Cambs I vs Worcs II

Cambs Ist team travelled to Worcestershire II on Sunday 11th November to build on their great start to the season and build further momentum on their push for promotion.  Ist team regulars Tom Li, Sara Mason & Olga Bryant were all missing, providing opportunities for Paul Heads, Katie Morton & Jess Sharman to step up.

The men's singles got the match off to the perfect start with straight-sets wins for both Min Dabasinskas and Paul Heads.  Min showed great composure & resolve in the 1st end to win 21-18 despite trailing 18-14, before dominating the 2nd end 21-17.  Paul was always in control of his match winning 21-10 & 21-11.

The ladies singles was much less straight forward with Natalie Taylor battling back after dropping the first set to win a nail-biting 3rd end 21-19 in a gruelling encounter. At 2nd ladies singles Katie Morton started strongly taking the 1st end, but was unfortunately unable to hang on as her strong & athletic opponent took the tie in 3 ends.

In the men's doubles this season's new partnership of Simon Woodhouse & Min maintained their unbeaten start to the season, with their fast-paced attacking badminton producing another 2 comfortable straight-sets wins.

Neil Place playing for the first time with Paul Heads secured an important 3-end victory over Worcestershire's 2nd men's pair.  However Worcestershire's top pair proved too strong, taking the rubber in straight sets.

The first ladies' doubles match saw an inspiring display of guts & composure as Nat & Jen Hewitt came from match points down at 18-20 in the 3rd end to win 23-21. Their 2nd match followed a similar vein as for the 2nd time they came from behind in the 3rd end to win 21-17.

The 2nd ladies' doubles pair of Katie Morton & Jess Sharman were unable to achieve the same success as they lost their first 21-8 21-14.  In their 2nd game against Worcestershire's top pair they showed some great form, just missing out in 3 ends.

So going into the mixed Cambs were 8-4 up, already having won the match but needing 2 of the 3 mixed to secure the bonus point.

Up first, playing at top mixed, was Simon Woodhouse and Natalie Taylor who produced an exceptional performance to win 27-25, 18-21, 21-9.

In the absence of Olga, Jen stepped in to partner Min at 2nd mixed.  Unfortunately they struggled to get a foothold in the game and fell to a 21-15, 21-17 defeat.

The final mixed game saw the regular 2nd team mixed pairing of Paul & Katie, who unfortunately were unable to capitalise on taking the 1st end as they lost in the 3rd end decider.

Player of the match is still TBC.

Cambs I are sitting comfortably at the top of the league with 8 points from a possible 9 and full of optimism for the season ahead.

Match report by Sara Mason.

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

IIIrd Team Continue Division 6 Struggle

Cambs IIIrds travelled away to Northants IInds with hope of overturning their defeat a few weeks before. Kaylan Sutton-Ziaian had a long battle eventually loosing 17-21, 21-16, 21-14. Aiden Foo making his first senior start had a nervy first end but found form in the second. Sadly with a net cord here and a line shot there he lost 21-13, 22-20. In the ladies Emma Brewster lost against a good Northants lady 21-6, 21-16. Stacey Knoop had a narrow defeat in the first but the second slipped away, 23-21, 21-14.

The doubles was next and in need of a first win, Will Hodgkinson and Kaylan led the way with a 16-21, 16- 21 win. Kaylan was growing in confidence with a solid defence and tight serve. Damien Dugmore and Aiden took it all the way. There were some great moments with an increased tactical awareness. Sadly it ended 19-21, 22-20, 21-15. Will and Kaylan took the next again with some great skill and nerve from Kaylan. Damien and Aiden built on their display to win 19-21, 19-21 victory. Damien looked very good and Aiden was mixing the shots well.

The ladies was important, with points still possible. Stacey and Emma took it to three, loosing 20-22, 21-9, 21-14. Holly Gayle and Jacquie Dennis showed spells of good working, but the more experienced Northants pair featuring last year's Cambs star Jess James won 21-15, 21-16. The second games were not as close with both pairs going down in straight sets.

Mixed next, with Kaylan and Stacy up first but loosing 21-18, 21-19 in a close game. Will and Jacquie were next, they had an odd game, starting quickly but not able to take control loosing 7-21, 21-14, 21-14. Last game was the two lefties. Playing well together they won 21-16, 19-21, 16-21.

Final score: Northants 11, Cambs 4.

Captain's man of the match Kaylan Sutton-Ziaian.

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

Cambs IInd Close Out Tough Leics Trip

Sunday saw apocalyptic weather, as Cambs IInd team fought the elements to travel to Leicestershire IIIrds for their second match of the season.  Once safely in the 'home of Leicestershire badminton' though, the team was still battered by a storm of tricky games.

With four courts in play, all the singles games went on together.  The men (stand-in Sam Scharf, and Paul Heads) secured reasonably comfortable wins, notwithstanding Paul being annoyed at his own performance in the second end having lost a comfortable lead to only win 23-21.  However, the girls faced an uphill task, playing strong Leics ladies.  Katie Morton was battling a hangover, while Jessica Sharman was grappling with singles nerves.  After starting brightly, Katie was edged out of a tight three-ender 21-18, 19-21, 17-21.  Jess was engaged in a singles game with the most astonishing number of serving errors from both players.  It really was down to who could serve the most consistently, and while she started to play well, Jess couldn't quite string enough points together and lost 18-21, 16-21.

