After a hiatus of over two decades, snooker in Pembrokeshire received a much needed shot in the arm with a spectacular Presentation Night held on Saturday, June 14th, 2025.
Organised by league secretary Simon Pearce, the event took place at the Waterloo Club in Hakin, a venue renowned among league players for its exceptional table and excellent viewing area.
A huge thank you goes to Defan and Keri Hughes for their invaluable assistance in preparing the club, maintaining the table to perfection, and providing a delicious buffet for the evening.
The night was made even more special by the presence of a true Welsh sporting icon: Matthew Stevens, the "Welsh Dragon." Stevens, who considers Pembrokeshire a second home, graciously accepted the invitation to attend and play exhibition frames.
He brought along his mum, son, sister, and brother-in-law, all of whom received a warm Pembrokeshire welcome.
Matthew's down-to-earth nature and generosity shone through as he played an impressive ten frames of Snooker. Singles winners Clive O’Sullivan and Alan Davies had the honour of facing him, along with other lucky attendees whose names were drawn from a hat.
Feedback from the night was overwhelmingly positive, with everyone enjoying the fun and camaraderie. The evening culminated in a truly memorable moment during Matthew's third frame against Shane Tucker.
He flawlessly executed a stunning 134 break, narrowly missing a daring trick shot on the black to complete a remarkable 141 clearance.
Witnessing Matthew's cue ball control and precision firsthand was a privilege, offering a glimpse into the skill level that most league players can only aspire to.
While Pool has gained popularity in Pembrokeshire due to its greater accessibility, Snooker faces challenges. The absence of Snooker halls and the limited number of tables in social clubs make it difficult for enthusiasts to play regularly.
This event was organised with the hope of revitalising interest in the sport. The success of the Presentation Night offers a glimmer of hope for the future of snooker in Pembrokeshire.
Simon hopes this event will inspire new players to pick up a cue and reignite the passion for the game. Many local snooker players dream of a dedicated snooker hall, similar to the thriving Towy Sports Bar in Carmarthen, which caters to both snooker and pool players.
Plans are already underway to organise another Presentation Night next season, along with exploring other opportunities to promote and grow the game in Pembrokeshire.
The future of Snooker may just be getting a new lease of life.
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