Bonanza for hospital childcare unit
WE AREN’T the best team; we just want it more than anybody else.
The jury may still be out on the first part of Cuestars Seniors Tour player David Mumford’s statement after his Chandler’s Ford Longshots claimed their third Summer Bonanza title in six years.
But a 3-1 victory over Churchills means £384 is winging its way to the people who ensured that Alex Wade could celebrate his first birthday last week.
As is traditional, competition sponsor Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club, which hosted the final, donates all entry fees to a charity of the champions’ choice.
Longshots nominated the Royal Hampshire County Hospital Neonatal Unit in Winchester where the nine-weeks premature son of team stalwart Mitch Wade and wife Jen, the sister of new signing Danny Gallant, was cared for.
Wade said: “This time a year ago he was in an incubator. He was in there for seven weeks.
“Now he’s doing really well thanks to those guys. They did an amazing job for us.”
Wade kicked off the 34th Summer Bonanza final by going ‘in-off’ the break but recovered to leave James Weaver chasing snookers on the colours.
In the heavyweight clash of the former Town Champions, Mike Finn compiled a 36 break against Gallant to square the match.
Reflecting on his first defeat this summer, Gallant said: “But it’s Finn. You can’t argue with that, really. He’s pretty tasty.”
Paul Solloway edged Longshots in front after a black-ball skirmish against Lawrence Cormacey, who had called a foul on himself at a crucial stage of the frame.
And former Churchills captain Mumford crafted a 32 in his trademark impeccable style to see off current Churchills skipper Mark McLean.
Mumford said he felt the “presence” of former teammate Ken Jones, who died last Christmas, during the key final frame.
“It’s the first year we’ve played in it when Jonesy hasn’t been here,” he explained. “I was certainly playing my heart out for him.”
And the 45-year-old added: “The whole match was played in a very good spirit.
“Lawrence deserves some credit for calling a foul on himself. It was a significant factor in us winning that frame.
“We had lots of reasons to play well. This team thrives on that. That’s what we do every year. It’s a very important trophy; it’s a very important competition with a lot of history and some great players have played in it.
“We respect the competition because it’s a competition worthy of respect.”
Frame scores (h/caps), Longshots first: Mitch Wade (-10) 76-35 (10) James Weaver, Danny Gallant (-10) 35-68 (-20) Mike Finn, Paul Solloway (8) 59-52 (20) Lawrence Cormacey, David Mumford (-10) 70-47 (0) Mark McLean.
Referees: John Thomas & Jim Everett.
Picture by Tim Dunkley. Summer Bonanza champions Chandler’s Ford Longshots, from left: Mitch Wade, David Mumford (capt), Danny Gallant. Front: Paul Solloway. Not pictured: Graham Hollick and Arron McIntyre.