Bolton adds second Triple Crown title to his CV.
Dave Bolton receives the Handicap Trophy from Sponsor Glen Shawcroft.
Alfreton Handicap Final: Bolton Claims Crown in Hard-Fought Battle
Welcome’s Dave Bolton took on Grassmoor’s Dean Hancock in the final of the Alfreton SC Handicap Competition.
Hancock, enjoying one of his strongest seasons in the Chesterfield & District Snooker League, arrived at the final in top form. Along the way, he defeated several high-calibre opponents and also impressed in other events — finishing runner-up in the Division 2 Masters and reaching the semi-finals of the Harry Anderson Memorial competition. . A brilliant season all round for Dean.
Despite starting each frame with a 28-point handicap advantage, Hancock faced a formidable challenge in Dave Bolton, who also had to overcome some big hitters on route to the final. A consistent performer on the WDBS circuit, Bolton was aiming to secure a second Triple Crown title, having previously claimed the Harry Anderson Memorial last season.
The final began with Hancock taking the lead, aided by a fiendish snooker behind the blue that forced Bolton into multiple fouls. Although Bolton eventually made contact with a red on his fourth attempt, an unfortunate in-off handed Hancock the opening frame.
Both players showed early nerves, with several missed opportunities. However, Bolton responded strongly in frame two, producing two 20+ breaks and turning the tables with a well-executed snooker of his own, levelling the match at 1–1.
Bolton began to find his rhythm in the third frame, opening with a tidy break of 23. Though a surprising miss on the black gave Hancock a window of opportunity, he couldn’t capitalise. Bolton returned to the table with another composed 23 and closed the frame with a final contribution of 17 to move 2–1 ahead.
In the fourth and final frame, a more assured Bolton sealed the victory, registering a match-winning break of 39 to take the title.
Congratulations to Dave Bolton on a well-deserved win, and hats off to Dean Hancock for a fantastic season.
Bolton’s victory also earns him a spot in the prestigious Champion of Champions competition this August — best of luck, Dave!
Score Card
Dave Bolton (3-1) Dean Hancock
49-86
82-53
86-64
(39 Break) 81-36
Referee: Adam Cupit
Venue: Alfreton SC
Route to the final
Dave Dean
SF: Bt Jason Rimington 3-2 Bt John Roseman 3-2
QF: Bt Alan Crownshaw 3-1 Bt Rich Amalou 3-0
L16: Bt Jim Harrison 3-2 Bt Jonathan Hall 3-2
L32: Bt Dave Pagett 3-2 Bt Mark Arnott 3-0
L64: BYE Bt Gary Scott 3-1
Competition Highest Break: David Birley (103)
Dave Bolton & Dean Hancock
Proudly sponsors the Handicap Competition
Previous winners
2024: Rich England
2023: Steve Donner
2022: Rich England
2021: Not contested (Covid)
2020: Adam Clift
2019: Martin Finnigan
2018: James Harrison
2017: David Birley
2016: Connor Rollo
2015: Ian Rose
The Triple Crown Series.
The Premier, Handicap & Harry Anderson Competitions.