Cliff just edged this encounter, with maximums from Alan Longhurst & Phil Thomas. The latter's first match against Jamie Somerset started quite slow going 4 points down, before winning nine successive points to take it 11,7. then the Chatham played roared back to take the seond 11,4, before the class of the Cliff player showed through, to win in 4. Alan Longhurst against Martin Birley is always a terrific match, and this was no exception, the Chatham player edging the first 11,9, before the Cliff player got into his stride to win in four.
Skippy started well against Stuart Fritter, going into a lead, but luck was against him, losing the first 11,9, then confidence stated to drain, and  he should have stayed at home!.