There’s plenty to play for in the SBL Premier Division this weekend as Ormeau look to secure their place in the top four before the division is split into two mini leagues. There’s also an enticing top of the table clash as Ormesby host BATTS.

Ormesby, BATTS and Brighton TTC have all guaranteed themselves a place in the top four thanks to their early season form. A win for Ormeau would give them a chance to play for the championship, however a loss would open the door to a challenge from North Ayrshire TTC and Fusion.

Currently fifth and sixth respectively, should Ormeau lose, a win for either would put them level on points. However, to jump above the Northern Irish team, final results for each fixture would need to be comprehensive.

Damien Provost, Matt Ware and Jonathan Mooney will line up for Ormeau in Saturday’s early fixture. A 12:30 scheduled start means those playing later in the day will know if they have a chance of leapfrogging the hosts. 

Despite having only one win this season Drumchapel Glasgow will pose problems for the home side, as Ormeau coach Gervis Knox explained: “We’re looking forward to our last match against Drumchapel before the league splits for the playoffs. We are looking now to finish with a win and confirm our place in the top four, but know Drumchapel come in on-form after their win against Brighton.”

BATTS head north this weekend to face Ormesby in a hugely anticipated top-of-the-table clash. With both teams having lost just one match, the tie will decide who goes into the second phase of matches in top spot.

The team of Chris Doran, Josh Bennett and Joe Ferguson will be hoping to consolidate what has been the team’s best ever start to the season.

David McBeath, Sam Mabey and Graeme Barella will stand in their way, as Ormesby look to go one better than last year and continue their march towards the championship. It promises to be a great encounter, with the players on show capable of producing the very best that English table tennis can offer.

TableTennisDaily (TTD) have had a mixed first season in the top division, but will have their eyes on a third win. Their trio of Callum Evans, Umair Mauthoor and Dan Ives will face Brighton TTC at 14:00. 

Anthony Kent, team manager for TTD, said: “We know it’ll be tough, as they have real quality in their team, but we’re looking forward to the trip to the south coast and a great atmosphere to play in.”

In Scotland, Hugo Torngren, Martin Johnson and Viktor Gorman will face Fusion. Coming off the back of an impressive victory against Ormeau they will be hoping to pick up their third win of the campaign.

Lorestas Trumpausakas will be on the hunt for his third player of the match award of the season. Shaquille Webb Dixon and Joshua Bruce will play alongside him for the visitors. 

Chris Main, who will be coaching the NATTC team, is looking forward to the final fixture. He said: “This is our last match before the league splits so it’s always an exciting one. We know we need a win and other results to go our way to sneak into the top four so we will be hoping that will be the case. However, Fusion’s team of Lorestas, Shaquille and Joshua will be a tough challenge which our players are looking forward to.”

Following the final fixture the league will split into two divisions, with the top four playing for the championship. Teams in the bottom mini-division will all be playing to avoid ending the campaign in a relegation place.

You can watch every match live on TTE.TV

Photo credit: Michael Loveder

Fixtures

Saturday 9th March 

Ormeau v Drumchapel Glasgow – 12:30

Ormesby v BATTS – 14:00

North Ayrshire TTC v Fusion – 14:00

Brighton TTC v TableTennisDaily – 14:00