PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Loveder

North Ayrshire took a huge stride towards ensuring they’ll avoid bottom spot in the Senior British League Clubs Premier Division after exacting revenge on Scottish counterparts Drumchapel Glasgow.

A 5-2 victory moves them two wins ahead of both Drumchapel and Fusion with just two rounds to play, making a mid-table finish now highly likely after registering back-to-back wins.

After a remarkable win over league leaders Ormesby last time out, a win here was always going to be pivotal for them and they produced just that, making amends for their 5-2 reverse earlier in the season.

Viktor Gorman remains top of the league averages after another two wins here, taking him to eight from eight across the season. No player boasts a better record than the Swede this year. But he was ably supported by Martin Johnson, who also bagged a double that proved key to victory here.

The pair put their side 2-0 ahead. Johnson’s win was the more complicated, having to come from 2-1 behind to beat Aaron McKibbin, who had played some fantastic table tennis through the game. Johnson though, after his sensational win over David McBeath last time out, found a way through.

For Gorman, it was more routine, though he was still made to work by Danny Bajwa in three ends.

When the same two players teamed up to beat Bajwa and Johnson in the doubles, North Ayrshire were already in touching distance of the win. They didn’t have to wait long either.

The explosive Victor Guang Shi beat Chris Main 3-0 to pull one back for the visitors, but Johnson’s 3-0 win over Bajwa meant the result was secured.

Drumchapel would get a second set through McKibbin, who had a bizarre match with Main. It went to five ends yet four of the ends were routs, ending 11-4 or more comfortable than that.

Gorman would wrap things up, though that went to a decider too as he just about found a way through Guang Shi, who really can be a highlight reel of his own when he gets going.

While North Ayrshire are now safe. Drumchapel will have to fight it out with Fusion to avoid finishing last. Both teams have one win each and play each other on May 17th, which looks more and more likely to be a crunch match.