Nine-Wicket National Championships Won by George Cochran, Matt Baird & Art Parcells, and Brad Clouse

3-5 October 2008
Shawnee Mission, KS
by Matt Griffith

On a cool Friday morning with sunny skies the USCA National Championship 9-Wicket Tournament got under way. We had three blocks of five and one block of six. Everyone played 4 games.

Eight players came out of the blocks to qualify for the final knockout. The survivors of the knockout were Matt Smith and George Cochran. George prevailed to become the National Singles Champion.

On Friday Night, Matt and Rose Griffith hosted an Opening Reception at their club, Kactus Creek. The event was well attended, with Bob Kroger holding a clinic.

Saturday Morning play resumed at 8:30 with 2 blocks of 7 teams in the doubles and 10 cutthroat players. Each of the teams played 6 games.

The Block A was a battle with 3 teams ending with a 5 and 1 record. Net wickets determined that Matt Baird and Art Parcells were number 1, Matt Griffith and Billy Bob Breeden were second and George Cochran and Don Oakley were third.

In Block B the results were Bob Kroger and Reid Fleming first, followed by Matt Smith and Nick Zink, followed by father-and-son team Mike and Michael Chandler in third.

The top 2 teams got a bye. Matt Griffith and Billy Bob beat Mike and Michael Chandler; George Cochran and Don Oakley defeated Matt and Nick.

Matt and Art won over George and Don and Bob and Reid, winning by 1 wicket over Matt and Billy Bob.

In the finals Matt and Art prevailed over Bob and Reid with Matt and Billy Bob winning 3rd over George and Don.

Cut-throat singles had 10 players each getting 4 games. The top 2 had a bye to the finals and the rest played for the last 2 spots. The National Champion in     Cut-throat singles was Brad Clouse

A great time was had by all, with the weather being a beautiful sunny 70's all weekend. It was determined that Kansas City will again play host to the National 9-Wicket Tournament.

[Watch video of Nine-Wicket National Championships on YouTube.]

Final Order