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The final of the Noel Bruce has produced many close and exciting matches over the years, played to packed galleries. Unfortunately this seasons renewal did not live up to expectations. Ben Bomford was the only player who consistently produced his best form, his steadiness proving an admirable foil for the sporadic brilliance of his partner Mark Hubbard. Although World Champion Harry Foster and Charlie Danby were below their best they were still too strong for the Malvern pair, winning by four games to two 15/8,9/15,15/3,15/8,15/18,15/9.

The first game won by Harrow 15/8, set the pattern for the rest of the match, a lot of serving onto the back wall, unforced errors from all the players and the occasional brilliant rally to enliven a disappointingly sparsely attended gallery.

The second game saw a more consistent performance from Malvern, leading throughout 5/1 then 11/2 and staving off Harrows fightback to 9/11 to take the game in their next hand 15/9.

photo Nicky Monina

Foster and Danby came back strongly to take the third game 15/3 only needing two turns in the box, going to 10/3 in their first hand putting Hubbard and Bomford out for no score and then taking the game in their next hand. The fourth game was closer and produced some good rallies but still too many balls on the back wall and over hitting and false strokes. Harrow should have taken the fifth game taking a 13/11 lead but Bomford and Hubbard forced a set to five and although they went 0/2 down in the set they then won the game in one taking all five points in one hand.

In what proved to be the final game Malvern took an early lead before foster in familiar fashion imposed himself on the match going from 2/8 down to 13/8 in one hand. Danby was put out pointless, but Malvern were only able to score one more point before Harrow got back in and took the game 15/9 and with it the match.

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