Although Howard won this 9,1, Ark Royal can count themselves unlucky not to pick up more. Martin Birley lost two fifth leggers, 11,5 in the fifth to Alan Watson and 11,7 to  Ian Gordon. The ever reliable Scotsman has had a few fifth leg battles with Martin Birley over the years, with the Howard player coming out on top, maybe next time, the Chatham player might find a way through!.  Simon Forest was in tremndous form, losing just one leg in his mximum. Perry Oliver took a two legs to one lead over Ian Gordon, but eventually went down 11,6 in the decider. Alan Watson registered a brace and looked like he would overcome his bogey player Stuart Fritter, going two legs up, but the Chatham player rallied to win the last three legs, 11,9, 11,8, 11, 7.

Written by: David McAulay