SAM Shepherd and Lee Bannister reached the semi finals of the Golden Cue competition for the first time after they both staged impressive victories in their respective quarter final clashes.

Shepherd, playing for Lamb Club, beat Gary Brelsford of Loveclough 3-2 to book his place in the last four of the small table while Bannister won the all Colne Snooker Club battle to beat Dominic Emery by the same scoreline to reach the semi finals of the large table contest.

Competition is now hotting up for honours for one of the biggest competitions in the East Lancashire snooker calendar and Shepherd and Bannister both proved just how much they wanted it.

Shepherd, playing off a handicap of +15, was involved in a real ding-dong battle with the more experienced Brelsford whose handicap was +5.

It was the Loveclough man who took the opening frame but Shepherd found his form to first level the tie then move 2-1 ahead.

But battling Brelsford made sure the best of five match went all the way when he took the fourth frame. The final and decisive frame proved to be a cagey affair but it was Shepherd who held his nerve to progress to the semi finals.

Bannister’s victory was even more impressive as he fought back from 2-0 down to beat his team-mate and friend Emery.

There was nothing to separate the two Colne Snooker Club players, both given +10 handicaps by tournament organisers. But Emery’s quick-fire game plan took Bannister by surprise as he raced to a 2-0 lead.

However, Bannister showed there was to be no pals act as he got a foothold in the quarter final match by winning the third frame before making it all level by taking the fourth.

And in a thrilling final frame, he completed the comeback to win and book his own inaugural semi final spot.

They join Brian Collinge (small table) and Jonny Clark (large table) in the hat for the semi final draws.

Quarter final ties continue this week with J Kershaw of Lamb Club scheduled to take on D Clegg of St Andrews last night on the small table while tonight’s large table action sees A Dibb of ILSC play M Taylor of Colne Snooker Club.

The last of the last eight matches take place next week with P Averill of St Andrews playing R Nelson of Loveclough on Monday, July 22 in the small table event while former finalist, Dave Howe of Beaconsfield Con plays B Hindle of BSC the following evening.

The semi finals and final will be held at Ighten Leigh Social Club next month.