We are pleased to announce the nominations for the Players’ Player of the Season 2023/24 Nominations. This year sees Alex Kley, Gary McNabb, Mark Beattie, Craig Burgess, Peter Roberts, Matty Worden & Alastair McCrae nominated for the award that is voted for their fellow players.
To vote, simply log into your account, and select ‘Vote for Players’ Player of the Season’ and submit your selections. Your first pick is awarded 5 points, second 3 points and third 1 point. Voting is open until the Sunday 14th July 2024.
World Ranking: 6
Order of Merit: 3
| 2023/24 SMPT season record | W | D | L |
| Singles | 34 | 2 | 7 |
| Pairs | 14 | 0 | 2 |
| Fours | 5 | 0 | 2 |
Alex has played in five of the six World ranking events this season, retaining his World Masters singles title along the way.
Alex’s season kicked off at our first event, the UK Open, in Chelmsford. In a tricky group 17, Alex did lose to World No4 Jon Payne, but was able to defeat top players, Bronagh Toleman & Jack Pye, to secure Cup qualification. Alex was able to make it to the Last 16 where his hopes were ended By England’s James Trott 12-11, in a fantastic match.
Alex missed the Irish Open, but did make his way to Skien in Norway for the Norwegian Open. Alex has become the master of playing at mat on mat venues, so how would he cope with the tricky hard floor set up in Skien? A comfortable passage through group 20, with just one defeat to new World No1, Craig Burgess. Unfortunately, Alex fell at the first hurdle in the cup knockout with defeat to England’s Andrew Shorney.
In November Alex took part in the World Fours & Pairs Masters. In Saturday’s Fours event, Alex was joined by Dimitri Payne & Sibe Laureys of Belgium,and Swedish star, Jonas Hager. Some fantastic play, saw the quartet get all the way to the semi finals where they were beaten by the Irish rink skipped by Mark Beattie. In the Pairs, alongside partner Dimitri Payne, a first group game loss meant they missed out on cup qualification on shot difference. However, a strong run saw them lift the plate title with victory over Devon Wallace & Adam Dyche in the final.
Back to singles action and an early start at the British Open. Alex showed no signs of a New Year hangover and cruised through group 8, including a 25-0 whitewash of Ryan Finlay. In the cup knockout, Alex edged past England’s Thomas Coles 12-9 but then missed out in the last 32, losing 10-8 to Edward Sawbridge.
In February, Alex attended the English Masters in the hope of re-capturing the title once again. Another five wins from five in the group, including a notable 18-6 win over World Number 4, Gary McNabb, saw Alex easily qualify for cup knockout action. Wins against Joe Beattie & Craig Burgess in the Last 16 and Quarter finals respectively, set up a semi final match against Irelands Marty McNicholl. This time Marty was able to see it through and win 13-8. Still, a well-earned bronze medal for Alex.
At our penultimate event, the Belfast Open Pairs, Alex teamed up with Ireland’s Sean Trainor. Two wins from two saw the pair qualify for the main knockout. Some great wins, including against defending champions, Gary McNabb & Rachel McDonnell, meant they reached the semi final stage, where they just missed out to eventual champions, Adam Rankin & Robbie Foster.
In our final event of the season, Alex was widely tipped to defend the World Masters he’d won twelve months ago. He faced a stiff challenge, however, from some strong Irish players and England’s Matty Worden, who was on top form.
In an interesting group, Alex drew his match with Norwegian Open silver medallist, Stephen Gale, which meant he still needed to win his last match on Sunday to guarantee his place in the knockouts. He actually lost this match to David Moore, but with Stephen defeating Dean Foley, Alex scrapped through by just a point.
From here on in Alex played some great stuff, and was able to see his way through two matches in particular against England’s AJ Brown & James Trott, winning both matches by a single shot. A superb 11-3 win over Gary McNabb again in the semi final was followed by a 12-1 victory over Irelands Rachel McDonnell. Alex becomes the first player to defend the World Masters singles title.
