The SBCL Premier Division returned with a bang at the start of October. The long anticipated return to action for the top tier did not disappoint, with signs of the high-class action to come.
Brighton sit atop the six-team league thanks to the fact they have yet to drop a set, let alone lose a match. Whilst they would’ve expected to beat both Drumchapel Glasgow and North Ayrshire, the manner in which they ruthlessly swept aside both teams shows the determination they have to go for back-to-back titles.
You can watch their whitewash in Scotland on YouTube. Keep an eye out for David Andersson’s backhand to pick up his first point against Victor Guang Shi in what was possibly the standout match of the afternoon.
Ormesby youngster Ben Piggott has caught the eye in his two showings so far this season. His two wins in the opening round, combined with the fact he pushed Chris Doran to an eighth-match point on Saturday have highlighted the talent he possess. With David McBeath displaying his class, Ormesby know they have a leader to rally around. The impressive Jose Enio Mendes will undoubtedly play a huge role as the season progresses but with squad availability throughout the campaign sure to change, squad depth can prove crucial. And Piggott has shown he has the potential to step up in high-pressure moments.
It was a point that McBeath touched on following their victory on Saturday. He spoke about how availability let them down last year in their hunt for the title. He ended, however, with a nod to their inner belief when asked if they could challenge Brighton, “we’ll give them a run for their money”.
It would be foolish to write off anyone in this league. A change of form can see you plummet down the table, with squads waiting for the leaders to slip up. BATTS showed last year they have the potential to be table toppers. Despite their recent defeat at the hands of Ormesby, their squad, led by Chris Doran, can easily go on a run that will put them in contention.
Fusion, North Ayrshire and Drumchapel Glasgow will all hope to notch their first win of the season next time out. As the campaign develops an inspired victory can do wonders for final league positions.
With two rounds down, the early title contenders have shown themselves. But the season has a long way to go. There are three more rounds of fixtures before the end of the year, one of which will see Ormesby travel to the Brighton for what will be a storming affair on the south-coast. BATTS will hope to get their campaign back on track as they travel to Drumchapel Glasgow on 9th November. Fusion have a double-header to look forward to at the start of December as they host Drumchapel on 30th November before travelling to North Ayrshire the following day.
You can find the full league table, as well as a range of statistics from each fixture here.
Photo credit Michael Loveder
