Mighty Finn claims third Southampton title

But it was his opponent Billy Castle who re-wrote the record books with the first century ever scored in a Southampton & District Social Clubs League individual knockout final.

Finn, who weighed in with four 50-plus breaks himself, lifted the Frank Mintrum Cup for the third time in four years after a 4-2 victory over his Churchills A teammate.

The two prolific break-builders knocked off the six frames in just 77 minutes playing time.

Among the spectators at Bitterne Conservative Club was the 1988 champion Jeff James, who has been watching Town finals since 1969.

“That’s the best snooker I’ve ever seen played in the Southampton league,” he declared. “I was blown away by the standard.”

Paying tribute to Castle’s performance, Finn said: “He isn’t made of cotton wool; he’s made of steel.”

As the practice partners struggled with a light cue-ball, 19-year-old Castle, appearing in a first final, took the lead with a doubled blue.

After referee Steve Allen agreed to a change of balls, Finn levelled with a run off 55.

In the third frame, with both players looking opportunities to win every frame in one visit, Castle failed to spot a plant while smashing the pack from the blue and his 26-year-old opponent helped himself to a 63 clearance to the blue.

A long safety exchange in the next left all 15 reds scattered across the table. Finn pounced on the first chance and compiled a frame-winning 60 for a 3-1 lead.

After the mid-session interval, Finn ran out of position on 24 and Castle cleared the table with a magnificent 115.

It was the first ton scored in the 64-year history of Town Championship finals.

Finn, desperate to seal victory with a century of his own, ran out of position on 56 in the sixth and was forced to play safe. But Castle sprung one of the last four reds and, after Finn had added a red and blue, shook his hand.

“I knew that I had to play like that otherwise I’d have got steamrollered,” said a delighted Finn. “I’ve played him numerous times when I’ve been slightly off and he just punishes me so I knew I had to be on my game.

“To make a ton when you’re 3-1 behind… I was putting him under a lot of pressure and he came out like that. That just shows what a good player he is and what a great player he’s going to be.”

Castle’s coach and four-time champion Ken Jones said: “Everybody in the room thought they were watching TV.

“That’s the best snooker I’ve ever seen. It was absolutely fantastic.

“Billy was brilliant – 115 clearance and he got beat 4-2. That just shows you how well Mikey Finn played.

“In the six frames, there was no more than four or five shots missed. It was absolutely fantastic snooker.”

Frame scores (breaks), Finn first: 43-65(31), 68(55)-12, 72(63)-28, 67(60)-35, 24-115(115), 71(56)-1.

Referee: Steve Allen; scorer: Derek Fry.