Match Report

The Region 7 combined champions, Kent, travelled to Brighton to start their 2023 campaign against Sussex. 

It was a busy week before actually getting to Brighton due to a couple of A team shortages (Dave Fernandez & Adam Bassoo- so a couple of our lesser talented players😊) plus the resignation of our A team captain, which came out of the blue. 

I can tell all Kent Players that the reason for the resignation was nothing other than an inability to commit, therefore he felt it was unfair to ask others to commit to 10 games per season when he could only do 3. He may return in the future but the strength and depth of Kent came to the fore even before we travelled to Sussex. 

By the end of the week Adam Bassoo was in place as the new A team Captain with his vice-captain, Dave Fernandez also in position. We trust this move evidences that the future of Kent on the table is in safe hands as these guys know exactly what it takes to win titles both internationally and nationally. 

The message was clear from the new captain and that was to return from Sussex with a comprehensive victory- How did we do!! 

So, this meant a significant re juggle of all of the men’s team to ensure we were fully represented across all divisions. Ash Hind, Steve Ritchie both came up from the B team and we took Jamie Gamble from the reserves because I knew he had the ability to play at this level and it also prevented more disruption to teams at a time when stability was required. 

Charley McDowell came up to the B team and this meant the C team could start their season with the right players in the team.     

Results

Kent A won with a resounding 30-14 with Willie Anderson taking on the role of captain for the day, a role the team manager has no real experience for!! But despite this the team played really well and the three J’s – Jasper, Josh and Jamie (our reserve, whom I had complete faith in) won all 4 frames to kick off the season successfully. The captaincy has now been handed back to Adam to take forward the team in the way he wishes, with an ambition of at last, winning a trophy for this team. 

The B team also kicked off the defence of their Region 7 title with a comprehensive 27-17 victory and as I was keen to see how our new ex juniors played in their first match I was delighted to see a 7/8, even better was the words from Andy Twigger “they know how to play pool correctly” – I am assuming this was a reference from the more traditional Twigger when his philosophy is get a ball over the bag at all costs 😊. In addition to the 7/8, Charley McDowell also delivered 4/4 following his selection to come up for the day and again this was no surprise to me as this young man is improving week on week and month on month. The future is bright for these guys and the team.

The C team, undefeated Champions last year, perhaps never had their own way in their match but they certainly played an interesting match and will have developed as a team I know for sure. Every set was won 7-4 with Kent going ahead early with Sussex coming back to level in the second then extending their lead in the third before Kent showed their normal resilience to grasp the final set and remain undefeated yet again. Nathan Glass, Ricky Peirce and Chris Freelove earning 3/4 frames. 

Our Ladies started the season as they start every season and had no less than four players with 4/4 stats as they ran out 31-13 winners. Those 4 players standing out were Barbara Taylor, Mel Clements, Jo Herrington and Karen Riches. I am looking at the ladies to go to the nationals with a real chance as I can see the new players are getting better by month and Jooles must be delighted with their progress. 

Our Youth players certainly lived up to their reputation as defending champions and again I’ve said it before, but we have a good number of players that are winning at their own level but also competing against more senior players in various competitions and knockouts across Kent and this will enhance their game no end. Just stay patient boys and girl and it will come- Rome wasn’t built In a day. The top ranked players winning 4/4  in a formidable victory were Captain Erin Gannon, Callum Brit, Alfie Rogers and James Goldsmith. James also won 2 /2 in the under 23’s  so had a great day winning 6/6 in two winning teams.   We are all very proud of our Youth team- Padraic let them know they all have bright futures. 

The day started with the Under 23s and the seniors kicking the season off and the Under 23s eventually ran out convincing winners 14-6 with Jake Lloyd doing what he does best by winning all of his frames once more. Frank Moss came in to the second half and won 2/2 so great performance to come in and deliver those frames for the team. 

Lots of changes in the Seniors team from last year and we had to make a sudden last minute change when Dean Kasitz called off with COVID and so had to be replaced, get well soon Dean, your debut in the seniors awaits. So when the seniors are short there is only one man to pull in and that’s John Paul Fowler !! Last time he was called in as a reserve he produced 4/4 against Berkshire, the only difference this time was the opposition, well done John in helping the seniors kick off with a 21-15 victory. A certain Barbara Taylor made her debut and we look forward to Barbara carrying most of us through the rest of the season. 

So all in all 6 wins and a draw with a combined victory of 176-92. A great start to the season and a special mention to my son Oliver Anderson for coming across to support me in the seniors and the men’s. 5/8 for me so just for all you youngsters even when you get to my age you can still win frames of pool. 

Our next county fixture is at home to Hampshire on 19^th March and before that we have the National finals so we have the A and B team in action alongside the Youth, Under 23 s and ladies  so best of luck to you all. 

And wasn’t it amazing to have the new shirts there, they certainly were the envy of the day and evidences the bigger picture success story of this progressive county.

Up the Kent, Wilbo.

Final Scores

u23s	6:14 WIN
Seniors	15:21 WIN
Juniors	31:5 WIN
Ladies	13:31 WIN
A	14:30 WIN
B	17:27 WIN
C	22:22 DRAW

Hi All,

I am pleased to announce that our new Kent A team captain is Adam Bassoo and his vice captain will be Dave Fernandez.

Adam approached me a couple of days ago to enquire about the role and its responsibilities. After discussion with Adam and senior players within the county we are delighted to offer him the role.

We feel that having someone of Adam’s playing stature at the top of our county will evidence long term planning with a view to create the best performance from the team. I would like to wish Adam the best of luck in getting this team to finally lift the silverware it deserves.

Adam will be picking his first team this afternoon and will post it later today.

Regards, Wilbo

So the 2023 season gets underway this Sunday 12th February and the Kent squads will travel the short trip to the seaside to play our good friends Sussex.

Following last year’s success we have, I believe, enhanced the mens squad significantly and with the type of player that will thrive with the new international rule set. Some of our most talented juniors and under 23s are now eligible for the mens squad and it will be enjoyable watching them demonstrate their abilities on the mens stage.

Our trials saw some old hands coming back into the fold as well as some exciting new talent and when you add that to existing winning teams we are set for another great year of 8 ball county pool.

Our ladies will start overwhelming favourites and new additions in the squad plus existing talented players will make them the team to beat. Our under 23s are looking even stronger and I have no doubts they will go on to greater success.

Despite losing a couple of youth players we are still looking at our youth team to defend the title they won last year. They do play exciting pool and I look forward to monitoring their progress throughout the year.

Our seniors team as been somewhat refreshed even at the very last minute but with youngsters (49 years of age) coming into the squad this is the way seniors teams will be progressing moving forward.

So good luck to all our teams. Safe travels and we will see you all in Brighton on Sunday to start the next chapter!

All the best,

Wilbo

We have just over a week to go until the first county match of the season. After such a successful 2022 it’s a difficult act to follow but the KCPA committee are sure that in 2023 we will be even more dominant.

Thanks to all of the players that have provided photos and a few words for our new team page. This is a great reminder of the breadth and depth of experience that we have in our squad.

Good luck everyone and let’s hope we can add some more titles and achievements to those player biographies this year.

Kent Team 2023