Match Report

A Team

An unusual event unfolded at the start of this match as, usually slow starters, Kent bolted out of the blocks to dictate the match with a 9:2 first set win. Kent lost the next two sets 6:5 as London rallied. At the end of the 3rd set Kent led 19:14 and went on to take the 4th set 7:4 for a convincing 26:18 win. Kent now sit in 2nd place in the division, three points ahead of Surrey, who visit Chatham in the next match. No 4/4 today, but solid performances all round from Ash Hind, Adam Bassoo, Wilbo, Jasper and Jamie O’Donnell, who all got 3/4. Jamie O’Donnell is settling into his own game nicely.

B Team

The Bs returned to winning ways against London with a solid performance culminating in a 24:20 win. The Bs managed to edge the first two sets 6:5 and 7:4 respectively to lead 13:9 at the halfway stage. London fought back, aided by some errant displays from Kent and fine pool from London, to win the 3rd set 7:4. However, a key run of seven frames on the bounce put Kent on the hill, which Mitch Standen—superb all day—converted to take an important victory.

Key Performers:

• Mitch Standen – When he’s on it, he’s pure class. 4/4
• James Albert – The surprise package who just keeps delivering this season. 4/4
• Jamie Gamble – Arguably our best player all season; barring a break and dish against him, he likely would have walked away with another 4. 3/4

With Berkshire’s surprise loss to Hampshire, Kent are likely a win away from national qualification. With Berkshire and Sussex facing off next month, Kent’s eyes are firmly on the regional title, sitting just a point behind Sussex going into round eight of fixtures.

C team

A very tight match ended in a 26:18 win for Kent C. The first two sets were shared, with the scores at the halfway point 11:11. Good frames were played by Lucas Keepin on his debut and Jamie Fenech with two good clearances.
The third set was again tight, with London leading 17:16 at the conclusion, so all to play for moving into the final set! Kent then turned up the heat, storming the last set 10:1 to take the match away from London. Highlights included an excellent cut black by Paul Cox and a solid clearance from Bill Rase.

Outstanding on the day were Michael Cairns and Barry Johnson, who secured 4/4, and a great debut from Lucas Keepin.

The win secures top spot for Kent by two points, with good frame difference providing a nice cushion, though there is still work to be done to secure the title.

Ladies

“Just ruthless” was Captain Julie Fane’s description at the end of the ladies’ match. It certainly felt like that as Kent Ladies steamrolled London 37:7. They wasted no time, rushing into 10:1 and 10:1 wins in the first two sets to lead 20:2.

Things didn’t improve much for London as they lost the last two sets 9:2 and 8:3. The win puts Kent Ladies back into joint second with Surrey in the race for the nationals, with Surrey their next opponents at home. Four players managed 444: Mel Clements, Karen Riches, Vanessa Ledger and Captain Fane herself.

Seniors

Kent Seniors’ run of three straight victories had pulled them back into contention for national qualification, but they faced a London team that had beaten them in the last three meetings. Wilbo shuffled the pack in a bid to get the game done early, and the plan worked with an 8:3 first set win. Kent went on to win every set, with good pool on show—including a long table double by Graham Thrower, captured on the live stream. After the 3rd set, Kent led 21:12 and closed the match with another 7:4 set win. Final score: 28:16. Kent now sit 3rd in the table, level on points with Surrey, their next opponents.

Three players hit 4/4: Lee Crowhurst (11:12 in his last three matches), Bill Rase and Gary Kingsnorth. Well done all—the team are now showing their real form with four wins in a row.

Under 23s

London came into this game leading the division and looked set to extend that lead after taking the first set 4:1. Kent showed grit, hitting back with their own 4:1 win to level at 5:5. London again edged ahead, winning the 3rd set 3:2 to lead 8:7 going into the final set. However, the national champions produced another great finish, taking it 4:1 for an 11:9 win to go top of the table by a point. Four players got 2/4, with James Goldsmith edging out at 3/4.

There was no game for juniors or the over 60s (concession).

With all teams winning, all eight Kent sides remain firmly in the running for the top two spots and national qualification.

Next Match

Chatham Pool and Snooker Club will host Surrey in the next round, with several important fixtures. Lee has confirmed that even more tables could be streamed in the future, so everything is looking positive for Kent.

Good luck to all Kent players representing their countries at the World Championships in Ireland in the coming weeks.

Final Scores

u23s	11:9 WIN
Over 50s	28:16 WIN
Juniors	no match
Ladies	37:7 WIN
A	26:18 WIN
B	24:20 WIN
C	26:18 WIN
Over 60s	FF