A massive well done to John Wilson (pictured right) who plays for Parkview in the Ballyclare Pool League. John has just returned home from the European Blackball Championships in Yorkshire as part of the Northern Ireland Under 23 'B' Team that swept to victory.
After topping the group they were drawn against England in the Semi
Finals and though the NI lads had a 9-13 reverse in the group stage against the same
team, they upped their game to record a splendid 13-8 victory. To the
Final now where Scotland awaited, and after an enthralling match with an
electric atmosphere from the large watching crowd, NI led 12-8 needing
only one for victory. But back came the Scots winning the next two,
needing the last three frames which were all on at once on three tables.
It looked like going to 12-11, but a Scots in-off whilst potting his
last ball gave Barry Cunningham two shots on the black. He only needed
one and the NI boys went wild with delight at having won the title.
Manager Alec Irvine praised his players team spirit which played a huge
part in their win.Back row-
Daniel McAuley (Coleraine), William Irvine (Larne), John Wilson (Ballyclare), Ben McMoran (Omagh), Alec Irvine (Manager, Larne)
Front row -
Matthew Wylie (Bangor), Barry Cunningham (Omagh)
