Cambs Ist Christmas Bonus

On Sunday 15th December Cambridgeshire’s Ist badminton team kicked off Christmas in style as they took on East Anglian Division 2 East league rivals, Norfolk.  Norfolk fielded four extremely strong ladies, so Cambs knew it was going to be a tough match.

The match started with the men’s singles, Min Dabasinskas playing Norfolk’s top singles player (Daniel Leers) and Paul Heads playing their second singles player (Mike Philpott).  Both games were extremely hardly fought with the rest of the Cambs players maintaining the standing of being the loudest supporters in the league!  Both Min and Paul played outstandingly and were eventually both victorious.

Next was the turn of the ladies singles, with Natalie Taylor playing against their top singles player (Devon Minnis) and Olga Bryant playing against their second lady (Louise Culyer).  Unfortunately, the opposition were too strong and both Cambs ladies lost in two straight games.

Next came the doubles, with Cambs’ first mens pair of Min and Simon Woodhouse teaming up together and winning both of their doubles games in style against Gerrard/Atmore and Piff/Leers.    Paul then paired up with Sam Scharf to play well and pick up a win against Piff/Leers, but unfortunately lost to Gerrard/Atmore, losing 23-21 in the second end.

The ladies doubles was always going to be an uphill struggle with Norfolk fielding current and ex-England National players.  Nat and Sara Cunnington had a slow start against their top pair of Culyer/Pike, but came back stronger in the second end, narrowing losing out, but fared better against Norfolk’s second pair (Minnis/Cooper), losing a very close three-ender, 21-18 in the third.  Olga and Alison Meijers then took on the might of Norfolk, but also lost to both Norfolk pairs, although in extremely close games.

So, Cambs were 5-7 down going into the mixed doubles and needed all three to win.  Cambs first pair of Min/Olga and 3rd pair, Sam/Sara, went on court and quickly showed their dominance, winning both games comfortably.  The last game on court (second mixed) Si/Nat v Atmore/Culyer became the match decider…So to keep everyone their toes, Nat and Si decided to make it as close as possible and see how many supporters nerves would break!!!  Luckily, they were “completely” in control and eventually won the third end 24-22… giving Cambs Ist Team their first victory of the season.

Thanks to Sara and Alison for baking lovely Christmas treats and congratulations to Si and Min for winning joint players of the match.

So in true Cambs 1st celebratory style (and to get in the Christmas spirit) you are expected to sing the rest of the match report…

Ready??....

On the 12 days of Christmas Cambs 1st team gave to me…
12 points for league leaders 
11 points more than cambs had!
10 days til Christmas
9 ladies doubles ends 
8 top cambs players
7 doubles ends won
6 men’s singles ends
5 hours of badminton
4 doubles pairs
3 mixed doubles wins
2 men of the match 
And A WIN FOR CAMBS BADMINTON FIRSTS!!!!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The team: Mindaugas Dabasinskas, Paul Heads, Simon Woodhouse, Sam Scharf, Natalie Taylor, Olga Bryant, Sara Cunnington (c), Alison Meijers.

Match report by Natalie Taylor.

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

Cambs Ists Host League Leaders Leics I

On 1st December Cambridgeshire Ist team hosted league leaders Leicestershire I in what was inevitably going to be a very tough afternoon.  And so it proved...

Having been a long-standing & established Premier Division team only a few seasons ago, it's rather a surprise to see Leicestershire's Ist team competing in Division 2 this season.  And with this season's return of their star player Tom Armstrong from coaching in New Zealand, Leicestershire appear to be back to the strength of prior years; which they are emphatically proving so far this season, having won all of their opening 3 matches against Norfolk, Hertfordshire & Warwickshire with convincing 12-3 scorelines.

Cambridgeshire were therefore under no illusions of the size of the task facing them as singles players took to the courts...

Min Dabasinskas produced an excellent performance to take Tom Armstrong to 3 sets, but the opponent was able to show his true pedigree in the 3rd end, taking it 21-9.

At second singles Paul Heads showed early promise in the first end, losing out 21-15 to a meticulous James White.  However the resolute steadiness & consistency of the Leicestershire player proved too much as he took the second end 21-9.

Leicestershire completed the clean-sweep of the singles games by also taking both ladies' singles.  Natalie Taylor narrowly lost out in 21-15 in a deciding set, despite producing what was arguably her strongest singles performance of the season.  And at second singles, Olga Bryant fell to a 21-15, 21-16 defeat.

