FORMER world snooker champion Joe Johnson took aim at Burnley Golf Club for the Pendle Kitchens Burnley and District Snooker League prize night.

Johnson stunned the game when he defeated then champion Steve Davis in the 1986 final and was runner-up a year later, also to Davis.

But the popular Yorkshireman was on hand to play against the victors from the end of season winners list and to present the prizes to the league’s top teams and players.

Burnley and District Snooker League secretary Neil McGovern said: “It was a fantastic evening and Joe was brilliant, spending a lot of time with everbody.

“It was a great honour to have Joe visit us for our presentation evening and it was the first time we’ve had a world champion at our prize giving evening.

“He had some fascinating snooker stories and apparently he was 150-1 at the start of the tournament when he beat Davis, who was the greatest snooker player in the world in that era.” There was plenty to celebrate for the league with Burnley Snooker Club B crowned A Division champions while the A Division runners up prize was claimed by Dickie Pinks A.

The singles knockout winner was Andy Goody from Ighten Leigh A with the runner-up Kev Catlow, also from Dickie Pinks A.

McGovern said plans are already under way for next season with registration taking place at Ighten Mount Bowling Club, Romford Street, on August 7.

“We’ve enjoyed a great season and any new teams who would like to join us would be welcome to enter the league next season,” added McGovern.

For more details contact Neil on neil.mcgovern@ntlworld.com