Cambs Senior Silver Circuit Tournament: Cambs' Sara Mason Triumphs in Mixed

Cambridgeshire's Badminton England Senior Silver Circuit Open Tournament was held at CRC on Friday and Saturday.

The mens singles largely followed the seeding, with Worcestershire's Richard Wrigley beating third seed Christopher Gilbert (Middlesex) in the final. However, with the withdrawal of first seed Emily Jeffs (Buckinghamshire) in the ladies singles, second seed Toni Blake (Buckinghamshire) eventually triumphed against a sturdy challenge from Mary Le Druillenec (Warwickshire), having also beaten Cambridgeshire's Natalie Taylor in a three-ended quarter final.

In the mens doubles, despite some long, exciting and close games, none of Cambridgeshire's pairs progressed beyond the second round. The surprise came when only the fourth seeds Dean George (Sussex) and Chris Tonks (Warwickshire) reached the finals, where they enjoyed a convincing victory against Ian Murphy (Norfolk) and James White (Leicestershire).

The ladies doubles also saw Cambridgeshire's players struggling to impose themselves against strong opposition, and unexpected unseeded victors in Kelly Holdway (Hampshire) and Claire Milward (Warwickshire) who defeated second seeds Toni Blake (Buckinghamshire) and Bethany Jeffs (Buckinghamshire) in a nailbiting 21-19 24-22 final.

Finally, it was in the mixed doubles where Cambridgeshire found success, with Sara Mason teaming up with former Warwickshire partner Chris Tonks to resoundingly defeat third seeds James and Bernie Babington (Yorkshire) 21-9 21-8.

Overall, this year's tournament was of a very high standard, with some excellent performances from a very strong field over a couple of days of truly exciting badminton.

The full results are available online.

You can also now see the entries on the BE Tournament Website.

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.

Badminton Development Project - Cambridge

A New Year: Want to try a new sport?! 

Why not try GET BACK INTO BADMINTON!  (For adult beginners and those who haven't played for a while).

The 6 week coached course starts on the 12th January at Manor Sports Centre in Cambridge (Arbury Road), 6-7pm for adults who are of beginner level.

For more information see the poster.

Cambs III Full Points Against Lincs II

Cambs IIIrds went into this match against Lincs IInds knowing that Beds II had only won the same fixture a narrow margin, and so knew it would be a tough game. The hall was freezing and the shuttles not ideal. However, in the men's singles Josh Males fought hard to win in two ends. Geoff Green, then won a closely fought match to make it two for two in men's singles. The women played some excellent badminton with Kate Marshall winning well in two. Jess James (J) played with a high work rate, exhausting her opponent and winning comfortably in two ends.

An excellent 100% start! This continued with both Will Hodkinson and Josh managing to beat the awkward Linc's pairs taking both men's in two sets. Geoff and Owen Mugridge lost their first, not really managing to get into the game. However, in the second game they fought back like lions to win in three ends with a 27-25 victory in the second! A combination of tight net play and hard hitting was too much for the Lincs pair.

The ladies was steady with some close fought games and dodgy shots (by the Lincs team). A superb Sharon Chandler combined with Jess to clean up comfortably. Kate and Laurel Bennett playing together for the first time lost narrowly in a tight three ended set, loosing 23-21 in the last and loosing in a straight set loss against the second pair.

Cambs went into the mixed with nine points on the board, needing one more for the bonus point. This was provided by through a clever and steady performance dominated by Sharon's excellent net play and Josh's range of shots. Both Will and Kate were disappointed to have lost in straight sets against the Linc's first pair, not really finding their games. Laurel and Owen played some good badminton with Laurel dominating the net, however loosing closely 21-19 in the third end.

At the beginning of the day the Cambs III team had aimed for all three points, which they got! It's tight at the top of the division and all to play for! Long may Sharon's calf hold up.

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

Cambs III Secure Revenge Against Beds II

Cambridgeshire IIIrds hosted Bedfordshire IInds at the weekend (27th November) for their third ICC Division 5C match, and gained revenge for the 11-4 loss earlier in the season, with a 9-6 win. Geoff Green and Josh Males opened proceedings in the first and second men's singles respectively and got the team off to a perfect start, both winning comfortably in straight sets. The ladies weren’t quite so dominant and didn't have things all their own way. Laurel Bennett at first singles fought bravely but went down to a strong junior in the third set. Jess James (J) had a topsy-turvy match, winning the first set to 10 and losing the second 21-23, before getting her game face back on to win the third to 12. 3-1 to Cambs.

First pair Will Hodgkinson and Owen Mugeridge got the mens doubles off to a bad start, losing in straight sets to a strong pair. It proved to be a bad day at the office for the pair as they also went down in straight sets to the Beds second pair. Luckily scratch second pair Graham Barr and Josh M were able to turn the tables with two fantastic performances beating both the Beds pairs in straight sets. A combination to keep an eye on. 5-3 Cambs.

The ladies started in a similar way to the men as Emma Best and Laurel B at first pair lost a close fought three-ender to the Beds first pair, before second pair Sharon Chandler and Jess J squared things up, beating the Beds second pair in straight sets. Sharon managed to tweak a calf muscle during the game but fought bravely on, sporting even more colourful strapping than usual. This must have inspired her and Jess as they turned over the Beds first pair in three sets. Laurel and Emma followed suit, beating the Beds second pair in straight sets to take the match score to 8-4 and clinch the victory for Cambs.

Needing two out of three mixed for the bonus point, Sharon and Graham opened the mixed against the Beds first pair. Despite Sharon's injury they fought back well after losing a quick first set to take the second 21-17. The third set see-sawed back and forth, until the Beds pair managed to inch away in the last few points to win 21-16. 8-5 Cambs.

The bonus point was still on as Geoff and Laurel took to the court at second pair and despite losing the first set to 15, things looked good as they fought back to 19-15 up in the second. The Beds pair then staged a remarkable recovery and came back to 20-20, before edging away to finally win 25-23. 8-6 Cambs.

With the bonus point gone, Will and Emma wrapped up the match in a comfortable straight sets win over the Beds third pair. 9-6 Cambs.

Despite missing out the bonus point, Cambs III must come away with confidence after this win over the top team in the division. They now lie only a point behind Beds II after 3 matches and a win over Lincs II in a couple of weeks would make for a nice early Christmas present.

More information about results of the Cambs III 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.