For the first match of the season Cambs II faced tough opposition in the form of Norfolk II, and this was demonstrated in the men's singles, which both went to Norfolk, although Rob Couch put up a strong fight, losing 19-21 and 17-21 in a disappointing two close sets. The Ladies were also very unlucky in the singles, with both Amanda Godfrey (21-19, 17-21, 15-21) and Hannah Sharman (11-21, 21-12, 18-21) losing in 3 after very close fights.
Going into the men’s doubles Cambs were 4 - 0 down and in need of a result, which was duly provided by Rob Couch and Sunny Loy who won comfortably against the Norfolk first pair (21-14, 21-15). Unfortunately they were unable to repeat this in their second close match (19-21, 19-21). Paul Martell and Sam Pickup were also beaten in both of their games, despite putting up a good fight against the Norfolk second pair, only to lose after a tense third set (17-21, 20-22 and 14-21, 21-16, 18-21).
In the Ladies doubles Cambs had more luck with first pair Amanda and Hannah winning both of their games (22-20, 17-21, 21-14 and 21-13, 21-10), but with Cambs still in need of some more wins the second pair of Sandra Ashcroft and Lisa Haws were not so lucky, losing both of their games (16-21, 13-21 and 15-21, 18-21).
So going into the mixed, Cambs were 9 –2 down and playing for pride. They didn’t disappoint. Hannah and Sunny, a previously untried pair set the standard with a spirited fight, winning in three thrilling sets (17-21, 21-13, 21-19). Amanda and Rob also posted a win, with a nail biting third end against the Norfolk first pair (14-21, 21-16, 21-18). Sandra and Paul tried hard but struggled against a good third pair (17-21, 16-21). Final score 10 – 5 to Norfolk.