The first round of level doubles followed in the same vein as Leicestershire enforced their strength, again taking all 4 rubbers despite some very close contests; most notably Natalie & Sara Cunnington at top ladies doubles, losing out 21-17 in a deciding set.  There were also fighting performances from Ist team debutant Abu Kaher, and Adele Woodhams.

However, the second round of level doubles saw Cambridgeshire eventually reap rewards for all their efforts.  Simon Woodhouse & Min took a fantastic straight-sets victory against the strong twin-brother pairing of James & Simon White.  And Natalie & Sara showed they were back to top form with a straight-sets victory over Leicestershire's second ladies pair.

Cambridgeshire were trailing 10-2 going in to the mixed, with a league point out of reach, but needing just one of the three mixed matches to reach the more realistic goal of matching the scoreline achieved by the division's other teams.

Min & Olga faced the arduous task at top mixed of facing Tom Armstrong & Sarita Patel, and were unable to produce an upset despite a strong start, falling 21-16, 21-10.

At third mixed Paul & Sara came flying out of the blocks in the first set, and showed their battling qualities in a tight second set, as they toppled Mark King & Jenny Scarlett 21-8, 23-21; moving Cambridgeshire's tally to 3.

Sadly, the opportunity to make a statement to the rest of the league, and take more games from Leicestershire than any other opponent this season, fell short in unfortunate circumstances.

At second mixed Simon & Natalie appeared to be in control as they lead the opening set 14-9, showing excellent attacking pace.  However, an untimely & unwelcomed recurrence of an old back injury cut Simon's afternoon short.  Despite bravely attempting to play through the first set, given their considerable lead, they were unable to stagger over the finish line, losing 21-19.  Sadly, a second set never made it to court.

So, despite a 12-3 loss, there were plenty of positives to take forward in the campaign.  And realistically, the fate of Cambridgeshire's season was never going to be determined on this result.  Much more crucial is the visit of Norfolk in two weeks time, where a victory will be essential in the battle to avoid the dreaded threat of relegation.

Congratulations to Natalie Taylor on being voted player of the match.

The team: Mindaugas Dabasinskas, Paul Heads, Simon Woodhouse, Abu Kaher, Natalie Taylor, Olga Bryant, Sara Cunnington (c), Adele Woodhams.

Match report by Simon Woodhouse.

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

IInd Team Enjoy Home Success (and Chocolate Orange)

On Sunday 8th December, the Cambs Senior IInd team faced Leics IIIrds at CRC.  Having exchanged the honours 8/7 and 7/8 with the same team last season, a close match was expected.

Cambs' players however were out of the blocks swiftly, with Stephen Pickering, Neil Place and Adele Woodhams all enjoying success in their singles, and Vicky Norris also putting up a brave battle, beaten only 20-22 in the second game.

It was a similar story in the level doubles.  Stephen and Abu Kaher, and Neil and Daniel Bates all tore viciously through their Leics opponents in straight games.  Adele and Louise Tarbit also won their games, albeit with a mid-match wobble against the Leics second pair.  Vicky teamed with Kate Marshall, but they were edged out of both matches, although by a fine margin against the Leics first pair losing 20-22, 18-21.

With a 9-3 lead under their belts, and the full points within their grasp, it was a determined squad which returned to the courts for the mixed round. Neil and Adele enjoyed a topsy-turvy ride, only winning their first end 22-20 before really slotting into gear and taking the second 21-4!  Stephen and Louise and Abu and Kate followed them home with similar straight-sets victories.

So the final result was a super 12-3 outcome, and the IInd team go joint top of the Division 5 East table for the time being.

The team celebrated their result by devouring the chocolate orange brownie which had been baked especially for the occasion, and contained *LINDT orange intense dark chocolate*!!  It was a confectionery experience which will be tough to top...

The team: Stephen Pickering, Neil Place, Abu Kaher, Daniel Bates (c), Katie Morton, Adele Woodhams, Kate Marshall, Vicky Norris, Louise Tarbit.

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

Cambs II show Jekyll and Hyde performances against Beds II

Across 3 and 24 November, Cambs II faced a double-headed battle against the Beds II team away and at home, in what turned out to be a crazy tale of two matches.

The first match away at Beds was a cold and disappointing experience.  On a tricky, undulating surface, it was immediately apparent that it was likely to be a tough day, with Stephen Pickering, Abu Kaher and Molly Carter all beaten in the singles - only Stephen taking an end.  The only light in the tunnel was Adele Woodhams' singles, where she edged the third end 21-19.

In the mens doubles Cambs' recovered some composure.  Abu and Stephen continued what is becoming a strong partnership by taking both their games in straight sets, and Neil Place and Daniel Bates also took their first game in two, but were annoyingly defeated 21-19 in the third end of their second game which had been so tight that both other ends had run into setting.

