Surrey County Pool Association Official Website

With half the County season over, the return match against London was on and had now became the biggest match of the season so far.

The London fellas were out for revenge from their massive 29-15 loss earlier in the year against Surrey and they knew that a good win would put them back in the title race, but a loss would put an end to their 2008 season. Surrey, on the other hand, were bouncing back from a disappointing draw last month against Kent and knew that a win today, would almost certainly mean yet another Region 7 Title and equally important, another crack at the National Finals next March.

Surrey also knew that they were missing a few regular B team players like Ray Scott, Danny Evans and Andy Esgrove, to name but a few. With that said though, Surrey was able to call on their 'C' team once again, with Marc Burnett and Sean Kelly returning to the 'B's and Billy Donovan debuting in what can only be described as a baptism of fire.

The match started poorly for Surrey, losing the first two frames. Jon Leach was the first to get Surrey on the scoreboard with a nice finish along with wins from Sean Kelly, Kyle Pickett, Kevin O'Connor and Steve Johnson. At 5-5, Marc Burnett was unable to do anything, having been dished by London's Darren Baker and London took the first quarter 6-5.

Knowing that more was needed, Surrey worked hard to capilalise on any mistakes made. Matt Pisano and Billy Donovan took advantage of chances and Kevin started a four frame win streak with Steve Johnson, Marc Burnett and Martin Lambert all converting their frames to wins as well.

The match sat precariously at 11-11 at the halfway stage and frames continued to be traded backwards and forwards with Matt, Ray Duncan, Billy, Marc, Kevin and Martin winning their frames and taking the lead by one point at the 3/4 stage of the match 16-17.

London were not to be outdone and took the next four frames including a dish against Ray Duncan, pushing the score to 20-17 in their favour. Surrey had been in this same spot last month needing to dig deep and find some form and all the players felt that as much as the London team had played well, this was still Surreys match to win rather than Londons. Marc broke the London winning streak, but Bluey Noel then got dished and Billy was unable to stop his opponent as well, meaning London had at least a draw and one frame more was needed for the win. Kyle was clinical in his finish, but Stevie J just didn't get a proper chance and the match went to London. Kevin and Martin held on and won their two frames including a dish from the Captain
to keep the scoreline respectable, losing their first match of the season 23-21.

Player of the match by a long way was Kevin O'Connor who never really looked in trouble, took his time and punished the opposition when the time was right. Other special mentions should go to Marc Burnett and Martin Lambert for getting three from four and Billy Donovan for getting two from four in his debut for Surrey 'B'.

The result was very disappointing but Surrey still sit 10 points clear at the top of the table in front of London, who now have the difficult job of clawing back 11 frames from the next four matches if they want to win the Region title. With returning players for Surrey next month, that will be difficult as Surrey have their own agenda for the next few games as well.

The next match sees Surrey face Hampshire on the 10th August at the 'Home of Surrey Pool' Riley's Purley Way. If we are to secure a big win there, we need to have a full strength squad without exception and extend the 10 point lead to as many as possible.

Time will tell, see you next month.