Right On Cue

Gareth Green forced his way into a second consecutive BRADFORD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP final with a hard-fought victory over Adam Tipper.

Defending champion Green (Lifeline Leisure) edged out his Bradford Moor Conservative Club opponent 4-3 in the last-four clash at Eccleshill Victoria Conservative Club.

This set up a mouth-watering decider against eight-time winner Wayne Cooper at the same venue a week on Saturday (7.45pm).

Tipper started the semi-final well and, after an early break of 28, held on to take the first frame 69-34.

Green drew level as a 45 break helped take the second frame 65-36 and a 31 in the third secured it 66-48.

The Yorkshire champion extended his lead to 3-1 as a break of 42 sealed a 65-23 verdict but Tipper was not about to bow out without a fight.

Some solid all-round snooker rattled the youngster and Tipper forced a deciding frame by winning the fifth 64-35 and the sixth 66-31.

Green looked set to clinch it comfortably as a break of 38 opened up a 52-0 lead, only for an uncharacteristic black ball miss off its spot to give Tipper a glimmer of hope.

He stormed back to take a 54-52 lead with only the colours remaining and in prime position for a safety on the yellow.

Unfortunately the shot was underhit and Green stepped in to clear from yellow to black and leave Tipper disappointed.

Kevin Firth (Undercliffe Cricket Club) takes on Steve Judd of Nottingham in the ENGLISH SENIORS SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP final at the Star Snooker Academy in Sheffield on Saturday (4pm).

The match is the best of nine frames and a win would cap a superb season for Firth, who has also captained the Bradford No 1 side to the Yorkshire Inter-District League Division One title.

The final of the E ROSSE HOPKINSON PLATE takes place at East Ward tomorrow night (7.45), with Tong Liberals A facing Wibsey Liberal Club A.

The HEY’S TROPHY final between Northcote Cons and Upper Bolton Cons A is at Undercliffe Cricket Club next Thursday, again with a 7.45pm start.

The preliminary round of the MOORHOUSE SHIELD also starts tomorrow night, with Eastbrook Hall taking on Lilycroft.