Staffordshire County Badminton Association

News in Detail . . .

SSBA U15 Championship Tournament

The Boys Singles culminated in a final with Josh Hull (Caverswall) verses Oliver Blakemore (Stafford), following the initial 2 groups and semi finals and after the same two players had already met in their initial group which Oliver won. The final was played to the best of three games up to 15 points and proved to be an excellent, very exciting, climax to Boys singles competition. Josh Hull eventually won over runner up Oliver Blakemore 15-5, 12- 15, 15-10. The Girls Singles was another round robin of seven and was won by Ellen Stringer (Stone) after she narrowly beat Runner up Rebecca Lunt (Blythe Bridge) 21-20 in what was the effective final. The Boys Doubles was anther close competition with Tim Morris (Kidsgrove) & Josh Hull (Caverswall) being the eventual winners after beating runners up Josh Tipper (Knypersley) & Oliver Blakemore (Stafford) 21-18 in what was the effective final. The Girls Doubles was again extremely close with Rebecca Lunt (Blythe Bridge) & Alexandra Hunter (Uttoxeter) being the eventual winners over Runners up Ellen Stringer (Stone) & Evie Carroll (Newcastle).

The winners and runners up (Boys left to right: Josh Hull, Tim Morris, Oliver Blakemore & Josh Tipper) (Girls left to right: Becky Lunt, Alex Hunter, Ellie Stringer & Evie Carroll)

Over 60's Team in National Final

On the last week end of the season the over 60's played in the league finals at Fenton Manor.
Drawn against Yorkshire in the first semi final the ladies got us of to a good start with wins for Jan O'connor and Val Bennett and Barbara Blake and Joyce Stewardson.
Mike O'connor and Ian Willis then took a mens leaving us 5-3 down going into the mixed. Needing three mixed Mike O'connor and Jan O'connor got the team of to a good start but despite some very close reults in the last two mixed Ian Willis and Barbara Blake going down to Yorks first pair 22-20 in the third end and Clive Davis and Val Bennett going down 21-19 to the Yorks fourth pair also in the third game, we found Yorks just a little to strong and lost 8-4.
In the play off against Avon for 3rd place we found ourselves at four all going into the mixed. The ladies again leading the way with two wins for Jan O'connor and Val Bennett and one for Joyce Stewardson and Barbara Blake. After Mike and Jan O'connor again won their mixed we were 6-5 down going into the last mixed. But this time we were not to be denied with Clive Davis and Val Bennett winning an exciting last rubber 21-19 in the third game to give us a winning draw by one game on countback and third place in the tournament.
Congratulations to the team on an a really good tournament and sympathy to Harold Angel who as hard as he tried didn't quite manage to win a game.

Please note that we are still looking for team captains for the over 40's,50's and 55's.

Next county meeting is at Stafford Boro council on 28th of this month starting at 7.30pm.

regards Peter Blake 13/4/08

County Seniors & Vets Round-Up

The curtain finally came down on a long league season with the firsts and thirds in action at Rugeley.
The firsts needing a three point win against Lanarkshire got of to a good start taking both ladies singles thru Erica Whittingham and Linzi Atkinson and a mens singles with Matthew Hanson. The ladies then continued to shine winning all four doubles with the partnerships of Linzi Atkinson and Amanda Banks and Erica Whittingham and Helen Fisher. Unfortunately the men were unable to follow this and lost all four.
Entering the mixed at 7-5 we needed to take all three to reach the magical ten. Matthew Hanson and Helen Fisher got us of to a good start but we were unable to maintain that kind of form despite some heroic efforts and eventually settled for an 8-7 victory but alas only two points.
Somewhat ironic that we should beat Lanarkshire twice who are now the league winners.

The thirds entertained Warwickshire and went down narrowly in a close encounter.

Next week the over 60's are in the league finals at Fenton Manor playing Yorkshire at 10.30.

