Words by Andrew Parr, photo supplied by Chris Timms
Birmingham have now completed their National League fixtures with a comprehensive 97-85 victory over Great Blakenham at Perry Hall over the weekend.
The result consolidates Birmingham’s position at the top of the table taking six victories from their eight matches. Birmingham’s two defeats were both away matches, firstly an early season loss at Kesgrave and then, perhaps more significantly, a single point defeat at Poole.
With only one defeat this season, a 100-82 loss to Birmingham, Poole have a realistic chance of snatching the title away from the Monarchs.
With three fixtures of the season remaining, Poole travel to Suffolk this weekend to meet Kesgrave on Saturday morning, Ipswich on Saturday afternoon and Blakenham on Sunday knowing victory in all three matches will see them crowned champions.
The permutations are as follows:
If Poole win all three remaining fixtures – Poole will be champions
If Poole lose two or more of their Suffolk fixtures – Birmingham will be champions
If Poole lose one of their matches this weekend – Birmingham and Poole will be tied at the top of the table. The champions will then be decided by match points difference. Birmingham have a points difference of 59 whereas Poole’s points difference is 33.
Birmingham will be keeping a close eye on the weekend’s racing hoping at least one of the Suffolk clubs can cause an upset.
