PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL LOVEDER

North Ayrshire’s excellent end to the season continued as they wrapped up their campaign with a victory over BATTS.

The Scots managed just one win in their first six games of the season but this win was their third in their final four, and includes victories over two teams that have ended the season in the top three of the competition.

One of those teams is BATTS, who have ended their season with three straight defeats.

Once again, it was Viktor Gorman who was the standout. The Swede has been one of the competition’s best players this season and has ended the campaign with eleven wins from twelve matches after registering another double here, while contributing to a crucial win in the doubles.

He had to come from one game down to defeat Chris Doran, a player he has had many a battle with over the years. He crucially took out the third 15-13 before pinching the fourth 11-9.

On the other table, Ralph Pattison equalised for the hosts within seconds after an entertaining contest with Martin Johnson. The pair went back and forth in a gripping contest with little separating them. Fine margins were an apt description for this contest.

With a game under their belts, Johnson and Gorman returned to the table for doubles and raced to victory over Pattison and Josh Bennett, taking the first in deuce and never looking back.

Bennett responded with a 3-0 win over Chris Main but Martin Johnson spectacularly ensured the Scots retained their slender lead after adding Chris Doran to his list of scalps for the season, winning 3-0. Johnson beat David McBeath two months ago and his stock continues to rise.

BATTS needed both of the final two sets at this point, but Gorman didn’t give Bennett a sniff as he dropped just ten points on the way to a dominant victory, meaning Pattison’s win over Main was a mere consolation.

It ensures North Ayrshire end the season in fourth place, with BATTS finishing third.