Surrey came to Kent for the seventh round of fixtures, with several divisions reaching a critical stage of the season. It was a day of mixed fortunes for the home sides — two defeats balanced by four wins and a draw across the seven matches, with some outstanding individual performances throughout.
Over 50s
The Over 50s went into this match as table leaders, but Surrey proved a stern test on the day and produced a commanding 28:16 win that keeps the division very much alive. Kent made a decent start, edging the first set 4:7 to trail narrowly, but the second set proved damaging — Surrey took it 8:3 to lead 15:7 at halfway and looked in control from that point. The third set continued in Surrey’s favour, extending the lead to 23:10, and while Kent responded well to take the final set 6:5, it was too little too late.
Lee Crowhurst and Willie Anderson were Kent’s standout performers, both finishing with 3/4. The defeat means Kent remain top of the Over 50s on 14 points from seven matches, but the gap has tightened — Berkshire are second on 12 points, with Sussex on 11 and Surrey and Hampshire both on 10. With three matches remaining for most sides, this title race is far from over.
Over 60s
The Over 60s were in superb form, producing a dominant 8:4 win to continue their push for the title. John Paul Fowler and Andy Redsull got Kent off to the perfect start, taking the first set 2:1. Kent swept the second set 3:0 to lead 5:1, and maintained their momentum through the third set to lead 7:2 going into the final set. Surrey took two of the final three frames, but Kent closed out a thoroughly convincing 8:4 victory. Andy Gee and John Paul Fowler were both excellent, each finishing with 3/4.
The win moves Kent further clear at the top of the Over 60s division on 16 points from seven matches, two ahead of Berkshire on 14. A very strong position with the finishing line approaching.
Under 18s
The Under 18s produced one of the performances of the day, running out dominant 24:12 winners. Kent won the first set convincingly 6:3 and doubled down in the second, winning it 7:2 to lead 13:5 at halfway. The third set continued in the same emphatic vein, Kent winning it 5:4 to lead 18:9 going into the final set. Surrey took a couple of frames back but Kent closed it out 6:3 to seal an impressive 24:12 victory. Liam McGrath and Jack Harding were both outstanding with perfect 4/4 records, with Harrison Guichard, Alfie Richards and Mason Coles all contributing 3/4.
Kent sit top of the Under 18s on 13 points from five matches, two ahead of Hampshire on 11 from six. With three matches still to play, Kent are in an excellent position — though the outstanding Kent v Berkshire fixture still needs to be rearranged.
Ladies
The Ladies kept their remarkable unbeaten run intact with a 24:20 win, though it required a strong collective effort to see off a Surrey side who pushed them hard throughout. Surrey took the first set 7:4 to make a positive start, but Kent hit back brilliantly in the second set, winning all eleven frames to lead 14:8 at halfway. The third set was much tighter, Surrey edging it 6:5 to close the gap to 17:16, setting up a tense final set. Kent held their nerve when it mattered, winning the fourth set 7:4 to seal the 24:20 victory.
Amy Cook was the standout with a perfect 4/4. Mel Clements, Barbara Taylor and Jan Spinner all delivered 3/4, with Erin Gannon, Karen Riches, Karen Darby and Vanessa Ledger each contributing 2/4 in a real team effort throughout.
Kent Ladies remain the only unbeaten team in the division, top on 21 points from seven matches — a remarkable record. Hampshire are second on 15, with Surrey on 12. Three matches remain and the title is tantalisingly close, though nothing can be taken for granted.
A Team
It was a frustrating afternoon for the A team, who fell to a 20:24 defeat at home to a Surrey side who were the stronger team on the day. Kent made a decent start, edging the first set 6:5, and continued to build momentum in the second, taking it 6:5 to lead 12:10 at halfway. The third set went narrowly Kent’s way too, edging the lead to 17:16 going into the final set. However, Surrey finished the stronger, winning the fourth set 8:3 to take the match 24:20.
Steve Ritchie was the pick of the Kent players with an excellent 4/4, with Adam Bassoo and Dave Fernandez both contributing 3/4. Kent A remain third in the Open A division on 10 points from seven matches, with Surrey top on 17 and Berkshire second on 16. Three matches remaining gives the team every opportunity to push up the table.
B Team
The B team produced an excellent response to bounce back with a 27:17 win. After a difficult opening set in which Surrey took it 7:4, Kent responded in the second set to level matters at 11:11. The third set proved pivotal — Kent edged it 6:5 to lead 17:16 — and they then delivered a stunning final set, winning it 10:1 to run out convincing 27:17 winners.
It was a real team effort throughout — Charley McDowell and Chris Freelove were outstanding with 4/4 each, with George Taylor, Farron Rowe, James Goldsmith and William Anderson all contributing 3/4.
Kent B sit second in the Open B division on 15 points, one behind Berkshire on 16, with three matches remaining. The title race goes down to the wire.
Under 23s
The Under 23s maintained their perfect record with a composed 12:8 win. Kent flew out of the blocks, winning the first set 4:1 to immediately establish control. They continued to press in the second set, taking it 3:2 to lead 7:3 at halfway, and extended that advantage to 10:5 in the third set. Surrey showed character to take the final set 3:2 and make the scoreline 12:8, but Kent had done enough. Jake Lloyd was exceptional throughout with a perfect 4/4, with James Goldsmith contributing an excellent 3/4.
Kent sit top of the Under 23s on a perfect 15 points from five matches, five clear of Surrey in second on 10. With three matches remaining, Kent are firmly on course to finish the season as champions of their division.
C Team
The C team rounded off the day with a fine 27:17 win to maintain their position at the summit of the Open C division. Surrey edged a competitive first set 6:5, but Kent quickly found their stride in the second, winning it 9:2 to lead 14:8 at halfway. The third set was even more one-sided, Kent taking it 8:3 to establish a commanding 22:11 lead. Surrey came back somewhat in the final set but Kent closed it out 5:6 to run out 27:17 winners. Barry Johnson was the standout performer with a brilliant 4/4, with Carl Jones, Andre Cox, Darren Hill and Andy Redsull all delivering 3/4.
Kent C remain top of the Open C division on 18 points from seven matches, six clear of Surrey and Sussex who are both on 12 points. A commanding position with three matches to play.
All the best, Wilbo
Final Scores
| Under 23s | 12:8 WIN |
| Over 50s | 16:28 LOSS |
| Under 18s | 24:12 WIN |
| Ladies | 24:20 WIN |
| A | 20:24 LOSS |
| B | 27:17 WIN |
| C | 27:17 WIN |
| Over 60s | 8:4 WIN |