That man Mark Gray was at it again in the Spalding and District Snooker League last Thursday night.
Gray – whose 141 in December 2012 is the best break in the history of the league – pocketed the second-highest ever score with a sensational 139 total clearance during Bourne SC A’s 5-1 Division Two win over Consti I.
The ex-professional, who plays off an O98 handicap, gave opponent Pete Stokes (R14) a 112 start. But 15 reds, 11 blacks and four blues later it was all over, with Gray winning 139-112.
Nicknamed “Granite”, the break gives Bourne-based Gray the perfect start to 2015 after an amazing past year which saw him help Europe lift pool’s Mosconi Cup.
It was also a top night for his team, with Ian Gibson (O7), Ian Clare (O14) and Michael Byrne (R14) also winning to keep the Bourne boys on course for the title – and promotion to the big time.
Gray said: “I was never really on for a 147. To be fair, all of the balls went quite well and I only had to split the pack of reds twice.
“I’m well chuffed with the break. When you’re giving over a 100 start every week it’s very tough. Also, it’s not like I practise snooker these days – I only practise pool, and they are two completely different games.
“It was good to do it at the Consti club. They have ten teams there and there’s always five matches going on every week – which means over 50 people in the snooker room watching.”
Elsewhere in Division Two, a fine 56 break from Craig Fitter (O56) steered struggling Services B to a 4-2 triumph over title-chasing Crowland B. Tim Nash (O21) also sunk a 27 clearance to help the Spalding side seal their surprise success.
High-flying Consti B edged out Pyramid D 4-2 thanks to a final frame success from Steve Spencer (R21), while fellow promotion hopefuls Consti G remain in the mix after beating Sutton D 4-2.
Holbeach B were also in fine form the stay in the title picture. Baz Haynes (scr), Neil Harvey (O14) and Zac Rowlett (O28) made breaks of 25 (clearance), 20 and 22 respectively in a 5-1 success over Gosberton A.
Up in Division One, Consti F won the battle of two title hopefuls as they dispatched Donington C 5-1.
Star man Neil Reynolds (O49) did manage a 28 break in a frame win for hosts Donington, but Kevin Ekins (R14), Martyn Stanley (R21), Robert Adams (O21) and Warren Peel (scr) delivered the goods for a red-hot Consti.
Tulips A also enjoyed a 5-1 triumph in their all-Spalding affair against Services E.
Nick Savic (O35) and Bren Bowman (O63) were both on top form for Tulips, with breaks of 52 and 35 respectively en-route to frame wins.
Meanwhile, a 32 break from Long Sutton A’s Stuart Atkin (O42) couldn’t stop his side slipping to a 4-2 beating at Boundary B. Steve Smith (R7) clinched the match for the Deepings side on a re-spotted black at the death.
In Division Three, leaders Donington B slipped to a rare defeat as Donington B stunned them 4-2 on their own baize. A 39 break from Tony Scully (scr) and a nervy victory from Mick Clark (R7) clinched the points for Donington.
Second-placed Bourne SC B were also beaten 4-2, with Services D’s Tanya Peel (R14) delivering the killer blow in the last frame.
The big winners of the week proved to be Consti E, who whitewashed Sutton C 6-0 – despite a 26 break from Gavin Shinkin (R7).
John Mumford (R21), Kevin Sweeney (scr), Stuart Gravil (O21), Peter Tingle (R7) and Lindsay Porter (R7) were the Consti winners.
- Neil Reynolds made an amazing 88 clearance for Donington C in the Spalding and District Snooker League’s Norey Cup on Sunday.
Cue ace Reynolds made the brilliant break in a 4-2 defeat against Pyramid F, meaning his efforts essentially went unrewarded.
Alfonso Palumbo proved the difference maker, beating Ben Wrigglesworth 2-0 in the final showdown.
He made breaks on 31 and 28 in the decider.
