01/12/2024
In advance I can assure you my mid and end of season reports will not compare to those of previous years, however behind the scenes myself and Mr Cross are working hard to ensure stats are regularly collated in order to celebrate players of the season at the End of year Presentation do!
Long gone are the light summer nights, as we find ourselves on the run up to Christmas, venturing to Preesall sports hall in every layer we can find in our wardrobes we are now HALF-WAY through the 2024-2025 season.
In Division 1 there’s just two points making the difference between the Gold and Silver medal positions between Poulton A and Hesketh Fleetwood A. And just 3 points between the three teams who currently sit in the bottom 3 positions.
Poulton A have had some very interesting results with two very close scores ending 13-11 which really could’ve gone either way. Recently Nick Hodgson and Rachel Dewhurst made their debut for the team while a Blackpool legend Tim Shipway has also rocked up to his new team playing for Poulton on a few occasions, however it’s unclear if this was with or without a Burger King in hand.
Hesketh-Fleetwood have had another strong start only recently losing their only game this season to Poulton. Big news for the team in that David Wiseman was jealous of his brothers new sneakers and has recently purchased his very own pair, rumour has it he paid for turbo mode to be installed for them too. (sadly he couldn’t afford the button so we are yet to see the effects of this!) Unfortunately the team have temporarily said goodbye to Cath Bagley and we wish her a speedy recovery for her new knee. Cath takes her post up as chief cheerleader and continues to coach Serena from the sidelines, no easy task!
Kingfisher A have a steady start as normal. With the new Dad on the team, Aiden Mcquinn attempting to show that even with severe lack of sleep you can continue to win on court with Adrian running round behind him. Alex Mackie and Sharon Hamer are a force to be reckoned with currently in the running for the strongest ladies pairing in Blackpool. Kingfisher will need a strong second half of the season to stay in the race for the Gold medal position.
Lightning A unfortunately again have some long-standing injuries affecting their team with Jenny Stothard and Lee Williams both being out of action. With a few B team members stepping up to cover and a strong cohort of ladies Lightning are holding their usual 4th place position, will they be able to do enough during the second half of the season to finish in 3rd place.
Kingfisher B have a new lady joining their club this year with Ling Fang as a new addition. Mike Aspden and Alex Flemming continue their partnership taking a number of games to setting. Its looking comfortable that Kingfisher B could keep up their good work and remain in Division 1 for another season.
It looks as though the move to Ribby Hall has done wonders for Kirkham Charter’s A team with new male recruits. Kirkham’s best game of the season was an unlucky 11-13 loss against current top of the table Poulton A. With just one point between both Kingfisher B and Kirkham they battle to see who can just clinch to stay above.
Another mother/daughter pairing enter the Blackpool league With Hannah Parr (was Settle) and Linda Settle joining forces again to become two thirds of Lids Ladies. A brilliant county junior addition of Andrew Hardaker has shown a fantastic display in a number of his games. For the first time back in Division one for a while Lids continue to the battle to stand just outside of the relegation zone.
Lightning B again hold another family pairing with James and Nathan Bunting. Unfortunately at the half way point currently sitting at the bottom of the table Lighting B will be trying everything they can to depart that relegation area. Now that Amit Mistry has attempted to sort his calf injury out his back hand will be working wonders and scores will be flying through. Lightning also welcome Nicky Percy to their team this season, I’m sure the team have welcomed Nicky with open arms and she is sorely missed at Hesketh-Fleetwood.
Division 2 again holds a very tight race with just 4 Points between the top 5 teams!
Poulton B and Stanley A look favourites for promotion as they have played less games but, all top teams have faltered when key players have been missing. In the second half of the season it is crucial for the teams to field their strongest players to achieve a good position.
Hesketh-Fleetwood B currently hold the Gold medal Position having won 4 out of their 6 games. Anthony Cross remains a permanent team member still pulling out some of those dreamy shots he first mastered in the 80’s with his wooden racquet!
Poulton B continue to show how fantastic it is that we have juniors playing competitively within our league. The Wilford siblings continue to perform and as a team push in the battle for promotion.
Even Project 12, the smallest club in the league with only 9 players, have a chance of promotion despite the retirement of Paul Whitehouse through injury.
Only Stanley C remain without a point however, I am sure the fast improving youngsters in the team will be making their mark in the second half of the season.
In the Levels League it looks like it will go down to the wire.
Lids currently sit at the top of the table closely followed by Lighting Levels
