The Harper Plate Final at the Clayton and Keymer Royal British Legion saw Hurst B and Lindfield A keep the audience on their toes right through to the fifth frame. Hurst’s Warren Marshall was in fine form when he beat John Phipps 45-16 and it took a gutsy performance by Mick O’Donnell to gain the equaliser when he outwitted the determined Kevin Myles 55-34.
Derek Carr came out with all guns blazing and opened up a healthy lead over Lindfield’s Nick Lindup. Lindup’s reputation as being a true battler to the end was proven as he ground out a great comeback winning 63-56. The pressure was now on Stacey Hancock to take Hurst into a fifth frame decider, she did not disappoint. She had a nip and tuck frame with Chris Carter and eventually secured a 71-63 win.
It was left to the experienced Bill Cope and the tantalizing performer Stuart Harsant to secure the victory in this intriguing final. It started with both players showing much respect for each other, however, Harsant commenced to fire on all cylinders to fluently win 47-16 leaving Lindfield 3-2 victors.
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