UPDATE 8/7/2020.  All Indoor Sport banned from midnight 8th July for at least 6 weeks in ALL Melbourne Metropolitan & Mitchell Local Government Areas.  VBSA Board to update as information comes to hand.

Following today's announcement by the Victorian Premier that Stage 3 Restrictions are to be reinstated from midnight on 8th July 2020, the VBSA Board, in conjunction with Sports & Recreation Victoria (SRV) and the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), has decided to cancel ALL Pennant competition for the remainder of 2020. Apologies to those teams & players who submitted entries for Season 2; your efforts are appreciated.  Team captains will be contacted directly to advise this decision.

Further, it is very unlikely that ANY form of tournament competition will be possible for the remainder of 2020. 

Pending further advice from SRV & DHHS, it is also likely that local club play, either competition or social, may also be affected.  The VBSA will attempt to keep clubs informed of the extent & impact of restrictions as they are announced but Clubs are urged to make their own enquiries & practise due diligence in this regard.

Whilst this is a regrettable situation, the Board believes the health of our members & our communities is paramount and that we all should play our parts in responding to the challenges ahead.

Please read the attached directive from the VBSA Board regarding the Return to Play as COVID-19 restrictions are eased in Victoria.  Note that the VBSA requirements are in addition to the ABSC requirements, not in place of.

All enquiries can be directed to VBSA Secretary David Chigwidden

A copy of the ABSC Guideline and Quick Reference Guide/Poster is also attached for your convenience.

All tournaments calendarized to be hosted by the VBSA in the state of Victoria up to and including 30^th June 2020 are hereby cancelled.

The VBSA met today to determine appropriate action in fighting the potential spread of COVID-19 through our cue sport fraternity. It was decided with immediate effect that all pennant play be suspended until further notice and all tournaments be cancelled until 30^th June 2020.

The VBSA board wishes all players and their families good health and well being now and always.

We will continue to update when more is known.

VBSA Board

The following is being passed on by the VBSA Board for the information of all VBSA members and Affiliates.  Further announcements may be made.  

I am writing to provide you with the up to date Victorian Government’s messaging on COVID-19. See attachment.

• Health authorities are continuing to closely monitor the situation following the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
• Currently there are no known transmissions of the infection in the community in Victoria. All known cases in Victoria are due to travel overseas or through a direct link with a traveller.
• At this point in time our advice around major events/sporting events/creative events and other public gatherings is that they can still go ahead, and people should go about their lives as normal.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website includes the most accurate and up to date information regarding COVID-19. Please refer to this as the key resource.
• It would be timely to review and update your business continuity plans/pandemic plans. Refer to the national health sector policy document on emergency response (Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan For Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)) which takes precedence over any existing agency plans, where there are inconsistencies.
• Where there are mass gatherings of people, the attached advice/messages have been approved by the DHHS and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR).
• Should there be specific issues that can’t be answered from the DHHS website material, particularly in the event of COVID-19 cases being identified in Victoria, then you may wish to contact Rob Holland, Director, Office of the Secretary, DJPR on 8392 8031 or rob.holland@djpr.vic.gov.au, for assistance with coordinating a response.

As you know, the situation is dynamic and we will update you as new information comes to hand.

Regards,

Peter Betson

Head | Sport, Recreation & Racing
Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions   

When the VBSA faced difficult times, there were four people who worked assiduously to preserve our VBSA. George Morrow became VBSA President, and Cathy Morrow was the incredibly hard-working VBSA Secretary.

Together with our Life Members George Hoy and Alan Croft, these four managed to achieve the preservation of the Victorian Billiards & Snooker Association - the State Sporting Association for our Sports.

It is with great regret that we advise that Catherine (Cathy) Morrow passed away in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Boxing Day, after a period of severe health issues. Her funeral is being held in Belfast this Saturday.  Cathy was 67.

The VBSA will always owe an enormous debt to Cathy Morrow, and we express our sincere condolences to George Morrow, and all of Cathy’s family and friends.

