Butler Cup 2009
The annual fixture between Horsham and Brighton was held at Pulborough for the first time in its 51-year history and it was a match befitting its long heritage.
Bob Cooper got the home side off to a great start with an excellent 2 - 0 win over former England player Simon Dent. Bob started slowly but was soon in his stride, compiling a nice break of 49 on his way to victory. Jon Avery of Horsham Club Wanderers making his debut for Horsham was up against Connor Anderson. Connor started the more confident and took the first frame but Jon fought back in the next to level the game and put Horsham into a 3 - 1 lead.
Captain & Chairman Keith Speer looked out of sorts in the opening frame against Ben Evans and looked likely to lose both frames as Ben made light work of their contest. However a dogged response from the skipper and a timely break of 31 saw him take the second frame. Horsham were now in the ascendancy and Michael Collier drove home the point in the next match with a fine clearance of 48 to take the first frame in his battle with John Gillard. John responded well as he often has done in the past and quickly took the next game to keep Brighton in touch.
Horsham were now 5 - 3 in front and needed just one frame from the remaining match between David Morgan & Michael West to retain the trophy. The previous evening had seen David make the highest break to date in the Horsham league this year, a run of 85, however there was none of that on show tonight as Michael West dominated proceedings from the off. A highest break of 36 did not do the Brighton star justice as he ran out a comfortable 2 - 0 winner to take the contest into a sudden death shoot-out.
To the home side's surprise Jon Gillard was chosen to face Horsham' Bob Cooper in the decider. Bob as he did earlier in the evening looked in total control from the start and with a solid display he did not disappoint as he clinched frame and match.
It was Horsham's third win in a row and overall Horsham have now won the fixture 27 times to Brighton's 24.
Our thanks to Pulborough Snooker & Billiards Club for hosting the event and providing a buffet and to Clive Belchamber for his time and efforts as referee.
