Lincolnshire heartbreak for Cambs II

There was heartbreak again for the Cambridgeshire senior IInd team on Sunday, when they were pipped to the Badminton England Inter Counties Championship (ICC) Division 5D playoff spot by a single game. To add insult to injury, the Lincolnshire team were led by England International prospect Harley Towler - the same player who two years previously almost to the day had won the games in the match which condemned the IInd team to relegation from Division 4.

Going into the game on Sunday, Cambs II and Lincs I were tied at the top of the table, level on both points, and games for and against. It was apparent from the outset that it was going to be a tough match, as Lincs had supplemented their squad with two other strong players: Rodger Annis and Chloe Sidwell. In the singles, Tom Li (j) battled manfully against Towler, but was beaten in straight games, as was Mindaugas Dabasinskas despite mounting a spirited second end which he lost 24-22. Molly Carter (j) also suffered her first singles defeat of the season in straight games against Sidwell, so it was only Katie Morton who took points, with a confident straight sets 21-14, 21-7 victory.

Cambridgeshire went into the doubles resolved to turn the tide of the game, and while the ladies prevailed, the men found the going much harder. Captain Daniel Bates and James Wilson went into the game against Towler and Annis hoping to begin the fight back. After a thrilling first end which they won 27-25, they were unable to maintain their momentum, and lost in three. Molly and Liz Salmon were also enjoying a marathon match, mirroring the men by losing their first game 25-27, but then taking the rubber. In the other doubles, Tom and Paul Martell lost in straight games 21-12, 21-15, while Katie and Jessica Sharman (j) won 21-14, 21-19.

The reverse doubles saw very similar results, with both men's pairs losing in straight games, while the ladies both won, despite a mid-game dip by Liz and Molly.

That left the score 7-5 to Lincs going into the mixed, and with Towler ranked 19 in the country at mixed, the need to win all three seemed a stretch too far for the Cambs team. James and Katie, and Tom and Molly showed Cambs' traditional mixed class, by winning in straight games 21-19, 21-15 and 21-17, 21-15 respectively. Daniel and Jess started with a concerted effort to cut Towler out of the game, but found that this only served to confuse their strategy, and they lost 21-2. In the second game, they resolved to play for pride and took a more creditable 21-12, but with that result the match - and the playoff hope - was lost.

For the first time in years, the Cambs IInd team has enjoyed a season where the squad has been settled, and high hopes of a playoff spot were only dashed by sharing the group with a very strong County Ist team. With the Cambs Ist team looking likely to be relegated from Division IB this year, the only ray of light for the season is now likely to be the IIIrd team, who have won their Division 5 group and head into the playoffs at the end of April.

The team:
Daniel Bates (c), Paul Martell, Katie Morton: Hurst Badminton Club
Thomas Li: Pearl Badminton Club
Molly Carter, Liz Salmon, Mindaugas Dabasinskas: St Ives Badminton Club
James Wilson: Ely Victoria Badminton Club
Jessica Sharman: Court Badminton Club

More information about results of the Cambs II team is available on the Team Page.

Cambs II March On

Cambs Senior IInd team travelled to Wellingborough to face Northants IInds on 18th March, knowing that only full points would keep them within touching distance of the chance of following the IIIrd team through into the Division 5 playoffs.

Northants have caused the IInd team problems in the past, so it was pleasing to be able to put out a full regular team for this match. In warmup, Northants looked like a stern challenge with some impressive men especially, but Cambs got the game off to a great start in the singles. Tom Li (J) lost in two ends, although the 19-21 score in the second reflected that he was beginning to hit his stride. However, debutante Min Dabasinskas, Molly Carter (J) and Katie Morton all secured wins in straight games.

With four courts available, every game of the doubles could go on at once, and the usual high level of support from Cambs players was diminished. It was up to each individual pair to maintain the momentum from the singles, which they duly did. The girls were finished first, with commanding scores: Molly and Liz Salmon winning 21-8, 21-13, and Katie and Jess Sharman (J) 21- 12, 21-14. The men faced a stronger test. While James Wilson and Daniel Bates combined excellently to win 21-12, 21-19, Tom and Paul Martell took a little longer to impose themselves in a close tie, and held their nerve to win the deciding end 21-17.

