Saturday, October 16
Week two and already there are signs that this year’s league title competition will be a very close fought thing, with several teams having genuine aspirations to take the crown from the Alvor Greens.
The current champions were at home to the Alvor Gladiators and a very tight match saw the Greens edge home again by 52-47 and by 6 points to 2. Over at Tavira, the home Tigers played host to the Valverde Vulcans, both sides having made a winning start to their season last week.
Tigers emerged victorious in another close encounter, winning by 55-43 and taking 6 points to 2. Alvor Harlequins have missed some key players and went down again to the visiting Valverde Vikings 59-51 and by 6 points to 2. Vikings recovering from a losing start last weekend.
The in – form team are undoubtedly the Albufeira Cats, who chalked up their second convincing victory away at the Pedras Panthers. Cats winning by 69-36 and sweeping up all eight points once again. PDF Crusaders went to neighbouring Alvor Amigos and recorded their second consecutive draw, this time by 58-58, although Amigos did take 5 points to the 3 for the Crusaders. The final match of this series was between the PDF Sinners and the Amendoeira Nuts who had also made a winning start last week. Yet another very close game ended in a 48-48 draw, both teams taking 4 points each.
The Cats remain out in front with a maximum 16 points, whilst the Greens move into second with 11. The unbeaten Tigers are now third with 10 points and the Amigos rise to fourth with 9. Nuts and Vulcans have 8 points apiece, then come five teams, each on 6 points – Crusaders, Gladiators, Harlequins, Sinners and Vikings. Panthers slip to the basement with 4 points.
The season is now getting into full swing and the draws for the Inter Club championships have now been published. This season sees a record number of entries across the Algarve, a total of 201 compared with 182 for last season.
This season also sees the introduction of a mens and ladies pairs, in addition to the existing mixed pairs, making a total of eight championships to play for. The Mid Week league starts up this coming week (played on Wednesdays) and we shall later be announcing the formats for the Super Tens and the Double Fours (Cameron Cup). So there is plenty to play for and a variety of formats for everyone. The very best of luck to
all involved.
Alan Clarke –League Director
