William Lanna Wins Second Annual Robert Dionne Memorial at Silver Cue Billiards

Story by Marc Dionne

March 1 - 2, 2008

26 of the strongest players came out to play on the stormy
Saturday after noon for the chance at the $2,300 purse

Here are some of the notables that attended: Rich Minichello, Rich Ross, Dave Fernandez, William Lanna, Ray Mac, Walter Bryksa, Joe Dupuis, Cleiton Rocha, Tom McGongale, Rick Gatta, and Mike Nicaloro.

This tournament was small but was not short of talent. I saw some great shot making and safety play. I brought back 2 players on Sunday and saw some great pool playing. Peter Kramer brought Tom McGonagale to the hill in his 9-8 loss.

Winner side Finals was a new comer to the pool scene Cletion Rocha vs. Tom McGongale. This match was tight - it went game for game for the first 10 games until Cletion made a shooting mistake and that’s all it takes against a player like Tom Mcgongale. He would not win another game and lose 9-5.

On the other side a red hot William Lanna was waiting for Cletion. William Lanna had victories over Walter Bryksa 7-4, James Brumback 7-2, Rich Minichello 7-3, and he would make quick work of Cleiton 7-2. He then made his way into the Finals against Tom McGongale.

The FINALS Race to 13 Games

William Lanna vs. Tom Mcgongale

This match was like a horse race for the first 12 games. We were dead locked at 6-6 – then Billy made his move and would never look back and he would win the next 7 games and take the covenant Title 13-6.

I also would like to thank everyone for there support. I will be donating $700 to Saint Jude Research hospital in Robert’s name. Next years event will be a $5,000 added event.