That left the score 7-1 to Cambs, but a couple of disappointing seasons meant the team resolved to maintain their effort to ensure a positive outcome. In the return doubles, the girls again lead the way in straight games, with Jess and Katie winning to 13 and 14, and Molly and Liz to 12 and 12. The men also hit their stride, with James and Daniel and Tom and Paul winning their games to 16 and 10 and 13 and 17 respectively.

Going into the mixed with the score 11-1, Cambs had already secured full points, but were pushing to also match league leaders Lincolnshire's tally of games won. It was in the mixed discipline where the Northants ladies seemed to really come into their own, and all three games went to three ends. James and Katie turned around an early loss to win comfortably 21-17, 21-11, 21-14. New mixed pairing Tom and Molly also took time to find their feet, but really pulled together to win in the third end 21-16, 18-21, 13-21. The tightest game came in the middle draw, with Jess and Daniel meeting a determined Northants pair in a game that grew faster and harder as it drew on. After losing the first end 19-21, they pulled back to 21-15 in the second, but were then pipped to 19-21 in the last game as the pressure mounted.

That left the score at 13-2, and leaves the IInd team not only level with Lincs I on 13 points, but also with 56 games won to 19 lost. The last game on the fixture list being the home draw against the same Lincs team at CRC next Sunday - 25th March. Quite simply on that day, the winner takes all...

The team:
Daniel Bates (c), Paul Martell, Katie Morton: Hurst Badminton Club
Thomas Li: Pearl Badminton Club
Molly Carter, Liz Salmon, Mindaugas Dabasinskas: St Ives Badminton Club
James Wilson: Ely Victoria Badminton Club
Jessica Sharman: Court Badminton Club

More information about results of the Cambs II team is available on the Team Page.

Cambs II Claim New Year Warks Victory

After quite a long journey to an away venue, and a rocky start in the singles, it looked for a short period like the Cambs IInd team were going to be in a long tough day when they travelled to play the Warwickshire IVth team on Sunday 22nd January.

With their sights set on promotion this season, the team were looking to reproduce their commanding form when they won the home leg of this match 15-0. However, with James Wilson, Katie Morton and debutante Geoff Green all losing their singles, it was clear that Warwickshire were resolved to put up more of a fight. Geoff and Katie struggled against tricky singles opponents and lost in straight games, while James took a close first end, before having the game slip away to a more experienced and patient singles player. A ray of hope was offered by Molly Carter (J), who commandingly dispatched her opponent 21-12 21-9 with her usual mix of power and apparently complete relaxation.

Thankfully though, as the doubles began it became clear that Cambs were coming into their own. Skipper Daniel Bates teamed up with James as they imposed themselves powerfully and won both doubles games comfortably in straight games. Molly and Liz Salmon, and Katie and Jessica Sharman (J) both look like pairs who are getting familiar with playing together this season, and won all four of the ladies doubles also in straight games and with convincing scores. This despite being surprised to find themselves facing Cambs alumn Lauren Pickering – representing Warwickshire for her first time since attending Birmingham University. Geoff teamed up with Paul Martell, but under match pressure they struggled to gel quickly enough. Although the beat the second mens’ pairing, they could not overcome the first.

That left Cambs with a 9-4 lead going into the mixed discipline, and needing the last game to ensure the bonus point needed to maintain the title challenge. With two courts available, James and Katie and Daniel and Jessica went on together. Daniel and Jessica held their nerve to win through in straight games. James and Katie lost their first end 19-21, but then settled into their game together to win comfortably in three. Liz and Paul then took to the court, safe in the knowledge that all the points were safe, and cruised to a very comfortable two game win.

So with that win, Cambridgeshire remain in the promotion hunt. Both Lincolnshire and Northants are competitive in the division, so everything still rests on the two remaining matches against them, and on results between them.

The team:
Daniel Bates (c), Paul Martell, Katie Morton: Hurst Badminton Club
Geoff Green: Comberton Badminton Club
Molly Carter, Liz Salmon: St Ives Badminton Club
James Wilson: Ely Victoria Badminton Club
Jessica Sharman: Court Badminton Club

More information about results of the Cambs II team is available on the Team Page.