The level doubles game followed a similar pattern, albeit with a shock in the mens.  All four ladies games went to Leics, who had quality in depth in their squad.  All of the games were close, with the Cambs ladies getting to mid-high teens in every one.  Club partners Louise Tarbit and debutante Jacquie Dennis played well, but couldn't exert control over the Leics ladies.  Katie and Jess went agonisingly close with another three-ender against the second pair, finishing in setting: 14-21, 21-16, 20-22.

In the mens, Sam and Skipper Daniel Bates were playing like men who had somewhere to be, winning the first end against the Leics first pairing to 7, and then finishing the second to 16.  They also won against the second pair comfortably.  Paul and James Wilson however won their first game easily (21-8, 21-14), but then came up against a wall in the second.  They found the Leics pair's defence just too good, and could not adjust their game plan, leaving them 19-21, 19-21 down.

That meant Cambs were trailing 5-7 going into the mixed, with a victory looking unlikely.  However, the traditional favouring for mixed in the County came again to the fore.  Paul and Katie have rapidly developed an understanding, and for the second match running registered a commanding win 21-13, 21-12.  James and Lou made harder work of their game, losing the first end in sets before building up a real head of steam, and winning 20-22, 21-19, 21-12.  That left Dan and Jess still on court, and the match there for the taking.  After slipping slightly in the middle period, they secured the game and the match by playing solid badminton and running away in the third end, winning 21-18, 17-21, 21-14.

The so the win was secure, although Leics IIIrds left with a well-deserved bonus point.  An exhausted Cambs team fell in to head for home, but the difficult day dragged on a little longer, with navigational crises making it difficult to find a suitable en-route watering hole which wasn't located down a dead-end country lane.  Cambs would also like to register a formal complaint to the Beefeater Observatory in Braunstone: not only does it not feature correctly on TomTom, but it is unacceptable to advertise 'Ultimate Chips', which have not a single quality which could be described as 'Ultimate', nor which are little more than a small cup of french fries...It was certainly sorely lacking for a hungry badminton team.

The IInd team now enjoy a break in matches until mid-January, when the face.... Leics IIIrds...(!)  The team will need to come out fighting to again earn points from the return leg.

The team: Daniel Bates (c), Sam Scharf, Katie Morton: Hurst Badminton Club / Paul Heads, Louise Tarbit, James Wilson, Jacquie Dennis: 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 III in Day of Might-Have-Beens

Cambs IIIrds took on Beds IInds in their 2nd ICC Div 6 East match of the season last week, hoping to improve on their first match defeat against Northhants.

Geoff Green got the team off to a perfect start winning at first singles in straight sets, but Tom Zhang (J), Emma Brewster and Holly Gayle couldn't match him as they all went down to strong opposition.  Geoff teamed up with Will Hodgkinson at first mens pair and produced an epic game against their Beds counterparts, losing a close 3rd set.  They faired better against the Beds second pair, winning the first set and then taking the game as the Beds pair were forced to retire though injury.  Second pair Paul Martell and Tom again had 2 very close games and were unlucky to lose both.

In the ladies Holly and partner Jacquie Dennis had a bit of an off day as they lost to both Beds pairs in straight sets, but Stacey Knoop and Emma battled well to beat the Beds first pair and narrowly lose in 3 against the Beds second pair.

With the score now at 9-3 to Beds, Cambs had only pride to play for in the mixed, but again Beds proved why they are one of the favourites for the division this year by taking all 3 games, and the match 12-3.  Stacey and Tom were the closest at 3rd mixed, going down 21-19 in the final end.

As against Northhants it was a match of 'might-have-beens'.  The team lost three very tight 3-enders.  The other way around would have changed to match score to 9-6.

The return match against Northhants is up next on the 11th November.

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

Cambs Ist Team Continue Success

Cambs Ist team faced Nottinghamshire IInds at CRC on Sunday.  The singles started the match off strongly with Mindaugas Dabasinskas, Olga Bryant and Natalie Taylor all winning their games very comfortably in 2 ends. Thomas Li decided to get his money’s worth and gave his opponent a glimmer of hope after losing his 1st end to 12, before showing his true singles abilities by winning to just 9 & 16.

Once again the Notts men were no match for the almighty Min & Simon Woodhouse, who won both their games with relative ease. Neil Place & Thomas had more of a fight on their hands and after losing the first end to 17 they stepped up their game to take the next two ends by 18 & 16. They had another battle against the first pair, and narrowly missed out 21-18 in the third end. Most disappointingly was that the youngest star of the team, Thomas, injured himself during the match which will be a sad loss for the next game!

The first ladies doubles pair, Sara Mason & Nat, also came out strongly with 2 solid wins against the Notts ladies. The first match was against two younger players whose heads went down after they found that they were unable to get the shuttle past the Cambs pair. Though more sad was the lack of sportsmanship at the end when they only just managed to shake hands!

