1954
After the last two years of success Jack started the new season in form with consecutive century breaks, yet another record for Jack in the Parish League.
The Huddersfield Examiner headline is a bit understated, whereas the Halifax Courier wants to emphasise that the “STAR” had been beaten; as it had done on other occasions. They also need to mention that their main man, Albert Birkby, is still in the competition. Albert did make it to the competition proper in London, but unfortunately drew the holder, Leslie Driffield, in the first round and lost 1656 – 699. In the semi-final, Jack was behind by over 200 with twenty minutes left and, despite a magnificent break of 111 followed by one of 57, he was still 60 adrift when time was called.
1954
Half Butt thought that Arthur Neave, who played for Ripponden Conservative Club in another league, would “fully extend” Jack in their Charity Tournament – but it didn’t happened as Jack won 150 – 58. The other headline again is all about Jack losing and it refers to him as being the Rastrick “Star”. I suppose, because he won so many games, it is a “headline” when he loses, though they do seem to love it when it happens.
1955
Despite Jack losing in the Charity Tournament, he continued to rack up the centuries and records in the Parish League. He would have been pleased that he beat his team mate Harold for the top break of the season with his 119. He would have been even more pleased to have beaten Albert Birkby’s previous record of three century breaks in a season with his fourth of break of 122 – though I bet the local billiard players aren’t.
Jack won his second Championship after his clubmate Harold had held it for the past two years. Despite this, Jack was not at his best with his highest break being just 88. Bob was 220 behind at one point and fought back, but Jack was the more accomplished player on the night.
1955
Albert must have wished that Jack wasn’t eligible to play as yet again he denied him a final place in his home town competition. Colin Abbey was attempting to complete a double, as he was already the Halifax Snooker Champion, but it was Jack who did the double, Huddersfield and Halifax Billiards Champion. He wasn’t the first to do this double as Harold Birkenshaw had done it the year before. There was a very large crowd at the venue that made the atmosphere hot and sticky for both the spectators and more importantly the players. It was a disappointing final, with the highest break of only 69, and both players blaming the close atmosphere.
Jack Mellor 