New Milton 13-year-old Sam Perkins earns first winner’s trophy on the Cuestars U21 Bronze Tour

NEW Milton teenager Sam Perkins is making waves on the junior snooker circuit after claiming his first winner’s trophy on the Cuestars U21 Bronze Tour.

The win followed runner-up finishes in the previous two legs in London and Chandler’s Ford. He missed the first event of his rookie season due to illness.

Perkins moved up to joint second place in the rankings after beating Ben Taylor-Jenkins (Hedge End) 2-0 in the final of the fourth leg at Salisbury Snooker Club.

The 13-year-old, who plays almost daily, recorded a personal best break of 32 in the last four against Alex Scotney (Sutton).

“I really wanted to win,” he said.

“I was playing quite well earlier, and then I had a few frames when I wasn’t potting very well. Then, in the semis, I had a 32 and a 23.”

Tim Dunkley, a World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association coach who has worked with Perkins for nine months, said: “Sam joined our junior section at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club in March this year and has made rapid progress.

“He works hard. He takes on board everything we discuss. He is determined to improve, and he is committed. You can’t ask for much more.”

Perkins won the 10-day Easter Cup at his home club and is currently lying in third place in the Eastleigh & District U19 League.

Taylor-Jenkins knocked out rankings leader Marshal Denieffe (London) 2-0 in the semi-finals, while Alfie Wyatt (Waterlooville) made the last eight for the first time.

Denieffe has a four-point lead over Scotney and Perkins. Taylor-Jenkins is eight points further back in fourth place, while Lymington’s Archie Light is fifth.

Jesters Snooker Club, Swindon, hosts the fifth leg of 10 on 5th January 2025.