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The Berkhamsted league squad
Defending champions Berkhamsted 1 have made a flying start to the defence of their crown with two consecutive 3-0 wins.
First up was a home tie against Old Olavians 1, with both sides fielding extremely young teams. Howard Wiseman provided the experience for the Olavians alongside four schoolboys and one recent leaver but they were no match for the Berkhamsted first pair of Andrew Joyce and Charles Holroyd or the combinations of Doug Foster and Ali Leigton at second pair and George Campbell and Oliver Green at third.
A home win against an experimental Olavians side is one thing but a 3-0 away win at Harrow against the Old Harrovians is a real statement of intent that Berkhamsted aren't going to relinquish their hold on the title easily. The highlight of the match was the first pair victory by Campbell and Anthony Theodossi over Harrovian skipper Peter Dunbar and Richard Tyler. The Harrovian pair were in charge of the first two games, winning 12-7, 12-7, but the Berkhamsted staff pair kept going and gradually turned the tide in their favour, winning the next three games to claim a vital point.
Division 2 is also underway with an early victory for last year's winners North Oxford over Berkhamsted 2 at Aldenham and two wins for the Old Millhillians 2, including an impressive first pair victory for Sunil Tailor and Jitesh Patel over Salopians Rex Worth and Tom Cox. The Old Ipswichians have also made a fine start with a 2-1 win over a strong Etonian side.
CLICK HERE for full league results and tables