BILLIARDS MATCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19062, 6 July 1925, Page 6

BILLIARDS MATCH.

VICTORY FOR FALKINER. MARGIN OF 285 POINTS. The billiards match of 16.000 up between tho English player, C. Falkiner, and the New Zealand professional champion, C. McConachy, was concluded on Saturday evening, the former winning by 285 points after a very exciting finish. The result was in doubt right to the end, both players fighting for every point. There was very little between them. The scores at the conclusion of Friday evening's play were: Falkiner, in play, 14,667; McConachy, 14.340. When play was resumed on Saturday afternoon, Falkiner, with 205 unfinished, carried on to 504 by means of nursery cannons and top of table pl a y- re " coived warm applause for his display. A little later McConachy placed 106 to his credit by all-round play and slightly reduced his opponent's lead, but Falkiner, who was playing well, added another run of 103, followed by 60 and 67. After making a 59. McConachy put on a splendidly played 273. made mostly at the top end of tne table. Falkiner ran to session points a little later, the scores being: Falkiner, in play, 15,334; McConachy, 14,986. The evening session attracted a great gathering, the seating accommodation proving inadequate. The spectators witnessed a most exciting finish to one of tho finest billiard matches seen in Auckland for many years. Faced with a deficit of 348, the New Zealander made a great effort to overtake his opponent, but the task of conceding points to such a player as Falkiner was too severe. With 5 unfinished Falkiner, playing steadily, added 257 to his score before failing. McConachy replied with 128 by means of top of table play and attractive all-round billiards. Shortly afterwards he made a splendid 217, missing a difficult masse shot just when he appeared set, Ilis next visit to the table produced 118, followed by 184. At this stage McConachy was only about 60 points behind his opponent and his chances seemed bright , but Falkiner, get - | ting in again, ran up 109 by means of nursery cannons. In endeavouring to get position McConachy missed an easy losing hazard and lost a great opportunity of making a break. Falkiner, with only 113 required, got the balls together in his favourite nursery cannon position and ran | to points with 114 unfinished. The final scores were: Falkiner, 16.000: McConachy, 15.715. Both players received an ovation at the conclusion of the match. The best breaks were:—Falkiner, 504, 262, 114, IC9 and 103; McConachy, 273, 217. 184,' 128. 118 and 106. On behalf of Billiards, Ltd., .Mr. C. Cummins congratulated Falkiner on his very fine display and also paid a tribute to McConachy for his great finishing effort and the sportsmanlike way in which he accepted his defeat. Messrs. Falkiner and McConachy left Auckland last evening for Wellington, where they commence their second match to-day.