form as he took the opening frame from Frankie Trolan to leave his side one frame from the title. The last frame was a tense affair and went down to the last black, after a few missed efforts from both players it was Trolan that took the frame. As a result Pot Black would have to secure all six frames against Swa Men to force a playoff.

Pot Black were faced with an almighty challenge in Swatragh as nothing less than a 5-1 victory would do and even at that they would be depending on Johnny’s doing them a favour. Peter Reilly gave them an ideal start in disposing of Mark Doherty but the match and league was turned on its head in the next match as Martin McLarnon took both frames from Paul McGuckin. Mickey Quinn shared the last two frames with Seamus Lagan to ensure that the match finished level and Pot Black claiming second place with Swa Men finishing in third place.

St Pat’s B played out a meaningless match with St Kevin’s and the match finished on level terms as Kevin Murray somehow managed to take a frame from Enda McCusker in the last match of the night. McCusker looked to be cruising to victory but an excellent 48 clearance by Murray in the second frame secured a share of the spoils.

“That’s what I have been doing in practice so it’s good to carry it on to the match table. I have found that improving the Feng Shui of my snooker room has provided me with an improved environment to showcase my talent. It is certainly paying off” claimed Murray. Earlier in the night Kieran Cassidy shared frames with Jordan Shivers while Dessie Murray and Sean Doyle also shared frames.

St Pat’s C ended the season the way they started the season with yet another heavy defeat. The Magherafelt side was defeated 5-1 against Longfield and will be thankful to Damien Craig for helping them avoid the dreaded whitewash. The Bullet was defeated by Philip O’ Hagan while Noel McAllister defeated Brian Milne Snr in what was a low key affair between the leagues bottom two sides.

League Table

Played Points

St Pat’s A 84 53

Pot Black 84 50

Swa Men 84 46

St Pat’s B 84 43

St Kevin’s 84 39

Johnny’s 84 39

Longfield 84 36

St Pat’s C 84 28

High Break Table

Sean Doyle 104, 86 & 76

Brian Milne 85, 71, 69, 68, 64, 55, 53 & 53

Paul McGuckin 85 & 57

Colin Reid 60

Mickey Quinn 59, 58, 53 & 52

Peter Reilly 58 & 50

Darren Gribben 55