Harry C Virr

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Harry C Virr – Amateur Champion

Step back in time to the early 20th century, a golden era for billiards, and one name stands out in the amateur game: Harry Crompton Virr.

Hailing from Bradford and later moving to Leeds, Virr captivated audiences with his skill and sportsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. He was a prominent member of the Chapel Green Liberal Club, a historic social hub that once boasted 1,600 members and proudly hosted many billiards competitions.

The Rise of a Champion

Virrs dominance began early in the century. He secured his first Amateur English Billiards Championship in March 1907, defeating Jack Nugent with a score of 2000-1986.

This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable national career that would see him become one of only two men to win the UK Amateur Billiards Championships an astonishing six times.

In March 1908, Virr successfully defended his title against George Heginbottom in Leeds, winning by 159 points despite a strong challenge that included a new championship record break of 188 by Heginbottom.

Billiards professional George Nelson was referee of this match.

There was much support for the local champion and the atmosphere was electric, with a contemporary reporter describing the “wild scenes of enthusiasm at the close as unparalleled in billiard history”.

What truly set Virr apart, however, was his remarkable humility. He famously played down his own achievement, stating of George Heginbottom, his opponent, “He is a lot better player than I am, and in fact, I think, the best amateur who ever handled a cue.” Virr is probably still the only champion to have acclaimed his rival in such a way.

After his wins in the two previous years, Virr faced Major H L Fleming in the 1909 final held at The Mechanic’s Institute, Bradford and despite overwhelming local support for Virr, Fleming secured an amazing win by almost 500 points.

In a testament to his friendship with rival H A O Lonsdale, Virr was persuaded not to enter the qualifying section for the 1910 championship. Lonsdale, confident in his ability to defeat Fleming, wanted to “bring the Championship back to England”. Lonsdale did indeed win that year, setting an incredible record by winning the Championship again after a lapse of 22 years.

After his initial wins in 1907 and 1908, Virr went on to secure the title for four consecutive years from 1911 to 1914 and in the 1914 Championship, his last contest defending his title shortly before the outbreak of World War I, Virr achieved a break of 119, earning him a bronze medallion for the 1914 UK Amateur Billiards Championship.

Other Notable Matches

On April 11, 1912, Virr, then the English and British amateur champion, won the Billiards Control Club Championship for the third consecutive year by defeating A Hatchard 500-425. During this game, Virr demonstrated his skill with breaks of 37, 67, 37, 62, and an unfinished 47.

Virr participated in the Leeds £100 Handicap, notably receiving a permit to play with professionals without imperiling his amateur status. He defeated T Haw but was ultimately defeated by J Harris of Manchester in the final stage.

Virr frequently played exhibition matches, such as one in Lothersdale that gained considerable interest against promising young player Herbert Lambert from Silsden. Virr won the match 750-507.

Harry C Virr leaves a legacy as a six-time UK Amateur Billiards Champion, a captivating performer and a truly humble sportsman.

John A Smith
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