Guy Dennis triumphs in the John Smith Memorial Trophy

Guy Dennis with Sponsor, Glen Shawcroft

Dennis Caps Off Triumphant Return Season with Memorial Trophy Victory

Guy Dennis of The Welcome Institute has capped off a remarkable comeback season by winning the final of the newly renamed John Smith Memorial Trophy (formerly the Grand Masters Competition).

After a 30-year absence from the league, Dennis couldn’t have scripted a better return. This latest title adds to an already impressive season that saw him finish runner-up in the Romley Caravan Storage Competition and secure a Premier Division team victory.

In the final, Dennis faced defending champion, Jonathan Hall of Brotherhood—an in-form opponent fresh off a dominant win in the Scotch Doubles just a week earlier. Hall came into the match with momentum, but it was the experienced Dennis who took control early.

Following a brief exchange of safety play in the opening frame, Dennis capitalised on a scoring opportunity with a clinical break of 73—his highest of the tournament, surpassing his previous best of 69—and took a 1–0 lead.

Frame two followed a similar script. Hall missed a challenging red to the middle, giving Dennis another opening. The veteran, already in good stroke, compiled a steady 43 break, putting himself in pole position. Although a foul gave Hall a glimmer of hope, Dennis quickly regained control to take a commanding 2–0 lead.

The third frame was scrappier, with both players having multiple chances. However, Hall couldn’t find the form that had served him so well throughout the season. Dennis remained composed, eventually clinching the frame and the match. Hall was gracious in defeat, stepping forward to congratulate a truly deserving winner.

Among the spectators were Callette and Aaron, daughter and grandson of the late John Smith, who warmly offered their congratulations to Dennis following his victory.

This triumph also earns Dennis a place in the prestigious Champion of Champions event to be held at the end of the season.

Congratulations, Guy, on a stellar return to the league!

I was slightly nervous coming back into the league after so long out but I’m delighted with how the season has gone. I’m looking forward to playing in more competitions next season.
— Guy Dennnis

Scorecard

Jonathan Hall 0-3 Guy Dennis

31-94 (73 break)

14-80 (43 break)

28-82

Referee: Ian Rose

Venue: Alfreton SC

Route to the final:

Jonathan Guy

SF: Bt Ben Monk 3-0 Bt Martin Conway 3-1

QF: Bt Ian Rose 3-1 Bt Rob Morley 3-0

L16: Bt Daryl Turner 3-1 Bt Dunc Waring 3-2

L32: Bt Lee Hage 3-0 Bt Terry Dowson 3-2

Aaron Meyick, Guy Dennis, Callett Meyick & Glen Shawcroft

John Smith Memorial finalist, Guy Dennis & Jonathan Hall

John Smith

Previous Winners

Grand Masters Competition:

2024: Jonathan Hall

2023: Martin Finnigan

2022: Ian Rose

2021: Not contested (Covid)

2020: Ian Rose

2019: Kev Breeze

2018: Kev Breeze

2017: Silvino Francisco

2016: Paul Roe

2015: John Smith

Proudly sponsors the John Smith memorial Trophy

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Brotherhood Duo Dominate the Scotch Doubles Final