Lodge Hotel Doubles
RUNNERS-up 12 months ago, Neville Smyth and Steven McIlreavy, have teamed up again and look sure to be one of the main contenders in 2009.
They may have most to do from Dervock pairing, Tommy Morrow and Gavin Patton, who will be
many people's favourites.
Both can pot and play safety - a key ingredient in all formats of eight ball pool.
As usual this competition always produces some excellent pairings. Damien Reid (pictured right) and Steven Doey are a solid combination while Mark Hutchison and Steven Doey are top flight potters who like to attack and play open, exciting pool.
Raymond Baxter and Gary McCafferty will not be far away either and both know each other's game - which is crucial in doubles.
This competition will be held on Sunday, March 1 with all players asked to be registered by latest 1pm.
Mr Chips Three Person Team
LAST year's winners, Davy tosh, Willie Boreland and Lee Hull will again be front runners for the title.
They will be very hard to bet given that they lost very few frames on their way to victory last year.
This competition often throws up some surprise packages but Steven Doey, Lee Caulfield and Willie Eakin are a solid team of good potters who excel at one frame matches.
Mark Hutchison, Neville Smyth and Steven McIlreavy are a new young entry in this competition and given their individual credentials it would suprise no one if they reached the final - or even emerged as champions.
This competition kicks off the Festival on Monday, February 23 at 7.30pm and there's always a few surprises in the opening rounds.
Sheldon Ewart Seniors
Reigning champion, Raymond Stockman, who beat his old pal Paul 'Beefy' O'Connor in the final twelve months ago, will be doing everything he can to defend his title.
But as 'Stocky' knows that could be very difficult indeed as there are always a few new faces qualifying for the veterans event.
A good example of this is Darren McColgan, who hasn't played much pool this year, but it doesn't take him long to click into gear as past Festivals can testify.
Like Wesley Douglas, he is a past 147 Singles winner and both could conceivably finish top of the heap this time round.
Davy Logue, who has yet to win the Seniors could put that right this year while Clem Howard and the wily John McIlreavy are other talented contenders who can make the presence felt.
Davy Houston under-21s
Mark Hutchison is sure to be the main contender in this competition.
The 2007 under-18 champion is an outstanding young talent and possesses a combination of excellent potting and improved safety skills to trouble anyone.
Keith Hunter also has the potential to go all the way here and last year's most improved player, Scott Clark, has been performing well in the league this season and has been growing in confidence.
Other front runners are Lee McIlreavy and Aaron Bell who should make a good account of themselves.
Incidentally, Tommy Morrow is the only player to have won the under-18s, under-21s and 147 Singles - something that many of these young players would love to emulate.
