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| Runner-up JOE NEVILLE congratulates winner NICK BERRY |
Berry was into his stride quickly in the opener with some steady potting and after a long green put him 36 points ahead with just 22 remaining, he went into the early ascendancy.
However Neville, who has returned to the snooker scene this time around after many seasons on the billiards circuit, hit back strongly in the next with a 25 clearance the icing on the cake after already holding a 30 point lead prior to that.
Again Berry was out of the traps quickly in the next, building up 37-7 advantage but once again veteran cueman Neville showed his break-building prowess of yesteryear had not diminished with an excellent run of 30 to bring the scores level.
It seemed the Tansley stalwart's recent eye op had certainly produced the desired effect but thereafter Berry took pink with the next two reds and a foul meant he soon had a fair lead going into the colours which he eventually converted into a 69-37 verdict.
And the fourth frame remained nip and tuck right until the final balls with Neville levelling the scores at 42 each before rattling the brown into a baulk pocket and leaving it on the edge of the pocket.
The reigning champ stepped in and looked set to secure the frame with decent position onto the blue before he too rattled it and once again the outlook was in the balance.
Hoewver, soon aftewards, he raked in a much more difficult long blue to edge ahead and then a few minutes later drilled in a straight pink for a 53-42 success and another year with the familiar silverware on the mantlelpiece.
"B" (Intermediate) Individual Handicap final: Nick Berry (Crich Comrades No 1) 3, Joe Neville (Tansley Potters) 1 (at Bolehill Institute): 50-14; 18-73(25); 69-37(30); 53-42.
Breaks: J Neville 30,25.
Breaks: J Neville 30,25.
