A solid start for four Norfolk bowlers in the SMPT UK Open in Essex saw them qualify for the knock-out stages in the Cup Competition but that was as good as it got. Chris Mann won four games and lost just one to finish second in Group 32 and won his first knock-out game by 14-8 against Adam Rankin. This brought him a clash with Bronagh Toleman of North Yorks which ended in a dramatic one shot defeat for the Wymondham ace. Neil Davidson of Hempnll also won four out of five group games which left him top of Group 21. But Davidson then made a disappointing exit by 15-5 against Nick Evans of Wales. Simon Warnes of Horsford BC won Group 8 with four wins but also lost his first knock-out game by 14-10 against Nigel Nicholls. Karl Newby of Carleton Rode was second in Group 13 and won his next game by 11-9 against Saul Featherstone. But what followed was another one shot defeat for a Norfolk player as he lost 11-10 against Aled Edwards of Wales. The UK Open title was eventually won by 17 year old Alex Kley who beat Jonathan Payne of Belgium 11-9 after ditching the jack with his opening bowl on the last end of the final. The plate competition was won by Jack Rollings of England who beat Northern Ireland’s Robbie Foster 12-10. In the Shield competition John Pye of Essex beat Chris Page 14-5. The event was another huge success for the Short Mat Players Tour who continue to provide top class singles events around Europe.
17 year old Alex Kley holds the UK Open Cup (photo courtesy of SMPT)