All games commence at 10am.

All games commence at 10am.

KENT "A" REGAIN THE ENGLISH INTER COUNTY "A" CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 2005/2006

Congratulations to the Kent "A" Team for winning the English Inter County Championship "A" Title on Sunday 12 March 2006 at Northampton, a title they first won in 2002.

The Kent "A" team came second in their regional league against East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey to qualify for the national knockout stage. In the preliminary round they defeated Buckinghamshire 20 - 16 and in the quarter finals Avon were defeated 26 - 10. Northamptonshire were defeated 23 - 13 in the semi-finals and in the final Wiltshire were overcome 31 - 5 (197 shots - 135 shots) for Kent to become "A" National Champions for the second time.

Players from the following clubs were represented in the Kent "A" team: ARCA, Borden, Burham, Chalk Village, Culverstone, Downswood, Hamstreet, Hawkinge, Hornhill, Langley, Ryarsh, St Marys Platt, Tunbury and Wye.

KENT PREMIER FAIL IN THEIR ATTEMPT TO RETAIN THE ENGLISH INTER COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP.

The Kent Premier team fell at the final hurdle in their attempt to retain the English Inter County Championship and win the title for the eighth time, when they lost to Staffordshire 12 - 24 (171 shots - 189 shots) in the final at Northampton on Sunday 12 March 2006.

The Premier team came second in their regional league against East Sussex, Essex and London to qualify for the national knockout stage. In the preliminary round they defeated Worcestershire 24 - 12 and Shropshire 27 - 9 in the quarter finals. Devon were beaten in the semi-finals 21 - 15, before Kent finally lost to Staffordshire in the final.

Players from the following clubs were represented in the Kent Premier team: Burham, Downswood, Hawkinge, Kemsing, Langley, Shorne, Tovil and Tunbury.

Kent B Team Lose Their Final Game of the Season Away to East Sussex 

The Kent B team played their last game of the season away to East Sussex on Saturday 8^th April, needing to win this game to maintain their 100% winning record for the season.

Kent B started off slowly in the first session only winning 1 of the first 4 games by 2 shots.

Session 2 saw Kent pull back and even the points tally by winning 3 mats out of 4. The highlight of the session coming from the Kent pair of Garry Cook and Tony Mulcuck who won 15-8 to pull back some much needed shots.

Session 3 saw Kent split the points with East Sussex, both sides coming out with 2 wins each, but with Kent getting some shots back. Going into the last session of the day the scores were even, 10 points all, but East Sussex had 134 shots to Kent’s 126 shots, could Kent do it?

In the last session Kent needed to win 3 out of the 4 mats, but alas, this was not to be and the session ended with both teams winning 2 mats each.

Kent and East Sussex ended the day all square at 16 points each. With a shots score of 176 shots to East Sussex to Kent’s 170, Kent’s unbeaten run had gone, but how close they came.

Well done to Kent ‘B’ there is always next season.

On Saturday 25th March the Kent B team hosted Norfolk Over 60’s. This was the first time that these two teams had met in Kent’s long history.

It was an all triples competition and Norfolk started off very well in the first session winning three of the first four games. The only win for Kent B coming from the triple of Pam Barrow, John Lovall and Graham Barrow, winning 9-8 after going 6 shots up after 3 ends.

In the third session Kent excelled winning 3 out of the 4 games. Percy Boozer's triple won 17-5, Graham Barrows triple won 13-7 and Jim Davey’s triple won 8-5.

The fourth session saw a mixed bag of results with Kent winning only 1 game and drawing 1 game.

The fifth and sixth sessions however saw the dominant Kent team dig deep and showed why they are unbeaten this season. Norfolk only managed 1 point out of a possible 16points.

The final result was Kent B 34pts (210shots) Norfolk over 60’s 16pts (164shots)

In the first session both Kent singles lost to Wiltshire with Danny Cosgree losing 14-11 and Cliff Lorkins losing 12-10. The fours however recovered the status quo. The four of Keith Corby, Dick Stagg, Chris Bull and Mick Spurgeon run out winners 10-7, picking up a 5 on the penultimate end, and the four of Rita Horn, Colin Watson, Keith Austin and Derrick Groom winning 10-9.

