YOUNGSTERS who attended the North West Junior Snooker Championships just to get some experience have returned as champions!

Jonathan Gaul and John Foster were two of five budding potters from Rileys Blackburn who attended the championships in Blackpool just as a taster of things to come.

But the pair showed they were not just there to make up the numbers as they caused the shocks of the tournament - and even coach George Holden couldn't believe it!

"I decided to take my best five young snooker players just to show what it is like to compete in a top event and we came away with two North West champions," said George who runs a kids club at Rileys Snooker Club in Blackburn. "I couldn't believe it. The lads were chuffed but no-one more over the moon than me. There was a tear in my eye."

It was the first time either of the five youngsters had entered a major competition which was held at Rileys Blackpool - and John went on to beat the nephew of Stephen Hendry in the Under 13s final.

"I don't think the organisers were best pleased," added George. "They expected their lad to win it. He is apparently the nephew of Stephen Hendry and regularly knocks in breaks of over 60.

"But John was superb on the day, as were all the lads."

In fact, Rileys Blackburn had three players in the last four of the Under 13s tournament.

John edged past club-mate Jonny Connor 2-1 in his semi final while Connor Walsh narrowly lost to James Cahill. And young Jake also had a decent tournament.

In the final itself, John victory was emphatic as he raced to a 3-0 whitewash.

"John has got real potential. He has only been playing for about 18 months but he is a star of the future as his performance in Blackpool proved."

George started his kids club two years ago and now has more than 20 children aged between nine and 15-years old. Jonathan Gaul has been a member virtually from the beginner.

And he also upset the host club by coming from two frames down to beat Ryan Gilbert 3-2 in the final of the Under 16s age group.

"Jonathan showed great determination to come from two frames down to win. It capped a memorable day for the lads and for me."

l The Kids Club at Rileys Blackburn meets every Saturday from 10.30am to 1.30pm.