Double delight for Westcliff as they clinch the final two titles
The final four matches of the SDBA season had a lot riding on them in both the Mixed and Men's division's.
The Mixed Premier division came down to the final match of the season to decide who would lift the title. Westcliff were unbeaten and sat top of the table and needed to avoid a big defeat to second placed Fitzwimarc. Five of the nine rubbers went the distance but Westcliff held off the challenge from Fitz and won 7-2 to become Mixed Premier champions for a second season in a row. Lee Scott and Philippa Pearson and Matt Allum and Jade Timms both won three rubbers each with Adam Sibley and Clare Roberts getting the other to keep Westcliff undefeated this season. Phil Tuffee and Pam Lee and Zak Pryor and Rebecca Terry got a point each for Fitz who finish as runners-up again.
In the division below, Fitzwimarc Seconds completed an unbeaten season with a 9-0 victory over SLH Rayleigh. Chloe Baker and Harris Foster-Carter won a perfect three rubbers, with Kera Lewis and Oliver Smith and Sarah Hall and Ryan Pinnock also bagging hat-tricks. Kelly McPherson and Adam Whiting came closest to grabbing a point for SLH who finish the campaign in second place. Fitz dropped just five rubbers all season as they return straight back to the Prem.
The other remaining two matches in the season were both in the Men’s First division. Fitzwimarc Seconds were hoping for Westcliff Seconds to slip at home to SLH Rayleigh to give them a chance of winning promotion. However, Westcliff had only lost once all season and a 5-4 triumph over SLH was enough to put them out of sight. Phil Crabtree and Russell Blunt picked up a perfect hat-trick with Callum Linge and Dillon Young and Oaklen Beaven and Ellery Pearson getting a rubber each to seal victory and the title. Sam Partridge and Joe Garnett won two rubbers for the visitors with David Samdaniel and Tom Negus and Adam Whiting and Mike Smith securing one rubber each. It’s back-to-back promotions for Westcliff Seconds while SLH finish the season in fourth spot.
Fitzwimarc Seconds closed their season out with an 8-1 triumph over already relegated Chase. Jay Crewe and Patrick Barker and Jamie Lammas and Oliver Smith both won three rubbers each with the former not dropping a game. Adam Dixon-Peters and Roger Jones bagged the other two points for Fitz. Kevin Edwards and Haafiz Suleman picked up the point for Chase. Fitz finished four point behind Westcliff as runners-up, Chase will play in the Men’s Second division next season.
Team of the Week: Westcliff (Mixed Premier) - two titles for Westcliff this week but team of the week has to go to the Mixed side who had an excellent season, capped off with a big win at their nearest rivals. They dropped just five rubbers all season which is a wonderful achievement.
Player of the Week: Oliver Smith - the final player of the week award goes to Oliver who finished the season with a hat-trick in both the Men’s and Mixed, to help both sides to big victories at home.
Check out how the final league tables looked here and subscribe below to get the end of season round-up and a report on this weekend’s Championships straight into your inbox!