The second session of pairs and triples turned very much in Kent’s favour. Frank Davies and John Rycraft produced yet another stunning performance going into a 12-0 lead after just 6 ends and finishing up 21-4 winners. Sue Smith and Ray Anns had a closer game but run out 12-10 winners. The triple of Chris Groom, Rob Berry and Derek Carpenter picked up a five in their second end and stayed in front winning 17-6. The other triple of Ron Wilson, Keith Williams and Sonia Watson won their game 9-8 giving Kent a half time position of 12pts to 4pts with +30shots.

In the afternoon session the singles turned around their morning defeats with Cliff Lorkins winning 16-14 and Danny Cosgree winning 11-8. Derrick Groom’s four drew 7-7 while Mick Spurgeons' team won 9-4.

This saw Kent in an unassailable position and the last session saw a clean sweep with both pairs winning 13-8. Derek Carpenter’s triple won 13-7 and Sonia Watson’s triple put the icing on the cake winning 15-7 having picked up a "Hot Shot" on their second end.

The final result was Kent "A" 31 pts and Wiltshire 5pts with Kent +62shots, a well deserved and comprehensive win for Kent "A". (197 shots - 135 shots)

Keith Austin the Kent "A" Team Captain received the trophy from George Clarke President of the English Short Mat Bowls Association.

This has been a rewarding season for the Kent "A" Team having lost in the semi final last year.

The team took the extra step this year to bring the "A" Team Inter County Trophy home to Kent for the second time in the history of the competition.

Congratulations to all the team who have represented Kent "A" this year.

The mood within the team was good; however, this did not help Kent get off to a good start. The first session saw only 1 win out of four for the County champions. The win coming in the singles from Gary Best winning 16-6.

The second session saw Kent Premier share the points with Staffordshire. The wins for Kent coming from the pair of Michelle Carpenter and Tim Rycraft winning 18- 9 and the triple of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard who won 18-10.

At the half way stage Kent were under the cosh trailing Staffordshire by 10pts-6pts and down 16 shots.

Kent shared the points with Staffordshire in the third session winning 2 of the 4 games after lunch. The wins coming through the single of Mark Wiedeholz winning 16-11 and the four of Thomas Coles, Reg Wager, Ted Messer and Andrew Connors winning 10-6.

The fourth and final session saw Kent Premier Team needing to battle hard and win 3 of the last 4 games to complete a victory and keep their hands on the trophy. The Kent team battled hard and were winning in all four games around the half way stage of the session and it looked like the County champions were going to defend their title and win for the 8^th time. Despite an emphatic win by the triple of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard winning 21-5 the Kent team lost the final session 3 games to 4 with Staffordshire finishing strongly.

Kent ended the day as runners–up to Staffordshire 12pts (171shots) to 24pts (189shots).

The first session of singles and fours saw Kent split the points with Devon 4pts each. The wins coming from the Kent single of Mark Wiedeholz winning 19-2, and the four of Thomas Coles, Reg Wager, Ted Messer and Andrew Connors winning 11-9.

Kent faired better in the second session and took 6 of the 8 points available with wins from both the Kent pairs; Chris England and Jeff Vanns winning 14-7 and Michelle Carpenter and Tim Rycraft, who won 18- 13. The last win came through the triple of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard, who won 12-9.

At the half way stage Kent Premier had a 10pts-6pts lead over Devon and also held a +14 shot lead.

The third session again saw Kent split the points with Devon 4pts each. The wins coming this time through the Kent single of Gary Best, winning 16-11 and the four of Thomas Coles, Reg Wager, Ted Messer and Andrew Connors, winning 11-4.

The fourth and final session saw Kent Premier Team battle hard, winning again two of the last four games to come out overall winners. The wins coming through both the triples. Irene Benton, Graham Nobbs and Richard Nicoll winning 10-8, with the best performance of the day coming from the triple of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard, who won 21-8.

Kent ended the day with a good win beating Devon by 22pts (182 shots) to 14pts (173 shots).

Kent Premier team looks forward to the Inter County Final against Staffordshire on 12^th March at the Caroline Chisholm School in Northampton.

The opening session of two singles and two fours games did not start of well for Kent with only Cliff Lorkins winning 19-10 and the four of Rita Horn, Colin Watson, Keith Austin and Derrick Groom securing 1 point in a 7-7 draw.

