Match Report
Kent Over 50s kicked off the day in bottom place but were buoyed by a win last time out. There were a few changes to the team for various reasons, with Chris Freelove and John Fowler stepping in to support.
Thrower and Wilbo got the team off to a strong start, putting Kent 2:0 up. At the end of the first set, the team held a slender 6:5 lead, which extended to 9:6. However, Kent’s Achilles’ heel struck again as Hampshire won the next seven frames to take a 13:9 lead.
The Kent team didn’t fold. At the end of the third set, only a single frame separated the sides, with Hampshire just ahead at 17:16. The final set was nip and tuck all the way, and it came down to Barbara Taylor playing the last frame for the win. No surprise then–when given the opportunity, she stepped up and claimed the match for Kent 23:21.
The seniors may still be sitting in last place, but they are only four points behind Berkshire at the top, with their next match against the Berkshire outfit.
No 4/4s today, but G-Unit, Wilbo Jeppo, Bazza, Barbara, and Bill all won 3 out of 4 frames each to help haul the Kent side closer in the league.
Over 60s
The Over 60s team have played well all year under the captaincy of John Fowler, and this day was no different. A 3:0 whitewash in the first set was followed by 2:1, 2:1 wins before narrowly losing the last set 2:1.
The result: an 8:4 win for Kent, with Andy Gee claiming a perfect 4/4 for his team. Kent now sit joint top with Berkshire, who they play next.
A team
Kent A didn’t get the result they wanted and missed the chance to move into second place in the table. They started brightly, winning the first set 7:4 and led for most of the day but failed to build a healthier advantage.
At the end of the third set, Kent led 17:16 and then pushed the lead to 22:19. Unfortunately, they couldn’t close the match out, and Hampshire managed to steal the last three frames to earn a 22:22 draw – well-deserved, despite being outplayed for much of the day.
That result leaves Kent A in third place on 7 points, two behind Surrey, with Berkshire leading the table with a clean sweep of 15 points. With qualification still in Kent’s hands, it’s off to Berkshire next time out.
Adam Bassoo played well to claim 4/4, with Ash Hind, Wilbo, and Jasper supporting strongly with 3/4 each.
B Team
Kent B delivered an emphatic victory, beating Hampshire 27:17. A tight first set saw Kent edge ahead 6:5, followed by two 7:4 wins to extend the lead to 20–13. Dave Coakley secured the winning frame for the B team.
Steve Mullins returned to form with a perfect 4/4, while Jack Galloway, Phil Horley, Gavin Webb, and Andy Redsull all chipped in with 3/4 each. Kent now sit in second place, one point behind Sussex and three ahead of Berkshire.
C Team
The Kent C team are top of their section, three points ahead of Berkshire in second. They raced into a 7-:4 lead, followed by another 7:4 set, and then a dominant 9:2 third set–winning the match by the end of set three!
They may have taken their foot off the pedal in the final set, losing it 6:5, but still ran out comfortable winners, 28:16. Jamie Fenech, Barry Johnson, and Chris Freelove all contributed perfect 4/4 performances to secure the result.
Ladies
The Kent Ladies needed a win to regain top spot but sadly couldn’t get the result they wanted, narrowly losing to Hampshire Ladies 23:21. Hampshire now lead the division on 15 points, with Kent and Surrey tied in second.
Hampshire led 13:9 at the halfway mark and extended the lead to 20:15, but the Kent Ladies dug deep to fight back to 21:20. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be their day, as Hampshire held their nerve to close out the final frame and take the match.
Barbara Taylor led the team with 4/4, supported by Mel Clements, Vanessa Ledger, and Amy Cook, who each won 3/4.
Looking ahead…
Next up is Shootout Day next weekend in Stoke, with Kent represented in both the Adults and Juniors divisions. Best of luck to both teams!
For the rest of the squad, it’s Berkshire next on July 6th. See you all there.
Final Scores
| u23s | no match |
| Over 50s | 21:23 WIN |
| Juniors | no match |
| Ladies | 23:21 LOSS |
| A | 22:22 DRAW |
| B | 17:27 WIN |
| C | 16:28 WIN |
| Over 60s | 4:8 WIN |