Snooker: Vallance loses grip on East of Scotland Championship

Corstorphine’s Ross Vallance failed in his attempt to retain the East of Scotland Snooker Championship, losing 4-0 to Perth’s Bobby Cruickshanks in the semi- final at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange.

Vallance, who has won the title twice, had no answer to the superior safety play and break building of the 2010 Scottish National Champion, who controlled the match from start to finish. Cruickshanks made two breaks over 40, a 50 break and a 60 break on his way to a comfortable victory.

Cruickshanks, who will now line up as a hot favourite against Bonnyrigg’s Ross Fernie in the final tomorrow night, recently won the Autumn Festival at Prestayn against some of the top amateurs in the UK.

He added “I am feeling confident about my game at the moment and I am looking forward to the final.

“Ross has had some good victories and I expect a tough match.

“I have never been beyond the semi-finals of this event so hopefully I can play well and win the trophy.”

The final starts at 7pm in the Matchroom at The Edinburgh Corn Exchange over the best of nine frames. Spectators are welcome.