BUSA Home Nations Snooker 2008
Northern Ireland Universities used home advantage to full effect by regaining the
GUU Cup at the excellent QE1 Snooker Club in Belfast on 4-5 April, after a thrilling
10-8 victory over holders England in the final match of the event.
The hosts, powered by Queen's BUSA-winning team and captain Glen Spalling of UUC,
won both the BUSA and Home International titles after clawing their way back from
7-5 and 8-7 down to win on the final pink. A draw would have been enough for England
to snatch a narrow overall victory, while defeat for Northern Ireland would have
allowed Ireland to sneak into second place in the home internationals race.
In the deciding match, a nerveless Emmet McGuire of Queen's won the last three frames,
under great pressure, to see his team home against a former BUSA Individual champion.
According to tournament organiser and Snooker SMG Chair, Dr Patrick McWilliams,
the English team was one of the strongest he has ever seen in the thirteen years
of the festival but it came up a fraction short.
Wales edged out Scotland to avoid the wooden spoon in both tournaments, while Ireland,
competing in the home internationals only, finished third in that event.
Results (MS Word Format)
Preview
The 2007-08 Higher Education Home Internationals (incorporating the BUSA Home Nations
for UK teams) takes place on 4-5 April at the QE1 Snooker Club in Belfast. England
will be hoping to retain the GUU Cup after edging N. Ireland out by a single frame
last year in Glasgow to prevent a four-in-a-row.
Teams and Schedule (MS Word Format)