Rest in Peace, Cathy.  A Great Friend of the VBSA.

Changes have been made to Sections 2 & 10 of the VBSA ByLaws governing Pennant competition.  An e-mail will be sent to all registered VBSA players detailing the changes and a summary is attached here.

Go to this webpage to see current ByLaws.

Following the recent Annual General Meeting, there have been a number of changes to the Board and support roles.  These changes, and the relevant contact information, can be found by clicking on this LINK.

The VBSA is the State Sporting Association (SSA) for Billiards and Snooker in Victoria. The State Government requires that all SSA's have a Quota of 40% Women on their Board. This requirement became effective on 1st July 2019.

After discussions with the State Government, we provided an undertaking to have our Rules (Constitution) amended at this year’s AGM, to come into line with their requirements.

A notice of Special Resolution was posted to the VBSA website 21 days ahead of the AGM allowing all members to view it in a public domain prior to casting their vote.   A vote was held passing the Special Resolution almost unanimously with only one voter abstaining.  The revised Rules can be viewed here http://www.vbsa.org.au/VBSA/vbsa_pol_proc.php

Prior to the 2019 AGM, we have targeted a number of women to join our Board adding appropriate qualifications and talent to enhance the performance of our Board.  Voters successfully installed four women to the Board.

The VBSA Board for 2019 consists of the following members:
Mr Paul Cosgriff             President
Dr Shelly Ames              Vice President
Mrs Sue Chigwidden      Treasurer
Mr David Chigwidden     Secretary
Ms Kathy Howden          Board Member
Ms Kim Ivett                   Board Member
Mr Manny Stefanou        Board Member

Assistants to the Board:
Mr Larry Eforgan              Director of Referees
Mr Mark Dunn                  Score Registrar
Mr Alec Spyrou                 Tournament Convener/Webmaster

There are a number of other willing participants:
Simon Fortune                  Pennant Fixturing
Kane Chigwidden              Assistant to the Board
David Pitt                           City Clubs delegate and game historian
Jason Colebrook               Billiards tournaments
Tony Fridman                    Junior Development
Rohan Liston                     I.T. 

The Board would like to thank the outgoing members of the last Board for their dedication and hard work throughout their time on the Board and all contributions made over their time involved.

Kind regards

David Chigwidden
Secretary

Congratulations Anna Lynch on becoming the first Australian Women’s Billiards Champion. Victoria was well represented in the finals with all three Victorian entrants making the Semis. Caroline Ruscitti was runner up and put up a good fight against Anna. Well done to all.

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association announces the launch of a new version of the Official Rules of Snooker and English Billiards.

Refer VBSA website Help Page for details.

Under 12, Under 15 & Under 18 Snooker & Billiards

Venue - Reventon Academy, Yarraville.

Starts - Sat 5th October.

Entry fee - $10.00.  Allows play in all age groups, both Snooker & Billiards.

To qualify as junior entrant must be under age group at 1st January 2020.

Entry form attached below.

Tournament Director - Tony Fridman 0414 534 575. ABSC accredited coach

The VBSA ByLaws have been updated to clarify and simplify the playing conditions for Pennant competition.

It is strongly recommended that ALL team captains familiarise themselves with these ByLaws.

Click this LINK to be taken to the Policies & Procedures page where you can view the updated ByLaws.

Thanks to all involved in reviweing the document.

Congratulations to Kathy Howden on winning the 2019 Victorian Women’s Snooker Championship. Kathy fought it out in the grand final with Caroline Ruscitti and came out on top winning 3-2 in a very close battle. In the semi finals Caroline defeated Anna Lynch who in a terrific effort has now been in the finals for 5 consecutive years. Kathy defeated Lyndal Ellement in the other semi. It was great to see Lyndal back in the finals after just missing out the last couple of years. Unfortunately numbers were down this year, but we did have two newcomers with Kat Newman making a snooker comeback and her daughter Mia also entering the championship for the first time. Mia is just 11 years old and showed some impressive potting skills. Our other junior, Maddy Melton, showed tremendous improvement on last year’s performance winning frames against both Caroline and Theresa Whitten, as well as finishing third in her group. Well done to all the women and girls who participated in this year’s competition and we hope to see all of you again next year. I would also like to thank everyone who helped in running the event: Jon Loughron (Tournament Director) whose preparation and organisation ensured everything ran smoothly. Abe Newman (Roving referee for round robin stages). John & Kim Ivett (Finals referees). Report courtesy of Shelly Ames.