Cambs II Pipped to Victory Against Lincs I

The last County match of the year saw the Cambs IInd team trekking North to face Lincs I. Spirits were high, as the team sought to maintain a run of good results and a position at the top of the Division. The quality and quantity of the baking on show by the team was also top drawer.

However, as soon as the singles began, it was clear that the match was going to be tough, and taking points a great challenge. Lincs were fielding a particularly strong mens team, which would not have been out of place several divisions higher, with Harley Towler (currently ranked 13) and Steve Mumby both accomplished singles players. Although they battled manfully, James Wilson and Kevin Barron fell in straight games. The ladies fared much better however, with Molly Carter (J) continuing her commanding unbeaten run in singles this season, and singles debutante Katie Morton also winning in convincing style.

The level doubles were also split straight down the middle. Unsurprisingly, both men’s pairs of Daniel Bates and James, and Paul Martell and Kevin, lost to the first Lincs pairing. They both redeemed themselves by gaining revenge on the second pair though. In the ladies, the Lincs first pair also proved too strong for Liz Salmon and Molly, and Jessica Sharman (J) and Katie, although Liz and Molly pushed them all the way to 20-22 in the third, having romped through the middle game 21-9! Again, both pairs won their games against the second pairing comfortably.

That left the match 6-6 going into the mixed, but with the strength of the Lincs’ men, still an uphill struggle. James and Katie were put to the sword by Harley and his partner Joanne Wressell, while Kevin and Liz enjoyed a quick and comfortable success over the third Lincs pair. This left the middle mixed game on court last, as it had gone to three ends. Despite a valiant fightback in the middle game, Skipper Daniel and partner Jessica were unable to maintain their superiority against a particularly quick and strong opponent who forced his way back into the game, and they were edged out 21-14 in the third.

That left the game in Lincs’ hands 8-7, although Cambs gratefully banked the bonus point, still leaving them top of the table for Christmas. With only three other teams in the league this year, Cambs II have now faced everyone. Similar successes next year would leave us with a chance of promotion subject to a final home face-off against the same Lincs team, and results between other teams in the mean time…

More information about results of the Cambs II team is available on the Team Page.

Cambs II Triumph vs Northants II

Cambridgeshire IInd team further cemented their top-table position in Division 5D with a second win, this time against last years' bogey team and Division Champions Northants II.

With a sense of anticipation going into the match, and sharing the hall with the IIIrd team who were also playing close rivals Bedforshire, the atmosphere at the venue was febrile. The match started hopefully, with both James Wilson and Rob Couch leading in their singles after the first end. However, while Rob managed to put his immense reach and irresistible will into winning the second end 21-17, James was reeled in by an experienced and consistent first singles player, and lost in a knife-edge last game 20-22.

In the girls' singles, both Molly Carter and Kate Marshall proved too strong and able for the Northants players, and won comfortably in two ends.

The match took a less positive turn with Captain Daniel Bates and James combining in a particularly nervy first doubles game, in which they never truly settled into a rhythm and lost in straight sets. Rob teamed up with Paul Martell to more success winning their draw. In the return game, James and Daniel settled more and won comfortably, while Rob and Paul having won the first end against the Northants first pair could not maintain the effort and lost in three.

The Cambridgeshire girls however maintained their standards from the singles with a clean sweep of the doubles draws. Molly partnered Liz Salmon while Kate paired up with Jessica Sharman. Both pairs secured their game against the second pair in straight sets, while the first pair offered stiffer resistance. They pushed Jessica and Kate to a nailbiting 24-22 finale, with Jessica applying the final Coup de Grace with a disguised sliced drop shot which drew cheers and a standing ovation from the watching crowds.

Going into the mixed, which is traditionally a Cambridgeshire strength, with a 9-3 scoreline gave reason for optimism. However, the bonus point awarded for achieving 10 sets proved much tighter than hoped. While Jessica and Daniel put in a commanding performance to win 21-17, 21-14, James and Kate and Paul and Liz found their opposition tougher. Even though James and Kate also came out of the blocks blazingly fast, they were eventually tracked down and lost in three 21-10, 16-21, 16-21. Paul and Liz also lost their last game in the third end having taken the first comfortably, with another set game 21-13, 17-21, 22-24.

In the outcome then, Cambridgeshire were delighted to secure full points and remain firmly at the top of their division. Their next stop is a pre-Christmas trip to Lincolnshire.

