This Is Guernsey

THE young St Michael’s A team have taken an early lead in Men’s Division Two of the Rubis Fuel Supplies badminton League.

With the top flight yet to start, St Michael’s stepped into the spotlight with 25 points from their two matches.

In securing a 16-2 victory over Pessimists C, the all-junior team pairings of Chris Rabey/Adam Jouhning and Joe Baines/Adam Greening played well, but will be tested throughout the season as was indicated in their 9-9 draw against Pessimists B where Jed Le Page appeared to make the difference for Pessimists.

But St Andrew’s C will be breathing down St Michael’s necks following their 18-0 whitewash of Sunbeams A.

Division Three has been stormed by Shuttlebusters A after two 18-0 victories over Vale Rec and Sunbeams B.

Andy Ison, Alan Leivars, Gary Hart, Steve Williams and Steve Glencross have all combined well to take pole position with 36 points.

Ladies Division One looks like it could be a battle royal for the title.

On paper three teams could easily be in contention from Rohais A, St Andrew’s A and St Michael’s A, but it is the latter who have taken an early lead with 14-4 win over their B team and a hard fought 12-6 victory over last season’s runners-up St Andrew’s.

St Michael’s have had to use reserves in each match, but all have pulled their weight. They are gathering quite a group of strong players and even their B team will be a tough group to beat.

Ladies Division Two looks like being a close affair as well.

Rohais B lead on 25 points after an 18-0 win over Sunbeams B in which Steph Stuart/Lizzie Guilbert and Lyna Guilbert/Jean McLaughlin dominated matters.

But they then lost 11-7 to Pessimists A when only three of their players arrived for the match and they then had to concede three rubbers as a consequence.

Mixed Division One is headed by St Andrew’s A following a 16-2 win over St Michael’s A and a 15-3 win over Rohais B.

For the leaders, husband and wife pairing of Andy and Bridget Podger are not only a very strong and experienced pair, but are also unbeaten at this stage.

A challenge will come from Rohais A, who overcame their B team 15-3, but both teams have two strong pairs so expect some upsets.

With their growing strength in depth it is perhaps no surprise that Division Two is headed by St Michael’s B who have notched up a 13-5 win over Rohais C and a 14-4 victory over St Andrews C.

The pairings of Adam Jouhning/Jane Torode and Joe Baines/Wendy Trebert are proving very strong combinations.

Shuttlebusters A also look strong in Mixed Three and Sunbeams C in Division Four.Rubis Fuel Supplies Doubles League: New season under way

Article posted on 18th November, 2009 - 2.29pm