Sainsbury prevails in the Geoff Hardy Memorial.
Emily Hardy Evans proudly presents Paul with the trophy.
The Geoff Hardy Memorial Trophy, proudly sponsored by YM Brotherhood, was contested in an all-Alfreton showdown between Paul Sainsbury and Rich Amalou—ensuring the prestigious trophy would remain in Alfreton.
Amalou, fresh off his Division Two title win with Alfreton ‘B’, started confidently. He showcased impressive long potting early on, calming the nerves and securing the opening frame.
Sainsbury responded swiftly, levelling the match with a rapid and assured performance in the second frame. The third frame was finely balanced until Amalou sportingly called a foul on himself. Sainsbury seized the opportunity, edging ahead 2–1.
Following a short interval, the fourth frame saw both players share chances in a tight contest. Sainsbury pulled slightly ahead and seemed poised for victory, only to watch in disbelief as the cue ball rolled into the middle pocket after potting the brown—handing Amalou a potential lifeline.
Despite the opening, Rich was unable to capitalise. With both players needing the pink and black to clinch the frame, Sainsbury delivered a stunning trademark long pot on the pink and followed it with perfect position on the black, which he calmly slotted to seal the match.
Geoff Hardy’s daughter, Emily, was present to proudly present the trophy to Paul.
Paul, who also topped the players rankings in Division Three will also go on to compete in the end of season Champion of Champions.
Congratulations to Paul Sainsbury on a fantastic season!
Rich Amalou & Paul Sainsbury.
Score Card
Paul Sainsbury 3-1 Rich Amalou
40-71
53-44
55-40
68-57
Referee: Adam Cupit
Venue: YM Brotherhood
Route to the final
Paul: Rich:
SF: Bt Lewis Longden 3-2 Bt Daryl Turner 3-2
QF: Bt John Roseman 3-2 Bt Steven Moss 3-0
L16: Bt Jack Johnson 3-1 Bt Nathan Brown 3-2
L32: Bt Mark Hodgkinson 3-1 Bt Barbara Shillaker 3-0
L64: Bt Matt Large 3-2 Bt Robbie Harris 3-1
High Break: (46) Dunc Waring & Mark Hodgkinson
Previous Winners
2024: Alex Radford
2023: Mark Lee
2022: Phil Higginson
2021: Not Contested (Covid)
2020: Ben Green
2019: Johnnie Bates
2018: Ben Monk
2017: John Barlow
2016: John Smith
2015: Mark Lee
Geoff Hardy