THE N.S.W. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 965, 3 September 1908, Page 13

THE N.S.W. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP.

The amateur championship of the State has not changed hands, says the “ Sydney Referee.’’ The previous holder, J. B. Belfield, was again triumphant by a margin of no less than 674 points. . He deserved the victory, for in every phase of billiards, with the exception of winning hazards, he soared away from his opponent. The average of 14.38 put up has never been excelled in a game of 2000 up in Australia by an amateur; and in searching through my records I cannot trace any 'better performance in an English final, although it has been exceeded in a few heats in preliminary games. Had Belfield been in good health during the second session, I have not the slightest doubt but that he would have knocked championship records “ galley west.” There can be no doubt about Belfield’s skill as a billiardist. He is quite in the professional class. In fact, outside three or four who make their living at billiards, the amateur champion is the best player in Australia today. Hubert Rumball, who has battled so frequently and well in these

events since their inauguration, hardly displayed his old-time skill, and at no time during the contest did he fill the eye as a likely winner. It may be that his cueistic powers are on the wane.