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.

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Birley Clinches 6th Premier title in style