100 years ago

AN interesting game of billiards was witnessed at the Royal Three Tuns Hotel in Pershore on Monday evening between Claude Falkner, the West of England champion, and William Smith, the champion of Worcestershire. There was a large attendance of local billiard enthusiasts. The landlord of the hotel Mr Bird introduced the players and Mr Wood, himself an excellent amateur player, officiated as scorer. Falkner, who made a break of over 300 against Stevenson a short time ago, conceded his opponent a 350 start in 1,000 up. But he was only 717 when Smith ran out. For a long time it looked as though the defeat would be more severe, for Smith was within 150 of his total before Falkner had reached the figure at which he conceded. Then the latter made a beautiful break of 154, which was the highest of the match. The next highest was Smith’s 63. It was evident the table was not fast enough for Falkner who misjudged a considerable number of easy strokes, besides sacrificing a great deal for position.

But his superiority was always apparent; he scored a great deal faster than his opponent and showed remarkable adroitness with nursery canons. Smith played the more consistently; from the early stages of the game he had a big start and he exhibited both confidence and carefulness, and made fewer mistakes. Thanks are due to Mr Bird for arranging so interesting an event.

75 years ago

THE Evesham boxing syndicate is staging its opening tournament on Saturday at the Public Hall, subject to the necessary contracts being completed. The principal contest will bring together the much improved Vic Morris, of Wales, and Jimmy Griffiths, of Barnsley. Morris recently knocked out that dour fighter Nobby Baker in three rounds, but lost on points to Panther Purchase a week ago. Griffiths holds a narrow points victory over Morris and the latter is eager for the return match. This should prove a great contest, both men having a splendid record. Opponents have not yet been confirmed for Jack Phillips, George Davis and Joe Gabica, and the secretary has decided not to publish names until the respective contracts have been completed.

We have been informed, however, that five thrilling contests will be witnessed and every effort is being made to make this opening tournament as attractive as possible.

40 years ago

THE actress Judi Dench and her husband Michael Williams were in Evesham on Saturday to perform the official opening of the Espley-Tyas DIY Centre in the High Street.

More than 100 people turned up to see the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and television star who was shown around the store and timber yard by store manager Tom Hale.

Miss Dench tried her hand at cutting timber to size and later signed autographs. She was also presented with a bouquet and a DIY shelf unit. Mr Hale said: “We had more than 1,000 people through the store on Saturday.

We are very pleased with the way we have started. In my opinion it has gone just as well as we expected.”