Congratulations to Anna Lynch - 2019 Victorian Women’s Billiards Champion. Yet another billiards title for the formidable Anna. Today’s Championship was played at Reventon Academy Yarraville and it was a tight battle with Anna, Caroline Ruscitti and Shelly Ames all finishing the round robin with 4 wins each. Despite having a win over Anna, Shelly lost out on percentage. Well done to Caroline on making the grand final. Although she is the current Victorian Women’s Snooker title holder this was her first ever billiards competition and she also made a 47 break. Thanks to all the women who participated, I think it’s fair to say everyone had an enjoyable day and all games were played in good spirits.

On Wednesday 5th June 2019, a Semi Final was held in C Grade Snooker between Bentleigh 2 and a team from Cue 8 Bar at Bentleigh Club.

 An attempt was made by the Cue 8 Bar team to have a superior player compete under another player’s name in this Final. Cheating is never acceptable in Snooker and Billiards. We pride ourselves on playing Sports with the highest standard of Sportsmanship.

The VBSA Board is determined that all of us should recognise our responsibility to compete with the highest possible standards.

The four Members of the Cue 8 Bar Team from that evening have been Banned from Snooker and Billiards Competitions held by the VBSA, or any VBSA Affiliates, for a period of 6 months.

The Cue 8 Bar Management have been placed on notice that they have a responsibility to ensure that their Teams are operating responsibly, in all regards of our Sports. If there is any attempt to have a player from Cue 8 Bar to play under another player’s name, then severe sanctions will be imposed on Cue 8 Bar.

The Board is saddened that such behaviour has occurred, and regrets having to provide this response. However, the Board is determined that such behaviour, and any consideration of cheating, must never occur again.

Regards

Paul Cosgriff, President

Early release tickets for the World Billiards Open (October 6-7) and the World Billiards Championship (October 8-12) at RACV Club, Melbourne, go on sale on Monday July 1.

For more information see attached Information Sheet.

For ticket sales click this LINK.

This time of the year is always extremely crowded, and the VBSA is greatly appreciative of all the efforts that are made by so many of our Members. All these events would not be successful without the support that all of you show.

The Reventon International was a terrific success, and we are confident that all who attended found it a very enjoyable experience. The promotion of our Sponsors is extremely important for the health and strength of our great Sports.

Thank you to all the Members who will compete in the Reventon Classic this coming weekend. It is vital that the Classic is successful in its own right, as well as leading in to the Billiards Events. An enormous amount of work goes in to these Events, and we obviously enjoy seeing great players from Interstate, and Internationally.

World Billiards, and especially Jason Colebrook, have created a marvelous Festival for us here in June. And, in October, we are fortunate enough to have the 2019 World Billiards Championships here at the RACV, through the superb efforts of Warwick Loton, and his cohorts, especially David Pitt.

You have all done incredibly well, supporting the VBSA over these last weeks, with Pennant Finals, and so many Tournaments. Let’s thoroughly enjoy ourselves through these days of the Festival, and Remember: The 2019 Victorian State Snooker Championship is only a fortnight after the Billiards finishes! Please make sure you enter.

George Hoy has done a magnificent job in accepting all the Entries for so many Events. Please try to assist George as much as possible, and don’t place any extra pressure on him. The VBSA could not exist without the tireless endeavours of so many people.

Please consider how you may assist the VBSA as the State Sporting Association. We have to have more people involved, and working for the good of our Sports. Please consider how you might contribute, and provide assistance when there’s always so much “work” to be done!

