Mixed bag for the Hammers, but the C’s show up, B’s battle back, and the Ladies take the spoils in a close encounter away to Berkshire.
Berkshire Open ‘A’ 20-16 Hampshire Open ‘A’
Hampshire Open ‘A’ lost their unbeaten record after a difficult start saw the match slip away from their grasp.
The opening two sets proved decisive. Hampshire picked up just four frames before the halfway point, with wins coming from George Bennett, Gareth Harris, Daniel Hemphill and John Heredge. Despite creating opportunities, Hampshire found themselves trailing 14-4 at the break and facing a huge mountain to climb.
To their credit, the Hampshire response was outstanding, the 3rd set saw the visitors produce some of their best pool of the day, winning seven of the nine frames. Ryan Houston, Daniel Hemphill, Wayne Lee Buckland, Mick Warner, Rubin Ball, George Bennett and John Heredge all got on the scoresheet as Hampshire suddenly found momentum and belief.
The final set was evenly contested. Hampshire added to the scoreline through Ryan Houston, Wayne Lee Buckland, Mick Warner, Rubin Ball and John Heredge, but were unable to make further significant inroads. Nevertheless, winning 10 of the final 18 frames was a strong response after the difficult start.
While Hampshire will undoubtedly be disappointed with the result, there are plenty of positives to take from the match. The character shown after falling 14-4 behind was exceptional and they still sit in a great position after the halfway stage of the season.
Player of the Match: John Heredge
Berkshire Open ‘B’ 18-18 Hampshire Open ‘B’
Neil Brooker’s Hampshire Open ‘B’ produced a superb second-half recovery to earn an 18-18 draw away to Berkshire after finding themselves under pressure at the midway stage.
The hosts made the stronger start, edging the opening set 5-4. Hampshire’s wins came from Liam Cheverton, Callum Russell, Philip Percy and Oliver Davies, keeping the visitors within touching distance despite Berkshire taking the set.
Berkshire backed that up with an excellent second set, claiming it 7-2 to move into a commanding position. Liam Cheverton and Philip Percy secured Hampshire’s only points of the set as the home side stretched their advantage.
Berkshire made a great start to the third set, taking 3 of the first 4 to go 15-7 up, but thanks to victories from Neil Brooker, Philip Percy, Callum Russell, Liam Cheverton and David Howes, Hampshire closed the cap to 16-11. That momentum continued into the final set as Hampshire produced their strongest spell of the match. Callum Russell got them off to the perfect start, but when Berks went 18-12 up, Adam Wadmore, Philip Percy, David Howes, Liam Cheverton, Nick Chilton, and Oliver Davies produced a superb comeback to salvage a share of the spoils.
Player of the Match: Liam Cheverton
Berkshire Open ‘C’ 13-23 Hampshire Open ‘C’
Hampshire ‘C’s continued their campaign in impressive fashion with a well-earned 23-13 away victory over Berkshire C, producing a solid all-round performance.
Richard Clarke’s side started well, claiming the opening set 5-4. Fraizer Miller got Hampshire on the board as they took 3 of the first 4 with victories from Phil Capel and Peter Hopkins. Berks got one back, but the Xander Carter grabbed another. Berks rallied again but James Hammond took the final frame to edge Hants into the lead.
The second set proved to be just as closely contested as Berkshire fought back well. Hampshire picked up valuable frames through Phil Capel, Xander Carter, Marc Anderson and a returning Sam Edwards, but the match was finely poised as it ended 9-9 at the haflway.
Hampshire regained the initiative in the third set with a series of important victories. Josh Buckland opened his account before Callum McDougall-Bell, Phil Capel, Xander Carter and Peter Hopkins all added further points. Richard Clarke rounded off the set with a hard-fought win over Paul Hart, giving Hampshire a 3 point lead going into the final set.
The final set needed a good start and the excellent Sam Edwards and Josh Buckland both completed unbeaten afternoons. Richard Clarke added a second win of the day, and further victories from the superb Xander Carter, Peter Hopkins, Callum McDougall-Bell, and Marc Anderson saw Hampshire take the final set 7-2 and claim a brilliant victory.
Player of the Match: Xander Carter
Richard Clarke, Open ‘C’ Captain: A superb performance from everyone. Our first trip outside of the Academy and the lads made it seem like a home game. Man for man they were superb. Sam Edwards delivered 2 crucial frames. Josh Buckland finally broke his duck, and there were some clutch frames from Big Fraz, Cal, Hammo, Ando and Pete; not to mention the VC. But the day belonged to young Xander who has grown in stature over the last few games, and thoroughly deserved back to back awards.
Berkshire Female 5-23 Hampshire Female ‘A’
Kirsty Warner’s Hampshire Ladies A turned in a dominant away performance against Berkshire, running out convincing 23-5 winners after controlling the match from the opening frame.
The visitors could not have asked for a better start, recording a magnificent 7-0 whitewash in the opening set. Wins from Sue Fletcher, Sharon Tuckwell, Kirsty Warner, Hayley Desmond, Catherine Vane, Aimee Firkins and Chloe White gave Hampshire immediate control of the fixture and put Berkshire on the back foot.
