Parks League Decider: Wed 28 Aug
The winners of the 2019 Parks League will be decided next week in the final Division 1 match of the season between first place Dyke and second place Hove.
With the regular season now completed, this rained delayed fixture will see Dyke visit Hove Park on Wednesday 28 August at 6pm.
Dyke, who last won the Parks League in 2017, are currently four points ahead of Hove in the Division 1 table.
Last year’s champions Queens are guaranteed third place, with Park Avenue fourth.
Dyke’s Seb Puga (below) says: “It’s a wonderful coincidence that the last remaining match is between us and Hove. It should be really exciting. Hove have very strong players, they can mix it up strategically, and they really want to win the title.
“Last year, Dyke lost it narrowly to Queens, so we’re super motivated. I am inviting lots of friends to the match, which should be a great opportunity to showcase the Parks League, with the two strongest teams fighting it out for victory. We can show people what the Parks League is all about.”
Neil Dickson from Hove says: “Division 1 has been keenly contested between Queens, Hove and Dyke all season. For it to go down to the last game between Dyke and Hove is amazing. Well done to Hove skipper Stephen Milonas, and everyone who organises and plays in the league. It’s a great competition for players of all backgrounds & ages, played in a competitive but friendly environment. The ethos of Parks League tennis lives on, and long may it continue.”
Each Parks League team is made up of eight players, four female and four male, split into four pairs: mixed 1, mixed 2, mens pair and ladies pair.
Queens captain Jacob Chadwick says the final fixture is set up very nicely: “Clearly Dyke have the advantage, with the four point lead, but they are beatable. Hove have an excellent first mixed pair of Joannah Davis and Fariss Barakat (below), and the Pollard Brothers [Josh & Thomas] are a very strong mens pairing. Dyke are solid all the way through, with Seb Puga, of course, a great trump card. Can Hove win 4-nil to secure the title? It’ll be tough, but anything’s possible.”
The old Charles Beckett Shield, awarded to the Parks League champs since 1930, will be at Hove Park for the winners to collect directly after the match. Friends and supporters most welcome!