In what can only be described as the nearly season five of Staffordshire's seven teams filled the runners up spots in their divisions.
The final league placings were,

Firsts 2nd
Seconds 2nd
Thirds 3rd

Veterans
Over 40's 4th
Over 50's 2nd
Over 55's 2nd
Over 60's 2nd thru to finals as the winners Oxford declined the invitation to compete.

We are now looking for three veterans team captains for next season, the over 40's 50's and 55's. No need to be shy just e mail me as soon as possible. No team captains no teams!

The next committee meeting as been arranged for monday the 28th April at Stafford Boro council offices at 7 30.

Regards Peter Blake(6/4/08).

This years Staffordshire Schools Badminton Association Under 15 Restricted tournament took place on Sunday 9th March 2008. The events held included Boys Singles, Girls Singles, Boys Doubles, Girls Doubles & Mixed Doubles. Although numbers were down from the same event last season all the events were competitive and well supported with 9 Girl entrants and 13 Boy entrants.

Under 15 Team Match Reports A good 12-8 win against Cumbria was followed by some great performances against Cheshire, despite which, we lost 14-6. Full match reports can be seen by clicking on: Cumbria Match Report Cheshire Match Report (Thanks to Steve Lunt for Tournament and Match Reports through the season!)

Under 15 Team

County Seniors & Vets Round-Up

The firsts and seconds travelled to Ribby Hall Preston today to face Lancs seconds and thirds in two vital matches.
The firsts needing just a two point win went one better and gained all three points in a splendid 10-5 victory.We went 3-1 up after the singles thru Mat Hanson,Erica Whittingham and Helen Fisher. Further victories followed in the mens doubles thru Tom Whitehouse and Matthew Hanson, and in the ladies doubles with Linzi Atkinson and Amanda Banks and Emma Harrison and Erica Whittingham. This gave us two points and with Matthew Hanson and Helen Fisher and Steve Pembertton and Linzi Atkinson winning mixed doubles we gained the bonus point.
This sets up what promises to be thrilling encounter with Lanarkshire next sunday with Staffs needing another 10-5 win to gain the league title having won 8-7 in the away fixture.
The match at Rugeley L C starts at 12 noon.

The seconds unfortunately could not match the firsts performance and lost to a strong Lancs thirds. I have no other information at the moment.

The last vets fixture of the season saw the Over 55's play Shropshire away and record an 11-1 win.

Many thanks to John Bagshaw and Sue Andrews for managing the team this season and to James Barlow, Mike Oconnor and Lesley Broadway for looking after the other age groups.

The Over 60's have qualified for the league finals to be played at Fenton Manor on saturday and sunday the
12th and 13th April playing Yorkshire at 10.30 on saturday.

Hopefully next season we will only need one new team captain to look after the over 55's. So if any of you in that age group are keen to do the job please contact me as soon as possible.
The teams have to be entered by 30 April so no volunteers no team!!

The next county meeting as been arranged for Monday 28th April at Stafford Boro Council starting at 7.30
See you all at Rugeley next week.
Regards

Peter Blake.

Junior National Championships 2008
Lauren Bromley, aged 14 from Stafford captured the U15 National girls singles title at Fenton Manor in Stoke. Lauren, a pupil at Walton High School defeated top seed Emily Westwood (Bucks) in the final to take the gold medal 21-14, 12-21, 21-17.
The two off them then teamed up in the doubles only to fall at the final hurdle losing out to Sophie Brown (Yorkshire) and Holly Smith (Durham). Lauren also reached the final of the mixed doubles, but her partner Tim Stranks (Gloucs) was forced to withdraw through injury in the first set.

Staffordshire's top U17 players competed in the U17 National Championships also held at Fenton Manor. Amber Gregory was the most successful Staffs representative reaching the semi-finals of the mixed doubles with partner Edward Thomas (Surrey) before losing out to Chris Coles (Avon) and Munn-Tzin Bong (Bucks) in two tight sets 22-20, 21-19.

Over 60's - Good Travellers!

