And so we reach the Christmas break, and the end of the Conference section of the 22-23 season. This means the top 3 teams in each of A, B and C will from Division 1 and fight for overall honours, whilst the lowest of each will drop down and join the Conf D teams to form the Division 2.
Conf A
Bears finished unbeaten and look for defend their title. Titans looked strong, only losing the once to Bears, with the other being a forfeit as they lost their court. Classics and Bandits went head to head, and split their results, both taking their home fixture. So the results go to a head-to-head decider; with Classics winning by 3 in Parkstone, before the Bandits replied getting the win by 8pts in Weymouth. So the Bandits move on to Div1, with Classics dropping to Div2.
Conf B
Oaks look strong and only had the one loss, to Razors, to finish top. Razors ended with 4-2 record to finish 2nd. The survival/relegation battle went down to the last fixture. Storm had forfeited a game to Bandits2 in October, but had grabbed a win at Razors, so both sat with 1-4 records, going into the final game. It was win and survive. And it was the experience of the Storm that paid off to get the win to ensure they get Div1 play, whilst the young Bandits2 will fight it out in Div2.
Conf C
Salisbury Suns sailed through the Conference, with solid, big wins from the start. Can they take the challenge to the Bears and Oaks for overall honours? The other 3 teams were splitting their games, and with 2 fixtures to go each, anyone could survive or drop down. When Evo beat Tigers, it all but secured the Bridport guys to Div1 and looked like the Bournemouth team looked destined to drop. But then in their decider it was the Tigers who got the big win over Spartans to send them packing.
Conf D
It is the young StormU18 who lead the way undefeated and a regenerated Blazers who hold second at the break. But the places 2nd - 5th are all undecided with a lot of split results and super close games. We've had overtimes, 1, 2 and 3 point finishes in the last few weeks which could really decide the final places come April.
As Classics, Spartans, and Bandits2 join the Division, all previous results stay, and the 3 new teams face each of the 5, home and away. How will this affect the standings and where will these slot in? Can any of them challenge StormU18 for top spot?
So, have a great break Ladies and Gents, if you celebrate, Have a Great Christmas and see you all in the New Year 2023!!
