Kelly pots his way to deserved final glory

Kelly pots his way to deserved final glory

10 January 2024

CONOR Kelly has managed to carve his way through the Drumaness elite to put his name on the BMF Individual Champion Trophy for the first time by defeating club-mate Mark Boyd in the final. 

Wins in the earlier rounds over Darren Dornan, Shea Valentine and Darren Oldroyd, in the semi-finals, earned his place in the conclusion having come through the toughest of draws. 

Meanwhile, Mark Boyd recorded wins over Gerard McCaffrey, Gerard Travers and Eamon Ferris, in the semis, in that match knocking in breaks of 75 and 77.

The final started in favour of Mark as he slotted in an early 34 breakbut Conor kept grafting until both players got down to the pink and black. 

After a lengthy battle on the pink, Mark got his chance. 

He took the pink but missed a great chance on the black allowing Conor in to take the first frame. 

The second frame started very tentatively and after the early exchanges Conor found himself 37-8 in front. 

The 21-point handicap Conor had was put to good use as he began to pick the balls off and could sense that Mark was not reaching the heights of his earlier round matches. 

His lead soon went to 63-8. Another attempted safety on the red by Mark somehow managed to collide with the black, sending it into the corner pocket. 

Another potted red from Conor was enough to extend his lead to 2-0, requiring one more for victory.

Mark managed to claw a frame back in the next as he took advantage of some misfortune from Conor, who had potted the blue and smashed into the reds only to see the pink crash into the corner pocket. 

Mark seized this chance and with breaks of 21 and 25 he reduced his deficit to 2-1.

The fourth frame started with Conor making some great single ball potting. With his 21-point handicap advantage he soon amassed a lead of 46-9. Mark responded with a 22-break to close the gap. 

After another bout of safety, Conor extend his lead to 61-31. After potting the final red, Mark offered his hand and congratulated Conor on a great win.

A superb display from Conor Kelly throughout the whole tournament and a well deserved winner at the end.

Thanks also to Stevie Anderson, who officiated the final and to all those who came out to Drumaness Snooker Club to cheer on and encourage both players in what was a very enjoyable final.