Just one match last weekend saw the over 60,s travel to High Wycombe to play Bucks and come away with a 7-5 win.
The ladies got the team of to a good start winning all four doubles thru Val Bennett and Barbara Blake and
Jan Oconnor and Sandra Pilkington. The men managed two doubles and Ian Willis and Sandra Pilkington won the all important mixed to give Staffs victory.

In the midlands play offs at Rugeley today in the over 50's Derby who narrowly defeated Staffs twice lost to Notts in a losing draw. Derby won the over 45's and Cheshire the over 40's.

No matches of course this week end .The following week Staffs 1sts and 2nds travel to Lancs in matches which may well decide our fate.
Happy easter

Peter Blake (16/3/08).

£2000 Funding for Coaches

Please see below a link to information about a bursary scheme for coaches.

The aim of the bursary is to support coaches and leaders in undertaking innovative training experiences that will benefit their coaching. There are a number of criteria which need to be met but ideas can be fairly flexible in terms of proposed activities. Bursaries are up to £2000.

www.skillsactive.com

If you need any assistance in applying then I am available. Please forward this information on to anyone else you think may be interested.
Kind Regards

Matt Hanson
Badminton Development Officer
Staffordshire & Black Country

Mobile: 07825981924
Landline: 01785 619694

Seconds come Second, Over 50's Win

Two matches this week end saw the seconds travel to the isle of man and go down narrowly 8-7. We managed one singles thru Katrina Hamilton, Three mens doubles ,Matt Brookes and Andy Reaney taking two and Mat Gregory and Will Harris the other. Louise Hanson and Jo White won two ladies and needing three mixed we managed two. There were several three setters with setting but we were unable to clinch any of them.

The over 50's visited Worcs but the match was marred by an injury to Eileen Milligan who was hit in the eye by the shuttle at close range. She was taken to New Cross eye unit for assessment and treatment.She was later released and must retun on wednesday.

I am sure you will all join me in wishing Eileen a speedy recovery. Incidentally we won the match 9-3.

Next week end the it is the over 40's turn to visit Worcs.

Peter Blake (3/3/08)

Under 17 Restricted Tournament ~ Results

This years Staffordshire Schools Restricted Badminton Tournament was held on Sunday 10th February at Sir Graham Balfour School in Stafford. 12 Boys and 9 girls competed in singles and doubles titles.

All Competitors	The results were Boys Singles Winner: RU: Josh Hull Chris Williams Girls Singles Winner: RU: Becky Lunt Zoe Hallam Boys Doubles Winner: RU: Josh Hull & Josh Tipper Matt Stupples & David Stupples Girls Doubles Winner: RU: Becky Lunt & Rachel Ward Zoe Hallam & Amy Bradbury Mixed Doubles Winner: RU: Becky Lunt & Josh Tipper Zoe Hallam & Adam Bradbury
Finalists

Info from Colin Mabey (29/2/08)

Under 15's Team Tripple Success!! (Info from Steve Lunt)

In a series of matches, the Under 15 Team beat Flintshire 4-16, Yorks 2 by 12-8, and Northumbria 7-13.

Click on the name above to view the match result in detail - some great performances by a very promising group of players!!

Seconds and Over40's Triumph Whilst Over 55's Win by a Whisker!!

The seconds travelled to Durham yesterday and came away with 10-5 victory and more importantly a three point win.
We got of to a good start winning three singles thru Matt Brookes,Joanne White and Louise Hanson. The team then went on to win three mens ,two ladies and two mixed doubles.
We still have to travel to the Isle of Man but this sets up a league decider at Lancs on the 30th March.

The over 40's entertained Oxford at Rugeley,the mens team of Mark Hatton, Steve Benton, Dave Boulton and Simon Goodwin giving them a flying start by winning all the mens doubles.Lesley Broadway and Elaine Grimley followed this up by winning a ladies for us to run out comfortable winners. I don't have a final match score to hand.