The second session of pairs and triples brought better fortune for Kent. The two pairs of Frank Davies and John Rycraft and Sue Smith and Ray Anns eased to 15-7 and 18-8 wins respectively. The triple of Ron Wilson, Keith Williams and Sonia Watson won their game 12-8, giving Kent a half time position of 9pts to 7pts with +11shots.

It was now up to the singles and fours to consolidate this position. Danny Cosgree hung on to win 13-12 while Cliff Lorkins came back from 2-7 down after 7 ends to win 12-9, picking up 5 shots in the last two ends, an excellent recovery. Whilst the singles were adding points to the total both the fours had extremely close matches with both Kent teams losing by 1 shot, Derrick Groom’s four 8-9 and Mick Spurgeon's four 7-8.

Kent went into the final session 13pts to 11pts up. The triple skipped by Sonia Watson again produced the goods, winning 8-4 and the triple of Chris Groom, Rob Berry and Derek Carpenter won 16-10. The pairs were shared with Sue Smith and Ray Anns winning 11-10.

At the end of a good days bowling Kent had secured their place in the Inter County Final by winning 23pts (179 shots) to 13pts (159 shots). The team now look forward to the final again in Northampton against Wiltshire on 12^th March.

The mood within the team was good; this enthusiasm saw Kent get off to the perfect start winning all four of the first four games. The wins coming from both the Kent singles players, who I might add beat the two singles bowlers who are going to represent England in the World Championships, Mark Wiedeholz, 17-6 and Gary Best, 15-10. The remaining two wins came from the Kent four of Steve Barratt, Frank Wiedeholz, Bryan Smith and Cliff Henry, winning emphatically 14-2, and the four of Thomas Coles, Reg Wager, Ted Messer and Andrew Connors, winning 12-9.

The impressive start was continued in the second session by winning 2 games. The wins came through the pair of Michelle Carpenter and Tim Rycraft, who again beat opposition who are going to represent England in the World Championships, 16- 9, and Chris England and Jeff Vanns, winning 15-10.

At the half way stage Kent were cruising and had a 12pts-4pts lead and also held a +34 shot lead. Kent only needed to win three of the last eight games to progress to the Semi Final stage.

Kent got of to a good start after lunch in the third session by winning 2 games and drawing 1 game. The two wins came through the Kent fours 8-4 and 9-5. The single of Mark Wiedeholz secured the final point by drawing 13-13.

The fourth and final session saw the Kent Premier Team battle hard winning three of the last four games to come out overall winners. The wins came through the pair of Michelle Carpenter and Tim Rycraft producing another emphatic win, 17-5. The two remaining wins came from the Kent triples of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard, winning 13-11 and Irene Benton, Graham Nobbs and Richard Nicoll, winning 10-9.

Kent ended the day with an impressive win beating Shropshire by 27pts (198 shots) to 9pts (150 shots).

The first session of singles and fours were shared with Danny Cosgree winning 15-13 and the four of Keith Corby, Dick Stagg, Chris Bull and Mick Spurgeon running out winners 9-3. This left the scores level but Kent 1 shot behind Avon.

The pairs and triples then played their games with Sue Smith and Ray Anns winning 17-12. Both triple teams of Mick Sayer, Keith Williams and Sonia Watson and Chris Groom, Rob Berry and Derek Carpenter produced excellent results of 15-5 and 13-5 respectively. This session gave Kent the edge leading 10pts-6pts with +16 shots.

In the return singles and fours matches in the afternoon Kent won all four games, Cliff Lorkins winning 14-9 and Danny Cosgree coming out on top for the second time 15-11. The four of Rita Horn, Colin Watson, Keith Austin and Derrick Groom reversed their earlier loss by winning 13-7, picking up 6 shots in the last two ends and Mick Spurgeon's Four winning 9-8 having gone into the last end 1 shot down. This left Kent "A" 18pts – 6pts up with a +32 shots difference.

The last session saw the pair of Frank Davies and John Rycraft recover from their earlier defeat by winning 15-9 and Sue Smith and Ray Anns won 15-12. Both triples however lost, but by 1 shot and 2 shots respectively. The overall final result was Kent "A" 26pts (192shots) and Avon 10pts (154shots).

This win takes Kent "A" into the semi final against Northamptonshire to be played again at Northampton on 5^th March.

