LATEST MATCH REPORTS...

After defeat in Berks and a draw in Hants, the Cs were hoping to get back to winning ways, knowing that a win - either here or in the last game at Kent - would clinch the title. Surrey are always tough but most people felt this was the better chance, at home. However, Surrey exploited all our frailties and we played some pretty sloppy stuff to go down to a relatively easy defeat, which means the title is now back in our hands, but we must beat Kent in Chatham.

We traded frames in the first quarter, which we edged 6-5. In fact, that seemed like quite a result given that we looked like we could lose it quite heavily. It's hard to believe we actually won that quarter, but once we did, I think the general feeling was that we couldn't get any worse, and we would start to assert our authority on the match. Sadly, that's not what happened. Although we did briefly extend our lead, Surrey caught up with us and began to put a streak together, something we were unable to do. They won the second quarter 8-3 and we never made up the deficit. They won the third and fourth quarters both by 7-4 scores.

Andre Cox and Richard Chapman both kept their heads to win 3/4. Other than those two, nobody really performed. Danish and Paul Dawson both got 2/4 (Paul winning his first frame despite uncharacteristically missing countless chances), while Baz, Lee, Mark Hester, Booney, Mopster and Will Gayler all scraped 1/4. I got 0/2 and was so disgusted with my second frame I handed the spot to reserve player Rob Hearn who responded with 1/2. Once again, there were a few disappointing no-shows.

Hopefully we can finally settle this in Chatham. We've had one hand on the trophy, so let's not let it slip away from us now. It will be hard, but we can do it. We just have to believe but not take anything for granted, take our chances and avoid those ever-present last-shot mistakes.

On a brighter note, Andre's 3/4 confirms that he will end the season as the top player in the C division, following on from Paul last year. He is now five clear with only a possible four to play. Well done to him - that earns him man of the match in my view.

The Doctor