Under 25's Champion 2016: Lewis Round (Eden)

In the first semi final last years runner up Lewis Round (Eden) took on Will O'Hara (Bayley) in his debut season in the league. Will's nerves got the better of him at the start and Lewis opened up a 40 point lead before a fine 29 break clinched the first frame 85-0. There was no sign of nerves in the second frame however as it was Will who began the stronger. Lewis dug in deep with a lovely 43 break to put him 20 points to the good. Will however kept potting well and it was only a miss on the yellow that allowed Lewis to clear to the pink to take the frame 77-36 and seal his place in the final. The other semi final saw Liam Goodman (Dawley) take on the reigning champ Ben Godding (Bayley). It was Liam that got in first with some good potting and nice safety, opening up a decent 19 lead with just one red left. However Ben showed why he was champion last year producing a lovely 31 clearance to take the first frame 53-41. This comeback really seemed to affect Liam and with a combination of solid potting and assured safety it was Ben that clinched the second frame 54-1 to set up a repeat of the 2015 final against Lewis. The final looked like being a cracker with both players in great form and the first frame certainly lived up to the billing. After the initial exchanges it was Ben that took the first real opportunity and he opened up a 40 point advantage. Not to be deterred Lewis dug deep and clawed his way back into the frame, taking yellow and green to reduce the arrears to just 9. Ben knocked in the brown before Lewis took the blue and needing both pink and black elected for safety. After a short safety exchange it was Lewis who held his nerve to sink both balls to seal the opening frame 56-51. The second frame was nip and tuck as neither player was going to run away with it. Eventually Ben got in front opening up a slender 12 point lead. Lewis hit back with a nice 28 break to lead by 16 with the colours left. Ben took yellow, green and brown and it looked like going to a decider. However Lewis took a lovely blue before sinking the pink to take the title for the second time and be the first Champion of 2016. Well played lads it was a great night played in a good spirit and to a very good standard. Thanks to everyone that came along to support the lads and special thanks to Willie Brown & Frank Williams for refereeing, Rob Withington for marking.