** This article is updated continually through-out the weekend, so check back for updates regularly **
The British League ends the season in style as the Premier Division travels to Ormesby for the most defining weekend of the year.
Britain’s eight elite teams come together to stage the final four rounds of this year’s competition.
Sycamore and Urban will battle it out for the Premier Division crown with both sides locking horns in the opening round of fixtures in a match that will have a large say in the destination of the trophy at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, a pulsating relegation scrap is on the cards, with Drumchapel, currently four points adrift, ready to fight to the bitter end to ensure survival.
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Latest Tables & Averages Here
Alex Perry – on his return to the British League
Round One Report
Sycamore consolidated their position at the top of the league after coming from behind four times to earn a point against second placed Urban.
Sean Cullen’s pulsating fifth game victory over Frenchman Jerome Bahuaud ensured a precious point for his Sycamore side, who would have surrendered top spot to Urban had Cullen not pulled through.
Instead, they maintain their position at the summit with three rounds remaining.
The return of Alex Perry was the major talking point ahead of the clash, with the former England number one ending a two decade sabbatical from the British circuit to aid Sycamore in their title quest. Perry couldn’t make a triumphant return, however, eventually going down to world number 102 Adam Pattantyus 3-1.
Chris Doran, so often a decisive factor in the British League, was the man who levelled the tie, picking up an impressive victory over the previously unbeaten Peter Musko before fellow Hungarian Daniel Schaffer put Urban back in the lead with victory over Cullen.
For a second time, Sycamore fought back. Paul McCreery was the victor, overcoming Bahuaud to leave the contest level at the half-way stage.
With the atmosphere reaching fever pitch, Urban took the lead for a third time, with Pattantyus defeating Doran 3-1. Once again, Sycamore struck back, Perry picking up the victory over Schaffer to take it to the final two ends.
Urban edged ahead once more, Musko making up for his loss to Doran with victory over McCreery leaving Cullen and Bahuaud to battle it out.
Battle they did, with both players saving numerous match points before Cullen eventually prevailed. Cullen surrendered a 9-5 and 10-8 lead in the fourth before saving several match points in the fifth to eventually leave victorious 13-11 and secure a point to the delight of his teammates.
Elsewhere, Drumchapel kick started their fight against relegation with an emphatic 8-0 thrashing of Greenhouse. Doubles from Craig Howieson, Chris Wheeler and the Main brothers moved them to within three points of safety with three rounds remaining.
Ormesby extended their winning run to five games with a comfortable 7-1 win over Barrow. Despite Daniel Lawrence’s impressive victory over Richard Andrews, the quartet of Ryan Jenkins, Michael Marsden, Tom Jarvis and Andrews were too good for their Cumbrian counterparts, who remain in fifth place.
Finally, Fusion moved to fourth as they comfortably dispatched of relegation bound Wymondham. The makeshift team of Liam McTeirnan, Alec Ward, Paul Beck and Paul Smith couldn’t register a set against their experienced opponents, who moved four points away from relegation.
Round Two Report
Sycamore will start the final day of Premier British League at the top after a commanding 8-0 victory over Wymondham.
The league leaders were never threatened with a shock result as they cruised past their relegation opponents.
Urban remain hot on their heels, however, having overcome third place Ormesby 5-3 to ensure a nervy end to the season for Sycamore, who face Ormesby in the morning.
Jason Ramage replaced Alex Perry for the clash with Wymondham, but the change had no bearing on the result, with Ramage winning his two matches against Alec Ward and Paul Beck to go alongside doubles from Chris Doran, Paul McCreery and Sean Cullen.
Meanwhile, Urban had to work harder for their victory, but a double from the classy Hungarian Adam Pattantyus guided his side to victory, putting an end to Ormesby’s five game winning streak.
Elsewhere, Barrow secured a further season in the Premier Division with a 7-1 victory over Greenhouse. The Cumbrian outfit saw their status in the division confirmed following Drumchapel’s 7-1 defeat to Fusion, leaving them three points from safety going into the final two rounds.
Round Three Report
Sycamore go into the final round of the season needing victory over Greenhouse to secure the title after their 4-4 draw with Ormesby.
The two sides could not be separated after eight sets with doubles from Paul McCreery and Ryan Jenkins for their respective sides guiding the teams to a point each.
Sycamore are now level with Urban, who demolished Greenhouse 8-0 to take the title to a final round but sit at the summit of the table thanks to their better sets difference.
The contest between Sycamore and Ormesby was a spectacle as the season’s two pre-season favourites locked horns.
Single point that summarises the quality of the showdown between the two clubs.
Sycamore drew first blood as Chris Doran beat Richard Andrews in five before a mesmeric contest between Alex Perry and Jenkins lit up the Ormesby hall, with the Welshman Jenkins eventually prevailing in five.
The two sides went hit for hit throughout before Sycamore secured the point with Perry’s victory over Michael Marsden. Talented Tom Jarvis then levelled the contest at the death with victory over Sean Cullen.
Meanwhile, Urban eased their way past Greenhouse, who need victory themselves in the final round to secure safety.
The quartet of Peter Musko, Alim Hirji, Daniel Schaffer and Gerome Bahuaud were too good for Greenhouse, who have claimed just one set throughout the weekend.
If Greenhouse are to be relegated, Drumchapel must claim a draw against Barrow in the final round after their 7-1 win over Wymondham. A point would see the two teams end level, but Drumchapel have a far superior sets difference.
Finally, Fusion and Barrow fought out an entertaining 4-4 draw. The two sides, both gunning for third place going into the final round, nullified each other to take a share of the spoils. Superb doubles from Joanna Drinkhall and Danny Lawrence, with Lawrence registering an astounding victory over Michael O’Driscoll, continued Barrow’s fine season.
More Video Interviews
Urban Coach – speaks with Matt Shaw
Urban players – speak with Matt Shaw
Round Four Report
Read the season round-up here instead
British League Press & Publicity Team
22nd March 2014