Match Report
Kent travelled to Berkshire, having had to shuffle the pack across almost every team. However, it gave team manager Willie Anderson an opportunity to assess both the leadership within the squad, as well as the potential opportunities for the future of Kent County Pool!
Seniors
First up in the morning were the seniors, and Willie Anderson reminded his players of last season’s victory over Berkshire, plus their resilience in the last two matches. Today was not the day to stand back and admire your opponents.
Berkshire started strongly, with their big guns taking them into a 3:0 lead. However, Wilbo had shuffled his pack to strengthen 1-11 and, by the end of the set, Kent were winning 6:5. The start of the second set saw Dean Coppen, Barry Johnson and Graham Thrower take out Berkshire’s top 3, and this inspired the team to go on and win the set 10:2 to lead 15:7! Berkshire were always going to fight back, and again their top 3 won their frames, but resilience in the Kent team meant they only lost that set 6:5.
The final set was all about winning, and vice-captain Martin Prime won the frame to seal the victory. Kent went on to win 27:17, moving up to 9 points in the table. Now in 4th place, but only 3 points off top spot – back in the race!
Wilbo (4/4) had strong support throughout the team, with Lee Crowhurst (so nearly 4/4!), Steve Jepson, Bill Rase and Gary Kingsnorth all delivering 3/4. A particularly cool finish by Graham Thrower was noted in set two.
Juniors
Going on the long trip to Berkshire without the best two players in our original 2025 squad could have been a daunting task. However, the lads, led by vice-captain Liam McGrath, made light work of it and ran out comfortable winners – 26 frames to 10.
It continues to be my pleasure to watch Liam, Mason, Slok and Jack develop as young men, as well as pool players. I hope they go on to form the backbone of the Kent junior team for the next few years.
Everyone chipped in today, with Liam playing a captain’s innings with a full set of 4/4, matched by Michael and Kieran, and supported by Lucas and Jack, who took 3 frames apiece.
Player of the Day – Liam McGrath
No August fixture for the Kent boys – next up is 14th September, where we host Surrey.
C Team
A very flat performance saw Kent C lose to Berkshire for the second time this season, this time 25:19. There was plenty of run favouring Berkshire, but also a lot of frames left on the table by the Kent team, with missed chances in all sets – always disappointing when you know you should have taken more.
Berkshire led throughout the match and enjoyed a 13:9 advantage at the halfway point. A strong third set saw Kent trail by just one frame, 17:16.
However, the usual Kent strong finish wasn’t there, and Berkshire ran away with the final set 8:3 to win 25:19.
Strong showing from Jamie Fanech (3/4) and Man of the Match Bill Rase with a full house (4/4).
Kent remain top on frame difference, and the title is still very much in our hands.
Thanks to the four seniors who stepped in to give us a team on the day. Bill Rase and Barry Johnson have agreed to play for the rest of the season, providing stability needed to win the division.
B Team
Kent were hoping to beat Berkshire – always tough opponents – to take the lead at the top of the table. However, it wasn’t the team’s day, and Captain Faz left disappointed, though reassured that the league is still in their hands, being only a single point behind Sussex.
The B team lost the first set 6:5, then immediately levelled at 6:6, but that was unfortunately as close as it got, with Berkshire taking the second set 8:3. The third set went similarly (7:4), before a last set win by Kent (7:4) ended in a 25:19 loss.
No full houses today, but four players delivered 3/4 – Jamie Gamble, Steve Mullins, Gavin Webb and James Albert.
I’m sure the team will bounce back in their next match to reclaim their potential as league winners.
Ladies
Following their loss to Hampshire, it was important for the ladies to bounce back and lift the squad. Hollie Potter was called up for this match and would have enjoyed the experience of playing at this level as she develops her game.
The ladies started brightly with a 7:4 first set win, then capitalised with a second-set 9:2 win to take a halfway lead of 16:6. The ladies were in no mood to offer Berkshire any hope today, extending their lead with an 8:3 win in the third set. Karen Riches took the frame that sealed the win. Berkshire managed a consolation 6:5 final-set win, but Kent ran out comfortable 29:15 winners.
Barbara Taylor led on the table with Karen Riches, delivering 8/8 between them, ably supported by Mel Clements, Jo Miles, and a back-to-form Jan Spinner and Julie Fane (each 3/4).
Under 23s
Our Under 23s are national champions but are also going through a transition. So, going to Berkshire and winning is always a good result.
Kent lost the first two sets 3:2, trailing 6:4 at halfway. They won the third set 3:2 to close the gap to 8:7. Kent then won the first two frames of the final set. Although Berkshire grabbed one back, Kent took the last two frames – James Goldsmith and Jake Lloyd – to win the match 11:9.
Kent now sit second, two points behind London, who they play next. Big game ahead.
Top performer – Callum Britt (4/4). Well played Callum.
A Team
Team captain Jasper Simmonds had shuffled the pack before the match to revitalise the A team, but was left three players short in the run-up to the game. In came Jack Galloway and Charley McDowell, along with a call-up for talented junior Finley O’Shaugnessy.
So – points to prove across the board, with the main question being: could we finally beat the machine that is Berkshire A?
Of course, Kent can compete with anyone, but inconsistency has plagued the team this season. Things started brightly with a 7:4 first-set win. Berkshire – multiple national winners for a reason – fought back, took the second set 6:5, and led 13:12.
However, Jake Lloyd pulled Kent back level before a majestic finish from Finley, over Giuseppe Dimperio, gave Kent a 14:13 lead. Kent went on to win the tight third set, with Wilbo nailing a tough black to finish 19:14 up.
It got tight again, with Berkshire winning 5:7 in the final set. But Steve Ritchie took the frame that won the match, and Kent landed a superb 24:20 victory – proving they’re still in the hunt for a national spot.
Jasper Simmonds (4/4), Jake Lloyd (4/4), with Jack Galloway and Steve Ritchie (3/4 each), means Kent move into second place in a tight group.
We welcome our good neighbours London for the next match on 10th August. Until then – best wishes and keep practicing!
Final Scores
| u23s | 9:11 WIN |
| Over 50s | 17:27 WIN |
| Juniors | 10:26 WIN |
| Ladies | 15:29 WIN |
| A | 20:24 WIN |
| B | 25:19 LOSS |
| C | 25:19 LOSS |
| Over 60s | 8:4 LOSS |