Onchan Express still on Track for Title
Title favourites Onchan A remain on track to regain the Isle of Man Bank Men’s Division 1 title with a strong 9-1 win over Ballaugh A, further opening their lead at the top. Only Daniel Fenton was able to stop the rout as he picked up his teams only point with a mesmerising 21-9 win over then reigning Island Champion Glynn Hargraves.
Marown A however kept their good form going with a brilliant 8-2 win away at inform Port St Mary A to limit Onchan’s extension of their lead with the gap now standing at 8 points. This really is a magnificent win away from home against Port who are again a solid and stable outfit capable of beating anyone, especially on their own turf.
Douglas A were the surprise package of last weeks fixtures and move into third place thanks to a simply mind boggling 9-1 win over Castletown A at the Villa Marina. Every one of the Villa Men chipped in with solid displays and they were only 3 chalks away from an historic maximum with only Ian Watson preventing it with a 21-18 win over Steve Crampton.
Castletown B are still going strong in 4th place after a great start to their campaign which they cemented with another strong home win, this time 7-3 over Frank Watson’s Peel A. Whilst the Towners are sitting pretty near the top the Govags find themselves too close to the wrong end of the table and they will be hoping to put more points on the board soon.
South Ramsey A are now back up and running after their heavy defeat at the hands of Onchan A and their own 9-1 this time away at the Crofts over Castletown C see them moving back up the table and I don’t think it will be too long before they move into third place.
The final fixture of the round in the top tier was the epic tussle between Port Erin A and North Ramsey A at Port Erin. The home side managed to edge the match on victories with 5 winners, however North had just enough to sneak the aggregate meaning it all ended with honours even on 5 points apiece.
Finch Hill A still top the tree in Division 2 and a solid 7-3 home win over Castletown D keeps them where they want to be. They have always been a solid home team with their home on Kensington Road and impenetrable fortress however if they pick up their share of away points there is no reason why they couldn’t finish off a brilliant start to the season.
Onchan B remain in second place and will be pleased to have matched their rivals result with their own 7-3 win away at Ballaygh C to keep their challenge going.
Finch Hill B didn’t fare as well as their first string and their 9-1 drubbing away from home at the hand of Peel B has opened the door for the Govags to move into third position.
Port St Mary B aren’t out of things just a point behind Peel in 4th and a really impressive 8-2 victory over Nobles Park A away from home keep them in the hunt for promotion and even title glory.
As predicted the Division 3 lead has changed hands yet again and Marown B, an intriguing mix of youth and experience, now call top spot home after a good 7-3 home win over Port Erin B.
South Ramsey B were savagely axed of top spot by their own C team who claimed the spoils 7-3 in the local derby to move themselves into 4th just 4 points off the summit.