PREMIER/DIV 1 ROUND-UP
PREMIER DIV WEEK 17 ROUND-UP
BOTTOM BEATS TOP
I can’t imagine any other League in the country logging Premier results that show the bottom 2 teams beating the top 2 at this stage of the season. But that’s what’s special about MK, an even spread of the available talent makes any result possible. MK Sasaki had their lead cut to just 2 points after being thrashed 8-2 by reigning (though not for much longer) champions Greenleys Monarchs. Only Dan Smalley’s victories over Nigel Metcalfe and Martin Hall stood between the leaders and a whitewash. But even the mighty Dan couldn’t handle hat-trick man Ian Johnstone. Blanks for Kelvin Choong and substitute Russell Penn, at 66 the oldest player to make a Premier appearance this season.
Much has been said this month about the boomeranging form of the enigma that is Guy Sparrow, but when he’s hot, he’s untouchable at this level, that’s for sure. Greenleys Kings used the same trusted format as last time to ensure another 6-4 result – 3 from Guy, 2 from Nick Howard and their combined efforts in the doubles. That’s back to back wins now for the bottom side after a previously winless season (and yet they still lost ground on 5th placed Monarchs!). Alan Cherry scored a brace for MK Spinners, who, although crashing to their 7th defeat, remain favourites for the title as Sasaki will be forced to field a weakened team again next week. It’s all heading for an exciting photo finish though.
The 3rd match due to be played this week between the MK Bandits and MK Kingpins has been rescheduled for a later date.
Player of the week is Guy Sparrow.
DIVISION 1 WEEK 15 ROUND-UP
WARRIORS ON THE WARPATH
Greenleys Warriors gave my MK Topspin side (and me, in particular) a 7-3 pasting this week in stretching their lead to 14 points. Hat-trick boy Ollie Horswell starred for them this time with 2 each coming from Ricky Taiwo and Jordi Foraster. Good single wins for Topspin’s Russsell Penn and Mervyn Kelly, who paired up for a doubles success.
St.Christopher Van Hire stay 2nd after a 6-4 win over Greenleys Eagles. A usual maximum for Biao Wang was almost accompanied by one from Paul Haigh, but Paul had to settle for a brace as he was pipped deuce in the decider by Geoff Callaway, who won 2 for Eagles. Van Hire have a splendid 100% doubles record of course, which has been useful with 5 of their matches now won at 6-4.
3rd placed MK Pumas are 2 points adrift after disposing a 2-man MK Powers outfit 7-3. They have an easier run-in than Van Hire and should overtake them. Andy Smith was back to the routine of grinding out regulation wins in this division after playing a dramatic and decisive role last week in Greenleys Kings’ resurgance as a Premiership force. Great win here for Powers’ Minesh Pitamber over Julie Snowdon to end her 11 set winning streak, but the blonde hitter was too good for Pete Tillotson.
Alan Bolding’s back from his exotic holiday and has been badly missed by MK Phoenix, as he is the man that makes them tick, another maximum setting up a 6-4 win at O.U. Primes. Great double here for Primes’ Patrick Wong over Gerald Ridgway and Carl Furness.
The remaining scheduled fixture between Chackmore Hasbeens and Woburn Sands Data was played weeks ago with Data winning 7-3 and James Molloy hitting a hat-trick.
Player of the week is Ollie Horswell.