THE Al Ward Memorial Cup has been the main focus over the past two weeks in the Tewkesbury Pool League when the 16 qualifiers played down to a winner.

There was plenty of experience and ability on show as former winners Gary Francis (2003), Glynn Craze (2002) and Alex Mavity (1998) were joined by, among others, 2005 House Singles winner Neil Rogers and this season's leader in the individual averages Phil Thorne.

The rest of the field included players with both county and inter-league experience along with last year's runner-up and current Welsh youth international Josh Craze from Evesham..

There were four qualifying groups all played at King Johns Tavern with the winner of each progressing to the semi-finals.

Mavity defeated Andy Woodfine 3-2 and then moved into the semis with a 3-1 win over Paul Halling who had seen off Alan Coll-ins by the same score.

Glyn Craze qualified from group two after trailing Corin Hayes 2-0 in an opening match that he eventually won 3-2.

Gary Francis was up next and Craze enjoyed a more comfortable passage with a 3-0 margin of victory.

Phil Thorne and Neil Rogers played out a close tactical encounter in their group clash that the latter won 3-2 - a result that preceded a 3-1 defeat of Mike Irvine.

Josh Craze, Glyn's son, was determined to make up for defeat in the final last year and wins over Ady Williams and Paul Cunningham booked a semi-final clash with Rogers.

In his second major semi-final of the season, Rogers once again looked like he would go all the way only to lose out by the odd rack.

The prospect of a father and son final was sadly lost when Mavity overcame Glyn 3-1.

Mavity struggled to find his form and 13-year-old Craze held his nerve and showed great positional play and potting ability to take the trophy after a 3-0 success.