IT WAS a two-and-a-half-year journey that saw a complete beginner rise to dominate the Eastleigh & District Junior Snooker Leagues.

Four days before his 13th birthday, Luke Beebe became only the third player to claim the Under-13 and Under-18 Premier titles in the same season.

The Eastleigh potter, who now bows out of the younger age group, declared: “I’m glad I’ll get to lay in on Saturday mornings now.”

Beebe was introduced to snooker by his dad just before Christmas 2011 at The Academy, Eastleigh, because the pair were at a “loose end”.

“There wasn’t much else to do,” added the youngster.

He joined the junior section at Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club after the holiday, honed his technique, practised hard and eventually won four under-13 titles.

But he was desperate to claim the double at his last attempt.

Only Olly Clark (Gosport) and Mickey Joyce (Basingstoke) had completed the feat previously.

Beebe ended the League 46 season 24 points clear of Joyce in the under-13s and 14 points clear of Jamie Wilson (Portsmouth) to win his first under-18 title.

Dad Mark said: “I’m so proud of him.

“It’s fantastic for me, because I love the game anyway, watching the way he’s progressed.

“He’s had some great battles with Mickey and Jamie.”

Beebe’s highest competitive break is 59. He won last season’s Cuestars South of England Under-21 Bronze Tour and also competes on the EASB Regional Junior Tour South.

New leagues kick off next Saturday, under-13s from 9-11am and under-18s from 11am-1pm. Ring 023 8025 4834 for more details.

WEEK-20 GROUP WINNERS U13: Connor Benzey, Luke Oliver, Oliver Sykes.

Breaks: Connor Benzey 28, Mickey Joyce 22.

U18: Dan Sykes, Charlie Gray, Oliver Sykes.

Breaks: Luke Beebe 25, Steven Hughes 22.

LEAGUE 46 DIVISIONAL WINNERS U13: Luke Beebe (Premier), Charlie Pringle (Div 1), Oliver Sykes (Div 2), Jake Parker (Div 3), Joshua Stanton (Div 4), Tarrik Wing (Div 5).

U18: Luke Beebe (Premier), Steven Hughes (Div 1), Jack Bryant (Div 2), Harvey Banger (Div 3), Adam Cartwright (Div 4), Oliver Sykes (Div 5).