Clifford Ensures Club Coffs Keeps Title

The 2014 NSW State Women’s “Minor” Snooker Championship has been won by promising cueist Annette Clifford from Coffs Harbour. Clifford’s victory has matched the effort of her fellow Club Coffs player Judy White-Singh, who won the same title last year. Playing in her first Women’s Snooker Championship event, Clifford played consistently throughout and demonstrated good potting ability which no doubt comes from her 8-Ball & 9-ball background. Remember the name – Annette Clifford will be one to watch out for in future ladies events. 
 
The Championship was staged on 14th – 15th June, once again at Club Toukley RSL, which marked the 6th consecutive year that the Women’s ‘Minor’ Snooker has been hosted and sponsored by this particular club, which is a great supporter of our sport. 
 
A good crowd of spectators watched all players perform through the round robin stage and some very close and entertaining games were witnessed. However, once into the knock-out stage two players rose above the pack – Annette Clifford and Cathy Small – with both progressing via solid 2-0 victories in each of their quarter and semi-final rounds. The stage was certainly set for a thrilling contest in the Final and both ladies played very well to take it into a third and deciding frame, before Clifford eventually gained control and went on to raise the shield. Runner-up Cathy Small certainly lost no admirers in defeat and is yet another player with the ability to progress further up the ladies ranks in coming years. 
 
The Women’s “Minor” Snooker Championship is a traditional stepping stone for women to become more involved in the game at a tournament level. Unfortunately, a lot of lady players express the opinion that they are “not good enough” to go in tournaments and the ranks of women players are dwindling as a result. With support and encouragement to try the ‘Minor’ format they soon see it can be a fun experience and not as daunting as first thought. 
 
It was pleasing to see a total of 10 players involved this year, with several making a considerable effort to travel to compete – 3 from Coffs Harbour and 1 from Armidale in particular. It is the aim of the BSA NSW to encourage increased participation in women’s snooker at every opportunity and we look forward to this increase in numbers continuing. All players enjoyed themselves and the event once again proved very popular with spectators over the two days of competition. 
 
BSA NSW is extremely proud and appreciative of the relationship with Club Toukley RSL. Many thanks once again to the club’s Board of Directors, management, staff and members for their ongoing hospitality and highly valued support. Special thanks also to the Billiards & Snooker Club committee, Secretary Joy Perkins and members. 
 
Gary Knight
Tournament Organiser