As far as title defences go, Brighton’s has been nothing short of magnificent. Senior British Club League Premier Divison champions last season, they have wasted no time proving why this year.
Two rounds in, Brighton haven’t dropped a set. Back-to-back seven nil whitewashes have set the tone for what will be another enthralling race for top spot this year.
Inevitably, such a record will eventually end and most probably, this weekend. Brighton won’t have it all their own way as they head to Fusion, who will still be kicking themselves after being unable to convert a 3-0 lead over BATTS into a victory in their first and only game of the season so far.
But that result is also evidence that Brighton have a challenge on their hands this Saturday. Fusion are a dangerous side, with Shaquille Webb-Dixon in particularly good form as of late. Backed by a vocal crowd, winning at Fusion will be a true test of any side’s title credentials, Brighton included.
It’s worth noting that Brighton actually lost on their last visit, albeit it was a much-different side and none of those who featured that day will take to the table this weekend. They will be represented by Shoma Nishihara, David Andersson and Ihor Zavadskyi.
Nishihara and Andersson are unbeaten so far, both dropping just two ends on their way to four victories. They are joined by Zavadskyi, the outstanding Ukrainian defender who is set to be part of highlight-reel-worthy exchanges against Fusion’s trio.
Whether he takes on Webb-Dixon won’t be clear until the teamsheets are in, but the prospect of the two playing each other is an exciting one, with Fusion’s rising star showing he can excel in longer exchanges during his exceptional victory over Chris Doran last time out.
Webb-Dixon will be supported by dad and lad, England’s top veteran Lorestas Trumpauskas and one of the country’s shining lights at junior level, Larry. Collectively, they are a dangerous time and with their vocal crowd, they should not be underestimated.
That said, Brighton are travelling in numbers and will be backed by a crowd of their own, headed by Paralympic superstar Will Bayley MBE, who will be there in support as club captain.
The action will be available to watch, for free, on YouTube, at this link.
The two other games this weekend will be streamed too. Ormesby host North Ayrshire looking to extend their unbeaten start, which you can watch here, while Drumchapel Glasgow will look to get their first win of the season at the expense of Batts, which you can find here.