DANNY Macdonald and Tony Mason had to settle for the runners-up spot in this year’s Cumbria County Doubles Snooker Championship.

The Barrow pair came through their opening two matches in the event at Carlisle’s Portland Snooker Centre without dropping a frame, winning 4-0 on both occasions.

Then in the semi-finals, they eliminated defending champions Kevin Basnett, from Workington, and Andrew Mitchelhill, of Cockermouth, 4-1 – which included Macdonald making a break of 50.

The final saw Macdonald and Mason up against Carlisle duo Mike Griffiths and Rob Barbour, who took the first frame 75-22.

Another close-fought frame saw Macdonald and Mason even things up by taking a 52-29 win, with Griffin and Barbour retaking the lead in a safety-dominated third.

A break of 33 from Barbour set up the Carlisle pair to take the fourth, but Macdonald and Mason fought back to win the fifth despite the latter’s tip coming off and having to borrow a cue.

However, Griffiths cleared up from green to pink to seal a 4-2 win.

The County Snooker Singles Championship will be held on Sunday, March 24 at the Portland Snooker Club, Carlisle.

For further information, contact 07983 522842, 07720 251818 or visit the Cumbria Billiards and Snooker Association’s Facebook page.