The end of the 2023/24 season is fast approaching, with the last few scheduled games set to determine this year’s league champions in three out of our four divisions. 
Following a new scoring rule implemented at the last AGM, league points are now awarded for each rubber won in a match — meaning every rubber across the season is just as important and, win or lose, could be crucial to deciding the end of season standings. For the drama fans, it adds an extra bit of jeopardy as the winners aren’t determined until the last shuttle of the season has been hit… 
In the 1st mixed division, two games will be played before the end of the month. The title race is between Eaglesham and Netherlee, with the former needing just two more points to be unstoppable and crowned champions for another year. The two sides will meet later in the month, but Netherlee also have a game in hand against an in-form Newton Mearns — meaning the trophy is very much still up for grabs.
Moving to the 2nd mixed division, with only one game still to play, Shawlands and Old Parish will be vying for promotion to the 1st division. Shawlands got the better of Old Parish in the recent Henderson Cup final, but the league match will prove to be a challenge as Shawlands must win 8-1 in order to take home their second silverware of the season.
Finally, in the women’s division there will be a new champion declared as the battle goes down to the wire between Newton Mearns and the joint entry of Old Parish/Eaglesham. Champions from the last two years, Orchardhill, have found themselves in third position this year with Newton Mearns currently edging ahead of Old Parish/Eaglesham in first place. The latter need a faultless 8-0 win to claim this year’s trophy, as even a 7-1 win would result in both teams ending the season in a points draw, but Newton Mearns will have a better game difference of 25 to Old Parish/Eaglesham’s 19 to be crowned the 23/24 champs.
In the men’s division, Eaglesham have successfully retained their title following an impressive season without dropping a rubber. They still have one game to go against Shawlands, so a little bit of pride is still on the line… 
Link to current standings: https://langside.leaguerepublic.com/
When the dust settles on league matches, we turn our attention to the end-of-season tournament, Thornlee, which takes place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May at the Sir Craig Reedie Badminton Centre. Entries are open until Saturday 27 April, restricted only to Langside players. Full information can be found by visiting www.langsidebadminton.co.uk/thornlee
