The only two remaining unbeaten teams in the Premier Division are set to face each other this Saturday in a mouth watering encounter. Both Ormesby and Brighton have had a remarkable start to the season, dropping just five sets between them in their first three matches. 

Ormesby make the journey to the south coast after a resounding 7-0 victory against North Ayrshire. However, the tie may have come at the worst time for last season’s runners up with just one of their regular four players available for selection.

David McBeath will be the only recognisable name on the team sheet as they aim to continue their unbeaten run. Sam Mabey has announced his retirement from the sport, and Benn Piggott who is the one member of their squad to have featured in every victory so far, will be competing for his university at the BUCS Championships. 

Brighton meanwhile should be able to use the depth of their squad, with five players being used across the campaign so far. Shoma Nishihara and David Andersson have provided the core strength with Will Bayley, Callum Evans and Ihor Zavadskyi (pictured above, photo credit Michael Loveder) all winning in the fixtures they have been used.

In a league with such fine margins the smallest moments could have huge consequences this Saturday. As the season approaches the halfway mark this is sure to be the biggest indicator of where the league title may end up. It will be one to watch, as even though Ormesby may field an inexperienced trio, they are sure to put up a real fight for the win. One thing for sure is that there will be be raucous home support. You can watch it from wherever you’re based with every fixture being streamed live on each home club’s YouTube channel.

Elsewhere Fusion have a double weekend to look forward to as they aim to get their first victory on the board. Drumchapel Glasgow, also winless, visit on Saturday before a trip to Scotland to face North Ayrshire on Sunday. After narrowly missing out in a thrilling 4-3 opening match against BATTS, and going down 5-2 at Brighton it is fair to say they have not had the easiest introduction to the 2024/25 season. Larry Trumpauskas has impressed so far with stalwart Shaquille Webb Dixon once again proving an essential member of their squad.

BATTS travel to North Ayrshire on Saturday aiming to continue to put pressure on those above them in the table. They will know that should they win, as Brighton and Ormesby are playing each other, they would be level on victories with the loser of that tie. As with last season, the club have shown that should either of the top two slip up they will be waiting to capitalise. A scintillating performance from Ormesby’s McBeath put paid to their challenge a couple of rounds ago, but other than that their squad have looked strong so far. Led by the ever impressive Chris Doran it would be foolish to say a league title is beyond them this early in the campaign.

Photo credit: Michael Loveder

Fixtures:

Saturday 30th November – 14:00

Brighton v Ormesby

Fusion v Drumchapel Glasgow

North Ayrshire v BATTS

Sunday 1st December – 14:00

North Ayrshire v Fusion