When the World Billiards is on especially, we will need as many of our Members as possible to contribute their own physical support, and presence. Please consider how you might contribute, and support. When our Annual General Meeting is held, in a couple of months, it would be very satisfying to find a Membership base that all want to help, and contribute, in any way possible.

Please remember that your own health, and the health and well-being of your loved ones, comes first. Second, never imperil your own work situation. However, if you then have time, and the physical capability to contribute, then please do so!

The responsibilities incumbent on the VBSA have grown exponentially in the last 5 years. Please provide support for all the Board Members, and all who work so tirelessly for our Sports in Leadership roles.

Thank you for all that you have provided up to now. We now embrace a most exciting Future, and are grateful for all that you provide.

Cheers

Paul

Congratulations to Victoria's Matt Curwood & Marc Fridman who won the Australian Under 21 Snooker & Billiards titles respectively over this last weekend at the Brunswick Club.  Matt had a comfortable 5/0 win over Josh Burns (Tasmania), whilst Marc prevailed 321/248 over Josh Burns.  Marc was also a semi finalist in the snooker whilst Josh deserves great credit for being runner up in both disciplines.

Mention must be also made of Teah Raeburn (18) from Victoria & the oh so young, Lilly Meldrum (11) from Queenslan who fought out the Women's Under 21 final, with Teah going on to win 3/2.  And both also played in the Open Under 21s, with Lilly taking a frame in her matches.

Fabulous effort from everyone and just for the record GO VICS!!

A few images attached.

Please note the dates for 2019 Victorian Women’s Snooker Championship has been changed to July 20 & 21. The 2019 Australian National Women’s Championship has been changed to August 9-11. There will also be the inaugural Australian National Women’s Billiards Championship held on August 8.

Congratulations to Anna Lynch on yet another Women’s Billiards State Title. Anna won all of her round robin matches and went on to win the title against Shelly Ames who won three of her four round robin matches. Anna had several breaks over 20, and a terrific 47 in the final, to which Shelly replied with a 25 on her next visit, so over 70 in two visits from the two finalists - great work ladies! The other competitors were Lyndal Element, Yvonne Mahoney and Michelle Hansen. Well done to all the ladies who participated.

We had 10 ladies participate this year including two new faces, Hope Sumner and Maddy Melton. Both are juniors and both played very well for their first ever snooker tournament. With continued practice and improvement these two youngsters will push the more experienced players in the future.

The event started with a round robin on Saturday and finals were held on Sunday. The top two players from each group went through to the semi finals. Semi final 1: Kathy Howden defeated Anna Lynch 3-0, Semi Final 2: Caroline Ruscitti defeated Theresa Whitten 3-0. Caroline went on to win the State title defeating Kathy 3-0 in the grand Final.

I would like to thank Neil Allison, who was roving referee on the Saturday and refereed the 1st Semi Final between Kathy and Anna as well as the Grand Final.

I would also like to thank Shelly Ames (VB&SA Victorian Women’s Coordinator) for contacting players to ensure that the event would go ahead.

I must say that it was a pleasure to deal with the friendship, honesty, fairness and skill that was evident over the entire weekend, thank you ladies.
I always enjoy the Victorian Women’s Snooker Tournament and look forward to next year.

Jon Loughron
Tournament Director

Stan Gorski defeated Tony Masci in the final 4-3.

Losing semi-finalists were Rod Nelson and Sam Elbelli.

Tony Masci made the high break of 73.

The ABSC Anti-Doping Policy has been amended and is effective 10 August 2020.

The changes bring our sport in line with the establishment of Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) which has replaced the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) as the National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) in Australia from 1 July 2020. 

The changes are:

• Replacing the words Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) with Sport Integrity Australia (SIA);
• Replacing Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) with the National Sports Tribunal (NST) as the first-instance hearing body for all athletes and the  Appeals Division of the NST for appeals for ‘non-international level’ athletes;
• Amending the definition of ‘National Level Athlete’ to introduce the Lower-Level Athlete category to allow greater flexibility in dealing with and sanctioning athletes below International or National level; and
• Removing the Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel.

