Clifton have a distinct lead in Division One, having dropped just two points, with Downend, Horfield and Grendel in a tight chasing pack. Bath B, Downend C and University A are running away with their divisions, while Clifton D have a useful lead in Division Five. The relegation race in Division One will be intensified when Nailsea take at least a point from their recent match against Downend. In all the other divisions at least one of the bottom places appears to be all but decided.
Bath took no chances against Downend, adding James Sherwin to a top-strength team, which will be strong favourites to win the Cup if they turn out for the remaining matches. This begs the question of why they are doing so poorly in the League. In the semi-final they play Keynsham, the current holders, whose team decreases sharply after their strong top boards. Grendel take on Horfield, last year's League Champions, and both sides will have highly competitive teams. This could be a match worth visiting on the 1st March, if Grendel's club room is capable of cramming in a few spectators.
The Minor KO has been delayed by the postponement of Hanham - Cabot. This match will not be played till 8th February, so the date of the semi-final against Cossham has not yet been decided.
A welcome trend since Christmas: there have only been two defaults in 32 matches. I know that several former players have come back in the second half, the most notable of whom is Martyn Davies, who used to play for Horfield several years ago and recently took part in their KO match against Hanham. If recruitment is starting to pick up at clubs this could not only mean full teams for the rest of the season but perhaps we could see some extra teams being formed next year. The addition of players of the class of James Sherwin to the League can only help this process.
One of the League's lowest players is the best performer at the moment - Nil Patel (Hanham) has improved a massive 46 points from his published grade of 19. The best of the high rated players is Alistair Gilbert (Grendel), who has had a cracking season and currently stands on 181 from his 12 games. Mike Brannan (Downend) is leading the Alan Ashby competition by two clear points, with University's Nick Harrington leading the chasers.
Club captains are reminded that DPPs cannot be waived unless an appeal is made to the League Management Committee. It must be sent in writing to the League Secretary within 14 days of the match date. Appeals sent in after the 14 day limit will not normally be allowed, although a recent appeal was let through because of delays caused by the New Year break. The League rules are written in the fixture books, and although they are quite numerous, it is important for captains to know the correct procedures in order to avoid disadvantage to their teams.
A set of tables and individual performances was sent to clubs on 30th January. The next lot will be produced on or just after 26th February. There will be an update on the Web site and for clubs who receive their tables by email around 12th February.
Jerry Humphreys
1st February 2000