One of the most positive aspects of this season in the Leicester League was the addition of an extra division, albeit a “half division” with six teams instead of 12 but very much a move in the right direction. The halcyon days when there were 20 divisions are long gone but it was good to feel that the bottoming out might also be a thing of the past.
Knighton Park’s 11th team have domination in Division Six with their team of five, including four juniors whose sportsmanlike behaviour has been a delight. Their last three results have been two by 10-0 as well as a 9-1 with the “veteran” of the side Kenny Obilaso, although still many years before he becomes an official one, losing out to Mick Smith of Regent Sports. The two by 10-0 were against White Eagles and Winstanley Wizards, two clubs new to the league this season.
For KP, Ben Stone is still unbeaten while Ben Smulczynski, Richard Martin and Jack Rogers have lost only a handful between them in becoming champions.
By a quirk in the fixtures they now have to meet Leicester Electricity 6th in their final two matches. The Sparks also have an undefeated player in Harry White who had the middle of the season off for a knee operation, but is now fit again. He is well supported by Alex Jefferis and Asher Abraham and, although the Park will be top come what may, these two fixtures should be well worth watching, particularly between the unbeaten pair. Something must give.
Knighton Park are also doing well in Division Two with their third team, who are top, promoted and almost champions after beating Blaby and Whetstone 8-2. Reza Kiani has been the find of the season and won another maximum to remain at the top of the averages, backed by two each from George McClurkin and John Underwood. Dave Daniels won two for Blaby.
The Park’s nearest rivals are Newfoundpool, who also won 8-2, this time against Syston Casuals, with Steve Day (now second in the averages) and Matt Wells, the latter back after injury, securing maximums, with one from Gareth Gan.
Leicester Electricity secured their third successive draw against the rejuvenated Knighton Park fifth team for whom Jack Mooney and Max Lewis-Clarke both won a couple, as well as the doubles. For the Sparks Sam Radenhurst and Russell Pettitt both won two while Andy Wright won a vital singles.
Peter Wilson, the Leicester League’s Chairman, is back playing and is rapidly finding his best touch as his well constructed maximum for Syston Casuals 2nds in a 7-3 win against Newfoundpool 2nds shows. Nice to see you back on the table, Peter.
by John Bowness