Owens Wins Ladies Championship

Ten of Chandler’s Ford’s finest women players took over the club for their annual competition. At least the tables got a good ironing for once, although there were a few problems in the early matches with the sharp crease on the baulk line. And for some unknown reason Charlotte wasn’t allowed to clean the balls. There was a short delay before kick-off because of complaints about the scoreboards - apparently none of the girls wanted to be on top. And there was a further hiccup as they asked for the cushions to be changed to a colour that matched the wallpaper.

Last year’s winner Suzie Opacic, the current World Ladies Junior Champion, was unable to defend her title this year as she was washing her hair, so Paula started as favourite. Former barmaid 21-year-old ‘Deadly’ Donna Blyth lost to 21-year-old Lorraine ‘Lolly’ Colliss in the first semi-final and ‘Hurricane’ Owens, 21, beat Sarah ‘Whirlwind’ Osgood, 21, in the other semi. Apparently some of “the ladies” took it less than seriously as the evening wore on and the bright lights in the bar beckoned invitingly. But Paula, sporting a fetching grey sweatshirt, stayed focused to beat Lorraine

Keen to banish the stereotypical view that most people have of the male-dominated world of snooker clubs, Paula invited the Daily Echo along for an interview. We found Paula playing the fruit machine. After ordering another pint of Guinness and lighting a cigarette, she explained: “I’m p***** off that most women think we’ve lost our femininity by playing snooker.”

For more information about the opportunities open to ladies in the South Hampshire area please contact club-owner Jim Everett on                02380 254834        .

Tim Dunkley - © 2008 MaXimumbreak.com