The British League heads to Tipton for its third weekend of the season as the ladies take center stage.
Thirty teams competing in six divisions will all battle it out in an attempt to prove themselves on the national stage following a pulsating 2012/13 season.
The new season sees a return of the original 6-team format, making competition in each division as fierce as ever.
Ormesby are strong favourites to retain their Premier Division title, with the Middlesbrough outfit looking incredibly strong in every department. Their strongest competition looks set to come in the shape of Draycott East Midlands after acquiring the services of Alice Loveridge from the now defunct Sportingbet Guernsey. Burton Uxbridge and Halton will also prove to be strong contenders whilst Byng Hall and Topspin Sports also have outside chances.
Following relegation last year, Thornton’s Sports will be determined to make their stay out of the Premier Division a temporary one ahead of beginning life in Division 1. They will face stiff competition from Knighton Park and Ireland Ladies, with both looking set to push for the top spot.
Two Fusion sides will go into battle in Division 2 as the Ladies and Wags lock horns. They will be joined by St Andrews, AICES, Draycott East Midlands II and Drumchapel Glashow as all the sides look to step one division nearer to the Premier Division.
Formby are favourites to continue their rise of the British League tables ahead of their first year in Division 3. The side won promotion from Division 4 last year and look set to compete with the likes of Greenhouse Morpeth and Cippenham Ladies this time out.
Division 4 welcomes two new additions to the British League scene with both Sycamore Ladies and Cardiff City Ladies both beginning their journeys, and will face strong tests from the likes of Stantek Old Spots and Cliffdale Chandlers as they look to move up the leagues.
Finally, Division 5 will see Woodfield and Sutton-At-Hone as two of the six teams in the mix for glory come the end of the year, with new sides York Gardens Angels and BATTS also looking for success.
Written By Matthew Shaw
British League Press & Publicity Team (September 26, 2013)