England Masters “B” 2016 Lewis Walsh Lee Martin, Manager John Farnworth, Kevin Firth, Ste Broadhead
Home Internationals a historic snooker event that brings together some great nations who compete against each other that only a chosen few have ever experienced.
England “A” and “B”, Scotland “A” and “B”, Wales “A” and “B”, Republic of Ireland
5th to 8th August 2016
Selected by “English Association Snooker & Billiards” as a player and Captain of England’s “B” masters squad I was honoured and accepted my invite with pride.
Masters “B” squad consisted of four players who know each other very well from the snooker qualifiers and over the last year or so have become good friends rather than foes.
Kevin Firth (Bradford)
Lewis Walsh (Bradford)
Ste Broadhead (Leeds)
Lee Martin (Chorley)
I always look forward to these qualifiers not just for the snooker but the chance to team up with these guys and chin wag like old washer women and have a good old giggle, it’s an age thing!
So to be all teamed together was an instant gel for a strong team spirit with mutual respect for each other’s abilities a key ingredient for any team event, I was confident we would do ourselves and our country proud….And so the event began
Day 1 (Friday 5th) 21:00
England “B” vs Wales “B”
First game always a tough one no matter who you play, you’re excited, nervous and hoping to bring the goods to the table and play well.
I have no knowledge to whom my team mates was matched up against but been a part of such a great event you cannot help but keep an eye on their tables hoping they win.
After a long battle each player playing three frames against their opponent it was down to the wire with England “B” Lewis Walsh winning the final frame for a respectable 6 v 6 draw.
Not a win but more importantly not a loss!
Day 2 (Saturday 6th)16:00
England “B” vs Wales “A”
This game was always going to be one of our toughest with Wales “A” already showing their strength by beating defending champions England “A” by 8-4 and then Scotland “B” 9-3 we feared the worse.
But as underdogs and no loss so far we was not going to roll over, each player holding their own and playing superbly once again sees a similar situation as our first match, 6-5 behind all down to the wire (black ball game) and again England’s Lewis Walsh holding it together to win it for his team.
Another 6-6 draw for England “B” and a very good result for us.
Day 3 (Sunday 6th) 12:00
England “B” vs Republic of Ireland
Today sees us with two games first one at mid-day against yet another unbeaten side and then at 20:00 versus our “A” side a match that every England player wanted to be involved in.
First up was Ireland very respectable side and renowned for their snooker dedication with massive support from their country, but after drawing with leaders Wales “A” our teams spirit was lifted and we was up for it and determined never to give up.
Frames went by glancing around at tables urging my team mates on we was steadily sneaking ahead I was lucky my games ended quickly so I could watch the rest finish their games and urge them on.
Nail biting stuff……
Lee was still in play as was Lewis, I could see we was guaranteed a draw been 6-4 ahead with two frames in play.
Lee played some superb stuff to win his frame and give us the victory we’ve long been waiting for and although Lewis lost the last frame he won 2-1 and a total team win of 7-5.
Huge result this because all of a sudden we was shot up the table and into 2nd place, England “A” up next and silent whispers going around the venue this was a game not to be missed.
Bravo team just bravo……..
Day 3 (Sunday 6th) 20:00
England “B” vs England “A”
They don’t come any better than this let me tell ya, every single England player from both sides was talking about this, plenty of taunts and fun banter it was great to be involved in.
England “B” win this game and they are hot on Wales “A” heels and our “A” side needed this win to stand any chance of challenging the leaders.
Biggest game by far for both squads and plenty of eyes watching especially Wales “A”
But it wasn’t to be, our unbeaten run ended in style with England “A” producing the goods in what was a very strong confident side after 11-1 and 10-2 wins earlier in the day they was oozing with confidence and went on for a comfortable 10-2 victory.
Well done England “A” best side won…..(get ya next time browny!!)
Day 3 (Monday 7th) 09:30 am
England “B” vs Scotland “A”
Going by the last few days statistics the Scots “A” have struggled with results going their way so we was hoping to put early pressure on them and try and capitalise on this.
But at this level last thing you do is presume, never say never is everyone’s motto here there’s no such thing as an easy game.
Every player can crack your backside on their day so all you’ve got to do is play the balls and believe in your ability and technique and try your best.
England “B” side played very well and ran out deserved winners 8-4
Day 3 (Monday 7th) 14:00
England “B” vs Scotland “B”
Last game for the Masters and still something to play for, with Wales “A” already crowned Masters winners 2016 we had a slim chance of 2nd place.
But it wasn’t to be as England “A” won their remaining match in fashion and put them out of reach, we did however have our biggest result beating Scotland “B” by 9-3 to hold onto 3rd place.
This was a very close season with Wales “A” finishing on 10 pts England “A” 9 pts and us 8 pts indicated just one result prevented us winning this whole event.
Finally……..
So that was it, a great event superb venue and even better company, I would like to thank all players of the “B” side Lewis, Lee and Ste for your valiant effort and sheer determination.
It was a pleasure to play alongside you all and look forward to doing it again, be proud to what you have achieved this weekend you’ve done your Country proud and I do hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Hope to see you all soon!
Kev
(pictures courtesy of Simon Jackson)
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