Raise a glass to Port after victory over South!
There was both a case of business as usual and shock results in the Isle of Man Bank Men’s league division 1 last week.
Reigning champions Marown A were in devastating form at home against Ballaugh and bounced back from defeat in their season opener to secure an impressive 10-0 maximum win to get their season off and running.
Favourites to secure the title, Onchan A, were equally as imperious with their own maximum over Port Erin at their temporary home at the cattery. Although they were on a different green the result was the same and I really think they might have too much for their rivals this time around.
Castletown A were top of the tree after week 1 but this was short lived as they were brought down to earth with a bang by in-form North Ramsey A who beat the southerners 8-2 at the Mooragh. There is a mix of old and new in the North first string this term and it seems to be doing the trick with both new boys and regular faces on the top of their game.
Port St Mary A were on the money at home against title contenders South Ramsey A drawing on games but picking up the win 6-4 thanks to the aggregate points. Highlight of the match was Chris Oates 21-6 win against 3 times Island Champion Andy Kennish. Oates was simply unplayable for the entire match, and you will do well to see a better individual performance all season.
Douglas A picked up their first win of the season over Peel A at the Villa, but only just. The elixir drinkers managed a draw on games but edged the match on aggregate to get some much needed points on the board.
It was derby day number 1 at the Crofts as Castletown C hosted their B team with the latter being too strong for their opponents, running out 8-2 victors.
It’s too early to tell who will win and who will finish in the relegation places come September however things are looking ominous with Onchan A already 4 points clear of the chasing pack and it will take some twists and turns to reel in this deficit.
Onchan B are the early pace setters in Division 2 after a highly impressive 9-1 win away at Finch Hill B. They are serious contenders for promotion this year and will be hoping to build on their strong start.
Newly promoted North Ramsey B are hot on their heels though and a second win, this time 7-3 over Nobles Park A, has set them up nicely for a shot at back to back promotions.
Finch Hill A will have something to say about it though as they picked up a great 9-1 victory away at Ballaugh B to keep them on the promotion trail.
South Ramsey B lead the way in Division 3 after they took out Onchan C 8-2 at home to keep their championship bid very much on track, even in these early stages. They are the class act in this division and should be there or there abouts at the end of the season.
Marown B might have something to say about where the silverware goes at the end of the season and if the keep up the form that they displayed in their 9-1 win over Douglas C will be a force to be reckoned with.