Dandenong RSL enjoys pot luck

By David Nagel
THE Dandenong RSL was right on cue on the weekend when it won the Australian RSL’s Snooker Championships at the Morwell RSL for the fourth time in six years.
It all came down to the wire for the Dandenong team as it edged out a fast finishing Rye RSL in a tense finish as the two played off in the final round of competition in the two-day event.
It took a great frame of snooker by Dandy number three Ahmad Alikhail to secure victory for the team in the second-last frame of the weekend.
The standard of play was emphasised by a tournament-high 77 break from the state’s 13th ranked player, Rod Nelson, from the Waverley RSL.
The character of this team format is unique in the sport, the banter and ales flow freely for some competitors and it can become a war of attrition, but all approach the green felt with serious intent when it’s their turn to strike.
It creates a fantastic atmosphere to compete in.
Dandenong’s Sean Partridge has been travelling down the highway for years enjoying the Morwell hospitality and – despite being favourites for the event – he knew his team was in for a tough battle. “It’s always tight at Morwell, it generally comes down to the last one or two frames and this year was no exception,” Partridge said.
“It feels great to win – this is the fourth time in six years I think so that’s a pretty good achievement.”
Partridge, 30, was a child prodigy around the Dandenong area, starting the game at eight years of age and winning many tournaments in his junior years. He’s played for both the Dandenong RSL and Dandenong Club and plays in some of Australia’s top open events.
His list of achievements includes quarter finals at senior open level and a highest break of 125, a rare accomplishment in the sport.
President of the Victorian Billiards and Snooker Association, Ron Cole, was also competing at the event and heaped praise on the Morwell RSL.
“This is a fantastic weekend, you form a real bond with everyone at this tournament and the way the Morwell RSL runs this event is just unbelievable,” Cole said, looking a little worse for wear.
“Congratulations to Dandenong, every player gave 100 percent and the quality of play was outstanding, blokes like Rod Nelson, Darryl Tippett and Sean are highly regarded around the state and it gives the weekend a touch of class.”