SWINDON brothers Charlie and Jack Begley starred at the European Championships last month, with the former finishing runner up in the Singles competition.

Charlie upset the odds on his way to reaching the competition’s final – beating a Welsh rival 5-4 in the quarter final having trailed 4-0 at one stage.

The 17-year-old also reached the final of the main team event at U18s level, but again had to settle for a silver medal.

Jack meanwhile also reached the final of the team competition at U15 level, before being knocked out of the singles event at the quarter final stage,

Proud father Darren Begley said: “It’s a big achievement for both of them.

“The standard is superb at this level, and obviously playing against different players from countries across Europe presents its challenges.

“Jack finished the week as the highest ranked England player, beating the number one Welsh and French players along the way.

“They were in no way overwhelmed by the scale of the competition, which was great to see.”

Begley also praised the support and financial backing of the brothers’ sponsors, who have significantly helped their game development.

147snooker, Trak Employment Solutions, Copy Color, Vizion Private Clients, Invoice Finance Connect and Assessed Risk have all back the two town teenagers throughout their young careers.

And Begley admitted reaching the level his sons have would be hard without their support.

He added: “Both of them will be off to the National Singles Final later this month (in Mansfield), and I believe Jack will be one of the favourites to win that.

“Even though he is two years younger than his category, he was outstanding.

“Financially, we have been backed in terms of covering travel and accommodation.

“And I can’t say enough about 147Snooker Club and Doug, he lets them play the whole time for nothing – they get free membership and table time.

“That allows them to practice for hours and hours without the cost. Without that support, it would be difficult to do.

“Pool isn’t an expensive sport.

“But when the kids are in there every day, the costs do add up and it isn’t cheap.

“Without backing like that, it comes on me to pay – and I can’t put all the money in myself.”