Congratulations James Mifsud - the inaugral "Reventon Matchplay" Champion

James defeated Johl Younger in an excellent final

All results attached (Whoops! uploaded the right results)

Steve Mifsud becomes the 2017 Billiards Champion, successfuly defending his title.

Completed knock-out results now uploaded.

The 2017 Bob Hawke AC Australian Open Snooker Championship (13 to 15th October) & Open Women’s Snooker Championship (7th to 10th October) will be staged at Mounties, Mt Pritchard Community Club.


The Opens are very prestigious Tournaments, and the VBSA strongly recommends all Victorian players consider entering.  Refer attached Entry Forms or click on the below links to be taken to the ABSC Calendar Event.
 

To enter please read the attached "Info" document, Your Games entry provides you with a number of goodies including kit bag, drink bottle, access to the Opening Ceremony in conjunction with the Devonport Food and Wine Festival, discounts to businesses throughout Tasmania’s North West, medical services and more. One of Australia’s largest multisport festivals, the 16th Australian Masters Games is expected to attract over 4,000 participants across 50+ sports for the week-long sporting and social programs.

As well as an extensive sporting schedule, the Games will also comprise of a variety of social events throughout the week, providing a festival atmosphere for competitors, visitors and the local community. Venue - Tasmania. Starts - Sat 21st Oct

Robbie Ganson, in his seventies took on Marc Fridman, 15 going on 16, in a first round match at this year's Australian National Championships.

It started at 2 p.m. on Friday, as did all the other 1st. round matches, but they were long over by the time this one finished, well past 8 p.m. with Robbie the eventual winner by four frames to three.

Two matches of best of seven frames were played on each of the 8 tables in the magnificent room at the R.A.C.V. with conditions as perfect as they could be for this most prestigious of tournaments.

A long and tiring day for all concerned eventuated on Saturday but worthy of the effort both for the administrators, referees and the players who were witness to some very high class snooker. Steve Misfud (twice), Aaron Mahoney and Shaun Dalitz all managing to pass the century mark in individual breaks. There were also 29 other 50+ breaks made during the weekend. All in all performances that matched the occasion.

The final matches for the day were the quarter finals which produced the match ups of James Mifsud vs. Adrian Ridley, won by Adrian 4 - 1, with breaks of 59 and 52 to James and a 63 by Adrian.

Steve Ebejer took on Ryan Thomerson and recorded a 4 - 2 victory with breaks of 64 and 59 to Ryan and a 42 from Steve.

The 3rd quarter was between Aaron Mahoney and Shaun Dalitz with a very speedy Aaron potting almost disdainfully and recording breaks of 105 and 63 in his 4 - 2 win and Shaun also showing his class when he got the opportunity, joining Aaron in recording a century in this match, 101 in the 5th frame.

The last match of the day was between Steve Mifsud and West Australian Ben Judge. Steve running out the winner 4 - 2 and recording a break of over 40 in every one of his winning frames.

The best of 9 semi finals and the best of 11 final were held on Sunday. Aaron Mahoney took on Steve Mifsud and Adrian Ridley played Steve Ebejer.

Aaron continued his fast playing style from the previous day which worked to perfection in the first two frames but Steve Mifdsud is one who is never phased by such experiences and held his nerve and his game to catch and then overhaul Aaron with a 5 frame unbroken run to see him into the final and a chance to become the all time record holder for National Title victories.

The other semi was a little bit of a procession with Adrian on fire and playing the kind of snooker that saw him with a wild card entry into the Goldfields Open three years ago. Steve, having also played some of the best snooker of his career in this tournament, could not keep that going in the face of some spectacular play by Adrian with the match finishing 5 - 0.

The final, overseen by referee Praveen Chandra taking on the National Title showpiece for the frist time, was worthy of both of these luminaries of Victorian snooker. Steve Mifsud not quite finding the form that won him a world championsip, is nevertheless a formidable opponent and Adrian finding that his form, in his words, was fluctuating in each frame between being capable of century breaks to not being able to string three pots together. In the end there was nobody who could deny that his good form overcame his bad and that he is a deserving winner of his first Australian National Championship, dedicated in his victory speech to his recently deceased aunt.

Congratulations ADRIAN RIDLEY. 2017 Australian Snooker Champion by 6 frames to 3.

Following is a speech by George Hoy at the 2017 AGM about his great mate and our immediate past President, Ron Cole. 

Ladies and Gentlemen

Throughout its history the VBSA has been very fortunate to count amongst its members some special individuals.

These are people who not only love the game but also seek to give something back so that others can likewise enjoy billiards and snooker in Victoria.

And our Association has a very appropriate way of acknowledging those rare individuals who make an exceptional contribution.

Life Membership of the VBSA is the ultimate accolade we can bestow on someone in recognition of such contribution. And because it is such a special recognition, it is never granted lightly.

Tonight, however, I am delighted to say that we are adding a new name to the ranks of Life Membership.

His continuous involvement in Victorian Billiards and Snooker spans over 35 years. Throughout that time he has been a dedicated supporter of the game at all levels. Most importantly, however, he has – for the past 17 years – taken on the role of VBSA President. It is a term of office that very few could lay claim to and one for which I think we all owe him a great debt of gratitude.

What better way then, to express that gratitude, than by announcing the newest Life Member of the Victorian Billiards and Snooker Association ……………….. Ron Cole. 

At the 2017 VBSA AGM on Wednesday 16th August, a few new faces and a few old faces emerged.  After 17 years at the helm, Ron Cole stood down (more on that in a 2nd post) and the eminently qualified Paul Cosgriff was elected your new President.  Jon Loughron (Vice President), George Hoy (Treasurer) & Mark Dunn (Secretary) are going around again.  But the biggest change was that joining Jason Colebrook on the Board are Steve Ebejer & Warwick Loton.  Congratulations to all Board Members and a big thank you to those who nominated but were unsuccessful; your contribution will be sought after.

A first outside the UK. On Thursday 21st September, at the Reventon Academy. The course will be supervised by World Billiards Ltd. head coach Martin Goodwill, a multiple winner of the English Championship and author of billiards instruction books.

Successful applicants, on completion of the process, will be ABSC recognised WPBSA billiards coaches.

More details can be found here: http://www.billiardsaustralia.com/wpbsa-billiards-coaches-course.html

Please consider helping us to grow the game.

Ian Gilbee wins, defeating Jason Colebrook in the final. High break Ian Gilbee 110.

Full results will be posted mid-week.

The Andrews/Atkins Team Challenge played annually between Tasmania and Victoria will have a deeper and sadder meaning following the passing of Ron Atkins OAM, long a Tasmanian stalwart and legend of our sport and who earned the respect and affection of his peers and challengers. Deepest sympathy to his family from his sporting family and friends at the VB & SA.

Ian Dale attended Ron's funeral and presented a wreath on behalf of the VBSA.  The following is a message from Leanne Atkins, Ron's wife, following the funeral.

Letter of Thanks,

Dear Mr Dunn,

I would like to acknowledge and thank the Board of the VBSA for their kind donation  made on your behalf by Ian Dale, at the recent passing of my husband and former Victorian Snooker Champion, Ron Atkins.

With sincere gratitude,

Leanne Atkins.