Kent B team had never beaten Cambridgeshire before, that is before Saturday 11th February! After a long journey to Manae, the Kent Team were again determined to keep their unbeaten 2006 record and made a strong start winning the first two sessions by 12 points to 4 giving. Now to win this match all Kent had to do was to hold the remaining four sessions which they achieved. Each of these sessions were drawn 4 points all. The final score was Kent 28 points to 20 points  with Cambridgeshire gaining the shots advantage of +1 (176- 175). The triple of Terry Desmond, Barry Baker and John Bassett made the outstanding contribution of the day winning all their matches.

The annual Triples Challenge Shield match against West Sussex was retained by the "B" team with an impressive score of 41 points to 11, with a shot difference of 301 to 180. Kent had been expecting a tough match so made a good start and after the first session were leading by 9 points to 3. This was improved in the second session by a 10-2 win. Then West Sussex began their usual determined fight back and drew the 3rd session 6 points all. In the last session Kent remained resolute and strong winning all six matches by 84 shots to 43. It was a good solid all round team effort with all 36 players combining well to produce another important win. This is the 8th time Kent has won this challenge match to twice by West Sussex. Kent "B" remains unbeaten this season.

The mood within the team was good; this enthusiasm saw Kent get off to a flying start winning three of the first four games. The wins coming from both the Kent singles players: Gary Best 17-10 and Mark Wiedeholz 16-10, with the 3rd win coming through the four of Andrew Player, Frank Wiedeholz, Bryan Smith and Cliff Henry 13-6.

A faultless second session saw Kent win all four games and extend their points lead to 14pts to 2pts at the halfway stage. The best of the wins coming from the triple of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard, who won 20-8. The other three wins came through the triple of Irene Benton, Graham Nobbs and Richard Nicoll 12-10 and both Kent pairs; Chris England and Jeff Vanns winning 18-8 and Michelle Carpenter and Tim Rycraft who won 17- 9.

At the half way stage Kent were cruising and had a 14pts-2pts lead over Worcester and also held a +49 shot lead. Kent only needed to win two of the last eight games to progress to the Quarter Final stage.

Kent did not get off to a good start after lunch and the third session went the way of Worcester who won 3 of the 4 games. Kent’s only win in this session came through the four of Michelle Fitzgerald, Reg Wager, Thomas Coles and Andrew Connors winning 9-4.

The fourth and final session saw the Kent Premier Team battle hard winning two of the last four games to come out overall winners. The wins came through the pair of Michelle Carpenter and Tim Rycraft winning 13-10 and the triple of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard also winning 13-10.

Kent ended the day with a good win beating Worcester by 24pts (205 shots) to 12pts (169 shots).

In the afternoon West Sussex suddenly realised they were in danger of losing this fixture and began a strong fight-back. Keith Williams had won his first match quite convincingly 15-8 but now lost his second 10-15. Jim Davey maintained his undefeated singles run winning 16-7 and 13-9 although in the second match he picked up 6 shots from the last two ends.  The new combination of Jim Carlow, John Hallett, (Captain), John Bown and Terry Desmond had a fine win 11-7 and then lost narrowly 5-9. The other fours of Jan Davey, Albert Walker, Tony Horn and Alan Harwood kept things tight losing 5-8 on the last end and drawing 7-7, picking up a vital point, but West Sussex had won this session 5pts - 3pts.

West Sussex now needed to win the last four matches by a shot difference of +25, a feat they were quite capable of doing. The Kent Domestic Triple Champions of Pam and Graham Barrow with John Lovell had stiff opposition but won 14-13 and then lost 12-9.  Margaret Marshall, Dave Kruse and Alan Hadfield (runner- up in the Kent Triples) had fought back bravely to draw 13-13 in the first match now lost the second narrowly 7-9. West Sussex were certainly putting the pressure on. Jack and Alan Faulkner had had an exciting 14-13 win but now after 13 ends in the second were drawing 10-10 all.   West Sussex scored a vital shot in the 14th end but in the last end Alan did a brilliant shot to run the jack in the ditch with the wood following in nicely. A sign of relief went up from the watching Kent Team. We must surely draw this one. Then the youngster from West Sussex did the unbelievable shot of forcing his toucher onto the ditched jack into the smallest of gaps. A win to West Sussex 12-10. The national pairs qualifiers of Pat and Percy Boozer had won their first match comfortably 19-8 and were leading 14-11 when on the last end West Sussex were holding 3 shots but Percy held his nerve drawing in 3rd wood and to win 14-13. Kent had won the match.

