He beat the Midlands champion Fred Lawrence at Chesterfield on 27 March 1920 in a week long match of the first to 8,000 points. Fred conceded 1,000 points to Davis from the start. He won the match by 506 points (8,000 - 7,494), and made 23 breaks over 100, with his best being 262. Joe was given very positive reviews for his performance in this match. On 29 November 1920, he began a week long match of the first to 8,000 points, against Arthur.F. Peall at the Victoria Billiard Hall in Chesterfield. Joe received 1,000 points before the game by Arthur. He lost the match 7,785 - 8,000. But Arthur gave some very complimentary remark's about Joe's game afterwards.