The Northern Rivers Masters and under 21 titles were played at The Dolphins Hotel, Tweed heads on Sunday 28th August, both titles were poorly attended, which was disappointing but some good matches were contested throughout the day.
Winner of the under 21 title was Daniel Woods who came from behind to upstage Callum Wade with Ryan Cretan 3rd (I have to say these 3 lads played their hearts out over the playoffs and have all improved out of sight, and can only improve again) after looking the favourite early doors.
The masters title went to Dennis Watt after a marathon final with Steve Chapman, after leading 5-1 in a race to 6 Dennis started to feel the pressure and next minute it was 5 all, then it was Captain Courageous` turn to feel the heat and Dennis got the money 6-5. Congratulations to both title winners and best of luck in their playoffs (if needed) with their city counterparts. Special mention to Chris Blampton and Kristey Wise who did all the behind scenes work on the day, thanks to you both from everyone.
The NSW team playoffs were played off in super conditions at the Coolangatta Hotel, the tables were reclothed and nice and quick and our thanks go to the hotel management and Geoff Atkinson for allowing the use of the room for the Saturday and Sunday. The best of 15 double elimination format was a tad much for some of the combatants, Spiderman J. Latta had to be helped onto his pushbike on Sunday by yours truly after 50 odd frames took it`s toll (hope it was a tailwind on the trip back to Lismore JL). Most games went according to plan until top seed Damien Smith played Terry Stevens, at 7-3 the ex Tasmanian rep was cruising but a couple of ordinary shots saw Tezza roar back and qualify for the NSW team with a great 8-7 victory. (2-1 to Terry) forcing the Byron Bay “right hander” to head for the losers side. Good stuff Terry.