If the British League has lived by a saying over the years, it’s ‘Expect the unexpected.’
Shocks, horrors, twists and turns have become the norm over the course of the British League’s illustrious history, and the first weekend of the 2013/14 Premier British League season was no different.
The only thing that was promised ahead of the campaign was a new champion, with reigning champions BBATT withdrawing.
It appeared to pave the way for a star-studded Sycamore side to romp to the title, but when trailing 4-1 to Fusion in the first round, the British League curse looked set to strike once again.
Sycamore did salvage a draw in the end, but it was overshadowed as the new kids on the block made their presence felt, with Greenhouse and Urban both securing opening round victories, before winning their second round matches to astonishingly end day one of the season joint top of the table, whilst hotly tipped Ormesby languished at the bottom of the division, as the out of sorts Middlesbrough outfit struggled to reach their usual dizzying heights.
As day two loomed and sore bodies began to take their toll, the youngsters of division came to the fore. Conor Edwards was the hero for Ormesby as their season looked to pick up steam, whilst a passionate Sycamore side crept up the table on the quiet with an 8-0 demolition of Barrow.
And Sycamore ensured they lived up to their label as favourites in the final round, disposing of the previously unbeaten Urban 7-1 to take a stranglehold of the division. There was still plenty of upsets around the BATTS hall however, as Wymondham’s makeshift duo of Adam Nutland and Liam McTiernan recorded wins over the magical Michael O’Driscoll. Nevertheless, Fusion left victorious, moving them away from the relegation zone to sit comfortably in third.
There was no such luck for Drumchapel Glasgow or Wymondham however, with early signs indicating a difficult season for the duo. The Scots of Drumchapel were never far off, losing three matches by a slender 5-3 margin, but their inability to gain points will have undoubtedly raised concerns, whilst Wymondham, spearheaded by the passion of Ian McLean, will be hoping to field their regular side next time out.
Elsewhere, Barrow’s steady start to the season pointed towards a less dramatic one than the previous, with the class of Joanna Parker-Drinkhall looking set to guide them away from flirting with the relegation zone.
But arguably the two surprise packages came in the shape of Greenhouse and Ormesby. Greenhouse went about their business professionally, remaining unbeaten throughout and registering an impressive win over Ormesby, who inexplicably registered a solitary victory over the weekend.
The talent of Ryan Jenkins was not enough to pull them out of trouble as they never hit any form with the undoubted talent of Richard Andrews and Michael Marsden struggling to hit their imperious best.
Intrigue now lingers ahead of the next weekend, which will undoubtedly provide more of the same as the race for glory takes another sizeable twist.
Read all of the news, interviews and catch up on all the latest results on our dedicated website here.
Written By Mathew Shaw (September 23, 2013)
British League Press & Publicity Team