The British League embarks on Doncaster Leisure Park for the final instalment of the 2014/15 Women’s British League season.
After a record-breaking first half to the season, Ormesby go into the weekend looking to complete an unprecedented accomplishment of dropping just one set over the course of the campaign. The opening weekend saw them relinquish just that one set, a staggering achievement that saw them race to the top of the league.
However, whilst on paper they appear to be champions-elect, they are just two points clear of Draycott East Midlands, who also put in an impressive opening stint with four wins from five. The trio of Emma Vickers, Abbie Milwain and Natalie Slater has what it takes to rock the league leaders, with their final-round tie potentially title-deciding depending on other results.
Elsewhere in the division, a huge relegation battle will be decided, with four teams all in danger of making the drop. A tussle for mid-table positions will see YHL, Burton Uxbridge and Halton III all aiming to reach safety with Knighton Park. The latter are two points adrift of Halton, who are on three points, with YHL and Burton Uxbridge on four.
Division One has the potential to be an intriguing division as all six teams pursue their objective. Whilst the first half of the season was straightforward with results, the possibility of the league being shaken up is high as the two bottom sides, Ulster and Drumchapel, welcome back players previously unavailable due to participation in the Commonwealth Games. Fusion WAGS start the weekend on top after winning all five of their games, with Nivedita Sunil still unbeaten.
Division Two promises to be one of the most exciting divisions going with just three points separating the top four teams. Draycott East Midlands 2 and Pink Pong South West perch at the top on eight points, but with Formby and Halton TTC 2 also vying for a top-two spot, a number of pivotal matches will shape the history of the sides.
Fusion and St Andrews will reignite their battle for the Division Three championship with a solitary set separating them at the top of the division. The two will square off for the championship in the final round of fixtures, with it seemingly inevitable that it will be the only way to separate the two sides.
Just two points separate the top three sides in Division Four as the trio attempt to earn promotion. York Garden Angels, Draycott East Midlands 3 and Fusion New Stars all remain in contention for glory come the end of the season, with little to separate them as it stands. The games between one another are likely to make the difference.
The same can be said for Division Five, with the top three sides approaching the weekend hopeful of honours by the end of it. York Garden Angles 2 and Sutton At Hone are neck-and-neck with eight points, whilst Halton 3 stay hot on their trail just two points behind.
Matthew Shaw
British League Press & Publicity Team
February 5, 2015