A reasonable crowd for a Tuesday - largely due to the 2nd team match following - saw the long-awaited grudge rematch from two years ago of Pete 'Wings' Sykes, whose career is about to take off to Paris, and David Falconer, who has a great future on the Over 50s scene.
Just as well it wasn't Par 11 American scoring, as there were 22 Hi/Hos before the score reached 3-all in the first game. David then stretched a small lead to 8-6 thanks to his usual early sharpness, and a few rusty tins from Pete who appeared to be just below his best fighting condition. However, Pete nicked four points in a row with maybe a small amount of good fortune to take the game 10-8.
The importance of that squeak home was emphasised as David raced through the 2nd game 9-1 with barely any resistance from Pete. It would take a change of shirt and maybe a change of tactics to stop the flow away from Pete, as David at 3-0 up in the third looked the fitter and a better bet for the longer distance. Again Pete dredged his memory for touch and tricks - a triple boast screw lob smash didn't trouble David too much, but may have signalled Pete's new determination. Six points on the spin for Pete to 6-3, before David pulled him back to 5-6. David not quite so accurate with his early takes and drops; Pete fewer tins and harder ball striking. So 9-6 in the 4th to Pete; 2-1 up in games. And the trend continued in the 4th game - Pete doing just enough to keep his nose in front, one or two errors from David and maybe a half yard less pace. As they say, only a sheet of Bronco between them, but 9-5 to Pete marked the changing of the guard on the Honours board at KPSC.
Mark Johnson of Sevenoaks Sleepers present the winner's bowl and cup to Pete Sykes (England Hockey) and the Runner Up's Bowl to David Falconer (Kent Over 50s)