2016/17 Champion: ​Brian Wilkins

2016/17 championship sponsored by DYNAMIC CARPET & TILE CLEANING

BRIAN WILKINS emerged from an absorbing three-way contest to become the 2016/17 Novice champion.

Brian, who showed his potential last season by beating Les Mikowiec and Frank Kuipers in the 100 Up, had to survive a last game scare against Wal Welyky to take the title.

In a round robin competition, Brian was untroubled in the first game accounting for Alex La Corte 21-5. In the second game Alex went shot for shot with Wal before trailing 14-10. He then picked up a three before dropping a shot. Down 13-15 Alex took control and Wal did not register another shot. On what proved to be the last end, Wal (down 19-15) was holding three shots only for Alex to trail the kitty for a two and the game.

In the last game, Wal needed to beat Brian by 12 shots. He made a valiant attempt, leading all the way, but a 21-12 scoreline was not enough to prevent Brian claiming the title - a perfect result as Brian had obtained the competition sponsor.