Cue master Ray pockets big break

Photo: PICTURE by DARREN ROBINSON.

RIGHT ON CUE . . . Ray Hutchinson chalked up a magnificient 132 break for Failsworth Home Guard.

DURING Cliff Thorburn’s maximum 147 break at the 1983 World Championships play was halted on the next table and fellow Canadian Bill Werbeniuk popped his head round the corner to see history unfold.

Ray Hutchinson, of Failsworth Home Guard, had a similar experience against Barnes Green ‘A’.

Although a glorious maximum was out of reach, the 47-year-old cleared the table for a North Manchester League record break of 132.

“The match on the other table stopped play and all eyes were on me,” said Ray, who is playing at the Pontins Snooker Festival in Prestatyn this week.

“I was cueing well and in the groove. It was a case of chipping away at the reds and trying to keep position for the colours.

“One shot, to get on the last red which was positioned behind the black, stands out. I had to pot a long blue and play a soft screw off the cushion. When the ball finished where I wanted it to, everyone cheered.”

Ray’s side were trailing 3-1 when he took centre stage.

He had to give his opponent a 60 start, but was still confident of clinching victory.

Ray, who has registered a 137 in practice, added: “I always think that if I can get an early break of 30, it puts pressure on the other player.

“I reached 50 and it evolved from there.”

Ray and his five Failsworth Home Guard team-mates have enjoyed a great season on the green baize.

Apart from his 132 — he will pick up £100 from the league for the highest break in Division Two — he helped his side lift the title.

Ray also won the Dave Law Individual Handicap competition, while club colleague Dean Sheridan claimed the Nigel Barnes Scratch prize.

As for this week, the Droylsden cue ace is hoping to win the Masters section (over-40s) at Pontins after being knocked out in the semi-finals last year.