Match Report
Clean Sweep in Hampshire by Decent Margins
Kent traveled to Hampshire following a mixed bag of results across the sections last time out, but came home in emphatic style across all of our matches. There were no under 23 or junior matches today, which meant the seniors kicked the day off in Basingstoke.
Last time out, the Kent Seniors drew with the mighty Berkshire (we should have won), so Captain Twigger wanted more of the same. Well, he eventually got it on the way to a 21:15 win, a victory that seemed a long way away after going 5:1 down inside ten minutes. However, this team is beginning to trust each other’s ability, and by the time the second set had finished, the seniors had clawed it back to 10:8 down. At 13:12 down, Willie Anderson went on in frame 26 to win, and from that point to home, we won 9/11 frames to secure the match 21:15. A remarkable result.
The top player today was Steve Jepson with a 4/4 performance, while Willie Anderson, Lee Crowhurst, Mark Brazier, and Andy Redsull all chipped in with 3/4.
The Ladies lost to Hampshire at home in the last meeting, so I know it was in the mind of Captain Jooles to ensure a great victory, and this indeed was the case with a 29:15 win, which cements their position back at the top of the table. The top players on the day were Jo Herrington with 4/4, and Amy Cook, Vanessa Ledger, Jan Spinner, Jo Miles, Mel Clements, and Barbara Taylor all chipped in with 3/4. Well done, ladies.
The Mens’ teams all had convincing victories in their respective divisions, with the C team winning 24:20 and the B team winning 27-17. Three players gained a remarkable 4/4 to ease the B team to victory: Farrron Rowe, Jake Lloyd, and Charley McDowell. Well done, lads. It’s difficult to achieve 4/4 at that standard. There was never any danger to the B team following an 8:0 start, which must have rattled their players. Callum Briwn and Jamie O’Donnell both contributed with 3/4. It looks like the team is back on track.
The C team had to make a couple of late changes, and as usual, they were spotted almost having too much fun in their game. Each set was tight, but the third set set the C team up as they went from 13:10 up to 19:14 up. The winning frame was secured, quite aptly, by that old stager Paul Wood, who was moving towards his own 4/4 at the time.
Finally, the A team, still hunting their first regional title, also marched confidently through to victory. The team talk was called early, and after a few inspiring words from Mitch, Jasper and Patel, the usual mud flinging started, and the A’s got off to a good start for a change, winning the first set 6:5. They followed up with two 7:4 wins before taking the final set 8:3. Players of the day were Mitch Standen and Steve Ritchie with a perfect 4/4, with Willie Anderson, Dave Fernandez, and Adam Bassoo in supporting roles with 3/4 performances. Another comfortable day at the office with bigger, more crucial games to come.
Congratulations to the following players having earned their next county medal:
300 frames – Jake Lloyd
300 frames – Jo Miles
200 frames – Charlie Minta
100 frames – Karen Darby
So it’s off to London for our next match on September 10th. It’s my wedding anniversary that weekend (30 years), so if Louise lets me come to pool, I will see you all. Until then, enjoy the hot weather that is about to be bestowed upon us. Well done, teams!!
All the best, Wilbo.
Final Scores
| u23s | no match |
| Seniors | 15:21 WIN |
| Juniors | no match |
| Ladies | 15:29 WIN |
| A | 16:28 WIN |
| B | 17:27 WIN |
| C | 20:24 WIN |