World Ranking: 4
Order of Merit: 10
| 2023/24 SMPT season record | W | D | L |
| Singles | 35 | 1 | 7 |
| Pairs | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Fours | – | – | – |
This season started well for Gary as he captained the Irish team to their sixth World title, with a 4-2 victory over England in the final. This was Gary’s 2nd World Cup title.
At the season opening UK Open, Gary made a strong start, winning all five games in group 27. He continued his fine form in the Cup knockout, with three comfortable victories, taking him through to the Quarter finals. Here progressed past England’s James Trott before dispatching Craig Burgess 15-7 in the Semi Final. The final, however, was step too far this time, as he lost out to England’s Alastair McCrea 11-6.
On home soil in Belfast Northern Ireland, Gary was looking to make his third final of the season all ready, this time at the Irish Open. Again, in group 27, just one surprising loss, to England’s Darren Brown, was not enough to stop another Cup qualification. A much tougher run this time, however, as Gary squeezed home against William Parkinson by one shot in the last 32, before tight wins against the experienced duoof Raymond Stubbs & Lawrence Moffat, respectfully. An easier Semi final against Daniel O’Kane, 15-6, did indeed see Gary make that third final in a row. In an epic battle, that went down to the wire, Gary lifted the trophy with a narrow 7-6 victory over Declan McCann.
Gary was unable to attend both the Norwegian Masters and British Open, but did make it back to Chelmsford in February, for the English Masters. A strong start to group 8 saw Gary dispatch former World Champion, John Manley, 25-3. However, a tough 10-10 draw against Mark Spalding was followed by a bruising 18-6 loss against Alex Kley. Two further wins, were not enough, this time, to make it into the Cup, so Gary had to settle for the Plate knockout. Gary would be expected to have a decent run in the plate, and so it proved to be, with just one close game against Cyprus’ Simon Pridham in the Last 32, winning 11-9 on the Show Mat. In the Final, Gary was upset by some scintillating play by top bowler, Sibe Laureys of Belgium. Sibe eventually triumphed, 12-3.
Gary’s next event was the Belfast Open Pairs, where he would look to defend the title with partner, Rachel McDonnell. Two straightforward wins in Group 7 kept them on course, and progression was made through the first two knockout rounds. The pair did taste defeat, however, losing their Last 16 match 8-7 to Alex Kley & Sean Trainor.
At the season ending World Masters, Could Gary make it three titles for the year? Yet again, it was an indifferent performance for Gary in group 29, as a decent first match win, was followed up with two losses to Paul Hagan & Gareth Wilkinson respectively. Another win followed, but Gary still had to win his last match against Paul Seaman to progress to the Cup. He dually delivered, but only just, winning 9-7. So, yet another Cup run proceeded, and Gary was able to scrape home against multiple SMPT Champion, Joe Beattie 9-8 in the Quarter final. His run ended, however, in the Semi final, with another defeat to England’s Alex Kley.
World Ranking: 5
Order of Merit: 11
| 2023/24 SMPT season record | W | D | L |
| Singles | 32 | 2 | 6 |
| Pairs | 10 | 0 | 2 |
| Fours | 8 | 0 | 0 |
Mark, once again, started the season off strongly by winning his 4th World Cup title. Winning all five games on the way to Gold with his Irish team mates.
The following day, Mark was looking to continue his fine form, at the UK Open. Mark was drawn in Group 2, and it was an indifferent day for the multi SMPT Champion as he secured two wins but also two losses against eventual Champion, Alastair McCrea and Wales’ John Jillings. Despite a win in his final group game, Mark was only able to finish third in the group, and with it, Plate qualification. Mark did breeze through the rounds, but lost out to World No2, Peter Roberts in the semi final, 15-9.
At the Irish Open in September, Mark did win all five games in group 25, although two games were won by a single shot against Luc Schorpion of Belgium & Ireland’s Michael Reid. In the Last 64 of the Cup knockout, Mark, once again, faced Peter Roberts of England, who he had just lost to in last event. Yet again, Peter triumphed, this time by 11-5 and made it four wins from four in their head to head record.
