MATCH REPORTS...

Since London has a large squad, I'm used to having to give the bad news that a player(s) might not get a game, this time however we just about managed to get a full squad with a little help from the B team.

We had a tentative start staying just ahead at 6 -5 in the first set, however once we settled in with our new team mates we raced ahead with winning run of 8 to take set 2 by 10 frames to 1! Taking the score to 16-6.

In set 3 out came the Kully sweets and Tony was eager as usual to get his share which he justly deserved winning 3 out of 4 games and only losing to a break dish. However, even with the sweets we could only manage just losing the set 5-6. This meant London were tantalisingly close to winning with the score at 21-12, well done Hampshire for not giving up after the half way mark!

In set 4 after having been rudely awoken by a great performance from Hampshire, we put our game face on and took a total of 10 games in a row (2 from the previous set) including another break dish from Jordan "feast or famine" Kennedy! With a 10-1 in the final set the score ended 30 -14. With great performances and winning all their games (break dish aside), Kully Ross and Tony get Men of the match; Well done guys. Special mention to Peter "fairy tale" Pan for 3 out of 4, and staying 2 ahead of number 2 for the county C team player rankings with 14 wins out of 16.

Hampshire C (Home) v London C Match synopsis

Set 1: Hampshire C 5-6 London C
Set 2: Hampshire C 1-10 London C
Set 3: Hampshire C 6-5 London C
Set 4: Hampshire C 2-9 London C

Stats

Jordan Kennedy 2/4
Ross Dawkes 4/4
Andre Cox 2/4
Shane O'Reilly 2/4
Tony McDowell 3/4
Steve Burke 2/4
Kulvinder Bath 4/4
Rob Cork 2/4
Peter Panayiotou 3/4
Dave Hall 3/4
Matt Holroyd. 3/4
Jeremy Ruffer ----

We lost this fixture last year and when Hampshire won the opening set of this year's renewal 7 v 4 a repeat looked a distinct possibility.

However this London team has progressed since then and we battled to win the second set 7 v 4 to level the score by halftime before pushing on with an 8 v 3 win in the third set. Hampshire fought back, taking the last set 6 v 5 but London had already done enough to win the match.

Not a performance to remember and we'll need to play better at home to Berkshire this month, but we did come away from it with another 3 points and 4 wins out of 4 so far this season.

Good 3 out of 4's for Joe Prince, Alex Lawrence and Dave Fernandez but man of the match for me was captain Jack Pople with a hard earned 4 out of 4, including the winning frame.

Stats:
Joe Prince 3/4
Dave Rawlinson 2/4
Alex Lawrence 3/4
Nigel Clarke 2/4
Nigel Smith 2/4
Dave Fernandez 3/4
Jack Pople 4/4
Jerry Tickell 1/4
Robbie Robb 1/4
Andy Breen 1/4
Rupert Ward 2/4

Having made our longest trip of the season to Basingstoke, an abundance of availability presented Captain Clayton with a selection dilemma. After some tough decisions the B's were left with several players with A team experience, giving us the confidence of getting a good result against our Hampshire counterparts.

Early signs were positive as Hobbis, O'Connor, Kelly and Gear reversed our unwelcome trend of starting slowly to put us 4-0 up. Further wins from Lawrence, Clayton, Coppen and Francis allowed us to open up an 8-3 lead at the end of the first set.

The second set began in similar fashion with Kelly securing his first break-dish for London County; this, sadly, was as good as it got for a while, as we remarkably lost the next NINE frames. Hewson reduced the deficit to 2 as we went in 12-10 down at the halfway stage.

A mid-match pep talk from Vice-Captain Gayler increased the energy and noise levels from our side but this didn't translate to a numerical comeback. Losing 3 of the first 4 frames in the third set left us with a big mountain to climb, as Hampshire pushed further ahead to go into the last set 18-15 to the good.

The arrival of the fashionably-late (now come on, that's pushing it a bit) Bacon aside, the fourth set followed a similar pattern. After the first 8 frames were shared, the win was secured in frame 42 as Hampshire eventually completed a 24-20 victory.

Outstanding performances came from Clayton, Hobbis and Hewson, all of whom finished with 3/4, while Kelly could be happy with the aforementioned BD. Unfortunately, our overall disappointment at the result overshadowed these successes as we reflected on the day.

Still, onwards and upwards! Still in a good position in the standings and still determined to repeat the dose we delivered at regional champion Berkshire's celebration party last year when we welcome them to London next month. With Clayton and Gayler both missing, the onus will be on those remaining to give them something else to smile about from their sun loungers!

A massive turnout for our second home match with 40 players out of 43 turning up, this meant that the C team had to have 6 subs and that didn’t even include Jeremy!

Kent started very well winning the first set 7 to 4 and then also won the 2nd set 6 to 5 with some impressive plays, but London were not done and took the most important set 3 with a 7 – 4. This left us behind just one point at 16 – 17 for the final set.

We had a great run of 7 in a row in the final set to take the lead but Kent stood firm and won the last 3 frames to level the match at 22 – 22, The team performed exceptionally well coming from behind for the first time to end finishing level.