The ladies were still struggling to impose themselves, with Molly and Kate Marshall, and Adele and Vicky Norris losing all four doubles matches, albeit with three going to three ends.

That left Cambs 4-8 down going into the mixed, with only the single point to fight for.  However, Neil and Adele succumbed quickly, and Daniel and Kate also suffered at the hands of a formidable singles player on the mixed court.  It was only Stephen and Adele who put up a fight by winning their second end to 14, but couldn't maintain their performance and were beaten in three.

So having lost 11-4 away, it was a nervous Cambs team that finally got to play on home turf on 24 November when Beds II returned.  Skipper Daniel Bates was suffering from a cold, so was replaced by James Watkins.  Katie Morton and Louise Tarbit also returned to bring the squad to full strength.  The Beds II team was familiar, albeit arranged in a slightly different way.

As soon as the singles began, it could be seen that Cambs were up for the fight.  Stephen Pickering triumphed quickly in straight sets 21-10, 21-11.  Neil Place and Kate Marshall both fought bravely, but were beaten in two, although Kate suffered a nailbiting 21-19 in the second end.  Vicky Norris though showed a strong performance, and won her match - accelerating away to a 21-14 win in the third end.

Just the glimmer of a chance gave Cambs the spur they needed going into the doubles, and with all four CRC courts in use, the action was frenetic.  Although this time three of the four mens' games went the distance, the Cambs men of Neil Place and James, and Abu Kaher and Stephen secured all four matches.  

In the brightness of the home CRC venue, the ladies doubles was night-and-day from the previous experience, with a battling performance throughout.  Katie Morton and Adele Woodhams gave a commanding showing winning both matches in straight games.  Kate and Louise Tarbit also worked well together, securing their first match before enjoying a walkover due to injury.

So, in an amazing turnabout, the score was 10-2 to Cambs going into the mixed, and the team was clearly on a roll.  Neil and Adele, and Abu and Katie, secured their matches in comfortable fashion in straight sets.  After narrowly losing the first game, Louise and Stephen also got back into gear, and won with a commanding 21-11, 21-11 finish, resulting in a 13-2 success for Cambs.

The lack of baking was amply made up for by the provision of incredible Flake (tm) Rolls!

The team: Stephen Pickering, Neil Place, Abu Kaher, James Watkins, Katie Morton, Adele Woodhams, Kate Marshall, Vicky Norris, Louise Tarbit.

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

Cambs Senior Ists Battle at Herts II

After a short three weeks since the first County match, the Cambs Ist team woke up early for the second match against the Herts IInds. The team received a warm welcome from the opponents with snacks and drinks and referees all ready upon arrival.

Shortly after 10am, the supposed singles specialists were called on all four courts to heat up the hall. Min showed quality play winning the first game against Matthew Widdicombe, but it was the second and the third games where the young Herts player showed his skills and consistency winning the match without much drama. Neil was challenged by a fit and eager-to-win opponent, James Reynolds, to whom Neil succumbed in straight games. Nat played against Frankie Edelmann in three games as did Olga against Laura Cousins, but both singles were won by Herts, giving a 4­-0 lead.

After the cold singles shower, the singles specialists teamed up with their partners for some fast doubles. Min with Simon faced Andy Walden and James Reynolds. It was a challenging encounter for both pairs. Min and Simon had to deal with the left­handed players and took time to adjust tactics after losing the first game, but thanks to a combination of Simon’s fast moves and leadership, and Min’s confidence and powerful smashes, the match was won by Min and Simon. 

Neil and James faced Chris Holt and Matthew Widdicombe. Neil and James started with no remorse, winning the first game and pushed the opponents into the corner. It was a challenging fight for both pairs, but the Herts pair came out stronger in the third game winning the match. 

Nat and Sara played against Frankie Edelmann and Laura Cousins. Despite a close ending in the first game, the match was won by the Herts pair. 

Olga built strong partnership with Alison in their doubles playing against Kat Young and Katy Warden. The match was won by Olga and Alison in straight games. 

In the second doubles round Min with Simon had another fast hour of doubles mixed with emotion and great moments. It took three games to decide the winners, but it was Min and Simon who played better and emerged victorious.

On the other court Neil and James played against the left­handed opponents, which was much difficult than anticipated and run out of time giving the win to the Herts pair.

Nat and Sara reloaded for the next round of doubles in full gear and won the first game with authority, but after the 2 minutes break the opponents found a difficult-­to-­crack failsafe way out from shellacking, winning the match in three games.