In October’s Norwegian Open, as expected, Mark cruised through group 10 with four impressive wins and a 10-10 draw against home player Tommy Mikkelsen. In the Last 32 of the Cup, Mark faced close friend and team mate, Joe Beattie. This was to be there 8th meeting over the years, with the record currently set at three wins each and one draw. As was to be expected, a high class match ensued, with Mark eventually winning 12-7. In the Last 16, Mark faced Jonas Hager from Sweden. Mark had already beaten Jonas this season, with victory over the youngster in the World Cup semi final. Jonas, however, exacted revenge for that, with a close 10-8 win.
In November, Mark Teamed up with Joe & Pauline Beattie and Gary Moore at the World Fours Masters in Chelmsford. Three wins from three in group 8, including a close 7-4 win over defending Champions, James Trott, John Lax, Dick Almen & Eroll Morina, saw the quartet progress to the Cup knockout. Two good wins, set up a quarter final match against their fellow Irish team, skipped by Ian Hobson. A last gasp 7-6 win saw them through to the semi finals, where they met the fancied team of Alek Kley, Jonas Hager, Dimitri Payne & Sibe Laureys. A slightly more comfortable 10-6 win meant the four were through to the Final, and another meeting against the defending Champions. A more straightforward affair this time, saw them lift the title with a 13-3 victory!
The following day, Mark teamed up with Pauline Beattie for the World Pairs Masters. 3 wins from 3 were secured in group 26, including a 9-6 defeat of Alastair McCrea & Mitchell Young. In the Cup knockout, the pair continued their fine form, with hard victories over Sibe Laureys & Jonas hager, and also Gunnar & Ferdinand Frantzen. Unfotunately though, they lost out to AJ Brown & Jck Pye by one shot in an enthralling semi final contest.
Mark missed the British Open, so his next event was the defence of his English Masters title he had won 12 months previously. A very strong performance, saw him win all five of his group 27 matches, including victories over John Jillings & Sibe Laureys. In the Last 32 of the Cup, Mark defeated World No6, Don McNamara, 11-6. A battling 11-8 win over in-form Andrew Shorney, set up a quarter final against top English player, James Trott. A superb match, ended with Mark getting over the line by the narrowest of margins, winning 8-7. In the Semi final, it was a third match of the season against Jonas Hager, with mark winning this one, 13-6. In the Final, Mark played fellow countryman, Marty McNicholl. Yet again, another high quality match ensued, with Mark finally defending his title with a close 11-9 win. Another stellar performance from the former World No1, having now won 22 matches on the spin at this event over the last two seasons.
April arrived, and time for the Belfast Open Pairs alongside partner PJ McCrossan. Two wins from two in group 17 saw the pair into the Cup knockout. A last 64 win over Mark Granleese & Ian McElroy was then followed by defeat at the hands of Dafydd Howell & Jason Hand in the Last 32.
At the season ending World Masters, Mark, once again, made light work of his group 7 matches. Four big wins was followed by another tough match against Andrew Shorney. This time honours were evenly shared, 8-8. In the Last 64 of the Cup, Mark unfortunately lost out to eventual finalist, Rachel McDonnell.
Another three SMPT titles for Mark this season, to add to his already impressive haul.
World Ranking: 2
Order of Merit: 6
| 2023/24 SMPT season record | W | D | L |
| Singles | 39 | 1 | 10 |
| Pairs | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Fours | – | – | – |
Last season’s Order Of Merit Champion was keen to continue his great form and return to the number one spot in the rankings.
His first event was the World Cup, where Peter captained the England team to another Silver medal. Despite losing the final to Ireland, 4-2, Peter did win all his matches, including a 9-8 victory over Gary McNabb in that final.
