A record 32 teams entered the first round of the Leicester Development League – effectively the Junior League – representing eight coaching centres/clubs with players ranging from a number already playing in the senior league, some in Division One, down to relative beginners.
They were split into eight divisions of four and Knighton Park Scorpions were dominant in the top section which is not surprising with players such as Jack Mooney, Eddie Lyons and Aman Rashid available, all seasoned senior league players.
The main reason for including all ranges of abilities is to give those just starting out an idea of what they are attempting to achieve step by step as each division is played next door to the next division up and, of course, down. The system works a treat with behaviour absolutely first class throughout, as is the administration so ably undertaken by Vaughan Allington and his helpers.
KP Scorpions – Team One – won their three matches in Division One A 4-0 with each player playing in two of the matches. In Division One B Harborough A led the way with their two players, James Allington and Ross Campbell, playing in all three and winning 4-0 each time. In the second session of matches it should be an interesting clash between the two undefeated teams.
In the next rung down Alex Jefferis and Asher Abraham were both unbeaten in winning Division Two A for Electricity/Fullhurst, both missing Rayan Kotecha of KP Badgers, also undefeated. Lewis Gibbens scored 6 from 6 for Winstanley in Division Two B while Jordan Garcia-Clarke returned an unblemished card for Electricity/Fullhurst 2nds.
Others undefeated in lower groups were: Joe Elton and Charlie Martin (both Electricity/Fullhurst), Harrison Leith (KP Zebras) and Maya Dehnen (KP Beavers).
In Division One of the Leicester League Tony Fox grabbed an excellent success for Holwell against defending champions, Leicester Electricity, but the good news finished there as the Sparks won the rest to win 9-1, both Mat Hobday and Dave Grundy unbeaten.
Meanwhile Ajax Wolvey and Unicorn maintained unbeaten records to keep some pressure on the leaders.
John Bowness Publicity Officer (October 8, 2013)