TWO years ago Neil Smith came agonisingly close to breaking the Westlecot men’s unwanted record of never having supplied a national indoor champion since the club opened in 1983.

He was beaten at Gunstan Hall, Suffolk, in the Champion of Champions final by current England international Nicky Brett.

The 42-year-old is looking to go one better this year at Warners Leisure, Lakeside, Hayling Island.

Smith, the Area 16 winner, reached the last 16 with a hard fought 21-15 success over Area 14 champion Michael Knight (West Berks, Newbury), in the inter-area final at Oxford and District IBC.

“I am really looking forward to it,” said Smith. “I haven’t had the best of times recently with my dad’s death. I have not been playing well and lost a few matches that I should have possibly won.

“But, the last week I have been getting back into the old routine, getting my head around things and starting to play a lot better.

“The confidence is coming back and I am hoping to do well and go one better than last time.”

Smith previously eliminated Debroy Gregory (Nailsea) 21-4 in the Area 16 final, defeated Andy Moore (Christie Miller, Melksham) in the area semi-final and Steve Remington (N Wilts) 21-16 in the area quarter-final.

He opens his bid for glory tomorrow when he faces Tony Webb (Riverain, Hitchin, Herts). If successful he would then play either Vince Wilks (Gloucester) or Martin Cooper (West Denton) on Saturday afternoon.

  • SMITH misses Westlecot’s vital Wessex League match on Sunday against Oxford City and County.

Westlecot must collect a minimum of four points – two rink wins – to ensure second spot in the East Region group table and a place in the play-offs plus the chance to defend the crown they won last year.

TEAM Home – Rink 1: Kevin Embling, Matt Webster, Hedley Bowen and Ian Jefferies. Rink 2: Joe Mazzotta, John Williamson, Steve and Dave Snell.

Away – Rink 1: Dave Matthews, Josh Cottle, Barry Sictorness and Tom Walkley. Rink 2: Bob George, Jeff Nichols, John Thomas and Chris Cheesley (capt).

  • THE Snells, Michael and Steve plus substitute John Williamson are through to the Area 16 final in the national triples.

They booked their place in the last two with a 21-9 victory over Kevin Embling, Graham Hatherall and Ian Jefferies last weekend at Westlecot.