That was for you, Ken

IT’S a shame it’s a year too late so Ken couldn’t watch.

Those were Billy Castle’s first words after defeating Mike Finn 4-1 in the Southampton Town Championship final.

With his voice breaking with emotion, the 20-year-old dedicated his first title to his long-term coach Ken Jones, who passed away over Christmas.

Castle said: “Since Ken died, my number one target was to win this for him. And this is for Ken.

“He’s been with me through good times and bad times and he’s helped me so much. He did everything for me.”

Castle kicked off the Southampton & District Social Clubs League’s 65th individual knockout final at Totton Conservative Club with runs of 66, 52 and 31 to take a 2-0 lead.

In the third frame, Finn, who beat Castle 4-2 in last year’s final, broke down in the 20s, not for the first time during the match.

His Churchills A teammate looked to be heading for a third half-century break but he missed a red with the rest on 45 and his 27-year-old opponent cleared to the pink to pull one back.

Castle extended his lead after the mid-session interval. A missed black off its spot on 54 in the fifth gave Finn a lifeline but the three-time champion conceded with three reds left and needing snookers.

Remarkably, it took just 54 minutes playing time to complete the five frames.

“I knew in the last couple of frames my safety needed to be tighter and he’d give me a chance,” said Castle.

“My experience (at the IBSF World Championship) in Bulgaria showed.

“It feels amazing. I had belief, right from the first round, that I was going to win it this year.”

And he added: “Commiserations to Mike. He’s one of my best mates off the table as well as on it. He’s helped me so much.”

Before the final, Finn had said: “We’ve all got an added reason this year.

“Ken was an absolute legend. When that bloke was in the room, you tried a tenth harder. And if he gave you any praise, you know he meant it.”

FRANK MINTRUM CUP FINAL (BREAKS)

Frame scores, Castle first: 91(66)-31, 96(52, 31)-8, 46(45)-75, 70(39)-36(32), 61(54)-8.

Picture by Tim Dunkley