Annual Snooker Match: The Tasmanian Club v The Athenaeum Club - 29th May 2026 at the Tas Club, Macquarie St, Hobart

 Once again we line up, lambs to the sheep dip, to take - win or lose, the inter-club championship.

All in the squad will have one frame at least, and likely two. Whilst there is an air of expectation surrounding this year's event, the seriousness is overshadowed by the joy and pleasure of hosting our friends and esteemed rivals from over the back fence for Friday's contest.

The bond between the two clubs is built on a long history of mutual respect, excellent companionship, and of course, FIERCE COMPETITIVE SPIRIT.

Before the serious business begins on the green baize, we have the distinct pleasure of sharing a meal together. Be at the club by 6pm in the bar, for 6.30pm for dinner, with games commencing at 7.15pm.

Depending on availability, we may spill over into the Athenaeum Club's snooker hall to have the full complement of 5 tables operating (a bit like a busy Royal Hobart Hospital surgical wing).

We look forward to a night of tactically brilliant frames, unpredictable breaks, impeccable sportsmanship.

Most importantly will not be the change of money or trophy on win, lose or draw, but making our visitors feel thoroughly at home in our club house.

11 of our finest form the Tasmanian Club squad:

Armati, Douglas

Davis, John

Downie, Peter

Gray, John

Kimber, Phillip

Kimber, Roger

Lindsay, Allistair

Loughhead, Mike

McShane, Gerard

Stewart, Gilby

St Hill, John

If we should not succeed, to some degree, our future dining will be at the Mykonos, and not in the club dining room. So, there is every reason to perform well.

Image: Young people dining in the street after having lost at snooker

Image: a typical snooker oriented dining menu at the Tas Club

Image: dinner menu for the last pre-championship meal, Wednesday 27th May 2026. A group of 8 of our players enjoyed the head table, main dining room - with trout entree, and chicken main course, and a fine white wine from the Richmond area

Image: significant snookerer Douglas Armati showing the form which will surely see us take out the magnificent inter-club trophy for 2026

Club Champion Michael Loughhead compares verbal notes with Douglas on the new scoring process, recent change to international rules of the game, and standard methods of avoiding heart confabulation. 

Phil Kimber, a little out of focus - but ready to pick up sticks and parry against the Athenaeums

Image: John Gray says that two cues are better than one, when it comes to rousing up the opposition from 'over the fence'

Image: Upright and stable, Roger Kimber said he "can't wait" to get amongst the opponents, especially as one of them is his eldest brother, Marshall. The draw also includes 4 or more of the Higgins Family, of some reputation at the tables. We shall see...

Gilby Stewart endeavouring to lay off his bets to the SP book-maker. There is a lot at stake!

Image: Mike Loughhead having achieved 46 in his break, is now on the colours

Allistair Lindsay, Peter Downie, and John Davis in serious conflab about tactics and rules. All agreed that potting the balls is a paramount item on the agenda

Gerard McShane with his personal cue of bright Bocote.

Gerard's cue caused quite some interest, and discussion centred around the alternatives:

• Purpleheart is suitable when you want shock resistance and better cue feedback when hitting the ball (helpful for beginners). 
• Bocote has brown and black streaks, and is perfect to create a good looking cue. 
• Rosewood is lighter than ebony but still quite dense as a hardwood, making it stable for conventional table plays. 
• Maple is for a stiffer hit compared to ash for players looking for a stable and accurate stroke. 
• Ash is for players who like using visible grain for sighting and extra flexibility in power shots.

All agreed that Gerard deserved the 'good looking cue'.

Image: John Davis selecting a canon off the black onto the red.