Kent made the trip to Hampshire for the sixth round of fixtures, a match carrying real significance across most divisions with the season now firmly in its second half. It proved to be a productive day overall, with four wins, two draws and one defeat — continuing Kent’s strong form across the region.
Over 50s
The Over 50s went into this fixture as leaders of the division, and against Hampshire — the second-placed side — this was always going to be a stern test. It proved every bit as competitive as expected. Hampshire drew first blood, taking the first set 7:4 to lead early, and extended that advantage in the second set to lead 12:10 at halfway. Kent came roaring back in the third set, winning it 7:5 to nudge ahead 17:16 going into the final set. Hampshire steadied in the final set, and after a tightly contested finish the match ended 22:22 — a draw that felt like hard-fought point gained on the road.
Gary Kingsnorth, Chris Freelove and Barbara Taylor all finished with 3/4. The draw keeps Kent top of the Over 50s on 14 points from six matches, with Hampshire on 10 in second. With four matches remaining, Kent remain in an excellent position to push for the title.
Over 60s
The Over 60s continued what has become a formidable away-day record with a dominant 9:3 victory. Andy Gee, John Fowler and Andrew Redsull swept the first set 3:0, setting the tone beautifully. Hampshire managed one frame back in the second set, but Kent extended their lead to 5:1 and continued in the same vein through the third set, winning it 6:3. The final set was completed in style, Kent winning all three frames to close out a comprehensive 9:3 victory. Andy Gee was immaculate throughout with a perfect 4/4, with Andrew Redsull contributing a fine 3/4.
The win moves Kent top of the Over 60s division on 13 points, two ahead of Berkshire on 11. A significant result that puts Kent firmly in the driving seat for the second half of the season.
Under 18s
The Under 18s served up a thrilling contest that kept supporters on the edge of their seats throughout. Kent started the better, edging the first set 5:4 to take an early lead. Hampshire came back strongly in the second set, taking it 6:3 to lead 10:8 at halfway. Kent responded well in the third set, winning it 7:2 to move back into the lead at 15:12, but Hampshire showed tremendous character in the final set, winning it 6:3 to level the match and earn a 18:18 draw. Liam McGrath, Ollie Smith and Jamie Baird all contributed 3/4 in what was a real team effort.
A point gained in a tough away fixture. Kent sit second in the Under 18s on 10 points from four matches — level on points with leaders Sussex, who have played five. With four matches still to play and a game in hand (Berkshire), Kent remain very well placed.
Ladies
The Ladies produced another polished performance to record a 24:20 win — their sixth victory in as many matches this season. It was a hard-earned one, with Hampshire pushing them hard throughout. Kent edged a tight first set 6:5, only for Hampshire to level the match at 11:11 after the second set. The third set was where Kent really asserted themselves, winning it 8:3 to move into a 19:14 lead, before Hampshire applied late pressure in the final set. Kent held firm, taking it 5:6 to run out 24:20 winners. Laura Stevens and Vanessa Ledger were both exceptional with 4/4, with Hollie Potter and Barbara Taylor adding 3/4 apiece.
Kent Ladies remain the only unbeaten team in their division, top on 18 points from six matches — a remarkable record. Hampshire are second on 12 points from six, though with four matches still to play the title is not yet mathematically secured.
A Team
The A team bounced back from the frustrating defeat at Sussex with a composed and ultimately convincing 24:20 win at Hampshire. Kent edged a competitive first set 6:5 to make the perfect start and then pulled clear in the second, taking it 7:4 to lead 13:9 at halfway. Hampshire responded well in the third set, winning it 5:6 to close the gap to 19:14, setting up a tense final set. Kent held their nerve when it mattered most, taking the fourth set 5:6 to seal a 24:20 victory.
Jake Lloyd, Sean Kirby and Jasper Simmonds were outstanding with perfect 4/4 records. Pat Cunningham, Jamie Gamble and Jack Galloway all added 3/4. The win lifts Kent A to third in the division on 10 points, three behind second place Berkshire and four points behind leaders Surrey. With four matches remaining, there is still plenty to play for in a competitive division.
B Team
It was a difficult afternoon for the B team, who were beaten 27:17 by a Hampshire side who were particularly strong in the middle sessions. Kent started well enough, edging the first set 6:5 to lead early, but Hampshire hit back in the second set to lead 12:10 at halfway. The third set proved decisive, with Hampshire winning it convincingly to lead 19:14, and they maintained that form in the final set to run out 27:17 winners. Finley O’Shaughnessy was Kent’s standout performer with a maximum 4/4, with Ash Hind contributing 3/4.
The defeat leaves Kent B second in the Open B division on 12 points, one behind Berkshire on 13, both having now played six matches. It remains a tight race at the top with four matches still to come — the second half of the season will be crucial.
C Team
The C team produced a commanding performance to win 30:14, one of the standout results of the day. After edging a close first set 6:5, Kent turned on the style in the second set, winning it 8:3 to lead 14:8 at halfway. The third set was even more emphatic — Kent winning it 9:2 to establish a 23:10 lead — and they completed the job in style in the fourth, taking it 7:4 to run out 30:14 winners. Phil Horley was magnificent throughout with a perfect 4/4, with Mason Coles, Olly Mitchell and Barry Johnson all contributing 3/4.
Kent C remain top of the Open C division on 15 points from six matches, three clear of Surrey in second on 12. Another strong result that puts them in excellent shape in the second half of the season.
Next match at home v Surrey on 16th August.
All the best, Wilbo
Final Scores
| Under 23s | no match |
| Over 50s | 22:22 DRAW |
| Under 18s | 18:18 DRAW |
| Ladies | 20:24 WIN |
| A | 20:24 WIN |
| B | 27:17 LOSS |
| C | 14:30 WIN |
| Over 60s | 3:9 WIN |