JOHN McCREADY is the Brian Jeffrey Construction over-50s snooker champion.

The Heworth member defeated Bootham's Jeff Brown to take the trophy in the handicap-led competition at Acomb Conservative Club.

McCready first saw off Fulford's Bob Smith in the semi-final. Receiving 11 points, he set the early pace with a 17 break on his way to increasing his lead to 34-6.

McCready was always in control of the frame, playing containing snooker and preventing Smith from putting any breaks together.

His opponent finally conceded defeat on blue with the score at 60-24.

Brown had to overcome a 32 point handicap deficit against defending champion Jeff Keen, of Acomb.

His opponent took a red and a black to establish a 40 point cushion but, while not making any big breaks, Brown stopped Keen scoring and reduced the gap to 40-36.

Keen then went in-off on a red to level the match and Brown took control on his way to a 69-40 victory.

McCready's handicap start over Brown was 26 points and, with steady small breaks, he forged into a 52-11 lead.

Neither player could produce a significant break but safety play was prominent. With Brown 24 behind, with 22 left on the table, he snookered McCready.

While getting out of the snooker, the Heworth man fluked the brown.

Brown still had a chance to level the match as McCready missed the blue and struck the pink. Brown potted the blue but, trying to play a snooker on the pink, left an easy pot which McCready took for victory.

The trophies were presented by Dave Jeffrey for the sponsors and Alan Reed as chairman of the Faber Shield.

Tim Fillingham refereed the final with Colin Robinson and Brian Henry taking charge of the last four encounters.

Billiards focuses the attention of the next finals evening where Gary Rogers meets Richard Lillie and Dan Potter faces Ken Taylor in the last four clashes at Fulford Conservative Club.