TYLER Armistead landed the Red River Junior Pool crown at last after victory on the green baize in Barrow.

The 17-year-old – in his penultimate season as eligible to compete in the tournament – took the spoils from among a talented field of 16 top young potters after trying to win the trophy for seven years.

Last year’s winner Bradley Edwards fought hard to retain his title, but he could not stop Armistead in a closely-contested final.

The best-of-five racks showdown went all the way, with Armistead, of Cloisters Avenue, winning it 3-2 to take home the trophy.

The champion was over the moon to win, having finished as runner-up last year and reaching the semi-finals in 2014.

He will be fighting hard to win it again next year in his final entry, as he turns 18 in September.

He told the Evening Mail after his victory: "Seven years of getting beat and it's finally mine, just shows you should never give up."

The competition has been taking place for close to 35 years, with some of the county’s best players having their names engraved on the trophy.