Justin Sajich Wins 2016 NSW Minor Snooker
/2016 NSW MINOR SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH REPORT The State Minor Snooker was played at Toukley RSL on the central coast. This is the first year of another 3 year deal for the Women’s & Men’s Minor Snooker. Toukley is a great location for a weekend away and some competitive snooker. The club is very comfortable and extremely friendly and of course has excellent facilities. The 6 Toukley tables are a terrific test of Technique and Temperament (not to mention shot selection), and there were a few Teapots on display throughout the Tournament. The new 1G balls were again sparkling clean. 48 players entered from areas ranging from up and down the coast.
Justin Sajich has taken out the Title at his first attempt defeating first time finalist David Liu 4-1, in a very entertaining display. Justin’s made easy work of 2014 R/Up Trevor Rayner in his first game with breaks of 43 & 57 to win 3-0. Showing he was one of the favourites. Defeating Rob Elsley 3-1 in the last 16 displaying class and courage, with a great 56 clearance to win on the Black to level at 1-1. Rob was also one of the favourites. It wasn’t getting any easier in the quarters up against John Bowkett a new player on the scene from the UK. John led 2-0 however Justin kept to the script with relentless consistency and an ability to rack up the score seemingly with ease. John had a good battle with Andrew Parker in his first game, and displaying a lot of class dispatched Jom Wangta & Luke Hough both 3-0.
Having come out on top from an extremely tough quarter Justin played Brad Abdilla in the semi. Brad came out of another tough quarter, defeating Michael Hough in the quarter final, Michael playing his usual entertaining open attacking game, however Brad displayed greater consistency and seemed to handle the conditions well. Brad defeated Nik Avouris in the last 16, Nik won the Bexley RSL Battle and played extremely well all day. All 3 Steven Worth, Brett Watson & Nik played a very high standard of snooker all day with Brett knocking in the highest break 89 against Nik when 2- 0 down. However Justin was too solid for Brad ran out a winner 3-0 but not without a very close game in the third. David had a seemingly easier run to the final only dropping 2 frames but still had to overcome some strong and seasoned opposition. The top half of the draw was a chance for players to get through who may not normally. Luke Green, Mal Winter, Jeff Middleton & Scott Boyd to name a few, all had good tournaments.
Overall it was a great tournament and as usual all games were played in great spirit, thank you to all the players for supporting the event, and a huge thank you to the referees Neville Moore, Joe Galea, Al Fletcher, Alex Ansen, Len Wicks and trainee Stephen Woods, also to Frank Galanos who is back but on light duties, and assistant tournament director Stuart Tait. Thanks again to Club Toukley Rsl, Members and staff who welcome us back every year and Joy Perkins along with Toukley Rsl Billiards & Snooker Club. Until next time enjoy your snooker.
David Waller