West Sussex and Kent B will again battle it out next week in the annual Triples Challenge Shield.  It's going to be another tough match.

Winner: Gary Best (Burham)

Runner - Up: Rob Berry (Hawkinge)

Winner: Peter Foster (Hawkinge)

Runner - Up: Ashley Sayer (Hawkinge)

The Kent Youth Team was invited to play alongside a West Sussex County Team against an England Under 18 Select Team on Saturday 10^th December at Westergate Community School, Chichester.

The Kent Youths sent two teams of four and played two games each throughout the course of the day.

Dean Lucas’ team, of Coral Lucas, Wayne Wellard and Michael Best won their first game 10 – 7 and drew their second game 8 – 8. The second game had a nail biting finish. The second team, skipped by Dominic Reed of Essex, a last minute stand in, was Debbie Tomlinson, Melissa Cooper and Ashley Sayer. They won their first game 9 – 8 and their second game by a massive 13 – 5.

The match score finished: West Sussex & Kent Under 18's, 25 points, 211 shots, England Under 18 Select, 7 points, 122 shots.

The Kent Youth’s contribution to this score was 40 shots and 7 points only allowing the England Select Team to accumulate 28 shots and 1 point.

All the players on the day played with good sportsmanship and in good spirit.

The second session saw Kent improve winning 3 mats out of 4 to pick up 6pts to Surrey's 2pts.

The third session ended 4pts all after yet another fight back from the stubborn Kent Team.

So it all rested on the final session with Kent having to win 2 mats to secure a win. They came up trumps again winning 3 mats just to make sure their undefeated run did not come to an end.

Kent Premier got off to a flying start winning all 4 games. The wins came from the Kent singles players of Gary Best, 20-8 and Mark Wiedeholz, 11-9 and the Kent fours of Michelle Fitzgerald, Reg Wager, Thomas Coles and Andrew Connors, 14-4 and Steve Barratt, Frank Wiedeholz, Bryan Smith and Cliff Henry, 9- 4.

The second session was a closer affair with Kent winning 2 games and drawing 1 game. The two wins came through the triple of Irene Benton, Graham Nobbs and Richard Nicoll, 13- 8 and the pair of Michelle Carpenter and Tim Rycraft, 13-8. The pair of Chris England and Jeff Vanns secured the final point by drawing 14-14.

At the half way stage Kent were leading London by 13pts to 3pts, with a +37 shot lead.

Kent took 3 of the 4 games in the third session. Wins came again through singles player, Mark Wiedeholz, 15-7, followed by convincing wins from both the fours, 7-4 and 12-4.

The fourth and final session saw Kent Premier extend their lead by producing convincing wins in all of the 4 remaining games. The wins came from the pairs 18-8 and 18-11 and the triples 13-4 and 12- 7.

Kent ended the day with their best win of the season beating London by 31 pts (207 shots) to 5pts (125 shots).

A promising start saw Kent 12 points to 4 up with +36 shots at the halfway stage. However after lunch Kent once again let the opposition back in with only two teams producing a second win. The two teams being the four of Andrea Rycraft, Colin Watson, Keith Austin and Derrick Groom winning 10-5 and then 12-5 and the pair of Frank Davis and John Rycraft continued their impressive form by winning 16-11 and 22-9.

The triple of Chris Groom Rob Berry and Derek Carpenter again produced a "Hot Shots" i.e. the taking of all six shots in one end. This is the third time this season that they have produced this feat.

The second session was a closer affair with Kent winning 1 game and drawing 1 game. The win came through the triples of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard 15-10, with the pair of Chris England and Jeff Vanns securing the final point by drawing 13-13.

At the half way stage East Sussex were leading Kent by 11pts to 5pts, with a 12 shot lead.

The third session went Kent’s way, only dropping 1 of the 8 points available. The wins came from the Single’s, Gary Best 13-10 and Mark Wiedeholz 16-7, followed by a convincing win from the four of Steve Barratt, Frank Wiedeholz, Ted Messer and Bryan Smith winning 11-4. The final point came via the four of Irene Benton, Reg Wager, Thomas Coles and Tim Rycraft, drawing 9-9.

The final session saw the points shared 4 each. The 2 wins for Kent came from both the triples teams of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard, winning 12-4, with Michelle Fitzgerald, Phillip Ramsden and Graham Nobbs wining 13-7.

