Carrickfergus has a new Northern Ireland Individual Champion. 22 year old Steven Carson who plays for Cowboys Pool Team out of the Brown Cow Inn has just become Northern Ireland Under 23 Champion after a fantastic display in the 147 Snooker & Pool Club, Omagh on Sunday 18th November.
From an entry of 23 runners Carson made it through to the Final with wins over Mark McDonald 5-1, 2012 Champion Warner Johnston 5-2 and Ryan Martin 5-3. Awaiting him was Omagh's Barry Cunningham who made it courtesy of wins over David Kernoghan 5-0, William Irvine 5-1, Neil McFaul 5-4 and Steven McGurn 5-3. There was nothing between the two in the best of 11 final and after 8 frames the scores were tied at 4-4. In frame 9 a superb B&D by Cunningham put him on the hill, but Carson answered with a classy B&D of his own to take the match to the 11th and deciding frame. Cunningham broke but unfortunately went in off. It was to be his last shot of the match as Carson took out an improbable 8 ball clearance with pinpoint positional play and long potting for game set and match. Both Finalists can be proud of themselves for their part in a great match
Frames
Carson, Cunningham, Carson, Cunningham, Carson, Carson, Cuningham, Cunningham, Cunningham, Carson, Carson