Congratulations to Southbourne D

The first league champions of the 2022-23 season have been decided.   With Highcliffe E losing to Bournemouth E on Wednesday, Southbourne D can no longer be caught and are B&DCL Division 5 winners with 2 matches to spare.

Many of the other divisions are very tight, especially at the top.  With the season nearing its end, it seems an appropriate time for a quick recap of how things stand.

Other B&DCL Divisions

Four teams could still win B&DCL Div 1, though Poole A and Wimborne A must be favourites.  Poole A perhaps have the easier run-in, having to face Highcliffe A and Ringwood A, whereas Wimborne A face Poole B and Southborne A.  At the other end, relegation will likely be between Ringwood A and Highcliffe A.

In Div 2, Southbourne B look to be in a strong position, with a match or two in hand over a couple of their rivals and two match points more than Wimborne B, though the latter have a match in hand.  However, if Southbourne B slip up in either of their next two matches, it could be an exciting finish as their final match is against Highcliffe B who are currently in second place.  At the other end, Wimborne C have matches in hand but will probably need to all their remaining fixtures to stay up.

Poole C have a handy lead in Div 3 but their final 2 matches are against third placed Bournemouth B and second place Ringwood B, so anything could still happen.  The bottom of this table is very tight with all of Wimborne D, Bournemouth C and Highcliffe C in the danger zone.

Southbourne C have one match to play, against bottom placed Wimborne E, and look favourites to take Div 4.   Wimborne E need at least a draw against either Southbourne C or  second placed Poole D to avoid the drop.

Dorset League Divisions

Poole A and Weymouth A are 3 points clear but Yeovil A and Wimborne A have a match in hand.  There are a couple of matches for Poole and Weymouth before then but they play each other on 18th May in what may be the deciding match of the season.

Division 2 is looking like a 2 horse race between Bournemouth and Dorchester B, with the former being 2 match points ahead.  They are scheduled to play each other on 25th April in what is clearly a critical match.

Division 3 looks wide open, with the long postponed Wimborne C vs Poole B match being one of several critical encounters remaining.