Peter was drawn in a difficult group 22 at the UK Open. An easy first win opened his account, before a hard fought 10-10 draw against Scotland’s Lawrence Moffat, who he had beaten the day before. Two more victories came next, but an 13-8 loss to James Trott in a must win game meant Peter has to settle for a run in the Plate knockout. This proved to be a tricky run, but victories over Jonas Hager, Gareth Hill, Stephen Gale and Ricky Pyle, meant a semi final showdown between the World’s top two players. Peter continued his fine form and eased home 15-9 against Mark Beattie. The final proved a step too far, however, as Peter lost out to Damian McCabe 13-11
The Irish Open started badly for Peter with a 10-4 loss to Stuart Cochrane. He did manage to breeze through the rest of the group, including a victory over Joe Beattie, by 10 shots to 5. Peter wuld meet Mark Beattie, once again, in the Last 64 of the Cup. Again he was victorious, this time 11-5. He then eased past Scotland No1, Sandy McDonald, 9-6, before eventually losing to Christopher Wylie, 11-8, in the Last 16.
Next up for Peter was the defence of his Norwegian Open title in October, in Skien. Again, easy work for the World No2 in group 3, which started with a convincing 23-1 victory over Luc Schorpion of Belgium. Three further victories arrived, and Peter topped the group. In the Cup knockout, he had to work hard to progress, as the first three rounds were all won by a single shot. These were against, Sweden’s 2-time champion, Benny Sjorgren, Anne Lene Nilsen of Norway & Paul Cairnduff of Ireland. Peter eased past Jonas Hager 11-4 in the quarter final before beating World No7, Nathan Haire in the Semi Final. This meant Peter now had the chance to defend his title. He would face the resurgent Stephen Gale of the Isle of Man in the final. Peter got off to strong start, and led by 8 shots. Stephen then came right back into the match to make it a tense finish. Peter managed to win the last couple of ends and so defended his title with a 12-5 victory! With it came the return to the top of the rankings as World No1.
In January at the British Open, Peter won all his games in group 17, including victories over his former World Pairs Masters winning team mate, Liam Smith, and another win over Sandy McDonald. He would, however, lose out to another top Scottish bowler, Robert Lenza, in the first knockout round of the cup. He was narrowly defeated, 10-9.
Heading back to Chelmsford for our next event, the English Masters, Peter’s dominance of group games continued, as he secured another maximum 15 points. Another win against World No11, Paul Cairnduff, 17-4 and a convincing 22-4 win over Gunnar Frantzen of Norway in last group match saw him top the group. In his Last 64 match, Peter didn’t drop a shot in a dominant 17-0 win over England’s Elise Daniell. Peter’s run did come to and end in the next round, however, as he lost 11-9 to James Trott.
Back in Belfast, and time for the Belfast Open Pairs event. Partnering dad, Steven, it was an event of mixed fortunes as one win and one loss would still see them progress from group 3 into the Cup. Unfortunately, a first round defeat against Nick & Nathan Haire, ended their interest.
The following day saw the last event of the season, the World Masters singles. It would prove to be a weekend to forget for the World No1. Defeats to Shaun Amrein, World No5 Nigel Nicholls & Rory Gittoes of Wales, would see Peter only qualify for the Shield knockout. Two wins followed, but defeat to Chris McIlmoyle in the Last 16, would bring a premature end to his weekend.
A satisfying year for Peter, however, with another title in the bag, and he would finish the season as World No2.
World Ranking: 1
Order of Merit: 1
| 2023/24 SMPT season record | W | D | L |
| Singles | 39 | 1 | 7 |
| Pairs | 9 | 0 | 2 |
| Fours | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Craig started the season as World No22, but a very consistent performance in all competitions saw him rise up the rankings.
His first event was his World Cup debut. A 10-8 loss to his bogey player, Kevin Lawley,was followed by a resounding 29-1 win over Luc Schorpion. Craig would win his next matches before losing to Mark Beattie in the final. Still, a very well deserved Silver medal with the England team.
