Match Report

4 wins, 2 draws, 1 defeat. Combined score: 144-111

Kent A team lost 23-21. They had led all the way through the match from start till 21-20; however, they lost the last 3 frames with a couple of break dishes, which is always due to happen at that level. Ash Hind started his own campaign off winning 4 out of 4.

Kent B team won convincingly 29-15, with many players on 3 out of 4, demonstrating a confident strong start in what looks to be a strong side. Vice-captain Farron Rowe stated that they blew the opposition away and that there seems to be a great balance to the team. Seven players started their season with 3 out of 4. 4 out of 4 from Ritchie Bell. Well done to the B team, my tip for champions.

Kent C team was always going to be interesting with our development of juniors into the side mixed with some good experienced players coming back to represent Kent. A 30-14 result gives a lot of optimism for how this match was won, with the new juniors winning 11 out of 12… Chase East, Joshua Wheeler and Alfie Rogers settling in well. Jamie Fenech also added another 4 frames to evidence his importance to the team in terms of experience.

Kent Ladies also dominated proceedings with a 30-14 victory. Four players gaining all 4 frames: Barbara Taylor, Mel Clements, Jo Herrington, and Jo Miles. New recruit from Juniors Erin Gannon started her career with the ladies with a decent 3 out of 4 start.

Juniors team manager Lee Crowhurst took over the new chapter for them, and it started with a 19-17 win. This is no mean feat given we had so many players leave last year, so the players coming in have big shoes to fill, and Lee feels they are up for it. New team, new relationships, still winning means many positives from this match. England international James Goldsmith won 4 out of 4, with Callum Britt adding 3 out of 4.

Our Under 23s also have a changed team but still done enough to earn a 10-10 draw, Jasper Simmonds winning 3 out of 4 to maintain their long unbeaten record. Kent Seniors started the day’s proceedings by going 7-4 up in the first set, only to be pegged back to 11-11 by the end of the second set. There was never any more than two frames in it for the rest of the match as it went one way then the other, Kent feeling they left a few frames out there. 22-22 the final score, and Billy Rase gets my vote as player of the day with his debut 3 out of 4. Lee Crowhurst also delivered 3 out of 4, with Marc Brazier and Barbara chipping in with the same.

Next match in region 7 v Berkshire on 17th March, but before that, we have the little matter of the Nationals.

Good luck to all our players going to represent their country next week in Ireland at the European Championships. Hopefully, we will see some Kent winners with you never know a Scottish victory somewhere along the line.

Good start all, well done, and great atmosphere by all.

Wilbo

Final Scores

u23s	10:10 DRAW
Seniors	22:22 DRAW
Juniors	17:19 WIN
Ladies	14:30 WIN
A	23:21 LOSS
B	15:29 WIN
C	14:30 WIN

So the 2024 county team cross a couple borders in the morning to visit our Sussex friends. I remember a few tight matches across a number of divisions over the last 5 years, so we look forward to the challenge. As county manager, I am aware of the enthusiasm within the squad at the start of a season as we all establish where we are at and how the season is going to progress. I am particularly keen on seeing how a number of things play out this year given the changes to the squads. Lee Crowhurst starts his journey as juniors team manager, and I know he is excited about the prospect of a number of his new young recruits. Lee, I am sure, will lead the team well, ably assisted by his new captain and vice-captain, Callum Britt and James Goldsmith, who will lead by example both on and off the table.

Our under 23s are still strong, and with Jasper Simmonds as captain at the helm, I sense another great season is ahead of them. We have integrated some youngsters into the C team this year, and I will look forward to seeing how they develop their games to the standard required at men’s county pool. Paul Cox and Chris Freelove will be guiding the team into battle (well, Sussex), and this fixture is generally a tough challenge. The ladies’ team has a couple of changes too, with people having a break from the game. This, of course, offers opportunity, and we are all excited to see Erin start her ladies’ pool career in earnest tomorrow. I expect the ladies to maintain their dominance across the region.

Our B team, I have a real like about the balance, and in my mind, I’m thinking Farron Rowe supporting Redsull is something that could develop into a force to be reckoned with. Jack Galloway comes straight into the team to add strength, and I suspect people like Jamie O’Donnell and Jamie Gamble are going to start firing up their true potential. Our A team is now led by Dave Fernandez and Jasper Simmonds, and I know the boys in the team respect both these individuals on and off the table. Welcome, Charley McDowell, I’m sure you will make a huge impact across the season. A long-overdue title is what I’m saying here to a team that, let’s be honest, should have won the title at least twice in the last 5 years but never did. The aim is simple, therefore.

Finally, I will be looking to captain the seniors into a season that can deliver success. There is enough talent in this team to deliver success, and we have strength in depth all the way through in this new 11-person format.

So good luck to all tomorrow! Let the Sussex boys and girls know you are there to create a positive atmosphere, and if we do that, I am sure we will return to Kent with much success.

All the best, Wilbo.