This time last year Kent beat London at our place 27 – 17, and we returned the favour at their place winning 26 -18. Last year we lost 3 home games in a row at the start of the season, and only 1 game away all season. This year we have not lost home or away and sit at the top of the table, so we are in the best position to take the title. COME ON LONDON.

Man of the match has to go the very reliable Ben Macintosh, what a great player he is  Also a shout out to Peter Pan who is the current leader of the rankings with a very impressive 11/12, could we have the top ranked player and the region; I think so, what ya saying London, let’s do this!

London C (Home) v Kent C Match synopsis

Set 1 London C 4 - 7 Kent C
Set 2 London C 5 - 6 Kent C
Set 3 London C 7 - 4 Kent C
Set 4 London C 6 - 5 Kent C

Stats
Ross Dawkes 2/4
Shane O'Reilly 2/4
Dean Daley 0/2
Mehmet Tango 1/3
Peter Panayiotou 3/4
Jordan Kennedy 3/4
Tony McDowell 3/4
Ben McIntosh 3/4
Steve Burke 0/2
Bruno Silva 2/4
Kulvinder Bath 1/4
Matt Holroyd 1/2
Dave Hall 1/1
Dan Heinink 0/2

Sadly another defeat for the London Seniors.

For the third time this year we have failed to get out of the starting gates being the wrong side of 2-8 at the end of the second set.

The London old boys rallied in the third winning 3-2 and again in the fourth 4-1.

Going into the final set it everything was attainable being down only two frames at 9-11.

Unfortunately we were unable to capitalise and take our chances losing the last 1-4.

Clearly we are able to win sets but need to find more consistency.

Paul Dawson 3/5
Paul Gafa 1/5
George Hutchinson 1/3
Joe Kane 2/3
Martin Storey 0/2
Pete Thomas 3/5
Peter Wells 0/2

This game produced so many quality moments, it’s difficult to focus on them all. Most importantly, every player contributed at least one frame and we kept the unbeaten run going. Oh, and we’re top of the league. Bosh


Set 1

Traditional slow starters London B appeared to have turned the corner by flying into a 3-0 lead including convincing finishes from Danny & Rob. However, Kent found form which London couldn’t match for the next 7 frames and only Mickey’s win saved us from facing a daunting deficit.

London B 4-7 Kent B


Set 2

A tough set followed as Kent continued to grind frames out but vital finishes from Connor, Jack & Adam kept us within striking distance. Will’s rousing mid-frame speeches ensured focus never dropped and this talented bunch were about to kick into gear in a major way.

London B 6-5 Kent B


Set 3

This was one of the finest sets of pool I’ve ever been part of. Kent’s momentum was blown to smithereens as they couldn’t live with the relentless finishing. Six consecutive frames (inspired by a ferocious Moffat roar after his clearance), including big wins for Griffindor & Andre, were followed by another impressive performance from Connor. The captain’s victory to close out the set ensured that London were five ahead, needing only 4 more for the win.

London B 9 (yes, nine!) – 2 Kent B


Set 4

Closing out a match is never simple and Kent played well to bring the scores to within one before Ryan won a huge frame. Once again the pressure was on the tail and Will ‘The Power’ Gayler showed that class is permanent by taking the penultimate frame. In this set we proved that when we’re not hitting the heights such as in set 3, we have enough ability & talent to get over the line. Every single member of this team should be proud of what we’ve achieved so far this season.

London B 5-6 Kent B (Overall 24-20)


A special mention for Mehmet & Shane who represented the C team and who I’m sure will get the opportunity to show their quality for the Bs again in the very near future.

There was another impressive performance from Chris Hobbis who moved up to the As and won 3 out of 4. Chris is in terrific form and has lost only 3 frames all season.

It has been mentioned by a number of London squad members how well the younger players such as Connor, Tony & Jack have adapted to life in the Bs. The spirit in this team is exceptional and the support offered by everyone regardless of winning or losing a frame ensures we remain a strong, content unit.

Man of the match goes to Connor Hewson. Nerves of steel at crucial points in the match and produced some amazing pots. Well done!

Connor 3/4
Rob 3/4
Mickey 3/4
Danny 2/4
Jack 2/4
Ryan 2/4
Adam 2/4
Tony 1/4
Andre 1/4
Will 1/4
Dec 4/4


Deckers

An important home win against a decent Kent side and generally a good performance, though we could perhaps have hoped to win by a slightly wider margin.

We shaded the first set 6 v 5 and then put in a really good second set, winning it 8 v 3 with a run of 7 consecutive frames, for a 14 v 8 half time lead.

Kent then came right back at us, winning the third set 7 v 4 to halve our lead to 3 frames. They then won the last set 6 v 5 but London had already done enough for the win, Chris Hobbis securing the 3 points in frame 39.

Another good 3 out of 4 for Chris in his second match for the A's, consecutive 3 out of 4's for Jack Pople and a welcome 3 out of 4 for Robbie Robb after a difficult couple of matches.

Man of the match goes to Joe Prince for a very good, composed 4 out of 4.

