McGuckin and Milne to clash in Open final

Snooker League

THE Cookstown Individual Snooker League is nearing an end and this week it took a short break as the Open Individual semi-finals were played.

Brian Milne - who won this competition last year - strolled into Pot Black to play Peter Reilly. The first frame was extremely close with scores all even with six reds left on the table. But Brian took control with a brilliant 36 break. he then potted a lethal red followed by a brilliant blue to claim this first.

Peter was still trying to get used to the table in the next frame before a bad kick brought a promising break to an end. Brian, a very confident player, put together a fine 32 break to put himself in a strong position. After a short session of safety play, Brian hit another 26 break to take the second frame.

Peter just couldn't get into his stride and the trend continued as Brian opened a 27 point lead in the third. Brian is a vastly improved players as he plays delicate shots with such ease and as lovely 60 break clinched the third.

This proved to be the final frame of the night as Peter had another match, incidently against Paul Currie, which ended 2-2.

Brian Milne was playing text-book snooker to reach the final and with it being berst-of-nine, you have to make him favourite to retain his title.

The other semi-final was between Ferghal Keenan and Paul McGuckin. Both players started slowly and after alot of safety, Ferghal did enough to claim the first.

Keenan opened up a small lead in the next frame but Paul responded with a 24. The balls started to run for McGuckin but he was struggling and missed an easy brown. The studious Keenan stood tall to pot the brown but a blue from McGuckin was enough to clinch the frame.

The third was another safety battle with Keenan again coming out on top, helped by a 32 break to go 2-1 up.

The next two frames were shared leaving Ferghal 3-2 ahead with two to play. Paul responded well to the pressure and recorded a 47 break to force a deciding frame.

Ferghal started strongly but Paul had the momentum and hit a 30 plus break to cross the winning post.

Paul may now be in the final against Milne, but he will need alot of practice if he means to claim his second title.

The final will be played at Pot Black and will be best of nine. On current form, Milne will be favourite but you can't write off McGuckin.

All competitions are now reaching their conclusion and all players involved are reminded that any outstanding entry fees must be paid as soon as possible.