Kent ended the day with a slender victory over East Sussex by 20 pts (182 shots) to 16pts (173 shots).

The first session saw both singles winning their games and Mick Spurgeon skipping a four which produced a good win. The session ended up with Kent winning 6pts to 2pts and with a 31 shot advantage.

The second session saw both pairs winning and one triple drawing. At the half way stage had Kent winning 11 pts to 5pts with a 44 shot advantage.

In the third session Cliff Lorkins won his singles game 20-10 to add to his morning session win of 22-7. Both fours had handsome wins. Derrick Groom with Eveleyn Nobbs, Colin Watson and Keith Austin producing a 15-4 win which followed their morning defeat by one shot. Mick Spurgeon with his team of Keith Corby, Dick Stagg and Chris Bull completed a very good day winning 20-3 following on from their morning win 17-2.

The fourth session saw the upset of the day with Frank Davis and John Rycraft being beaten for the first time this season. The new pairing of Ray Anns and Sue Smith faired better wining both of their games, 21-8 and 19-11. The triples where shared and Kent ran out overall winners by 25pts to 11pts with a shot advantage of 85.

This win has put the team in a strong position, with one game to go, away to Surrey in the New Year.

The fours team of Pam Barrow, Dave Kruse, Barry Baker and Peter Blackman won both of their games, 19-3 and 11-6.

The triples team of Alan Avis, Bob Smith and Percy Boozer did well by winning their first game 15 - 7 and drawing the second 10 – 10.

The first session played saw the points split 4 a piece with Kent Premier’s wins coming through Kent singles players: Mark Wiedeholz 13-11, and the Four of Michelle Fitzgerald, Reg Wager, Thomas Coles and Tim Rycraft 11-7.

The second session saw League leaders Essex start to pull away, with Kent only being able to muster 1 point which came through the Kent pair of Michelle Carpenter and Cliff Henry drawing 11-11.

At the half way stage Kent were trailing Essex by 5pts (76 shots) to 11pts (98 shots). Essex held a 22 shot lead.

The third session again was a hard fought battle, but Kent only managed 3 points, these coming from the Kent Premier Single’s players, Mark Wiedeholz winning 15-10 and Gary Best drawing 11-11.

At this stage of the match Kent were trailing Essex by 8points and 25 shots. This meant that Kent needed to win all four mats in the last session and by more than 25 shots to win the match. Looking at the previous 3 sessions it was not looking good. However, the current County Champions must not be underestimated and after a very loud and hard fought fourth session Kent Premier were victorious.

The fourth and final session saw Kent Premier, cheered on by players and supporters alike, win all four games, taking the 8 remaining points. It did not end there as impressive wins on all four mats gave Kent the 4 points that are available for the shots.

Kent’s heroes were the pairs of Michelle Carpenter and Cliff Henry, winning 15-12, Chris England and Jeff Vanns, winning 13-10.

The Triples through Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard, winning 14-2, and Irene Benton, Graham Nobbs, Richard Nicoll, winning 17-3.

Kent got off to a shaky start winning only one out of four games through Cliff Lorkins, Hornhill (16-13).

The second session of pairs and triples was shared with both pairs winning, this meant at the half way stage Kent trailed West Sussex by 6pts to 10pts.

The third session saw Kent gain 5 out of a possible 8pts with both the fours winning and Cliff Lorkins gaining 1pt (13-13).

Try as they may Kent could only share the points in the final session and lost a very close game 15-17. West Sussex gained the 4 extra pts through a +19 shots aggregate thereby beating Kent for the Second time this season.

The final score was Kent 15 and West Sussex 21.

Frank Davies and John Rycraft continued to be outstanding winning both of their pairs games 17-9 and 13-11, they are still unbeaten this season.

In the Fours we had a good win skipped by John Bassett 17-4, the other Fours skipped by Jim Carlow narrowly lost 10-12.

The second session started with a good Pairs win by Garry Cook and Peter Fowler 16-7, with the other Pairs Jack and Alan Faulkner narrowly losing 10-12. The Triples had two good wins, one skipped by Percy Boozer 14-8 and the other one skipped by Peter Blackman 14-6.

The third session saw a good Singles win for Graham Barrow 22-11 but Bob Smith lost his game 19-4. The Fours skipped by John Bassett had a good win 11-5 while the other Fours skipped by Jim Carlow narrowly lost 8-10.

