The Victorian women gave a heartwarmiing response to the call to enter this tournament and competition was that much improved because of it. Nine talented players with another unfortunately forced to exclude herself due to illness, came together at the Cheltenham Billiards and Snooker Club, now the home of women's competition in Victoria, for what proved to be an enjoyable as well as competitive day. All four tables at the club were at competion standard and thanks must go to Jon Loughron for the care and attention he gave both to the tables and the running of the day, this also included lunch for all the contestants and the referees. Julie Watson proved unstoppable in retaining her title but the form of Shelly Ames, appropriately mentioned by Julie in her victory speech, is something to watch for in future tournaments. Mention must also be made of Mia Newman who at 14 is showing some real promise and certainly deserved her place in the semi finals. Referees in attendance were Jon Moss, John van Zanden, Balraj Dhaliwal and Paul Cosgriff who took charge of the final. This was timed at 75 minutes with a score to Julie of 211 to Shelly's 105.

To help grow the sport and in response to the request by members at the last AGM to make ranking points more relevant the VBSA is making the following changes. 

This is the first of several changes in this area and more will be announced soon.

These events will attract ranking points that will be applied to the Victorian State Rankings for Snooker and Billiards:

1. Victorian Women’s Snooker
2. Victorian Women’s Billiards
3. Victorian Juniors Snooker
4. Victorian Juniors Billiards
5. Victorian U21’s Snooker
6. Yarraville U19 Junior snooker championship

Congratulation to Julie Watson on winning the 2022 Ruby Roberts Victorian Womens Billiards Championship at Cheltenham on Saturday in a thrilling last ditch win over Anna Lynch. 

That's the State Snooker & Billiards titles to Julie. 

Fantastic effort.

All VBSA Members should be aware that we are hosting the 2022 Lance Pannell Snooker (followed by the 2 Billiards Events & the State Snooker), commencing on Saturday 11/6. Entries for the first 2 Events close this Friday 3/6.

Your Board, and the Assistants, have applied themselves assiduously, to be able to host this First Ranking Tournament in Victoria for more than 2 years. It may seem intimidating to return to Tournament play after such a hiatus, however, the Lance Pannell Snooker provides the best possible format for this occasion.

Players who are Ranked in the top 64 on the Australian Rankings have an Entry Fee of $125, however, for the rest of us - Adult $60 - Women, Juniors and Pensioners (only) $35. This is the greatest “value for money” you could ever have in a Ranking Snooker Tournament.

With a full Field of 96 Entrants, every player is allocated into a Group of 6 players. You are then able to play 5 (Best of 3) Matches in your Round-Robin Group on Saturday 11/6. The 16 Groups are allocated to 5 different Venues on the Saturday, and the top 2 Group Qualifiers will play in a knockout format on the Sunday, and beyond.

Accordingly, every VBSA Member should utilize the opportunity, this week, to Enter the 2022 Lance Pannell Snooker. If you are a Member of a Snooker Team this week, ensure that every Member of your Team, who is able to attend on Saturday 11/6, has recognized this opportunity, and determined their Entry possibility.

Saturday (11/6) will provide a wealth of enjoyment for everyone. Thank you.

Regards

Paul Cosgriff, President
 

Tickets are now available for the World Snooker Federation 2023 Championship Supporter Raffle including

• Two tickets to all sessions of Quarters, Semis & Finals
• Travel Allowance
• Spending money
• Luxury accommodation
• A personal “behind-the-scenes” tour of the Crucible hosted by WPBSA Chairman, Jason Ferguson
• Total value $20,000
• $5,000 2nd & $2,000 3rd prize

Held at the Crucible in April & May 2023.

Funds raised will go to the ABSC to support junior, coaching and referee development programs.  A portion of the funds will also be returned to the State Association.

See attached flier for full details and how to obtain tickets.

Follow this LINK to see VBSA Facebook video

Team Registration is now CLOSED for Season 2 of 2022.  Entries can be viewed HERE

The Season will commence on Monday 25th July.  Note that the season length will be determined by team numbers in each grade with the overriding focus being on having an even allotment of games i.e. having all teams play each other the same number of times.

Fixtures for both Monday and Wednesday Pennant have now been uploaded.  Every effort has been made to have equitable draws, but that is not always possible.

And a special mention to our new Club, Rack-Em-Up from Lilydale in C Willis North.  Their Villagers team used to play out of Masters.

Please contact the Score Registrar, Mark Dunn, on 0422 304 052 or e-mail scores@vbsa.org.au for any queries.

All members should have read, understood and agree to abide by the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy, effective from 1 January 2021, and found on the Sport Integrity Australia website being the anti-doping policy adopted by The Australian Billiards & Snooker Council and applicable to all members, participants and non-participants.