Gareth Hobby won the Charity One Ball Southern final

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Phil Davies (Consolation) Gareth Hobby (Winner) Cliff Hunter (RU)

The Surbiton regional final was contested by 40 players who had come through their club heats.

The day was run as a 6 round knockout with a consolation flexible swiss. 16 players contesting the first round whilst the other 24 played a swiss game before joining the winners of Round 1 to complete a straight 32 player knockout.

After 3 rounds a delicious lunch was provided by George with his able helpers Monica, Val and Jo whilst Martin managed the bar.

Luckily the threatened rain did not materialise and the 3 remaining rounds were played in the dry - albeit with an increasing overcast sky and a cold wind blowing.

The final was contested by Cliff Hunter of Surbiton and Gareth Hobby of Caversham. Cliff got off to a good start, running hoop 1 with his first shot. However, Gareth's steady play meant that he eased into the lead without having to use his 2 bisques. From being behind, Cliff had to try and hit in to regain the advantage but a few narrow misses enabled Gareth to increase his lead, use his bisques wisely and to run out the winner 13:7 winning the crystal trophy.

In the consolation event, for those not reaching the quarter final, David Fuller, Ludolph van Hasselt and Phil Davies all remained unbeaten after having been knocked out of the main event. As they had not played each other it was a straight - nearest the peg decider which was won by Phil Davies.

Overall, 110 games were played, Andy's computer held up with the complexities of manging the swiss alongside the knockout and all the players were miraculously all in the right place at the right time to play the scheduled games.

Many thanks to Andy Dibben for managing a big field of players. An excellent day, generously hosted by Surbiton CC and enjoyed by all.