Clubman Snooker Singles final in Whanganui was an all-Manawatu affair

Gary O'Neil (left) beat fellow Palmerston North player Ray Banks to claim the Clubman Snooker Singles title at the Wanganui East Club at the weekend.

The final of the annual Clubman Snooker Singles competition at the Wanganui East Club at the weekend was an all-Manawatu affair.

The winner of the three-frame final was Palmerston North's Gary O'Neil from Ray Banks. O'Neil also shot his way into spot in the fourth annual Ag Challenge Trophy Tournament at the club this weekend where there is a $4000 prize pool.

Players in the Clubman competition travelled from Taranaki, Waipukurau, Patea, Otaki, Palmerston North and Whanganui. Included in the field were two 15-year-olds, Denin Bunn from Stratford and Blain Watson from Otaki.

In the Plate section Terry Wright (Wanganui) beat Merv Gollan (Waipukurau) in the best of three frames to take the win.

Qualifying for the AG Challenge Trophy Tournament is on Saturday with the finals played on Sunday afternoon.

"This will be the fourth year for this invitation event. Previously we had 16 premier players, but this year we have included another four positions to make a 20-player field competing for the AG Challenge trophy and prize pool of $4000," organiser Peter Bouzaid said.

The previous three winners, Jack Lemon, Steve Robertson and last year's winner Paul Briggs will be competing again.

"We have a top field competing with some of New Zealand's well-known players and local identities from Whanganui.