By Richard Lillie

SNOOKER balls were potted for the first time in the York Snooker League as the new four-player league launched following a Covid-enforced break.

The league, which has replaced the old Faber Shield competition, is a handicapped competition with teams of four competing from the Conservative clubs of Heworth & Bootham, Acomb and Fulford, as well as Malton & Castle Snooker Club.

The star of the opening night was Heworth 'A' player Neil Wood, who hit breaks of 46 and 42 in his victory over Jack Overton.

It was not enough to stop Heworth 'B' running out 3-1 winners, though, with Jim Rollinson (32 break) defeating Gary Douglas while Andy Hurley beat Kevin Gall and Andy Ogley defeated Clive Whyte.

Newcomers Castle Snooker Club started their league campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Fulford 'B'.

The home side made a superb start, racing into a 2-0 lead thanks to victories for James Bonwick and captain Cameron Fennell but Castle hit back with Steve Paxton defeating Karl Mullen before Paul Johnson rescued the draw for the away side with a 52-20 win over Russ Shaw.

Bootham 'A' top the table after the first round of matches after a comprehensive 4-0 win over newly-formed Acomb 'B'.

Paul Scorfield edged out Phil Carlton 53-50 in a tightly contested opening frame before Chris Thompson doubled the lead with a solid 71-46 victory over Jim Ledgeway.

Rob Barron and Andy Proud completed the victory with wins over Alan Haithwaite and Andy Wade, respectively.

Other opening results saw Malton 3-1 winners against Bootham 'B', with Acomb 'A' drawing 2-2 against Fulford 'A'.

Anyone interested in entering a four-player team into the league - which plays on Wednesday evenings - should email Richlillie147@hotmail.com.

The current league is a half season which is due to finish in May, with a full season starting in September.

Meanwhile, the Faber Shield Billiards League is also back underway, writes Darren Clark.

Like the snooker, the billiards league will be contested by teams made up of four players, who will play one game each. An additional point will be awarded for the overall aggregate score.

Acomb Conservative Club got off to a strong start with a 4-1 win at Fulford.

Wayne Pulleston narrowly lost out to Paul Holmes 150-145 before Richard Lillie defeated Alan Reed 150-121 and Mick Borg secured his first win of the season by beating Bob Plant 150-123.

Bob Smith was the sole winner for Fulford as he defeated Trevor Ventress 150-141 in another close match.

Acomb's mettle will be tested on January 26 when they host defending champions Heworth.

A spokesman commented: "The last competitive billiards event in York was held before the Covid-19 pandemic struck, so it was fantastic to see players back enjoying the game of billiards on the baize."