Snooker round-up: Hotshots secure league and cup double

Hotshots Snooker Club completed a league and cup double after lifting the Challenge Handicap Cup.

Division One champions Hotshots beat Division Four outfit Dudley Ex Service 357-257 for the first time since they achieved that feat in back-to-back seasons in 2018 and 2019.

They were without two key players in the form of Paul Deaville and Faizan Mohammed - who were attempting to gain professional status at Q School.

Dudley received a 176-point head start, but it was Jamie Brown, who played in both of Hotshots’ double-winning sides in 2018 and 2019, who inspired them to an excellent start.

Brown made a 59-break to win the opening frame by 82 points and was ably assisted by John Moloughney, who won on the adjoining table to reduce the deficit by 77 points with three games remaining.

Luke Higginbotham made the highest break in the next frame with an effort of 62 to take victory by 84 points.

With Hotshots now in the lead, Callum Downing rubberstamped their credentials when he prevailed by 56 points to ensure his side headed into the final frame with a 63-point lead.

Karl Ashmore sealed the deal for Hotshots in the final frame to follow their seventh league crown in nine seasons with a first double in seven years.

The Under-25s Handicap will be determined on Saturday at Landywood Snooker Club.

Lucas Walker will face Joshua Walker in the first of the semi-finals followed by Riley Walker taking on Bobbie Wilson in the other last four tie - with the final played later that day.

Elsewhere, Simon Hickman and Oliver Spooner will be contending for the Individual Plate in Saturday’s final.

And Paul Deaville will take on Daniel Edwards in the Individual Championship final on the same day.

Entries for the Staffordshire & West Midlands Snooker League are now open with entries for the season priced at £110.

For enquiries, you can contact the general secretary on 07805 667106.