The newly formed Guernsey Pool Association saw a series of upsets and unexpected victories as it launched its first ranking tournament earlier this month.
The GPA’s plans focus on “rejuvenating the pool calendar in a way that will excite both veterans and newcomers to the island’s pool scene”.
It succeeded in doing that when the Dorset Arms hosted the return of the Stan Lester Cup.
The competition featured twenty players with several notable matches, including Kate Le Gallez recovering from a 0-2 deficit to defeat 14-time island champion Michael Le Noury 5-3.
Eventual winner Brad Ogier overcame a self-described “slump” in the quarter finals to beat Brad Morton 6-5 in a marathon frame, whilst Charlton Gauvain went on to better island captain James Le Cras.
In the final, Brad Ogier faced Miles Plumley in a race-to-eight.
Despite a mid-match surge from Plumley, Ogier maintained his lead to win the trophy.
Ogier attributed his win to finding consistency while adjusting to playing with glasses for the first time.
“Whenever Plums threatened to catch me I managed to make another clearance,” he said.
“I’ve been in a frustrating transition period adjusting to wearing glasses, so I didn’t really expect this today. I’m over the moon.”
The tournament winner said the Stan Lester Cup remains very important to all those involved in pool.
“Stan was a large part of the local pool scene back in the day, giving his time to coach the juniors, so it’s great to take home this trophy in his honour.”
Second-placed Plumley admitted that he “got off to a slow start,” conceding that “despite some nice finishing later in the match Brad was too good to claw back.”
Plumley offered a “huge thanks to the GPA, our sponsors, and everyone at the Dorset. It was a great day!”
Following the tournament, the GPA has extended a “huge thanks” to joint sponsors James ‘Jacko’ Jackson, the landlord of the Dorset Arms, and equipment partner International Leisure.