Birley retains his title
David brings back the Harry Anderson Memorial trophy to the Clock Tower
David with Co-Sponsor, Archie Anderson
When a final features both David Birley and James Harrison, expectations are naturally high — and somehow, this year’s Harry Anderson Memorial Trophy final still managed to exceed them.
Both men came into the match as former champions of this prestigious Triple Crown event. Harrison lifted the trophy back in 2022, while Birley arrived as defending champion after last season’s success. The pair have shared plenty of big stages over the years, and more often than not their matches deliver quality, drama and a deciding frame. This latest chapter proved absolutely no different.
From the very first few shots, it was obvious neither player intended to ease their way into the occasion.
Birley struck first in the opener with a classy break of 41, only for Harrison to respond immediately with a composed 39 of his own. But the Clock Tower cueist wasn’t done there, producing a superb 36 clearance to pinch the frame and lay down an early marker.
Harrison’s response was exactly what you’d expect from a player of his calibre. A little slice of fortune on the opening red opened the door, and James punished it in ruthless fashion with a brilliant 68 clearance — the highest break of the final — to level matters at 1-1. Game very much on.
The pace of the match was relentless. In frame three, Birley pieced together breaks of 42 and 38 to edge back in front, and with three frames completed in around half an hour, the crowd barely had time to catch their breath. Birley then nicked the fourth to move within one frame of retaining the title.
But anyone who knows James Harrison knows he’s never out of a match and often, the mid-session interval can change everything.
As play resumed and with his back against the wall, Harrison got in first in frame five and looked poised to force his way back into the contest before an unfortunate in-off handed Birley a chance. The title suddenly looked within touching distance for Dave, but a difficult green along the top cushion refused to drop. Harrison seized the opportunity with trademark composure, clearing the colours magnificently to pull it back to 3-2.
At that point, the tone of the final shifted. The early free-flowing scoring gave way to something more tense, tactical and dramatic. Every safety shot suddenly mattered. Every chance felt huge. Yet throughout it all, both players competed in terrific spirit, sharing laughs and good humour even with the pressure mounting — exactly what you want to see in a final of this stature.
Frame six was another classic.
Birley was first in and looked set fair for victory before losing position on 26 and being forced into safety. Moments later, after escaping a snooker successfully, he inadvertently left the yellow on. Harrison needed no second invitation. Another nerveless clearance from the Welcome player sent the match — almost inevitably between these two — into a deciding frame.
And what a decider it was.
A speculative opening red from Birley rattled the jaws and travelled the length of the table, handing Harrison the first real chance. But after scoring just three points, luck turned against him too, leaving Birley in amongst the reds. Even then, the tension was obvious. Dave could only make 14 before breaking down.
Then came the moment James thought might define the final.
Spotting an attacking plant, Harrison went for it full-blooded and absolutely nailed it. For a split second the excitement was there… before turning instantly to disbelief as the cue ball cruelly disappeared into the middle pocket. A huge turning point.
Birley, calm as ever, stepped in and produced a superb match-winning 43 to leave Harrison needing snookers. To his credit, James battled right to the end, laying several testing snookers of his own, all expertly escaped by Birley. Eventually, another red disappeared for the Clock Tower man, the handshake arrived, and the crowd responded with a deserved round of applause for both finalists.
David Birley successfully retains the Harry Anderson Memorial Trophy after another outstanding final between two of the league’s very best.
Congratulations to both players — a superb advert for the competition and a final worthy of the occasion.
Thank you to the Clock Tower for hosting the final, Archie Anderson for coming along to support and also to Adam Cupit for a stella job with the white gloves.
“Superb effort from both players tonight, it was a pleasure to be able to watch. ”
Harry Anderson Memorial Trophy Final — Scorecard
| David Birley (-21) | Frame | James Harrison (-14) |
|---|---|---|
| 90 | F1 | 46 |
| 0 | F2 | 75 |
| 92 | F3 | 7 |
| 79 | F4 | 42 |
| 59 | F5 | 73 |
| 45 | F6 | 56 |
| 66 | F7 | 23 |
| Breaks | Breaks | |
|---|---|---|
| 43, 42, 41, 38, 36, 33 | 68, 39 |
Route to the Final
| Round | James | David |
|---|---|---|
| Semi Final | bt Adam Clift 3–2 | bt Guy Dennis 3–2 |
| Quarter Final | bt Rob Morley 3–1 | bt Scott Anson 3–1 |
| Last 16 | bt Gav Cann 3–0 | bt Mike Boden 3–1 |
| Last 32 | bt Jason E-Bates 3–2 | bt Martin Conway 3–2 |
| Last 64 | bt Lewis Longden 3–2 | bt Adam Devereux 3–0 |
| Last 128 | BYE | bt Paul Sainsbury 3–0 |
Highest Tournament Break
| Player | Break |
|---|---|
| David Birley | 86 |
Previous Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025 | David Birley |
| 2024 | Dave Bolton |
| 2023 | Martin Finnigan |
| 2022 | James Harrison |
| 2020 | Ben Buckley |
In memory of Harry Anderson