By Dan Carroll
Sandra Bryan from Wexford retained her RILSA National 6 Reds Snooker Title at Joey’s recently in a great final match against Annette Newman from Carlow.
Both these women have dominated the RILSA National 6 Red Championship over the past three years with all three finals contested between them all going to the wire.
On her way to the final Sandra had a good 2-0 win over Lauren Carley from Carlow in the quarters and was pushed to a black ball finish in her semi-final match against Carlow’s Grace Byrne in the second frame to advance to the final.
Annette was in good form against Tara Byrne (Carlow) in their quarter-final match, winning 2-0 before again recording a good 2-0 win over Christine Carr from Kildare, who also pushed Annette to a black ball decider in their first frame in the semis.
In the final Annette started well by taking the first two frames but Sandra responded in kind to level the match at 2-2.
Like the previous two years it came down to the last frame where Sandra went into an early lead.
Annette tried to get back into the frame but Sandra secured it and the match with another few scores to capture the title once again.
Congratulations to Sandra on retaining the title for the second time and winning it three times in a row, and to Annette for her fine performance in the final and indeed making all three showdowns since the event’s inception.
Sandra’s win now puts her into the provisional number one spot in the National Rankings with Annette taking up second on the provisional rankings.
Christine Carr goes into third while Tina Keogh moves into fourth place.
A great season lies ahead on the new RILSA tour as the challenge for top spots are fought out on the green baize, thus securing vital places for the Maureen Butler Cup, the 2018 National Championship, and more.
The plate event final was contested between Tina Keogh from Laois and Lauren Carley from Carlow, with Tina coming out the winner of a closely contested final 2-0.
Congratulations to Tina on her win and to Lauren on a great performance.
Well done to all the players for their participation and support, we thank you all very much.
Thank you to Derek Fagan and the staff of Joey’s in Dublin for all their help and providing first class facilities as usual.
QUARTER FINALS
Sandra Bryan (Wexford) 2-0 Lauren Carley (Carlow)
Grace Byrne (Carlow) 2-0 Rosie Young (Laois)
Christine Carr (Kildare) 2-1 Tina Keogh (Laois)
Annette Newman (Carlow) 2-0 Tara Byrne (Carlow)
SEMI FINALS
Sandra Bryan 2-0 Grace Byrne
Annette Newman 2-0 Christine Carr
FINAL
Sandra Bryan 3-2 Annette Newman