For more details on the changes, please see the attached Factsheet

The VBSA Board, all Members and Players, are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Denis Coghlan earlier today from pneumonia (not the coronavirus).

Denis has been a magnificent stalwart for our sports, and especially our Juniors, for many years. As the host of National, International and World Billiards Championships, the VBSA has been blessed to have Denis involved, with his unbounded enthusiasm and unstinting support.

Denis has been the first person to make himself available for any Refereeing or Official responsibilities to support the VBSA. As the President, and often Tournament Director, for VBSA Events, I have always been delighted to have Denis attending at Tournaments.

Denis also attended as many events for the Juniors as possible, and his keen eye was able to identify talent, and potential, for all our Australian Juniors.

Camberwell Cuesports (ex-St Mary’s) and Burwood RSL have been extremely fortunate to have Denis acting as “the heart and soul” of both those Clubs. Denis displayed magnificent professionalism in Office Bearer positions for both Clubs, as well as the Over 55's Association, and he will be sorely missed.

All of us who have had Denis in our lives as a fellow Team-Member, Club-Member, Association Supporter, Referee and great Friend, will sorely miss his presence in our lives, and his professionalism, cheerfulness and enthusiastic cooperation.

Paul Cosgriff, VBSA President

I am proud to announce the Victorian state team for the 2020 Australian Junior Championships in Albury NSW.

Congatulations to

• Jack Green, U18 snooker
• Sean Dempsey, U18 billiards
• Mia Newman, U15 snooker
• Ciaran Dempsey, U15 billiards
• Mia Macheda, U12 snooker

Also representing Victoria in the singles events are Zackery Kidgell U12 and Noah Newman U12/15.

We wish you all the very best  in your competitions and enjoy your games representing the Victorian Billiards and Snooker Association.  News & updates will be posted.

Marc Fridman has turned 18 will be there as an official referee for the event and support for the Vic juniors.

Tony Fridman
Victorian Junior Co-ordinator & Team Manager

Melbourne’s Anna Lynch has become Victoria’s fourth World Billiards Champion by winning the 2019 Sylex Ergonomics World Women’s Billiards Championship at the RACV Club in Melbourne. Anna defeated Judy Dangerfield of Adelaide 244-204 in the 90-minute final to join Victoria’s roll of honour:

Walter Lindrum    1933 World Professional Billiards Championship

                            1934 World Professional Billiards Championship

Tom Cleary          1954 World Amateur Billiards Championship

Robby Foldvari    1986 World Professional Billiards Championship

                            1997 World Matchplay Billiards Championship

                            1998 IBSF World Billiards Championship

Anna Lynch         2019 World Women’s Billiards Championship

Congratulations Anna on joining such an illustrious group, long may your star continue to shine.

The VBSA Board is pleased to announce that Ms Kim Ivett has been chosen to take the role of Board Director on the ABSC Board and will represent the state of Victoria. Ms Ivett has performed many valuable actions on behalf of the sport both in Victoria and beyond to the benefit of all participants in cue sports. Ms Ivett brings good communication and strength in media representation to the national body. Our president, Mr Paul Cosgriff has further roles to take on and said he is most grateful to Ms (Kim) Ivett for stepping up to this role. He will be available for any assistance she needs

Excitement builds as players and visitors arrive in Melbourne for the Reed Furniture World Open Billiards, Endeavour Life Care World Billiards Championship, and Sylex Ergonomics World Women’s Billiards Championship at the RACV City Club from October 6-12.

The world’s leading billiards players compete for the oldest World Championship trophy, the John Roberts Trophy, which dates from 1870. The World Billiards Championship was last held in Melbourne in 1934 when Australia’s legendary Walter Lindrum successfully defended his title against English great Joe Davis.

The Reed Furniture World Open Billiards, a warm-up event, runs on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th October.

The Endeavour Life Care World Billiards Championship starts on Tuesday 8th October and culminates in the final on Saturday 12th October. 

The World Women’s Billiards Championship, being held for the first time in Australia, runs on Friday 11th October.

