05 September 2023 13:00:00 Posted By Luton

Last Updated: 05 September 2023 21:09:00

SP Blacks 4-6 The New Zealand

The New Zealand won the Summer League for the third time this week, adding to their successes in 2016 and 2019, with a 6-4 win over rivals SP Blacks.

Andy Taylor got SP Blacks off to a winning start in the first frame, but the match was soon level after The New Zealand captain Larry Baker win the second frame. Both players in the first two frames capitalised on their opponents missing a black ball before claiming the frame wins.

SP Blacks were again ahead after the third frame, this time it was Mike Chappell that gave SP Blacks the narrow lead.

The New Zealand then took control of the Final, winning the next three frames through Brian Keeble, Mark Frost and Ade Lansdown to open up a 4-2 lead after the first half of frames.

In to the second half, it was time for some of the first half winners to play again, and win again, as Mike Chappell won his second of the night to make it 4-3, before Larry Baker also won his second of the match to restore the 2-frame advantage at 5-3, after another missed black ball shot.

Needing all remaining frames, SP Blacks were under pressure, but a win for Peter Ward kept them in the match for one more frame, but Dennis Walton potted the final black in frame 10 to wrap up the 6-4 victory, and also win the Summer League for The New Zealand.

MOST WINS

The New Zealand captain Larry Baker added Most Wins to the team's victory in the Final, as his two wins in the Final took him three wins clear of his closest rival, ending the season with 18 wins and only two losses. Troy Brett of SP Blacks finished in second place in the stats with a win record of 15-1, followed by SP Bullets pair Jarrad Cross and James Connor, who finished on 14-5 and 12-3 respectively. The top 5 was rounded off by Kyle O'Brien of The Vic Club, who ended on 12-4.

1) Larry Baker (The New Zealand) 18-2 (90.00%)

2) Troy Brett (SP Blacks) 15-1 (93.75%)

3) Jarrad Cross (SP Bullets) 14-5 (73.68%)

4) James Connor (SP Bullets) 12-3 (80.00%)

5) Kyle O'Brien (The Vic Club) 12-4 (75.00%)