Market Rasen pool player tastes European glory
Market Rasen’s Sam Bennett has tasted European glory after winning a gold medal whilst representing England.
Bennett was part of the side that won the team event at the European Blackball Championships in Ireland, whilst also making the semi-finals of the individual tournament.
And Sam, 32, who first took up the sport aged nine-years-old, said it was a great achievement for him and his team-mates who spent a total of ten days in Ennis, County Clare for the competition.
He said: “We were one of the favourites alongside Malta, who we ended up beating in the final, having won all 11 of our group games and then beaten Scotland in the semi-finals.
"We were the defending champions but it was my first time playing for the ‘A’ team, and my first gold medal having won two silvers in the past.
"There were several professionals playing in the individual event so as an amateur, I was thrilled to get to the semi-finals.”
Sam started off playing in leagues local to Market Rasen, enjoying incredible success including 32 Knockout Cup titles. He then won ten titles whilst playing in Lincoln, and now plays in the Scunthorpe league.
He said: “I won my first ever title by beating my dad in the final when I was 12. I made the junior county team when I was 14 and have now represented England for four years.”
To represent his country, Sam has had to be amongst the top ten players in the county to feature in England trials, from where the top six players gain selection. He has featured for both the ‘B’ and ‘A’ teams, and can retain his place if he wins 60 per cent of his matches.
He added: “The World Cup is in South Africa next year so that is my target if I can keep up the good form.”
Sam has sponsorship to help cover the costs of his travel, accommodation and food whilst competing. He would welcome any further sponsorship and can be contacted on 07858 938263.