Matches will be streamed on the World Billiards YouTube channel 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwan1g_8gB4c4gL0o8xVl1Q

Reed Furniture World Open Billiards match information and scores are at 

http://www.wbeventsonline.com/?page_id=57&TID=319

Endeavour Life Care World Billiards Championship match information & scores are at

http://www.wbeventsonline.com/?page_id=57&TID=318

Sylex Ergonomics World Women’s Billiards Championship match information and scores are at

http://www.wbeventsonline.com/?page_id=117&TID=321

The RACV City Club at 501 Bourke Street Melbourne https://www.racv.com.au/travel-leisure/racv-club/city-club.html welcomes spectators to the event but reminds them that visitors to the Club are required to comply with the RACV Club dress code of smart casual including a collared shirt or polo shirt for men.

See https://www.racv.com.au/travel-leisure/racv-club/footer/etiquette.html for details. Matches on most days will run from 10:00AM to 9:00PM AEST. Tickets including reserved seats are available at the door.

Follow the tournament progress on the World Billiards, Australian Billiards & Snooker Council, Victorian Billiards & Snooker Association, and 2019 World Billiards Championship websites and Facebook pages.

billiardschampionship.com

All members please note that the VBSA is acting in best prudential practices of handling your money.  

In August 2019 the board ratified the following payment policy when entering events VBSA run tournaments

1. Cash payments will not be accepted
2. Cheques will not be accepted 

When does this take effect?

This was implemented immiately with unconditional application of this rule in place by 31^st December 2019. 

What do I need to do?

The Board asks that should you wish to enter a VBSA associated tournament or event that you make arrangements to purchase your entry via either 

• the online shop http://www.vbsa.org.au/vbsa_shop/shop_cart.php via the website or 
• credit the appropriate fee through your bank (Remember to add your name as a reference to allow us to easily identify your entry payment)

For people without access to the internet please enlist the help of a friend or relative to pay & process your entry for you.

All entry forms will indicate this change and already include VBSA banking details.

Only paid entries can be processed to the draw. Unpaid entries will not be added to the draw after the closing date under any circumstances after 31^st December 2019

This message was emailed and sent via SMS to all members for their notification and action.  

If you have any questions about this change don’t hesitate to contact any member of the VBSA board who will be happy to help http://www.vbsa.org.au/VBSA/vbsa_contact.php   

The 2019 AGM is scheduled for Thursday 15th August at 7:15pm at Yarraville Club, 135 Stephen Street, Yarraville (NOT Reventon Academy)

Please see attached documents

• Notice of Meeting
• Agenda
• Board Nomination Form
• Notice of Special Resolution

Please note that you must be a financial member of the VBSA to vote at the AGM.  A member is defined as

• a Life Member, or
• an "Active" referee, or
• played at least one VBSA match in the current year, or
• paid a $20 membership fee in the current year, AND
• submitted & had accepted a Membership Form. 

Greetings All

Thank you to everybody who assisted with our Pennant Competitions, dealing with the loss of the STAR and Dunya venues. Mark Dunn and Simon Fortune were superb in dealing with a very complex issue, but they really needed a great deal of cooperation from all of you, and for that we are extremely grateful.

This is a very busy time of the year for all of us, however, I would like to highlight some Tournaments that are in addition to our Pennant Finals responsibilities.

The Reventon International (24/5 to 26/5) is the most money that’s ever been provided for one of the VBSA/ABSC Events. As such, I would exhort all of you to make every possible effort to be an Entrant or attend as a spectator. We’re very fortunate to have Reventon providing so much support, and we need to show our support for all their Events.

The Entry Fee will enable you to play in the Tournament, as well as the Consolation Plate (worth $8000 alone), and attend the Saturday night Dinner, and Calcutta. Great value!

If you examine the Website you’ll see that a very attractive offer has been made for Accommodation, and it would be ideal to be able to take advantage of the offer.

