The Stanley Circus Casino in Newcastle saw a near 90% turn-out for the re-arranged North East Regional Final. Six players would be guaranteed a trip to Nottingham in March and eight would walk away with a share of £1,000.

Not long after the tournament was under-way there were a number of early exits including Michael Allison, Natalie Boersma and Elliott Kent. Unfortunately this would eliminate all of their respective pubs from the team event. The final result of the team event was a close one, with the Beehive, Penrith and the Cock Crow Inn, Hebburn going head to head for the title. But as soon as Michael Tansey from the Cock Crow Inn exited the tournament in 37th place, this would give the first ever North East Team Event title to Jean Higgins, David Gray and Jodie Gray from the Beehive!

As the final table was upon us, David Gray still had a shot of making it a Beehive double as he started the final as the chip leader. But unfortunately for David he couldn’t convert this into a win as he finished in a very respectable 4th place. Shortly after we were at the heads-up stage with David Smith from the Times Inn, Seaham and Kevin Ginger from the Elephant, Ashington. The final hand played it’s self as both players were dealt ‘monsters’ in shape of David’s 99 to Kevin’s AT. Unfortunately for David, Kevin got the help he needed as the turn brought the ‘Ace from space’ to give Kevin the win on a 75J A 8 board. Congratulations Kevin, enjoy the cash!

Cash Prize Winners
1st Kevin Ginger – Elephant, Ashington
2nd David Smith – Times Inn, Seaham
3rd David Wood – Isabella, Blyth
4th David Gray – Beehive, Penrith
5th Bass Cougle – Sea Mill Inn, Seaham
6th Keith Dobinson – Grey Horse, Penshaw
7th Steven Fairburn – Joiners, Ridley
8th Alan Mitford – Redtooth Tavern, BetFred

National Final Qualifiers
Kevin Ginger
David Smith
David Wood
David Gray
Bass Cougle
Keith Dobinson

Team Winners
Beehive, Penrith