Pateley man, 89, plays final billiards match after 73 years

Last updated Mar 8, 2024

Peter Chadwick playing his final match last night.

An 89-year-old local billiards legend played his last ever league match last night.

Peter Chadwick, from Pateley Bridge, has played billiards for over 70 years. He started in 1951 aged 16 when a local player took him under his wing.

A few years later Mr Chadwick began competing in leagues and joined the Pateley Bridge Social club, where he is still a member.

Last night marked a celebration of Mr Chadwick’s dedication to the sport in the final match of Markington and District Rural Billiards League’s season at Kirkby Malzeard.

Peter Chadwick played Malcolm Tattersall, 85, in a close match. Mr Tattersall won by three points, 125-122 but Pateley Bridge Social club won the match 3-2.

Peter Chadwick (left) and Malcolm Tattersall

Mr Chadwick said:

“It is sad to be giving up playing league billiards, but following both hip replacements, which has reduced my mobility around the table and restricted my cueing, I felt now was the right time to hang up my cue, although I will continue to support the team and offer advice”

His son, Colin Chadwick, said:

“It was made more even memorable as my father played his old adversary and good friend Malcom Tattersall.

“My father is 89 & Malcolm is 85, so 174 years of experience between them. My dad was a very good player in his time and has always been a very good sportsman, club members say he is the perfect gentlemen and is highly respected. I am very proud of him.”

Billiards, in which three balls are struck with cues into pockets around the edge of the table, has been overshadowed by snooker and pool in recent years.

Mr Chadwick said the sport was more popular when Mr Chadwick was young, which he added was just a sign of the times.

Mr Chadwick is also an ex-Yorkshire and Harrogate professional cricketer who has coached many young players at the billiards club over the years.

A spokesman for the league said: