It's a star-studded lineup at Duffield for round nine ...
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The big pendulum swing in round 8 saw Benz-Bavarian Duffield go two points clear of Edgbaston and the two teams meet at Duffield on 17 February. The match is being billed as The Midlands (East v West) National League final and the prize for the winner will almost certainly be the second play off place in Group A. In the final round Duffield travel to Manchester- Pontefract who are determined to maintain their 100% record. Priory end with the "local derby" against Wolverhampton who are unlikely to do their neighbours any favours with Birmingham pride at stake. The calculators will still be on hand in round 10 even if Duffield manage to reverse the 3-2 defeat suffered at Edgbaston in the first half of the season.
The defending champions have been badly hit by injuries to their top players. It is impossible to predict the final outcome but Duffield are fortunate to be able to replace the in form but unavailable Dan Jenson with Renan Lavigne, world No 20 in rounds 9 and 10.
As at the present time the probable line ups are
1 Nick Matthew ( world 12) v David Palmer (world 6)
2 Renan Lavigne (world 20) v Adrian Grant ( world21)
3 Paul Hargrave ( eng 17) v Del Harris ( eng 7)
4 Jon Kemp (world 42) v Peter Barker ( world 39)
5 Cassie Jackman ( world 1) v Isabelle Stoehr ( world 12)
If the results follow rankings Duffield should lose 3-2 but if our supporters get behind the players we might just scrape 3-2 and then hope to pick up a couple of points against the runaway group leaders in round 10. Edgbaston have similar thoughts in reverse.
It should be one of the greatest National League nights at the Club which should be full to overflowing. All seats and main court rear standing have completely sold out. Enquiries to reserve a court 4 standing or side view standing position should be made without delay.
Manchester -Pontefract have already secured their place in the play offs after a 5-0 whitewash of weakened defending champions Edgbaston Priory in round 8.
