WHEN June Banks won the British Ladies Snooker Championship in October it was her first title in 18 years.

Now, just two months later, the 36-year-old potter from Orpington has beaten the world number one in the East Anglian Championship to claim title number two.

But it was close at the Cambridge Snooker Centre as June and Reanne Evans, who have battled most of this year's finals, went down to a black ball finish in the final.

June, who plays at the Sidcup Snooker Club, High Street, said: "The final was nail-biting.

"Reanne took the first frame quite easily and then I pulled level after clearing up from her mistake.

"The frames went with break and we ended up at 3-3 and were down to the colours in the final frame.

"I thought I had lost it as I kept going in off the colours and eventually Reanne just needed the brown and blue to win.

"She potted the brown and I thought it was all over but she missed the blue."

She added: "I managed to sink the blue but missed the pink and there was a period of really good safety play until Reanne made a small mistake and I was able to drop the pink in deadweight.

"I still had to drop the black and fortunately I had finished on it well off the pink. When it went in it was a big relief.

"It's unbelievable, I cannot get over winning."

She said: "It is quite a shock to win a second tournament having waited so long to win my first.

"If I had lost I would have started wondering if the first win was a fluke.

"But I felt so relaxed this time whereas last time I was under pressure and going into games thinking I was not going to win.

"I felt I could win this time because I had done it before."

The tense final was a far cry from the ease with which June breezed through the quarter and semi-finals, winning both without losing a frame and consistently making breaks of between 30 and 50.

June said: "I am enjoying playing and practicing at the moment.

"Before I won my first title I used to think what is the point, but not any more."

Having beaten Reanne in the British finals in October and then losing to her in the UK final before this latest triumph, world number three June will rekindle their rivalry in February during the Northern Championship in Preston and the Connie Gouth Nationals in Luton.

The pair will also be competing in the World Championship in April.

The World Ladies Billiards and Snooker Association holds regular tournaments and offers scholarships to all under 18 female players, who get free membership and free entry to all ranking events.

Anyone interested can call Mandy Fisher on 01945 588 598 or email worldladiessnooker@ntlworld.com