Kent Duo Win National Pairs Title for the First Time

Match Report – Friday 10th April 2026, Melton Mowbray

Kent’s Danny Hogben and Michael Doorey produced a superb day of bowls at Melton Mowbray, making history by becoming the first Kent pair ever to win the National Pairs Championship.

Group Stage Performance

The pair started strongly in their group, securing two wins from three matches to finish top of the group and progress to the knockout stages.

• Match 1: 10–8 win vs Paul Bax & John Pye (Essex)

• Match 2: 11–5 win vs Katie Mason & Martin Watts (Northamptonshire)

• Match 3: 9–11 loss vs Colin Sowden & Paul Weeks (Devon)

Their consistency and shot difference ensured they advanced as group winners.

Knockout Stages

Last 32

10–4 win vs Shirley Cox & Becci Cox (Herefordshire) A confident performance saw the Kent pair move safely into the last 16.

Last 16

11–6 win vs Andy Carr & Adam Smith (Cheshire) Another strong showing, booking their place in the quarter-finals.

Quarter-Finals

10–3 win vs Adam Easthope & Nathan Caines (West Midlands) Dominant from start to finish, Hogben and Doorey powered into the semi-finals.

Semi-Finals

9–8 win vs Calum Beale & Emily Thomas (Dorset) A tense, high‑quality match edged by the Kent duo, securing their place in the national final.

The Final – Making Kent History

Final

10–5 win vs AJ Pye & Jack Pye (Norfolk)

Hogben and Doorey delivered a composed and clinical performance in the final, overcoming the highly experienced Norfolk pairing to claim the National Pairs title.

This victory marks a historic first for Kent, with the county lifting the National Pairs trophy for the very first time.

Congratulations

A huge congratulations to Danny Hogben and Michael Doorey on an outstanding achievement and a truly memorable day for Kent bowls.