The next day saw the commencement of the ranking events, with the UK Open. An outstanding performance in group 7, with five wins and a massive 89 shots to 16 aggregate. Craig continued this fine form, and three more victories, set up a quarter final match against World Cup team mate, Edward Sawbridge. These two had met last season, with Craig victorious on that occasion. Again, it proved to be the same, as Craig snuck through by 11-10. In the Semi final, Craig was up against World Singles Champion, Gary McNabb, and it was Gary who progressed to the final, with a 15-7 win.
At September’s Irish Open, Craig made fairly light work of progressing to the Cup knockout from group 24. Four wins and a draw against Catherine McCrossan, was enough for him to top the Group. Craig defeated Suzanne Finlay 12-5 in the Last 64 before eventually losing a tight tussle with Mark Sproule in the Last 32, 7-6.
October arrived and it was time for the Norwegian Open, on Craig’s favoured hard floor surface. And so it proved to be, as in group 20, Craig, again, won all his matches, amassing an astonishing 98 shots whilst conceding just 15! The group also Contained World Masters Champion, Alex Kley. A definite confidence was noticeable as two easy victories followed in the Cup knockout. This set up an in house Quarter final grudge match with fellow SMPT director, Stephen Gale. It was Stephen who gained bragging rights this time as he secured a 11-7 win on his way to a silver medal.
At the mid-season break, Craig took part in the World Fours & Pairs Masters weekend. Teaming up with Karl Hudson, Gareth Hill and youngster, Joseph Lewis in the fours, they secured two wins to finish second in group 1. Unfortunately, their day was curtailed early, as they lost their first knockout match to the experienced four, skipped by Ian Hobson. In the pairs, the following day, Craig teamed up with James Trott. A dominant performance in group 24, saw the pair obtain three wins out of three. In the Cup knockout, a straightforward win in the Last 64, was followed by victory over Dick Almen & Eroll Morina in the Last 32. They sneaked home, 7-6, against Ryan Knight & Leah Wood in the Last 16 before eventually losing out to Mark & Pauline Beattie in the quarter finals.
Back to singles action, and it was business as usual for Craig as he secured yet another five victories in group 32 at the British Open in York. This included a 25-2 win over Norman Masson of Scotland and a 13-4 win over Mark McHugh. In the Last 64 of the Cup knockout, Craig tasted defeat at the hands of fellow Essex player, Chris Coates. This time losing out 12-10. Craig’s consistent Cup qualification, had by this time, moved him up to No7 in the rankings.
Back at Chelmsford in February, and it was the turn for our penultimate singles event, the English Masters. Craig, yet again dominated group 10, with five easy victories, the hardest of those, against Swedish stalwart, Joel Hager. Notable victories over the World No16, Pauline beattie and World No8, Nathan Haire, followed in the Last 32 & 16 respectively. This set up a quarter final re match with Alex Kley, who Craig had easily beaten in Belfast, earlier in the season. This time, however, It was Alex who prevailed, winning 15-5.
At the Belfast Open Pairs in April, Craig would team up with fellow SMPT director, Mitchell Young. The pair would go on to obtain a Gold and Silver medal at our charity events, later in the season. However, in Belfast, a win and a loss was still enough to see them through from group 19. In the Cup knockout, they would win their first match against Declan McLaughlin & Bobby Archibald before losing out to Mark Benson & John Mackey in the Last 32.
At the season ending World Masters, Cup qualification should be enough for Craig to win the coveted Order of Merit title. As it was, Craig was able to secure four wins in group 36, with just a single defeat to Derek McCann by 13-8. With Cup knockout now secured, Craig went on to beat Beverly Morley in the Last 64, before his competition was ended by Brandon Sayer in the Last 32.
With other results going his way, Craig, as well as sealing the OoM title, be came the new SMPT World No1. A great achievement!
World Ranking: 34
Order of Merit: 26
| 2023/24 SMPT season record | W | D | L |
| Singles | 22 | 0 | 3 |
| Pairs | – | – | – |
| Fours | – | – | – |
Matty only competed in three events this season, but still managed to take home a title.
