Division 1 Roundup - Week 19+ (Challenge Cup Last 16)

Phoenix Forge Ahead in Cup and League

Milton Keynes Phoenix were the only Division 1 team left in the Challenge Cup, and they played Cup holders, Milton Keynes Cavaliers, plus a 120 point handicap, in the round of the Last 16.  With Chris Welch arriving late, it was down to Chris Paddon and John Bradley in the early encounters for Cavaliers, against the Phoenix trio of Gerald Ridgway, Alan Bolding & Merv Phillips.  Chris Paddon certainly caused some problems for the Phoenix, trio, only dropping eleven points over his combined three sets, but John and Chris Welch found the going much more difficult, as the three Phoenix players gradually whittled down the advantage, such that by set eight they had wrested the lead.  They extended that lead over the two final sets, to eventually win through by 32 points.  Their reward is a Quarter-Final draw at Division 5's Open University Explorers on 1st April, and facing a big 260 point handicap, as they continue to fly the flag for Division 1.

Whilst there were no scheduled League matches, Phoenix were also awarded a 7-0 win over Milton Keynes Sharks, after Sharks had postponed their match earlier in the season.  This places Phoenix a mere two points behind runners-up, Leighton Buzzard Avengers, each with two matches to play, so it could be tight finish, with Avengers facing Hawks in eighth, plus Hasbeens in fourth, whilst Phoenix play fifth and sixth-placed teams Milton Keynes Pumas and Leighton Buzzard Sharks.  The result for Sharks also leaves them just nine points clear of Spitfires, with Spitfires having a match in hand, however, the two play each other next week, so a win for Spitfires might give them an outside chance overtaking their rivals, especially as Spitfires also have to play bottom team, Hawks in their final scheduled match, whilst they also have a rearranged one against leaders, Milton Keynes Sasaki, a couple of weeks later.  Next week also sees leaders, Sasaki, potentially poised to mathematically take the Division 1 title, even though it's been on the cards for weeks.

Team of the Week : Milton Keynes Phoenix.
Player of the Week : Chris Paddon (in the Cup)