PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL LOVEDER

The second half of the Senior British League Clubs Premier Division is underway and if the first instalment proved anything to us, it was that Brighton remains incredibly dangerous challengers at the top of the division.

They are back on top spot after decimating North Ayrshire. That may sound like a harsh description on the Scots. However, it is an accurate representation of what went down. It was 7-0 in sets but more emphatically, the competition’s defending champions dropped just one end during the afternoon session. It was a ruthless, merciless assault on their opponents at the other end of the table.

Brighton have a big battle ahead of them to retain the title. Despite only losing one match from six, that was against an unbeaten Ormesby side who have been exceptional too. If they are to win this division, it’s almost certain they’ll have to beat them in Cleveland in May. However, this result proved what they’re capable of.

The team of Shoma Nishihara, David Andersson and Alex Naumi were rolled out here and they were, simply, too good.

The only blotch on their record, if you can call dropping an end that, was Nishihara’s concede of the third game to Martin Johnson in the opening encounter. After that, it was emphatic. Of the 19 consecutive ends won after that, only three went to deuce.

Some context is required. North Ayrshire were without the Viktor Gorman, the only player in the competition with a 100% record after playing at least six matches. The rising youngster, Gavin Yuan, was also missing, as was Colin Dalgleish.

But take nothing away from Brighton, whose execution was excellent. Alex Naumi raced through Chris Main before partnering up with Andersson to beat Johnson and Billy Shilton in the doubles.

Andersson only dropped 16 points on his way to victory over Billy Shilton while Naumi completed his double, beating Johnson.

Nishihara came through Shilton before Andersson wrapped things up in a tighter encounter against Main, his ninth win from ten so far this season.

Brighton’s return to pole comes with a caveat; they have played a game more than Ormesby, who aren’t back in action until next week when they take on Drumchapel Glasgow. However, this was a gentle reminder to their counterparts that they won’t be going away quietly.