The over 55's entertained Leicester and got off to a very good start with Dave Eddy and John Harris and Ed Sutton and John Bagshaw winning all the mens ably supported by Barnara Forster and Sue Willis who took a ladies giving us 5-3 lead.
Then it all went horribly wrong when we went down in three of the four mixed with John Harris and Sue Andrews being our only winners.
We eventually managed a winning draw.

Next week the over 50's visit Worcester and the seconds travel to the Isle of Man.

Possible good news for the over 60's. Oxford who pipped us to first place in the league have declined the invitation to play in the finals at Stoke. This may leave the door open for us to replace them as runners up. A decision by B E 's veterans policy group is expected shortly.

I'm off to wolverhampton races now to see if i can win enough money to pay for the Isle of Man trip?

Regards Peter Blake (25/2/08)

U15 Individual Achievements!!

U15 Midlands Silver Junior Circuit Tournament held at Warwick on 12th January 2008 - Josh Hull (Caverswall) won a bronze medal for getting to the semi-final stage of the boys doubles competition with Oliver Digby of Buckinghamshire.

U15 North East Bronze Junior Circuit Tournament held at Gateshead on 3rd February 2008 - The day after the U15 Staffs team played and beat Northumberland in the Shires League two members of the Staffs team had their first national JC medal success at Gateshead. Tom Gough (Walsall) won a Silver medal for being runner up in the boys singles final and Alexandra Hunter (Uttoxeter) Won two medals; a Bronze for getting to the semi-final stage of the girls singles and a Silver for being runner up in the girls doubles final along with Laura Toynton of Nottinghamshire.     U15 Wrexham Silver Junior Circuit Tournament held at Wrexham on 19th January 2008 - Josh Tipper (Knypersly) won a Silver medal for being runner up in the boys singles final. Josh went on with Oliver Blakemore (Stafford) to take Gold medals for winning the boys doubles final which happened to be against Josh Hull (Caverswall) partnered with Pete Athens of Lancashire who took the runners up Silver medals. U15 Nottinghamshire Open Tournament held at Sheffield on 28th December 2007 - Rebecca Lunt (Blythe Bridge) won the gold medal for the Girls singles 'B' category after beating Emily Horsefield of Yorkshire in the final. Rebecca also went on to pick up a runners up medal for getting to the final of the conselation Girls doubles competition with Natalie Chan-Lan of Yorkshire.

U15 Avon Invited Doubles held at Bristol on 26th January 2007 - Josh Tipper (Knypersly) & Oliver Blakemore (Stafford) won Silver medals for being runners up in the boys doubles final. Josh Hull (Caverswall) & Tom Gough (Walsall) also made it to the semi-final stage of the same competition (See separate report sent 30/01/08)

Congratulations to all the above players for their achievements.

Steve Lunt (19/2/08)

Streetley v Uttoxeter v Lichfield Junior Match

Looking to try something different, a 3-way match was arranged between the three Junior squads! Each provided a team of approximately 8 players, playing singles and doubles games. Overall it went remarkably well, with over 40 matches played, many nail-bitingly close!

Final results were:

Teams:

John Bagshaw (21/2/08)

Round-Up ~ County Senior and Vets

No action this weekend. Last week the thirds played at Rugeley and inflicted a 13-2 defeat on Devon thirds. They got off to a cracking start winning all four singles thru Simon Fisher, Cameron Owen, Alison Jeans and Clare Perks. We then went on to take two mens all the ladies and mixed for the three points and guarantee a mid table finish.

The Over 40's were also in action at Rugeley and recorded their first win of the season over Shropshire by 9-3. Mark Hatton, Steve Benton, Elaine Grimley and Andrea Harvey going thru the match undefeated.

Next weekend the 2nds travel to Durham,The Over 40's entertain Oxford and the Over 55's entertain Leicester at Rugeley starting at 12 and 1 respectively.

The over 55's final match at Shropshire as now been re arranged for March 30th venue and start time to be
notified.

