It is a very happy, very special birthday for East Budleigh Snooker Club, which has spent the past week celebrating its 100th anniversary. 

East Budleigh Snooker Club was established on October 25, 1922 and started out as the East Budleigh Men’s Social Club at the Village Institute in Jackson’s Lane, now known as Middletown Lane, before becoming the East Budleigh with Bicton’s Men’s Club. 

The club moved from the institute into a purposely-built room in the new extension of the Village Hall in 1959. As times changed, Ladies were allowed to join the club and it is now known as The East Budleigh Snooker Club. 

A club spokesman said: “We have a well-run and maintained club with excellent support from our members. We have two snooker tables and currently enter two teams competitively in the Exmouth and District snooker league and have been very successful over the years. 

“So, if you just want to have a frame of snooker and meet some of the members, you should contact Chairman Richard Slade at 3 Vicarage Road, East Budleigh or call 01395 443609.” 

While the centenary celebrations are a massive milestone in the history of the club, the nitty gritty of winning frames in the Exmouth Snooker League remains the top priority and East Budleigh ‘B’ are the only team undefeated after four matches, and currently sit at the top of the table.  

Jamie Gulliford 42-33, Duane Greenslade 61-41 and Mervyn Long 61-41 and 69-38 overcame the loss of the opening frame to Terry Merrick 72-65 at the Police B to maintain their superb start, and the possibility of centenary season victory.  

Defending champions of the Exmouth Snooker League, Police Social Club ‘A’, suffered their heaviest defeat in some while, losing all frames to the Police ‘C’. Despite George Webster topping the highest break table to date (46), he lost his frame on the black to John Parrott 72-69. Eric James 52-35, Bob Alexander 87-60 and Terry Brown 81-60 and with the substitute rule 71-52. 

Police ‘D’ tasted defeat for the first time with only Andy Daniels 52-38 and Dave Lance 68-33 winning their frame on the East Budleigh ‘B’ table. Stu Laws 62-18, Duane Greenslade 50-34 and Mervyn Long 53-44 completing the home side’s win. 

Exmouth Journal: