PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Loveder

It’s advantage Ormesby in the Senior British League Clubs Premier Division after beating Fusion 5-2 in the capital. Ormesby regained top spot in the division before Brighton’s humdinger of a battle with BATTS on Sunday, which is set to be a significant game in the title race this year.

Ormesby, coming off a shock defeat to North Ayrshire here, responded with a win over the London-based outfit, who now seem to be battling to avoid bottom spot in the competition heading into the closing two rounds.

With BATTS and Brighton their final two opponents, Ormesby had to produce a win here and they did just that. Two of their pivotal performers in the big win over Brighton earlier in the season returned to action here and doubles from Yoan Rebetez and Humberto Manhani Junior were enough to see them home here.

In front of a vocal home crowd, Larry Trumpauskas certainly appeared to thrive in those surroundings as he took out Zac Greenhough in straight ends. With Shaquille Webb-Dixon going a game up on Manhani Junior, Fusion had their sights set on an early lead as the game was played on two tables. That didn’t suffice though as the Ormesby player responded well to win 3-1.

Doubles is always pivotal at that point and it went the way of Ormesby as Manhani Junior and Rebetez won a back-and-forth encounter against dad and lad duo, Larry and Lorestas Trumpauskas. The third end was key as the Ormesby pair held on to take it 11-9 before seeing it out in four.

The visitors didn’t look back from there. The same four players took to the tables for singles and both matches went the way of Ormesby. Rebetez saw off a rally from Lorestas, weathering a storm to take it 3-1, while Manhani Junior had enough in the tank to see off Larry by the same scoreline.

With a 4-1 lead, the win was secured for Ormesby. Fusion did respond as the elder Trumpauskas defeated Greenhough 3-0, but Rebetez secured a double, taking out Webb-Dixon, dropping just 16 points on the way.

Ormesby will now have a keen eye on Sunday’s outing between BATTS and Brighton. The latter will go level on points with them again if they can prevail while Batts will drag themselves back into the title picture with a win of their own.