Two weeks after the Reventon International, we will hold the Reventon Classic, utilising the old City of Melbourne format. This is an opportunity to be allotted a Group, on the Saturday 8/6, where you will have the experience of playing against some of the best players in the world. Don’t miss being one of the first Entrants for the Field of 96.

The Reventon Classic is followed immediately by the Pacific International Australian Open Billiards, and the Australian National Billiards. These Events have the VBSA “front and centre” on the World stage and need every possible support that you may provide. Please submit your Entries as soon as possible.

If you’re not a player of Billiards, please consider how you may support the VBSA in these Events. Perhaps you could assist with collecting International players on their arrival at the airport, or even in assisting them to be at the Snooker venues on the Saturday, or at Yarraville on the following days?

Our Association is only as strong as all the Members who make the effort for our sports.

Thank you for your support and interest.

Paul Cosgriff
President VBSA
10 May 2019

The Board of the VBSA strongly recommends that affiliate clubs, and members, support this initiative by the ABSC to support Australia's players at the IBSF World Championships.  Please click on this LINK to be taken to the ABSC website to learn more. 

Please see the attached entry form for this very exciting tournament.  Note there are only 32 paid spots.

Enquiries re entries to be directed to George Hoy on 0403 047 840.  

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

All VBSA Members, and Members of our Affiliates, would be aware of the manner in which the Reventon Group, and the CEO and Founder, Chris Christofi, have been so supportive of our sports.

The VBSA wishes to recognise the Reventon Group, and provide an opportunity for our Members.

There will be a Presentation of “Make the most of the money you earn” by Chris Christofi, in April. Having attended previous presentations, I am relieved to report that there is no “hard sell”, and that it could be quite beneficial to some of our Members, Families, Friends and Staff.

The Presentation is at the Yarraville Club, 135 Stephen Street, Yarraville 3015 on Tuesday April 16th. Food & Drinks are served on arrival at 6pm. The Presentation should commence at 6:45pm.

This opportunity is for anybody who is a home owner, with a mortgage. Couples should have a combined income of $120,000 or more, and singles $80,000 or more.

The Reventon Group are offering $2000 towards your investment, for any Member or Associate of the  Australian Snooker Community, and a $2000 VISA Card for anyone providing a Referral.

Any VBSA Members, or their families and friends, who would like to attend the Presentation, to see & hear how they might benefit, should click on this LINK to register.

The VBSA would never wish anybody to place themselves under financial pressure. The Reventon Group is providing advice for those people, who are able to freely utilise an investment opportunity, without any pressure from anybody.

Thank you for your time and attention.

PAUL COSGRIFF
PRESIDENT, VBSA

Entry closing date extended to Friday 18th May at 12PM. Reventon have did it over 106 entries great effort from everyone who entered in supporting our great game

Australian Snooker's largest ever cash prize is coming to the Commercial Club in Albury...

The REVENTON/COMMERCIAL CLUB INTERNATIONAL SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP boasts a $50,000 prize pool including an amazing $8,000 Consolation Plate.

Come and be a part of Snooker's biggest event and this year's first REVENTON TRIPLE CROWN event on May 24-26.

Get your entry in today via the VBSA Shop or from the entry form below.

UPDATE.  See the attached document regarding a terrific accommodation offer at the COMMODORE MOTOR INN.

Sunday December 10th, at the Reventon Academy, commencing at 10.00 am.

Round robin format - only $20 to enter.

The 2017 Bob Hawke AC Australian Open Snooker Championship (13 to 15th October) & Open Women’s Snooker Championship (7th to 10th October) will be staged at Mounties, Mt Pritchard Community Club.


The Opens are very prestigious Tournaments, and the VBSA strongly recommends all Victorian players consider entering.  Refer attached Entry Forms or click on the below links to be taken to the ABSC Calendar Event.
 

