Fusion, playing just their second match of the campaign thanks to a postponed fixture, welcome league leaders Brighton on Saturday as the third round of the SBCL Premier Division gets underway.
The south-coast side have looked imperious so far this season and are yet to even drop a set. Fusion could have their work cut out as they look to slow their charge to a consecutive league title.
With the experience and skill of father-son duo Lorestas and Larry Trumpauskas to call upon, the home-side will be sure to put up a fight. The ever impressive Shaquille Webb-Dixon played well last time out against BATTS as they were pipped to victory in a tense 4-3 affair.
Brighton’s new signing for the season Shoma Nishihara has already shown he will be a force to be reckoned with, strengthening a squad that already contained Sweden’s David Andersson (pictured above, photo credit Michael Loveder) and seven-time Paralympic medallist Will Bayley.
Elsewhere England number five David McBeath, Sam Mabey and leading under 21s player Ben Piggott will line up for Ormesby. Their two opening rounds have seen them sweep aside Drumchapel Glasgow and BATTS, McBeath and Jose Enio Mendes picking up player of the match awards along the way.
North Ayrshire will likely call upon Martin Johnson, Colin Dalgleish and Christopher Main, three of Scotland’s top international players, plus Sweden’s Victor Gorman to make up their squad. The match will be broadcast on the Ormesby Table Tennis Club YouTube channel live.
BATTS challenged for the Premier Division last season, and will be looking to bounce back from defeat against Ormesby in the previous round to show they will be in contention once again. They travel north of the border to face Drumchapel Glasgow who have had a tough opening couple of fixtures. They have faced both league leaders Ormesby and Brighton so far with Danny Bajwa the only member of their squad able to register a victory.
All ties are available to watch on each team’s YouTube channel, with scores, stats and the league table here.
Fixtures
Ormesby v North Ayrshire – 14:00
Fusion v Brighton TTC – 14:00
Drumchapel Glasgow v BATTS – 14:00
Photo credit: Michael Loveder
