Team of the Week – Game 1
Welcome to a new feature where we select a team of the week for each division based on individual performance over the weeks games. Whilst score will be taken into account, the opponent, and actual performance will be the deciding factor in selecting who makes the cut. Winning 21-1 might get you in but so might coming from behind to win 21-20 or even losing 21-18 after being well down to seal the aggregate points for your side. I would also ask that home captains mark anyone that you think should be included in the comments section of the score card and send this info to the competition secretary so it can be taken into account. This weeks teams are……
Division 1
The first two players to make the inaugural team of the week come from the highly anticipated clash between highly fancied South Ramsey and reigning champions Marown, with Peter Collister making it for his breathtaking 21-8 win over Neil Withers and David Hughes who came from 14-3 down on his début to win 21-16. Onchan also got off to a great start at Castletown B with former captain Peter Slinger back to his best to earn his place. Port Erin got off to a flyer with a win over Douglas and whilst they have a number of players who nearly made it Steve Durcan’s 21-5 win over the experienced Ian Moore has seen him pip team mate Peter Addison for a place. The final 4 all come from Port St Mary’s 7-3 win at Peel with Paul Skelly leading the way for Port with a 21-6 win over George Gadsby whilst his team mate and former Island champion Ewan Cooil also booked his berth with a strong 21-7 win. Peel can take some consolation though as new boy Nigel Thomas picked up a brilliant 21-4 win to earn his spot whilst fellow Govag Jack Beecham filled the team with a good win over Juan Hargraves.
Peter Collister & David Hughes (South Ramsey), Peter Slinger (Onchan), Steve Durcan (Port Erin), Paul Skelly & Ewan Cooil (PSM), Nigel Thomas & Jack Beecham (Peel)
Division 2
It has been just as difficult to pick TOTW for the second tier as there were some amazing stand out performances. Milton Cubbon of Port St Mary B gets the first spot with an impressive 21-4 win. The next place also goes to a PSM player this time Thomas Keggen of the C team with a great 21-16 win over Paul Bailey away at Onchan B. North Ramsey B had a strong start and Jimmy Moffatt and Stephen GIll book their places with respective 21-4 victories. Mervin Sayle & Paul Dougherty led the way for Finch Hill with 21-6 & 21-8 wins however there is a consolation place for Nobles Mixed’s Steve Cook as he beat Tony Epifani 21-10 on his own patch. Ballaugh B may have struggles at Nobles Park A however Alan Kelly grabbed a 21-4 win to complete the squad
Milton Cubbon (PSM B), Thomas Keggen (PSM C), Jimmy Moffatt & Stephen Gill (N Ramsey B), Mervin Sayle & Paul Dougherty (Finch Hill A), Steve Cook (Nobles Mixed A) and Alan Kelly (Ballaugh B)
Division 3
Probably the hardest team to pick! Its great to see Marown B back and also young Eric Kelly leading their line with 21-5 win away from home, he is simply class on his day and could cause a few surprises. South Ramsey B are littered with talent and massive away wins for Stefan Kelly and Alan Moore get them in our side. Another youngster has made the cut with Jake Cade of Douglas C making it and he is joined from the same match by Port Erin B’s Derek Cadamy. Onchan C had a strong start to the season and places go to David Higgins and Phil Cain. The final place this week goes to South Ramsey C’s Anthony Kelly for his 21-3 win.
Eric Kelly (Marown B), Alan Moore & Stefan Kelly (S Ramsey B), Jake Cade (Douglas C), Derek Cadamy (P Erin B), David Higgins & Phil Cain (Onchan C) and Anthony Kelly (S Ramsey C)