Two teenagers are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Keighley’s finest pool player after impressing at national and regional level.

Jack Ashcroft and Matthew Courtman play for Pilky’s in the Keighley & District League, where Mosconi Cup competitor Chris Melling learned his trade.

Melling topped the European ranking list in the nine-ball game last year and played a key role in Europe’s victory over America in Las Vegas.

But it was with Pilky’s, who were champions of the Keighley League for an incredible two decades, where Melling cut his teeth and the two youngsters are keen to follow his example.

Ashcroft, aged 17, has potted his way to second place in the current under-18 eight-ball national rankings, having won 31 out of 36 matches.

He is ranked the number one junior in West Yorkshire and is an under-21 grand prix winner.

Courtman, aged 18, is ranked fifth in the county table and has been a grand prix semi-finalist three times.

The pair are part of the West Yorkshire team who qualified for the National Championships in Great Yarmouth in March.

Courtman is bidding to make it through England under-21 trials in May, while Ashcroft recently took part in under-18 national trials in Leicester where he won two and lost two.

Courtman said: “We’re both aiming to play at a high standard and Chris has been really supportive of us.

“He has told us we are good enough to do well and said he would come and watch us when possible.”

As well as pursuing individual goals, the youngsters are keen to help put Pilky’s back on top of the Keighley League.

After 20 successive title wins, the team finally surrendered their crown to the New Sun (Haworth) last season.

Pilky’s Sports Bar manager Julie Pilkington, who is sponsoring the teenage pair, hopes they can inspire the side to new success.

She said: “They want it as much as I do. The two lads have really impressed us – not just with their standard of play but also with the respect they have shown.”