JOHN ROBERTS (THE CHAMPION ) AND JOHN ROBERTS, JUN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 100, 8 January 1870, Page 7

JOHN ROBERTS (THE CHAMPION ) AND JOHN ROBERTS, JUN.

Those famous exponents of billiards, Mr. John Eoberts (the champion) and his son, Mr. J. Eoberts, jun., who are at present on a " starring " tour in the provinces, gave an entertainment at the Albert Billiard-hall, John Daltonstreet, Manchester, on a new table, specially erected for the occasion by Messrs. Baillie and Swallow, of Deansgate. The conditions of the match were that the elder player should concede to the younger one 200 points in the game of 1000 up, these being the conventional terms upon which the champion now consents to meet the elite of the young school of players now rising around him. After several chai'acteristic exhibitions of the powers of " side " and " twist," in which the senior player displayed all his old command over the balls, the game commenced at S o'clock, the champion being the first to get away, with a cleverly-played break of 71, during which he made the formidable spotstroke eleven times in succession. This was followed by a capital all-round break of 46 from the same player ; and after his son had increased his score by 140, in which the only breaks of any consequence were a 32 and a 21, the veteran got in again and added 52 to his figures, composed chiefly of 15 consecutive spot hazards. The young player noAV got a chance, and, by some of the rapid and brilliant play for Avhich he is celebrated, he added 31, 27, and 85 to his total, the last break being considerably assisted by the player getting up to the spot, and " potting " the red fourteen times in succession. Eoberts soon folloAvcd with 43, 20, and 25 consscutively, and his son Avith 37 (eight spots) ; and at the interv .1 the score stood — Eoberts, jun., 594; Eoberts, sen., 502. On play being resumed, the veteran began rapidly to overhaul the young player, adding 32 and 40 to his score, the gamo during the last break being called " 636 all," and at its close the veteran led by 10 points. Again, lioavever, ths young one drew away, and by three Avcll-played all-round breaks of 31, 63, and 64 respectively, he again placed his figures 100 ahead of his friendly adversary's. From this point the balls broke badly for the young payer, and the " old man " being in great form, he eventually ran out a clever winner by exactly 60 points. The large room was Avell filled by an appreciative company, Avho cordially applauded the finer points of the play Avhich Avere exhibited by both artists. — " Bell's Life in London, Sept. 8.