So despite the gauntlet set down in the first match report, Neil decided that he would change tack and remain on his feet! Although the same cannot be said for all the ladies… as Jen Hewitt decided she would battle it out with the boys for the best dive of the match!  Though wonder Jen was seen diving around the court as she fought for every point going. She teamed up once again with the awesome Olga, and battled it out against the second pair. They played well but lost in three ends, however went on to show their determination and fight by beating Notts first pair in 3 sets. A great result against Notts first pair.

And finally in the mixed Min/Olga and Si/Nat took the games that ensured a full three-point victory over Notts, winning in 2 games and Si/Nat winning in 3 ends. The third pair, Neil/Sara, had a less than interesting game with the height of the opposition causing difficulties and lost in 2 ends.

A short and sweet match report, tho not as sweet as the yummy rock cakes baked by Jen! High bars set by Olga’s choc cake in the first match, and Jen’s rock cakes… can the boys perform in the baking dept as well as they do on court?? Time will tell!!

A special mention to Thomas Li, who was voted player of the match for really stepping up his performance this match.

Well done Cambs I - another county match and another win under the belt as they beat Notts 2 by 12-3 to once again take full points.

Match report by Sara Mason.

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

New-Look Cambs IIIrd Team Struggle Against Northants

A new look Cambs IIIrd team had a number of new faces to start the season to face Northants IInd team. Debutant Tom Zhang settled in after a hard introduction losing 9-21, 21-18, 26-28 in his singles. A hard working talent, and one for the future. Geoff Green lost in straight sets against a hard working Northants player in a close game 17-21, 20-22. The ladies brought out old juniors Holly Gale and Emma Brewster who are a welcome return. Holly had a hard start, loosing 14-21, 11-21. Emma however powered her way to a 3 set victory: 15-21, 21-12, 21-14.

The doubles had new pairings on show. The men each went to 3. Tom playing with Paul Martel were unlucky to lose both, but showed exciting moments of what could come. Will Hodgkinson and Geoff took 1 game but slipped to a loss in the other. The new ladies Holly and Emma were undone by experienced Northants pairs. Stacy Knoop and Sharon Chandler were on form winning the first 21-16, 21-17. However, they narrowly lost in 3 ends in the next.

Going into the mixed, Cambs were still positive. Paul and Sharon were quick in winning 21-17, 21-10. Geoff and Emma also won. Strength and power taking them to 30-29, 21-13. Will and Holly lost in 3 with a close game. Holly showed great touch, but the pair were defeated by a steady and experienced Northants pair.

Final result: Cambs IIIrd 5, Northants IInd 10

A loss, but lots of positives with exciting new players.

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​Cambs IIIrd Team 2012-13

Match report by Will Hodgkinson.

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

Cambs I Strike Out on Right Foot

The first match of the season for Cambs 1 started on a high, with an inspiring 14-1 win against Worcs 2.

Min (Mindaugas Dabasinskas) played first singles against a tough opponent, and after losing his first game to 16, demonstrated his strength and stamina by winning the next two ends to 12 and 14.  Thomas Li played his first game as a Cambs 1 player, and came out fighting. He won his first game to 16, lost the second game to 17, and then showed his strength of character by winning the third end to a closely fought 22-20. Nat Taylor and Olga Bryant went on to show their singles abilities by winning comfortable games to 14 & 8, and 17 & 10 respectively. A composed and consistent game by both ladies. To finish the singles 4-0 up was a fantastic result.

Going into the men’s doubles was a nerve racking and fingernail biting experience, with two relatively new pairings put to the test. However they did not disappoint! Min and Simon Woodhouse took the first end to work out their game style wining narrowly by 23-21, and then showed off their skills by winning the 2nd game to 15. They continued their winning streak by beating the second pair to 17 & 19. Neil Place & Thomas Li looked solid in their first game winning to 15 & 16, and despite a fantastic effort they narrowly missed beating Worc first pair to 17 in the third end. Well played to all the men, tho the bets are on for who will get the highest score for floor dives. Place your bets now for Min vs. Neil…

Although the ladies managed to remain in upright positions on the court, their games were no less interesting than the men’s. There were some well fought battles, with 3 of the games going to 3 ends. Once against the ladies showed their strength, and had a momentous victory by winning all four doubles. Nat Taylor and Sara Mason have worked hard on their positioning, and it showed as they glided around each other on the court. And a warm welcome to Jen Hewitt who made her debut for Cambs County. She teamed up with Olga Bryant to make a strong second pair, and despite their relatively new pairing they demonstrated their awesome racket skills and knowledge to win both games.

Going into the mixed Cambs 1 continued their dominance, with Olga and Min winning to 21-12 & 21-13, Nat and Si winning 21-14 & 22-20, and finally Sara and Neil winning to 21-15 & 21-7.

First game for the first team a 14-1 victory.  Bring on Notts next week.

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Cambs Ist Team 2012-13​

Match report by Neil Place/Sara Mason.

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