For those of you on the development group don't forget the next meeting is this coming Wednesday 20 th February at Stafford boro offices starting at 7 30.

Regards Peter Blake (17/2/08)

County Seniors and Vets Update

No results report last week end as my computer was down.
We did have two matches the 3rds beat Bucks 4ths 10-5 and the over 55's defeated Warks 8-4. This almost assures the thirds of remaining in this level for next season.

Only one match this week end the over 50's went to Derby needing a win for a very good chance of making the play offs. However after some very close games including several three setters we went down by the closest of scores 7-5. There were two wins for Clive Turner and Mike Ryder and one for Jim Barlow and Mo Rai in the mens but we could only muster a ladies and a mixed and went down 7-5 .

Next week see's a double header with the 3rds entertaining Devon 3rds with a 12 start and the over 40's playing Shrops with 1pm start.

The county is currently seeking a Child Protection Officer (see below) and a county secretary as Judy Wilkes will be retiring at the end of the season.
If any of you are intereted in serving your county,or you know of some one who might be please e mail me or give me a call on 01543275963

Peter Blake. 3/2/08

County Child Protection Officer

As mentioned in Peter's update above, the county needs to find a CPO to support juniors playing amongst senior players.

The position is voluntary and will be a member of the county senior committee, which meets about 4 times a year.
Training and guidance will be provided as per the BE guidance. Experience of having filled such a position previously is not essential, but could be beneficial.

ANyone who is interested or would like to know more about the role, please contact Peter Blake, on 01543 275963.

Over 55's Beat Warwick's

Staffs mens pairs of Dave Eddy + John Harris, Ed Sutton + John Bagshaw, proved too strong for the Warwick's opponents, taking all 4 mens, whilst the ladies, Barbara Foster + Sue Willis, Sue Andrews + Jeanette Cotterill, both overcame the Warwick's second pair, thought the first pair proved too strong. Ed + Barbara and John Harris + Sue Andrews took their mixed to take the match 8 rubbers to 4.

John Bagshaw 30/1/08

Staffordshire do well in Avon U15 Invitational Doubles 2008 and more medals for the Staffordshire Junior Team.

Staffordshire Juniors sent 3 pairs of boys to the above on Saturday 26 January 2008. Tom Nicklin, Tim Bradbury, Tom Gough, Joshua Hull, Josh Tipper and Oliver Blakemore all travelled to the St Ursula’s school in Bristol to play against Bronze, Silver and Gold players. Tom and Tim played excellently and missed out of getting through the box by a margin of 3 points. They even had to play to 31 given that one pair had withdrawn at the beginning of the tournament. Josh and Tom also played excellently and reached the quarter finals but were pitched against two very experienced gold players Donko and Hatt who used their power skills to the maximum. Josh Tipper and Oli Blakemore reached the final after winning a doubles pairing in the semi-finals from Avon. This was an achievement in itself given that last time in another match they had lost to them – result 21-16. They then played Ryan McArthy and Elliot Miles in the final, a pair they had won before, but unfortunately their game play worked and they lost 21-10. The score didn’t reflect the end result, as the rallies were long and hard fought.	Josh and Oli also won medals at the Wrexham U15 Silver Tournament with a gold in the doubles tournament again Josh Hull who gained a silver medal from Staffordshire and Peter Athans of Lancashire. Josh also reached the final in the singles losing to Michael Philips of Cheshire – Well done Josh! Great achievements again from all the boys from Staffordshire.
The above picture is the team from Staffordshire who went to Avon at the weekend. The players from left to right are: Josh Hull (caverswall), Oliver Blakemore (Stafford), Tim Bradbury (Newcastle), Tom Nicklin (Leek), Tom Gough (Walsall) & Josh Tipper (Knypersly) Lisa Blakemore 30/1/08
	Junior Success! Chris Vaz and Alex Williams, pictured opposite, played very well . at a recent Under 13 Bronze - North Midlands, which took place at Nottingham on January 20th, taking the Runners Up place. Well done!!