BATTS returned to winning ways as Alexis Douin produced a superb performance to steer his side to a 6-1 victory over winless Drumchapel Glasgow.

Following defeat to Ormesby last time out, BATTS were in need of a response here and that is what they supplied, eventually running out comfortable winners against the Scots, who are competing but not quite getting over the line at the minute.

It has the be said that at one point, the outcome of this match appeared like it may go in a different direction. Danny Bajwa picked up an outstanding win to put Drumchapel ahead as he squeezed past one of England’s best in Shayan Siraj. An outstanding contest saw every end won by two points but it was Bajwa who pulled through as the consistency of his forehand eventually prevailed. This was Bajwa’s second win of the season, his other coming against Sam Mabey, two wins not to be sniffed at!

When that game finished, the other table saw Chris Doran locked in a decider with the explosive Victor Guang Shi, who had gone two games to one up on the British League stalwart after some sublime shots. Doran can normally absorb anyone’s attacks but Victor’s ultra-aggressive, third-ball tactic was proving too much for periods of the game, particularly the sweeping backhand that many have felt the wrath of in the past.

When he came from 9-3 down to win the third, Doran appeared to be in trouble. But this wasn’t his first rodeo and Doran comes up clutch in these situations more than most. The final two ends saw him seize control, getting into longer exchanges while Victor’s big strokes didn’t quite prove as efficient thereafter.

You do just wonder, had that game gone the other way, what might have happened. The pressure would have well and truly been on at that point, and Drumchapel had their vocal home support behind them.

After that it was relatively routine though, as BATTS dropped just one further end. Siraj and Douin won the doubles 3-0 over Bajwa and Guang Shi, then Frenchman Douin made light work of Drumchapel’s latest young prospect, Rhoari Rowan, who will have benefitted from the experience of playing at a top level like this.

Doran had to come from behind again, this time against Bajwa, who showed great guile at times to match Doran’s control to craft openings. The pair had the crowd on their feet early with some excellent exchanges, with the left-hander’s forehand sublime. Doran eventually wore him down, surviving a scare in the third after surrendering a 6-0 lead to eventually win 12-10.

Siraj then stormed to victory over Rowan while Douin produced an outstanding display against Guang Shi to win in straight ends.

It leaves BATTS with two wins from three, while Drumchapel are still looking for their first win of the season.