Cambs I Continue Division 3 Central Assault

On the 16th December Cambridgeshire's Ist team travelled to Staffordshire to play their IInd team.  Cambridgeshire fielded their strongest team, although they were carrying a few of injuries.

Min Dabasinskas started off the match with an impressive, although very close, win against Staffordshire's top mens singles player (22-20, 21-18). Unfortunately the other singles matches all went Staffordshire's way.  Tom Li, returning from injury, struggled against a strong Staffordshire 2nd mens singles player, losing in two games 15-21, 13-21.  Olga Bryant, Cambs' 1st ladies singles player struggled to adjust to the lighting in the hall, losing 17-21, 16-21.  Cambs' 2nd ladies singles player, Sara Mason (filling in for an injured Natalie Taylor) put up a very gallant fight, but also struggled to adjust to the hall and shuttle speed, losing a close game, 21-14, 15-21, 17-21.

After a quick motivational team chat, and a few sugar filled chocolate brownies, thanks to Louise (the loyal Ist team supporter), Cambridgeshire were determined to pick things back up in the doubles.  Cambs' 1st mens pair, Min and Simon Woodhouse, played their first game against an unorthodox pair from Staffs, and fought very hard for their 25-23, 23-21 win.  Neil Place and Tom then played against Staffs' 2nd pair but unfortunately lost 15-21, 19-21.  In the ladies doubles, the first 2 games were also split between Cambridgeshire and Staffordshire, with Sara and Nat beating their 1st pair comfortably 21-10, 21-17, whilst Olga and Jen Hewitt had a very strong start, but lost out in 3 ends (21-5, 17-21, 13-21).

At the half way point in the match, Cambridgeshire were 5-3 down and so needed a big effort to bring them back in to contention.  Si and Min went on court against the Staffs 2nd pair and showed their dominance by winning in 2 games (21-13,21-12).  Neil and Tom, playing against the Staffs 1st pair, put in a great fight but unfortunately left themselves too much to do in the third end after going down 11-2 at the start, eventually losing 16-21, 21-12, 16-21.  It was then the turn of the ladies... Nat and Sara came away with another win, beating Staffs 2nd pair 21-7, 16-21, 21-17, after the Staffs pair staged a small comeback in the 2nd end.  Jen and Olga then put in an outstanding performance, beating the Staffs 1st pair 23-21, 21-19 - Jen continues to be the player most able to hold her nerve when it comes to winning games in setting!

So, going into the mixed doubles, Cambridgeshire needed to win 2 out of 3 to win the match and maintain their winning streak.  Min and Olga very quickly overcame the Staffs 1st pair winning comfortably 21-11, 21-17. Then, after a nervy start from Neil and Sara, they came off court triumphant against the Staffs 3rd pair winning 15-21, 21-19, 21-5, securing the match win for Cambridgeshire.  Finally Si and Nat battled against the Staffs 2nd pair, but unfortunately, they were unable to tip the balance and win the game, eventually losing their first mixed of the season 21-19, 16-21, 16-21.

So, Cambridgeshire finish the match with their 100% winning record intact and definitely maintain their reputation as the most vocally supportive team in the league... Go CAMBS!!!!!

Player of the Match: TBC

Match report by Natalie Taylor.

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

Cambs Badminton Sees Successful Weekend

It was a busy weekend for Cambs Badminton, as players from the County competed around the Country with much success.

In the junior Inter Counties Championships, both the U13 and U17 squads were in action.  

Still finding their feet in the competition, the U13s travelled to Bedfordshire, where they earned an excellent 11-9 victory even though a last-minute withdrawal meant they started the match 4 rubbers down!

Also in the ICC the U17 team travelled to Northants, where they also recorded a sound victory, winning 13-7.  The match also saw debutant Klaudia Otoka (Ely Victoria) playing, aged 14.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Cambridgeshire was also represented in the 18th English National Masters Championships in Guildford, Surrey.  Olga Bryant competed in all three O40 disciplines (with a 3/4 position in ladies doubles), while Neil Place and Daniel Bates received Silver as runners-up in the O35 mens doubles event, and Neil also came third place in the O35 mixed doubles.

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Daniel Bates and Neil Place win silver at 18th English National Masters.

