08/02/2026
Great turn out for the Nicholas Bennett yesterday.
Thanks to Nigel, Becky for organising and for Julie keeping everyone fed and watered.
As the day wore on and some excellent matches, the cream started to rise to the top.
The Plate Final was contested between, two mature members after them both vanquishing younger opposition, in their semi final matches. It proved a step too far for a resurgent Jim Bloomfield, when Andy Rolf put him to the sword. Andy won convincingly in the end.
The Main Final saw the younger and better looking Chaplin brother and two times champion Jason Chaplin, (the first time he won this tournament, Caspar wasn’t even born) roll back the years and blast his way into the final. Caspar Bloomfield booked his place in the final after scraping through with 1 point advantage to James Dyer in their semi match.
The “Big Nasty” started strongly, after much trash talk but didn’t have the minerals to stay with the previous youngest ever winner and like in 2008 when Steve Bartlett beat him in that final, this one went the same way.
Our 2026 Nicholas Bennett Champion was Caspar Bloomfield.
Thanks to all those that supported this event and the members that went into Broadstairs and celebrated until well past many of their bed times.
I do worry about Master Bloomfield choice of celebration drink, in Harpers…..