Sheppey’s James Goldsmith, Michael Cairns, Alfie Harding and Alfie Rogers help Kent defeat Greater Manchester to retain under-18 national pool title

Four players from Sheppey played their part in another triumph for Kent’s under-18 pool squad.

James Goldsmith, from Minster, Michael Cairns, of Warden Bay, and Alfie Harding and Alfie Rogers, both from Sheerness, helped Kent retain the national title they won last year with a 19-14 win over Greater Manchester at Pontins in Pakefield, Suffolk.

The four play their pool at Sheerness’ Neptune Sports Lounge.

They were part of a nine-person squad that qualified as one of the top 16 counties in the country. Kent’s opponents en route to the Final were Derbyshire, Essex and West Midlands and each game consisted of the best of 36 frames, so first to 19 or the possibility of an 18-18 draw in which case a three-player play-off decided the result.

Kent beat Derbyshire 19-5 before edging Essex 20-18 after a play-off. A 19-11 success over West Midlands secured a showdown with Greater Manchester, who led 10-4 after 14 frames.

The team regrouped, though, and dropped just five of the next 19 frames to keep the trophy.

James, Michael and the two Alfies thanked Charlie Minta and Carl Jones at Neptune Sports Lounge for the support and opportunities the club give them and many other juniors.