His first event came at the British Open in York, in January. Last season, he managed to make it all the way to the Semi final, so was looking to go one better this time around. In Group 11 he faced only four opponents, including World No4 Nathan Haire. He managed to beat Nathan in his first match, and continued on to win the remaining three matches. With Cup qualification secured, his last 64 tie was a relatively easy win against Andy Riley of Wales. Three tighter affairs followed, with wins over Joel Hager 9-7, Marty McNicholl 9-8, before a 9-5 win over Andrew Jones in the quarter finals. He then went on to beat former British Open Champion, Nigel Nicholls of England, 12-6 in the Semi final before facing fellow countryman, Michael Doorey in the Final. Matty was able to dominate play, and eventually went on to win his first SMPT title, 14-7.
At the English Masters in February, Matty was keen to add to his recent British Open success. This time, he again, breezed through group 28 with five wins, and so, topped the group. A 13-4 win over Adam Hunter of Ireland in the Last 64 before another victory over Andrew Jones was completed in the Last 32. In the Last 16, he faced Marty McNicoll again, who he had faced in the previous event. This tim it was Marty who prevailed, by 12-8.
At the season ending World Masters, Matty was likely to face some stiff opposition with many top Irish bowlers participating, alongside the usual crop of top players from other countries. Matty had only just recently returned from Belfast where he had made the World singles final, narrowly missing out to Gary McNabb. In group 21, Matty had to work hard to secure four wins, with a solitary defeat to Michael Mckim. In the Last 64 of the Cup knockout, he eased past Ian McElroy by 10-4 but the unfortunately lost to Robbie Foster in a superb match, 7-6.
A great half season for Matty, and if he plays more events, he will certainly be challenging for the higher places in the rankings, as well as more titles.
World Ranking: 69
Order of Merit: 41
| 2023/24 SMPT season record | W | D | L |
| Singles | 19 | 0 | 1 |
| Pairs | – | – | – |
| Fours | 3 | 0 | 1 |
Just two singles events for Alastair this season, but one title and just one defeat from twent matches, is some record.
Alastair started his campaign back in August at the UK Open. In group 2, he managed to win all five matches, including a noticeable win over World No1 Mark Beattie. Having secured top spot in the group, he started his Cup knockout run with a comfortable victory of World No10, Don McNamara of Ireland. Wins over Arwel Morgan of Wales, and Eroll Morina of Sweden followed, before a quarter final against the experienced Jorgen Karlsson of Sweden. Alastair was able to cruise through match, winning 10-4. In the Semi final, he faced England team mate, AJ Brown. In a very tight encounter Alastair was able to hold his nerve and win 9-7. In the Final, he met Multiple SMPT Champion, and World Cup Champion from just two previously, Gary McNabb of Ireland. In a high class final, with fantastic shot play, Alastair was able to best his opponent and ran out a 11-6 winner, and claim his first SMPT singles title.
In November, Alastair took part in the World Fours & Pairs Masters. On the Saturday in the Fours, he teamed up with Ben Pay, Mitchell Young & Stephen Buckett as the 2019 Champions, looked to win it again. In group 4, they made it three wins from three and comfortably made it through to the Cup knockout. Unfortunately though, their dreams of another title ended here with defeat to the English rink, skipped by Pete Dunkley. On Sunday, at the pairs, Alastair teamed up with Mitchell Young. Two wins in group 26 was enough to go through, despite a loss against Mark & Pauline Beattie. Two wins followed in the knockouts, and then a close 9-8 victory over Shane Magennis & Francis Farmer, got them through to the Last 16. Here, they lost to out to the eventual Champions, Ian Hobson & James Shaw of Ireland, by 8-5.
In Alastair’s last appearance of the season, the English Masters, he continued his unbeaten run in singles by winning all five group games. An 11-6 win over Joel Hager saw him progress to the Last 32 where he faced pairs partner Mitchell Young. He continued his fine form, winning 15-8. In the Last 16 he faced Arwel Morgan once again, with the same outcome in favour of Alastair, but only just, 9-8. His winning run was the ended in the Quarter finals by Sweden’s Jonas Hager as the youngster ran out an 11-6 winner.
