Trio into national last-16
IF AFC Bournemouth had turned over Liverpool in the FA Cup last Saturday, it would have capped a “perfect day” for one Silver Tour player.
Bradley Cowdroy, along with Jamie Wilson and Mickey Joyce, booked his place in the last-16 of the English Under-14 Championship via the southern qualifier at Jesters Snooker Hall, Swindon.
The 11-year-old, based at Greenbaize Snooker Club, Bournemouth, beat Bronze Tour rankings contender Luke Beebe 3-0 in his first match.
Next, he cross-doubled the blue and pink in a third-frame decider against fellow Silver Tour player Lewis Parnham.
And he wrapped things up with a “relaxed” 2-1 victory over Silver rankings leader Joyce.
“We had already won two matches each and had both qualified already,” explained Cowdroy.
“Mickey certainly deserves to go to Leeds because he has been playing really well so far this season.
“It feels particularly special because this was my first attempt at qualifying for a national championship.
“I am really looking forward to Leeds because I know that whatever happens, it will be an amazing experience. I hope I can put my best game on show there.”
And he added: “If only AFC Bournemouth had beaten Liverpool in the FA Cup to make a perfect day!”
Alas, the visitors prevailed 2-0.
It was also ten-year-old Joyce’s first outing in the nationals. The Basingstoke potter, who is based at Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club, defeated Parnham 3-0 and edged Beebe 2-1 in their four-man group.
In the other group, Wilson qualified for the second year running. The ten-year-old from Portsmouth started the day by beating Oliver Wilson (Dartford) 3-0 and losing 3-0 to Adam Stacey (London) in a match that saw two black-ball games.
He then compiled a personal best 43 break in the second frame of a 3-0 victory over Aidan Murphy (Hanham, near Bristol) to leave himself one frame short of qualification.
Into the final match then. At 2-0 down to Joe Jenner-Bailey (Saffron Walden), one can only imagine the agony his parents were going through.
But Wilson dug out the final frame.
Mum Suzy said: “His temperament throughout the day was fantastic, especially going 2-0 down and then winning the final frame.”
So, three of the five Cuestars players travel to Leeds in April.
Picture by Tim Dunkley