Disappointing end to season as Bognor are squashed

On paper, the visiting team were stronger and so it proved as Bognor number five George Meaby was beaten, though not without a fight, in straight games by Colin Buck 1-9, 5-9, 3-9.

Fourth string team regular Jon Burley was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet in his 7-9, 6-9, 1-9 tussle with Ian Betts, a result putting the visitors two up.

Steve Darlington at number three, one of Bognor’s success stories of the season, was surprised by his unranked opponent to lose the opening game, but quickly found his composure to ease through the next three games winning, 2-9, 9-0,9-0, 9-1 to give the home team some hope.

But it was not to be as the first and second strings were beaten in games which could have been won.

Number two Paul Butcher had the closest match of the evening, taking the first game , losing the crucial second by the closest margin, then going behind as opponent Paul Kearsley took the third.

Butcher recovered with a good fourth game to level, but did not have quite enough to seal the win as the visitor lasted better in the decider - score 9-5, 8-9, 6-9, 9-5, 5-9.

Captain Dave Meagher was up against Andrew Rolland who took the first game 9-2. Meagher really battled in the long second to secure a 9-7 win, but the come-back was short-lived as Rolland took the next two to give Storrington a 4-1 victory and 18 points to Bognor’s six.

The final match of the season will be on Friday, April 20, at 7pm at Hawthorn Road when the first team host Lancing in what could prove a title-winning evening, though Bognor are virtually assured of at least second place in Div 3 West.

Spectators are welcome - details on 865462.