Cooper claims top prize

Josh (left) with final opponent Lee Fletcher

SNOOKER:

WATCHED by his uncle, Shaun Murphy, 16-year-old local snooker ace Josh Cooper won the Oldham Amateur League’s Peter Smith Individual Knock-out title.

Josh, who plays for Three Cs in the league, hit back from 1-0 down to beat Blue Club’s Lee Fletcher 3-1 in the final at North Chadderton Social and Bowling Club.

Under the gaze of Murphy — beaten 13-12 in the quarter-finals of the World Championships - young Josh showed maturity beyond his years.

Though there were no big breaks, he more than matched his far more experienced opponent in the safety exchanges.

Josh’s captain at Three Cs, Alan Mellor, said: “There was a lot of pressure on Josh with Shaun and the rest of the family there to support him.

“He lost the first frame and it was very hot in there. But Josh settled down and played better when they switched the heating off!”

In the final of the Ossie Meadows pairs competition, Russ White and Ian Kirkham saw off Alex Hopkinson and M Lees 3-1 at Chadderton Reform. Moss Inn ‘B’ defeated Three Cs ‘A’ 3-2 to triumph in the team knock-out final at Blue Club.