Match Report

Kent travelled across to their nearest rivals, Surrey, keen to see the new Spots and Stripes environment.

A Team

The A team, captained by Jasper Simmonds for the first time, called up Jack Galloway from the B team following some excellent early-season displays. However, a poor first set left the A’s trailing 7:4. They fought back, winning the next two sets 6:5, taking a 17:16 lead into the final set.

Jasper urged the team to focus and concentrate, noting that they had suffered losses in several third sets over the past seasons. Willie Anderson extended the lead to 18:16, and Pat Cunningham pushed it to 21:18, seemingly breaking Surrey’s spirit. However, a disastrous end saw the A team lose all five final frames, resulting in a 23:21 defeat.

Dave Fernandez was Man of the Match, delivering a faultless 4/4 performance. Willie Anderson, Jasper Simmonds, Josh Patel, and Adam Bassoo each contributed 3/4.

B Team

The B team set out to maintain their unbeaten start against a formidable Surrey side. Captain Faz was unimpressed with the team’s performance in the first set, as they ambled to a narrow 6:5 lead. However, the skip was relieved that, despite a poor showing, they were still ahead against a strong side, highlighting the resilience of this B team.

The second set was also shared at 6:5, but the standard of play rose dramatically—it was night and day compared to the first.

From the third set onwards, the Bs relaxed and took control of the game, winning 7:4 to lead 19:14. The fourth set was pure class, as they secured an 8:3 victory, completing a 28:16 triumph. The match was capped off in the final frame with a delightful escape and pot from snooker by captain Faz, wrapping up a truly commanding display.

Player of the Match: Ritchie Bell

Before the A team called up Jack Galloway—thoroughly deserved, by the way—Ritchie was originally the reserve but showed immense character and determination. He delivered a brilliant 3/4 performance, earning plaudits for his solid all-around play.

While no players managed 4/4, many contributed solid 3s:

• Jake
• Mullins
• Ritchie
• Phil
• Redsull
• Faz
• Coakley

Special Mention: Jake Lloyd Jake has had a tough start to the season, underperforming or failing to get the expected results for a player of his talent. However, today, he was impeccable—he deserved a 4/4 performance. He was a level above most and received a quiet word from the skip: “Form is temporary, class is permanent.”

Jake’s season has well and truly begun, which can only complement the B team’s strong start.

Up the Bs! #BandOfBrothers

C Team

A solid 25:19 win for Kent’s C team, with three sets won 6:5. A commanding 8:3 second set was the catalyst for victory.

Standout Player: Ben Morgan with a 4/4 performance—well played, Ben!

Other strong performances included:

• Chase East
• Chris Freelove
• Steve Jepson
• Marc Brazier (returning to form)

All recorded 3/4 scores.

A big thank you to Steve Jepson and Bill Rase, who stepped in from the seniors to ensure a full team. Their combined 5/8 contribution proved invaluable.

Man of the Match: Ben Morgan

Ladies Team

The ladies were involved in a right royal battle, with hardly a frame separating the teams from start to finish. The first two sets were shared, leaving the match tied at 11:11 at the halfway point.

Amy Cook put in a stellar 4/4 performance, and after the third set, the ladies were 17:16 up. They pushed on to 22:20, but sadly, our all-conquering team couldn’t quite get over the line, finishing 22:22 in a fantastic contest.

Strong contributions from:

• Erin Gannon
• Mel Clements
• Barbara Taylor
• Jan Spinner

All recorded 3/4 scores.

Juniors

A dominant 28-8 victory for the juniors! However, it’s important to note that several players will age out at the end of the year, meaning younger squad members must step up. Six players will be moving on, marking both the end of an era and the start of a new chapter.

Top performers:

• James Goldsmith (Junior European Champion) – 4/4
• Lucas Keepin – 4/4
• Olly Mitchell – 4/4
• Mason Coles – 3/4
• Slok Patel – 3/4
• Kieran Bruce – 3/4
• Finley O’Shaughnessy – 3/4

Seniors

The seniors were looking for their first win of the season. Things started brightly, as they led 11-9, but disaster struck when they lost the next 23 frames, 18:5, leading to a crushing 27:17 defeat.

This team needs to turn things around quickly, or their season may slip away.

Masters Team

The masters took an early 1:0 lead but soon found themselves on the back foot, trailing 3:1 and 5:4 after the third set. They rallied to lead 6:5, but had to settle for a draw in the end.

Under 23 Team

The under-23s had a solid contest, finishing 10:10. They lost the first set 3:2, recovered to 5:5 after the second, and edged ahead 8:7. However, Surrey fought back to secure the draw.

Well done to Jake and Finley, who both recorded 3/4 performances!

Overall Squad Report

After three games:

• Some teams are smashing it
• Others are showing strength
• A few need to do better

As manager, I’m pleased with the overall standards and professionalism of the squad. It’s inspiring to see our passion for the game and long-term plans taking shape. I’m proud of what we’re achieving together.

Thank you to all captains, vice-captains, and players for your commitment!

I won’t be with you next month, but Farron Rowe is my delegated squad manager for the day. I’ll continue handling communications leading up to match day.

Next up: Sussex at home on May 11th

Final Scores

u23s	10:10 DRAW
Seniors	27:17 LOSS
Juniors	8:28 WIN
Ladies	22:22 DRAW
A	23:21 LOSS
B	16:28 WIN
C	19:25 WIN
Over 60s	6:6 DRAW