The fourth session started with a Pairs win for Garry Cook and Peter Fowler 14-11 and but unfortunately Jack and Alan Faulkner lost their game 6-18. The Triples skipped by Percy Boozer had a good win 15-9.

The other Triples skipped by Peter Blackman won on the last end to come from 5-8 down to pick up 4 shots winning 9-8.

The second session was a closer affair with Kent winning 2 games and drawing 1 game. The two wins came through the triples of Irene Benton, Graham Nobbs, Richard Nicoll winning 13-5 and the triple of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard with the most convincing win of the session 21-4. The pair of Chris England and Jeff Vanns secured the final point by drawing 11-11.

At the half way stage Kent were leading East Sussex by 11pts to 5pts, but Kent held a 43 shot lead.

The third session went all Kent’s way with a clean sweep of the points, Kent wining all 4 games. Good wins again for Single’s players, Gary Best 24-8 and Mark Wiedeholz 15-10, was followed by convincing wins from both the fours of Frank Wiedeholz, Bryan Smith, Andrew Connors and Ted Messer winning 9-6 and Michelle Fitzgerald, Reg Wager, Thomas Coles and Tim Rycraft winning 10-3.

The fourth and final session saw East Sussex battle hard, but the 8 remaining points where shared 4pts each. The 4pts for Kent where won by the Pair of Chris England and Jeff Vanns, winning 19-15 and the triple of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Gary Allard, winning 14-5.

Kent ended the day with a good win beating East Sussex by 27pts-9pts and 217 shots-151 shots.

The first and second session proved to be very productive for Kent dropping only one point thereby taking a 15-1 lead into the mid- session break. East Sussex however came back strongly to share the third session points but the last session just went Kent’s way, taking 5 of the 8 points on offer.

The single players Jim Davey 12-10 and 26-10 and Percy Boozer 18-7 and 14-9 admirably led the way. The rink skipped by Alan Harwood also had two fine wins. In the triples, Gwen Wager, John Bown and Tony Mulcuck won both of their matches 12-9 and then a very tight 9-8 victory.

Excellent team spirit lifted and encouraged the team especially as this was the first game at county level for Janice Webb, Les Canning and Alan Harwood who all played well.

The first of the four sessions played during the day comprising 2 singles games and 2 fours games saw the Kent Premier Team get off to a flying start winning 3 out of the 4 games. Emphatic wins by both the Kent singles players: Gary Best 16-8 and Mark Wiedeholz 22 - 9, saw Kent win 2 out of 2 games with the 3rd win coming through Michelle Fitzgerald, Reg Wager, Thomas Coles and Tim Rycraft in the Fours (8-2)

The second session saw London reversing the first session results winning 3 of the 4 games despite an outstanding result from the Kent pair of Michelle Carpenter and Cliff Henry who won 21- 6.

At the half way stage Kent and London shared the spoils with 8 points each, but Kent held a 24 shot lead.

The third session as the first went the way of Kent seeing 3 of the 4 games being won. Good wins again for the Kent Premier Team Single's players, Gary Best 20-7 and Mark Wiedeholz 15-10, with the 3rd win of the session this time coming from the Four of Frank Wiedeholz, Bryan Smith, Mick Sayer and Ted Messer (12-3)

The fourth and final session saw the Kent Premier Team battle hard. At one point during this session Kent were losing on all 4 mats and looked favourite to lose the match, however, an emphatic win through the triple of Irene Benton, Graham Nobbs, Richard Nicoll (14- 5) saw Kent battle back. The final points were decided on the last ends of two games with the pair of Chris England and Jeff Vanns securing 4 shots on the last end to win their game 14- 12. The triple of Linda Wynn, Derek Ford and Andrew Connors secured a 1 shot win on the last end to draw 8-8. The session ended up with Kent winning 5pts-3pts.

Kent ended the day with a good win beating London by 23pts (201 shots) to 13pts (149 shots).

Kent Premier look forward to their next match at Home to East Sussex on Sunday 29th October at Strood Leisure Centre.

The first session of singles and fours saw Kent take all four games with a 22 shot advantage.

The second session of pairs and triples saw Kent pull further ahead losing only one pair, this meant at the half way stage Kent had 14pts to Surreys 2pts, with Kent having a 51 shot advantage.

