2010 Under 18 Champion: Benny Maleganeas
2010 Under 15 Champion: Alex Parker
2010 Under 12 Champion: Reece Norton
Congratulations to all three players on an outstanding result, with Benny claiming his first Under 18’s title after last year’s 15’s, Alex backing up last year’s Under 12’s Title with the 15’s at his first try and young Reece Norton achieving what his dad, Mick, hasn’t yet in becoming an ACT Champion.
A strong field of 12 entered this year’s ACTEBA Juniors Championships, with 7 entering the Under 18’s, 3 entering the Under 15’s and 2 in the Under 12’s. I was fortunate enough to watch part of the day and let me tell you, what I saw made me go out and practice tonight because these kids can play. If they are this good now, then I think I’ll retire when they hit the Opens. The Junior Development Officer, Trent Billington, has filled me in on the rest of the day’s play and apparently it only got better after I left!
In the Under 12’s, it was two second generation eight ballers competing, with Reece Norton taking on Nathan Miller (sons of Mick and Troy respectively). Both boys showed an exceptional grasp of the rules and tactics, and despite having to cue at shoulder level they had great style and were awesome to watch as Reece edged out a gallant Nathan 5-3 for the title. Most of all, though, it was the enjoyment they took in just being at the table which was most refreshing. Well done to both boys and I hope you keep practicing your eight ball as you have a big future in the game.
The field of 3 for the Under 15’s consisted of Aaron Billington, Samantha Garcia and Alex Parker. They took on each other in a race to 5 round robin and it was Alex who took the early advantage with a good win over Aaron in a tough match, both players showing great skill as they battled out 7 tight frames. The final scoreline didn’t do Aaron justice, but Alex was a deserved winner 5-2. Samantha was unlucky in a lot her frames but played outstandingly, showing the ACT Ladies Team that they will have competition in few years, maybe sooner than they realise. But it was Alex who was champion this year and well done to all three players on a great afternoon of eight ball. Again, your game is great and I only wish you can keep the practice up to give the Open players a run for their money soon.
The biggest field was left for the Under 18’s, with defending champion Justin Finney taking on Benny and his older brother CJ, Paul McGuire, Brayden Shepherd, Jake Fulmer and Dylan Turnbull for the 2010 title. All players played each other in a race to 4 round robin, with the top 2 playing off for the title.
The Maleganeas boys were the early leaders after Benny had edged CJ 4-3 in a tough first round encounter. This obviously inspired CJ as he went on the rampage, dropping only 2 more frames in the next 22 to finish 2nd behind his unbeaten brother. Justin had played outstandingly to keep up with them, but his losses to the pair left him equal 4th with Jake, who had defeated Justin 4-1, and a playoff for the 3rd spot in the ACT Under 18’s team.
Paul, Brayden and Dylan all showed that they will go far in eight ball and their play today was great to watch. Keep practicing and I know of a few teams that are looking for players. Well done fellas!
Justin and Jake played off for 3rd, which Justin duly won 2-0 and sealed the last place in the State Team, but all eyes were on the Maleganeas boys and battle for the Title in a race to 5. Benny took the jump 1-0, but then CJ grabbed the next two for 2-1 lead. Benny followed suit with two frames of his own and then added a third for a dominant 4-2 lead. CJ hit back in the next but it wasn’t enough as Benny won the 8th frame for a 5-3 victory, his seasons with the Snipers obviously paying off.
Congratulations to all the 12 players who took part in the 2010 ACTEBA Juniors Championships. The skills you showed are a testament to your dedication to improving your game and most of all your love of eight ball. Well done to Trent Billington and Semisi Naupoto on their efforts with the Juniors this year, and on behalf of Trent and Semisi a big thank you is extended to the parents who assisted with refereeing duties on the day. As always, thank you to The Maram for their generous donation of their venue for the day’s events.
Trent has assured me we have a strong team to compete in next year’s Nationals, and given what I saw today, I think he is under selling them. I think we have the Juniors here in the ACT to take on any team you can throw at them. Bring on Nationals 2011!!!
Regards
Chris Jones (on behalf of Trent Billington)
ACTEBA Tournament Director
0403 545 619