Stats:
Dave Rawlinson 2/4
Joe Prince 4/4
Alex Lawrence 1/4
Tony Gear 1/4
Rupert Ward 1/4
Chris Hobbis 3/4
Nigel Smith 1/4
Jack Pople 3/4
Andy Breen 1/4
Robbie Robb 3/4
Jerry Tickell 2/4

The second game of the year looked a little more promising than our previous disaster and we were at least respectable in the first set trailing by only one with the score at 3-2 to the visitors with Paul Gafa and Peter Wells notching up wins.

Dread set in again after losing the second set 4 - 1 with only Paul Dawson registering a win and it was starting to look like a repeat performance from last time with unhappy consequences for the seniors leaving us trailing 7-3.

However, like a phoenix rising from the ashes the London boys suddenly started potting some balls!

We won the third set 4 - 1

We won the fourth set 3-2

Going into the final set we were all square at 10 - 10.

With yours truly notching up a win in the first frame we were ahead! 11-10

We could smell victory...

Alas it was not to be this time, we lost the next four and were defeated 14 - 11

Still a massive improvement from our first match and we proved the new team is competing at the right level. Only a matter of time until we get our first win under our belts.

Man of the match has to go to the injured Paul Dawson for hobbling around the table double quick time and not incurring a time foul.

Paul Dawson 3/5
Paul Gafa 3/5
Joe Kane 0/2
Martin Storey 1/5
Pete Thomas 3/5
Peter Wells 1/3

WELL DONE LADIES! What a great follow up to our first game, with a 30-14 win.

We took the first set 8-3, which help set up the momentum for the rest of the game, the second set was slightly closer at 7-4, by then the whole team was buzzing, we knew we was on for a really good win if we could just keep it up, and keep it up we did winning the third set 8-3, by then we had won the game but that didn't stop us, we won the last set 7-4 to make it a fantastic result!!

Everyone played amazing, with most of the team winning 3/4, well done Michaela winning 4/4 again, keep it up girl England's calling! Player of the match goes to Kelly, well done newbie!

If we keep up the excellent play, we will be region champs!!

Next game is Kent, we all know what needs to be done, but for once I think we have the skills to back it up as well as the mental attitude to take them, so COME ON LONDON LET'S 'AV IT!!!!!


Ange
Ladies Captain

Last season the C team were great at winning away but kept losing at home, I am very glad to say that we have learned from our mistakes and we have bonded early resulting in this win, we are already supporting each other and keeping spirits high throughout the game.

We struggled to get going with bad runs throughout the match. However, we kept our heads focused on the task ahead and won the first two sets 6 -5 taking the score to 12-10.

Then along came Jordan to replace Dean and dished up in the first game of the third set, but alas our chances were few and far between and we ended up losing the third set 5-6 but still leading 17-16.

The Final set was very tantalising with Sussex levelling up at 18-18, then along came unbeaten this season Peter Pan to take us back into the lead. This started a spurt of wins with a couple of slip ups as we ended the match a good 24-20 win.

Man of the match has to go to the fairytale start that is Peter Pan with 8 out of 8 so far, can he make 3 out of 3 MOTMs. Our next match is again Home versus Kent on 10th April, so get practising and remember to up the noise meter in the third set.. COME ON LONDON...


London C (Home) v Sussex C Match synopsis

Set 1 London C 6 – 5 Sussex C
Set 2 London C 6 – 5 Sussex C
Set 3 London C 5 – 6 Sussex C
Set 4 London C 7 – 4 Sussex C

Stats

Dean Daley 0/2
Ross Dawkes 3/4
George Hammond 2/4
Peter Panayiotou 4/4
Tony McDowell 3/4
Glen Hargreaves 0/2
Matt Holroyd 1/4
Kulvinder Bath 2/4
Steve Burke 2/4
Bruno Silva 2/4
Ben McIntosh 3/4
Jordan Kennedy 1/2
Dave Hall 1/2

After an away win at Surrey and a semi final appearance at the National Finals we went into this match in a confident mood and raced into a 7 v 2 lead. We lost the last two frames of the set but even so at 7 v 4 a wide margin home win looked the most likely outcome.

Sussex clearly had other ideas. They won the next two sets, both 6 v 5, reducing our half time lead to 12 v 10 and then to just a single frame going into the last set. They played pretty well to get themselves right back in the match but in truth we threw away quite a few frames.

The last set was better from London and we shaded it 6 v 5, and the match 23 v 21, but will need to be much sharper if we're to beat Kent at home next month.

Another 3 out of 4 for Dave Fernandez and 3 out of 4 for returning captain Jack Pople, but man of the match goes to Nigel Clarke for a very impressive 3 out of 4 after enduring a tough time last month.

Stats:

Dave Rawlinson 2/4
Joe Prince 2/4
Alex Lawrence 2/4
Nigel Clarke 3/4
Rupert Ward 2/4
Dave Fernandez 3/4
Nigel Smith 2/4
Jack Pople 3/4
Jordan O'Connor 2/4
Andy Breen 1/4
Robbie Robb 0/2

Jerry Tickell 1/2