What a pleasure it was to Tournament Direct and referee the final of the Vic Open Women’s Snooker Championship for the 4year in a row. Unfortunately like last year the amount of entrants was low but despite this making my job easier, the final was a cracker. Anna was out to avenge her defeat last year to Kathy and naturally Kathy was out to defend her crown. Anna came straight out of the blocks with a commanding first frame. Kathy steadied and took the next 2 frames. With Kathy only needing one more frame to secure victory she was ahead but Anna came back strong including a clearance of the final 4 colours with some great pots to level it at 2-2. In that frame Kathy laid a very nasty snooker on Anna with virtually nowhere to go stuck hard up behind the brown and both balls  just off the bottom rail with very little angle to work with to get out of and make it to the reds. I felt no matter what Anna tried it would be just a foul. Although she collected the yellow on the way through I stuck with the decision given the severity of the snooker and I knew Anna was doing her best in the attempt to get out of it. The girls were happy with that but Anna told me later she would have loved a couple of goes at trying it. Me too I guess, it certainly was, as they say in the classics, a Deusie. The men’s was played at the same time and despite them being 9 frames, and ours 5, our final frame was met with a large crowd watching the girls finish as Adrian Ridley had commandingly won 5-1 over Aaron Mahoney and his attempt at 3 in a row. Congrats Adrian. Thanks to all those guys and gals who waited and watched, the girls appreciated the attention and support. Kathy took control of the final frame with Anna trying very hard despite needing snookers before Kathy potting some final colours and putting the result beyond question, Anna graciously conceding. Some great safety and long pots played and if you want to see some of those great shots that put many of us blokes to snooker shame then watch the match on Cueball TV. It was fully recorded. Congratulations once again to Kathy and Anna, and thanks to Shelley for at least making it an event and Denis Coghlan for scoring for me.

By Mark Bini

Ruby Roberts Memorial Victorian Women’s Billiards 2015.

This year was the 20th occasion for this tournament.held at the Brunswick Club on Sunday 30th August
Entrants: Anna Lynch, Lyndal Ellement, Karen Waugh, Heidi Stubbs, Yvonne Mahoney, Michelle Hanson.
Format: 40 minute round robin matches and a 90 minute final.

Winner: Anna Lynch, congratulations Anna, your 12th title. Runner Up: Karen Waugh
Thanks to the Sponsors: VBSA, Cannon Ball Billiards

By Mark Bini

On Saturday 30th May the Victorian Women’s Open Snooker Championship took place at Brunswick. It was a small affair with only Kathy Howden, Anna Lynch, Michelle Hansen and Shelly Ames. Unfortunately Kim pulled out earlier. The first rounds were a Round Robin with no Semi Final naturally and after two rounds Anna and Kathy had the most wins. So we jumped straight into the 7 frame final on Table 1. Shelly and Michelle played off for 3rd and 4th.

Kathy came out of the blocks with a 31 in first frame and a superb 46 in the second. She took the third and at the break had a commanding 3-0 lead over Anna. Anna came back from the break and secured the 4th frame but Kathy won the 5th and the title 4-1. Although it was just me and the 4 girls, it was a great day, all played with great sportsmanship and it was a real pleasure for me to be there. And I must say that all the ladies played some stunning snooker. Kathy’s superb breaks in the final plus Shelly had two breaks over 20, one of 25 and one of 23. Anna played some amazing safety and snookers. And to Michelle’s credit she navigated out of some tough ones, including a specific snooker laid by Anna nearly the full length of the table through the baulk colours on a tight angle back up the table to the last remaining red surrounded by pink and black. She made the out and didn’t leave the red on, it was accordingly acknowledged by Anna and I.

It was the 3rd straight year for me officiating at the final for the Women’s and I hope to be part of the tournament next year. Congratulation’s once again to Kathy our Winner and Anna our runner  up.

ASADA has approved the 2015 ABSC Anti Doping Policy which is effective 1 January 2015. All players should be aware that this policy has been included as a condition of membership and will be included in all tournament entry forms. In particular, the top players (junior and senior) who often represent Australia overseas should ensure they are well informed on this subject.  It is their responsibility to be free of drugs and substances and to know exactly what is prohibited.

Congratulations Lyndal Ellement 2014 Champion - All results