Surrey were not however going to lie down and came back to share both the third and fourth sessions. By this time, Kent had done enough and run out overall winners by 26pts - 10pts with +88 shots.

Two outstanding performances, one by Frank Davis and John Rycraft in the Pairs saw them win their matches 22-5 and 18-6 and the fours team of Keith Corby, Dick Stagg, Chris Bull and Keith Austin won both their matches 13-4 and 9-6.

The triples combination of Chris Groom, Rob Berry and Derek Carpenter provided the highlight of the day by securing a " Hot Shot" i.e. all six woods counting in one end in the morning session and then did the same in their afternoon session. A truly remarkable performance.

Kent "A" Team looks forward to their next match away to East Sussex on the 29th October.

Sunday 16/10/05 Kent 'B' played London 'B' away. The star of this match was Graham Barrow playing singles for the first time at County level. In his first game he had a very convincing win 25 shots - 7shots.
His second game was just as convincing with a 24 shots - 4 shots win. The triples skipped by Jim Davey also had good wins 17 - 11 and 16 - 4 to help Kent 'B' to a 21pts - 15pts win. Kent getting the shots difference 199 - 153.

Kent who have won the English counties final an unprecedented 7 times armed with a new venue and 4 new players opened the season against last years finalists from Essex.

The first of the four sessions played during the day comprising 2 singles games and 2 fours games saw the Kent Premier Team start off slowly only winning 1 game through M. Fitzgerald. R. Wager, T. Coles and T. Rycraft.

The second session went more Kent Premier’s way with a total of 3 games won.

The wins came in both pair’s games through M. Carpenter, C. Henry and C. England and J. Vanns with the third win coming through the triple comprising L. Wynn, D. Ford and G. Allard.

At the half way stage Kent and Essex shared the spoils with 8 points each, but Essex held a 21 shot lead.

The third session was split 2 games each with wins for the Kent Premier Team coming from M. Wiedeholz (singles) and a second win for T. Rycraft’s Four.

The fourth and final session saw the Kent Premier Team needing to win a minimum of 3 of the remaining 4 games to win the match. Despite a sterling effort from all, a solitary win backed up by a drawn game through the triples of I. Benton, G. Nobbs, R. Nicoll and L. Wynn, D. Ford and G. Allard respectively was not enough.

Kent ended the day losing to Essex by 15 points to 21.

Kent Premier looks forward to their return match at the Eversley Centre, Pitsea, Essex on 13^th November.

Mark Wiedeholz. Kent County Team Manager.

The second semi-final was between the Hornhill triple of Gloria and Alan Hadfield and Cliff Lorkins and Jeff and Clare Vanns and Allan Stroud of Downswood SMBC. In a very tight match, which after the first two ends saw the Downswood triple 3 - 2 up, it was 7 - 7 after six ends and 8 - 8 after eight ends. The Hornhill triple gained one shot on the last end to run out winners 9 shots to 8.

In the final the Hornhill triple took an early lead and after six ends were winning 7 - 1. The Tunstall triple took four shots on the next end and then kept the advantage by winning the remaining ends. With the score at 7 - 7 after eight ends the Tunstall triple took the last end and came out on top with a 8 shots - 7 win.

The second semi-final was between Sonia Watson and Alan Hadfield, Hornhill SMBC, where Sonia held the upper hand throughout the match to win 8 shots to 3.

In the final, where Sonia Watson became only the second female to contest the county singles final, Mark was always the stronger and won 10 - 3.

The second semi-final was between a four from Tunstall of J Lovell, D Thompsett, T Rees and H Wood playing the eventual winners, in a match that was one too far for the Tunstall four, losing 1 - 16.

In the final the Wye four were always the stronger team and won 13 - 5.

In a close competition the winners won all six matches with second place Newington a point behind, having drawn one game and then four teams finished on ten points, all having lost one game each. Full details are below:

The second semi-final was between J Vanns and P Ramsden, Downswood SMBC and G Nobbs and F Wiedeholz, Tunbury SMBC. The match was all square after 3 ends, but then the Tunbury pair drew away too finally win 9 - 3.

In the final, the Wye pair were pegged back to 4 - 4 after 6 ends having taken 3 shots on the 3^rd end. However that was the end of the fight back by the Tunbury pair and with a further 3 shots conceded on the 7^th end the Tunbury pair lost 4 - 9.

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