UEL defeated arch rivals Kings as they regained ground on their opponents who currently are top of the table, with 1 point separating the sides after Wednesday victory. With a draw to start the year off against LSE last week, UEL looked to make up for their missed opportunity to go level on points with Kings in the previous match.
With UEL losing ground on Kings, it was crucial that they took all three points this week against Kings. The return of Azhar Syed and Alvin Lee who missed last weeks game due to unforeseen circumstances meant UEL fielded a strong side to take on top of the table rivals.
Sean Wilson and Syed were the singles opponents for their respective matches against Kings. In addition, Josh Teoh and Lee partnered, with Tze Voon Lim and Ali Chin also playing together.
Unbeaten Run Continues
The game started off quickly with Wilson despatching his opponent 21-10, 21-13, but unfortunately Teoh and Lee couldn’t get on the score sheet as they were put away in two sets.
With Syed returning from injury, he started hesitantly but comfortably won both of his games scoring 18 and 16 points.
Chin and Lim were next up, but lost out in a close three set game, which meant at half way the scores were 2-2.
Rising Tensions
In the second phase of the game, both Wilson and Syed cruised past their opponents which meant no matter what UEL would be keeping their unbeaten run this season.
With the opportunity to take all the points home, Teoh and Lee took their second match to a deciding set. Tension began to rise between both camps as Lee and a Kings player got caught up in a small feud which held up play for five minutes.
The passion and desire was clear to see but Teoh and Lee managed to regain focus and win the final set to earn a victory for UEL no matter what the remaining match outcomes.
Unfortunately Chin and Lim were unable to capitalise on a strong second set taking it to the third and losing.
UEL sealed a comfortable victory against their closest rivals winning 5-3 and putting them one point behind Kings, but with a game in hand.
It is now in UEL’s hands to win the league as they push for the title.
UEL face Medway next which is their game in hand and if they are triumphant, they will be on top with two games to go.
