LATEST MATCH REPORTS...

A disappointing away defeat against a Hampshire side who had only managed a draw in their opening 2 fixtures. London started brightly enough, taking the first set 7 v 4, with wins for Dave Rawlinson, Robbie Robb, Alex Lawrence, Nigel Smith, Glen Tingley, Jordan O'Connor and Rupert Ward.

Hampshire responded really well, playing some good stuff and making home advantage count, winning the second set 8 v 3 and the third set 6 v 5 to open up an 18 v 15 lead, but London did miss chances in these sets and also seemed a bit subdued.

Dave and Robbie won the first 2 frames of the final set to bring us within a frame of our opponents, only for Hampshire to win the next 3 frames to lead 21 v 17. London fought back really well, through Joe Prince, Nigel, Declan Kelly and Jordan, to put us level at 21 v 21 - and turn up the support level a few decibels - only to see us lose the last 2 frames to give Hampshire the win: Glen losing a tricky tactical frame after just failing to reach a cushion, and Jerry Tickell squandering a clear cut chance to secure a draw. Ouch!

We can take some positives out of this match however. Robbie did well returning to the team at short notice, Declan did very well winning 3 out of 4 on his seasonal debut for the A's, and most notably, man of the match Dave Rawlinson consolidating his spot as an opener with a really gritty 4 out of 4.

Stats:

Joe Prince 2/4
Dave Rawlinson 4/4
Robbie Robb 2/4
Alex Lawrence 2/4
Tony Gear 0/4
Nigel Smith 2/4
Declan Kelly 3/4
Jerry Tickell 1/4
Glen Tingley 2/4
Jordan O'Connor 2/4
Rupert Ward 1/4