More information about results of the Cambs II team is available on the Team Page.

Cambs II Kick Off With 15-0 Win

In an emphatic and encouraging start to the 2011-12 season, the Cambridgeshire IInd team romped to a 15-0 victory against a newly-relegated Warwickshire IV side. After a disrupted start due to a late arrival, things were immediately positive with Tom Li pressing home his singles victory after a hard-fought first end. Debutant Graham Barr also put in a comprehensive singles game, defeating his opponent in straight games to 18 and 14. Laurel Bennett showed grit and determination to turn around a first-end loss, and finished the next two games with thumping wins to 7 and 10. Once Molly Carter could get started, she also played a strong game and won in two ends.

The mens doubles partnerships of James Wilson/Daniel Bates and Paul Martell/Tom Li won their games comfortably – all finishing in two ends. The ladies found the Warks first pair harder going, with both Molly and Jessica Sharman, and Laurel and debutant Katie Morton, fighting through to win that game in three after losing their first ends. The second pair was dispatched in two ends in both games.

With the game and the bonus point secure, Cambs went into the mixed in high spirits. All three pairs – James and Katie, Daniel and Jess, and Paul and Laurel all secured their games in two straight ends.

In all then, an extremely satisfying and welcome start to a season in which this team is focused on hunting promotion. This was a good consistent performance, and we can hope that the taste of success is one we can repeat over the course of the season.

More information on the progress of the team can be found in the appropriate Team Page.

Cambs II vs Suffolk II

It’s been a tough season for the Cambridgeshire second team, struggling for consistency while only fielding the same set of ladies once, and never the same mixed pairings. Another new-look team travelled the long road to Ipswich for the second of back-to-back games against second-placed Suffolk. Having lost 6-9 only two weeks before, and facing Suffolk on their (somewhat illusive) Ipswich YMCA home turf, the second team knew that that they would have to pull off something really special if they were to bring anything home. With the fight for survival at the bottom of the league looking like it will go to the final games, every point counts at this stage.

Having observed the singles competition in the previous match, the men of the team had conferred and agreed that no-one was likely to have the strength to conquer the Suffolk premiere man. Captain Daniel Bates agreed to sacrifice his statistics for the team, and to preserve energy levels for the other men to play the other disciplines. However, while he was beaten swiftly, the youthful trinity of Sam Pickup, Jess Sharman and Molly Carter, all fought bravely. While Jess was overcome, Sam and Molly gave the team renewed hope by winning their singles - Molly battling through to win in two straight games. A superb introduction to representing the County in singles at second team level.

The viewing balcony was a maelstrom of emotions at this point, with the frustrations of selection disagreements swirling intermixed with the heady suspicion that there were vital points to be taken from the match. However, as the doubles started, it seemed like any frustrations were being focused anew into effort in the games. The men matched their previous results, with Sam and Paul Martell continuing a long season of excellent performances and capturing both games. Daniel and Rob Couch struggled to match their consistency, with thundering wins one end being matched by unsettled defeats at the other.

It was the ladies’ results that once again offered hope of some reward from the day, with Lisa Hawes and Sandra Ashcroft applying themselves vigorously against the Suffolk first pair, and coming out winners in the third end. With Jess and Molly also winning against the same pair in an extremely tense grandstand finish (and showing a calmness belying their ages), the ladies also came away from the doubles with two vital games.

That left the match 7-5 going into the mixed, and by that time the team was growing in confidence and spirit. Surprisingly, this seasons Mr and Mrs Reliable - Paul and Sandra, were beaten quickly. Victims of some rearrangement of the Suffolk pairings from the previous match. However, the blending of (very) old age and youth in the new pairings of Daniel and Jess, and Rob and Molly, fought valiantly, and amid much cheering and celebration, took both their games to three ends, leaving the result 9-6 in Cambridgshire’s favour. A terrific result against a strong team towards the top of the league.

This reversal of the previous result is a testament to the effort put in by the team, and the spirit shown. With only two matches left – one of which is against the only team below Cambridgeshire in the league (by three points) – and continuing to face selection difficulties due to clashing commitments, it is that continued effort that the team will need to ensure security for next year. However, with youngsters like Sam, Jess and Molly improving with every game, the outlook for the second team should be bright.