Olga and Alison in their second doubles match met the challenging opponents and exchanged trickery, but the opponents escaped the pressure and won the match in straight games. 

Mixed doubles started with passions running high despite the unfavorable score. Min and Olga faced Andy Walden and Kat Wright. The match oscillated slowly for both pairs without easy shots to each other, but it was Cambs' Min and Olga who grew frailer and lost the match in straight games.

Simon teamed up with Nat against Matthew Widdicombe and Laura Cousins. It was Simon and Nat who outfoxed the opponents and led the match to a win in straight games. Sara and James met Chris Holt and Katy Warden. It was Sara's anticipation abilities and James' persistence that led to a win in long three games.

So the match was lost 6-­9 to Herts, which earned one point to the Cambs Ist.

Big thanks to Alison for the lovely cakes and Simon for becoming the player of the match.

Match report by Min Dabasinskas.

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

5th Cambridgeshire Junior U15 Bronze

For the 5th year the Cambridgeshire Under 15 Bronze Tournament on the Badminton England Junior Circuit was successfully held at the One Leisure St Ivo Centre on Saturday 16 November.

The Boys Singles was won by Matthew Cross (Suffolk) who beat Nathan Wooster (Herts) 21-17.  The best performance by a Cambridgeshire player was a brave showing from Leo Huang, who lost to Matthew in the quarter final.

The Girls Singles provided the closest match of the tournament, with Claudia Crowther just managing to overcome fellow Herts player Laura Anderson 21-19.

Matthew Cross completed the double by winning the Boys Doubles in partnership with Levi Hoang.  The defeated Matthew Harden and Nathan Wooster 21-11.

The Girls Doubles title went to Kate Garnham and Megan Hassall (Lincs).  In the final they overcame Laura Anderson and Monique Maisey 21-13.

Results

Boys Singles

Semi finals

Nathan Wooster (Herts) bt Ethan Sheard (Leics) 21-8

Mathew Cross (Suffolk) bt Thomas Joy (Bucks) 21-9

Final

Matthew Cross bt Nathan Wooster 21-17

Girls Singles

Semi finals

Claudia Crowther (Herts) bt Pamela Reyes (Bucks) 21-17

Laura Anderson (Herts) bt Kate Garnham (Lincs) 21-16

Final

Claudia Crowther bt Laura Anderson 21-19

Boys Doubles

Best Pool Runners Up

Mark Amer/Brendan Ho (both Herts)

Joe Prakash (Kent)/Raymon Ramakrishnan (Essex)

Final

Matthew Cross/Levi Hoang (both Suffolk) bt Matthew Harden/Nathan Wooster (both Herts) 21-11

Girls Doubles

Semi finals

Laura Anderson/Monique Maisey (both Herts) bt Amy Heyhoe (Norfolk)/Katie Scott (Suffolk) 21-17

Kate Garnham/Megan Hassall (both Lincs) bt Maeve McKinnell/Pamela Reyes (both Bucks) 21-1

Final

Kate Garnham/Megan Hassall bt Laura Anderson/Monique Maisey 21-13

Cambs III off the mark against Northants

Cambridgeshire IIIrds made the short trip to Kettering up the A14 to face Northamptonshire IInds on Sunday, with the whole team arriving before the opposition, taking up position on the stage – an early psychological advantage!

Ben Aldred at no.1 singles for Cambridgeshire had too much quality for his opponent, winning comfortably in two ends. James Watkins took a while to get going against their number two, but turned on the style to take the third end 21-9.

In the ladies singles, Laurel Bennett faced a tricky left hander at number one singles, and after a battle of the backhands lost out in the third end. What an epic match the second ladies was, Klaudia making her singles debut against a powerful veteran,  played with steely determination and skill and deception to take the match to three. 10-5 down in the third end, great performance to win 21-16.

Mens doubles went well, with both pairs winning their games comfortably.

Our Ladies found it harder playing more experienced opponents, with Liz and Laurel coming closest to a win just losing out in the third end 21-19.

It was time to get sugar fix, care of Liz’s amazing brownies. Cambridgeshire needed to win all three mixed doubles for maximum points. Ben and Sharon enjoyed a classic mixed at no.1 with great net play from both ladies and powerful smashes raining in from Ben, Cambs winning the third end easily. Laurel and Paul had a comfortable win. James and Liz just lost out in three ends.

A solid 9-6 win for Cambridgeshire.

Player of the match Klaudia Otoka.

The team: Ben Aldred, James Watkins, Paul Martell (c), Will Hodgkinson, Liz Salmon, Laurel Bennett, Klaudia Otoka (j), Sharon Chandler

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