Cambs IIIrds Conquer Lincs

On a cold winters day at CRC the senior IIIrds turned up to play against last years play off finalists. Expecting a difficult fixture and with the team needing a win, everyone knew hard work was required. In a break with tradition the ladies started with new girl Alison Greenhill showing why Ramblers rate her so highly. It was a great start with a convincing 21-15, 21-14 win. Emma Brewster was up next, but in a difficult game Emma slipped to a 21-16, 21-18 loss. 

Men’s singles up next, Kaylan Sutton-Ziaian playing after a long tournament Saturday won in straight sets 21-15, 21-16. Another good performance. It was a surprise for all - including Will Hodgkinson - to see him playing singles: not his usual game, but Will won again in straight sets 21-18, 21-17. Not a bad start then, 3 out of 4.

On next was the ladies doubles. Combining superior net play in the form of Sharon Chandler and the power and movement of Alison, the new form pairing took their opener in three ends 21-23, 21-14, 21-18. This was clearly an excellent partnership, definitely one to stay (hint to the Selection Committee). The second ladies did not find as much rhythm or movement with a new pairing of Jacquie Dennis and Emma. They lost out 12-21, 10-21.

Up next, the first set of the men’s doubles. First pair Graham Barr and Martin Harvey (making his senior county debut) showed a good combination of powerful attacking play and a solid defensive base. Victory went to the Cambs pair 21-15, 20-22, 21-12. Kaylan and Will played next against a new Lincs pairing. Kaylan played some of his best levels yet with great vision and combined well with Will. The pair eased through to a 21-8, 21-11 victory.

The second games for the ladies next, Alison and Sharon combined very well to win 21-18, 21-11. Emma and Jacquie worked hard and fought for every shot but were beaten to 11-21, 9-21. The men came on again and first pair Graham and Martin won 21-8, 21-17. Very solid. Will and Kaylan had an odd game, winning the first 21-14 but the Lincs pair mixed things up and fought their way back to win the next two ends 12-21, 13-21. By now the Cambs team had chalked up 8 wins but knew that another two would be crucial. Bring on the mixed.

To round off a wonderful debut Martin and Sharon won in two - 21-18, 21-17. Another super debut by Alison with 4 out of 4, Alison and Graham took Cambs to 10 wins, 21-9, 21-14. All three points in the bag, but with Kaylan feeling a bit unwell following what sounds like a lot of badminton, Will filled in for third mixed. Hoping to right last matches loss, Jacquie and Will stepped up to the plate and powered through, 21-18, 21-14. It was a great victory, 3 points in the bag and two debutants doing very well. Just one thing left, who should get player of the match. My vote... split it, Martin and Alison, please come again!

Final score: Cambs IIIrds 11 - Lincs IInd 4.

Match report by Will Hodgkinson.

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

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.

Cambridge U15 Bronze Results

The Cambridgeshire Bronze was held on 10th November 2012.  The results were as follows:

Girls Singles

Semi finals:

Noura Mohtadi (Bucks) bt Millie Limrick (essex) 21-18

Briony Whitfield (Beds) bt Kezia Lawson (Oxon) 21-11

Final:

Briony Whitfield bt Noura Mohtadi 21-17

Girls Doubles (Round Robin)

Winners: Noura Mohtadi (Bucks) & Briony Whitfield (Beds)

Runners up: Emily Fearnley (Yorks) & Millie Limrick (Essex)

Third place: Emily Clarke (Herts) & Victoria Clayton (Herts)

Boys Singles

Semi finals:

Guy Jones (Kent) bt Morrison Ayley (Kent) 23-21

Christopher Adey (Herts) bt Tom Phillips (Bucks) 21-13

Final:

Guy Jones bt Christopher Adey 21-15

Boys Doubles

Semi finals:

Morrison Ayley (Kent) & Guy Jones (Kent) bt Charlie Hersant (Bucks) & Tom Phillips (Bucks) 22-20

Oliver Stevenson (Leics) & Eugene Stokes (Cambs) bt Christopher Adey (Herts) & Brett Masey (Herts) 21-19

Final:

Morrison Ayley & Guy Jones bt Oliver Stevenson & Eugene Stokes 21-8

For the full draw and further details see BE Tournament Software.

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.