Berkshire finally got on the scoreboard in the second set, but Hampshire continued to dictate proceedings. Rachael Micallef, Catherine Vane, Sharon Tuckwell, Hayley Desmond, Vicki Turner and Chloe White all secured victories as Hampshire claimed the set 6-1 and extended their lead to 13-1 overall.
The third set was Berkshire’s best spell of the match, with the hosts picking up two frames. However, Hampshire remained firmly in charge through wins from Rachael Micallef, Sharon Tuckwell, Hayley Desmond, Vicki Turner and Chloe White, securing another 5-2 set victory.
Hampshire completed the job in the final set. Despite Berkshire adding two more points to their tally, successes for Sue Fletcher, Rachael Micallef, Sharon Tuckwell, Hayley Desmond and Chloe White ensured another 5-2 set win, wrapping up an emphatic 23-5 overall success.
Several Hampshire players enjoyed outstanding evenings. Chloe White was unbeatable, winning all four of her matches, while Sharon Tuckwell, Hayley Desmond and Rachael Micallef also maintained perfect records. Sue Fletcher finished with three wins from four matches, while Catherine Vane and Vicki Turner made valuable contributions in a comprehensive team performance!
Berkshire Female 13-15 Hampshire Female ‘B’
Hampshire Ladies B returned home with a hard-earned 15-13 victory over Berkshire after a closely contested encounter that swung back and forth throughout the afternoon.
The visitors made an excellent start, taking the opening set 5-2. Wins from Nickie Boyd, Ashleigh Turner, Dani Sutherland, Shelly Harrington and Su Kirkland gave Hampshire early control put them on the front foot.
Berkshire hit back in the second set, claiming five of the seven frames. Hampshire’s only successes came through Captain Nickie Boyd and Shelly Harrington, allowing the home side to level the match at 7-7 overall.
The third set proved pivotal as Hampshire regained momentum. Victories from Nickie Boyd, Kelly Butler, Su Kirkland and Dani Sutherland secured a 4-3 set win, nudging Hampshire back in front heading into the final set.
Holding a slender 11-10 lead, Hampshire showed great composure in the closing stages. Nickie Boyd, Shelly Harrington, Ashleigh Turner registered wins, and with the match on the line, up stepped Dani Sutherland to deliver the win and seal an impressive 15-13 overall victory on the road.
Player of the Match: Nickie Boyd
Female ‘B’ Captain, Nickie Boyd: A nail-biting match from start to finish! Berkshire pushed us all the way but wins for Ashleigh and Shelly put us back in front before Dani held her nerve in the final frame to secure the victory and our third win of the season. Proud of every player. What a team!
Berkshire Seniors 15-13 Hampshire Seniors
Hampshire Seniors suffered a narrow 15-13 defeat away to Berkshire after an entertaining contest that ebbed and flowed throughout the evening.
The visitors found themselves on the back foot from the outset as Berkshire took control of the opening set, winning 5-2. Only Richard Swaffield and Ryan Houston registered frame wins.
The second set was much closer and Hampshire responded well, claiming three valuable points through Richard Swaffield, who produced a superb break-and-dish, along with victories from John Heredge and Ryan Houston. However, Berkshire edged the set 4-3, extending their lead and leaving Hampshire with work to do.
To their credit, Hampshire produced their best pool of the night in the third set. Outstanding wins from Richard Swaffield, Kev Vane, John Heredge, Ryan Houston and Mick Warner secured a dominant 5-2 set victory, reducing the deficit and bringing Hampshire right back into contention heading into the final set.
With the match finely poised, the opening frames of the final set were shared, and with the score sat at 12-11 to Berks, they took the next 3 to seal the win, and even though Ryan Houston and John Heredge took the last two, it was a first defeat of the season for Mark Benzey’s side.
Player of the Match: Richard Swaffield & Ryan Houston
Berkshire Masters 19-9 Hampshire Masters
Hampshire Masters faced a tough challenge on the road against Berkshire Masters, eventually going down 19-9 despite showing plenty of fight throughout the fixture.
The opening set was closely contested, with Hampshire staying in touch thanks to victories from David Howes, Tony Stone, and Antony Buss, leaving Berkshire with a narrow 4-3 set advantage.
Berkshire increased their lead in the second set. Wins from Antony Buss and Tony Stone were the only rewards for Hampshire as the hosts took the set 5-2 to move into a commanding position overall.
Hampshire responded well in the third set through Antony Buss, Jimmy Ely, and David Howes to keep Hampshire competitive. However, Berkshire edged the set 4-3, maintaining control of the match.
The fourth and final set proved decisive. Berkshire capitalised on their momentum and claimed six of the seven frames. David Howes recorded Hampshire’s sole success of the set, but the home side closed out a convincing 6-1 set win to complete a 19-9 overall victory.
Player of the Match: Anthony Buss
