Staffordshire County Badminton Association

News in Detail . . .

County Match Update!

We were to have had four matches yesterday however in the veterans over 65,s Bucks conceded. In the matches that did take place I have no information re the firsts at home to Warks.

The thirds entertained Lancs and got off to a cracking start winning all four singles thru Zoe Hallam [SOT],Alison Jeans [Tamworth], Chris Williams [Tamworth] and David Rae [Streetly], alas we then collapsed and only took one doubles with Mat Jeans [Tamworth] and Chris Williams [Tamworth] although several ladies went to three. If only there were a singles league!
We went down 10-5 and now face being relegated.

The Over 55's went to Worcester needing a 9-3 win or better to make the play offs and showing no sign of nerves recorded a 12-0 win.
They will now play Berks in Leicestershire on 21st March.

Next Sunday the 2nds play Bucks at Rugeley starting at 1pm, desperate for a win to stave off relegation.

Peter Blake (1/3/10)

Busy Weekend for STAFFS Juniors - despite the unexpected weather!

The "Late" County News

Somewhat belatedly, due to your editors incapacity caused by a mystery virus, here are the results for the last two week ends.

Last Weekend -The firsts entertained table toppers Norfolk and whilst we again excelled in the singles taking three of the four we eventually went down 10-5, and the over 65's travelled to Northants and left with a 9-0 win.

This week end - the seconds were forced to call off their match at Coventry due to heavy snow in the potteries on Sunday morning.
The Over 55's went to Shifnal and recorded a 12-0 victory over Shropshire, they now need to beat Worcs away next week by 9-3 or better to win their division.

This coming week end the Firsts entertain Warks at Rugeley starting at 12 and the Thirds host Lancs at 1pm.
The over 55,s are at Barnt Green starting at 10 30 and the over 65's travel to Milton Keynes to play Bucks.

Peter Blake (22/2/10)

Good End for Over 40's!

One match last weekend saw the Over 40's bring the curtain down on their season with an emphatic 10-2 win over Oxford. Going down in just one men's doubles and one mixed.
Simon Goodwin [Tamworth] and Lea Beesley [Streetly],Lesley Broadway [Lichfield] and Louise Bentley [SOT] going thru the match undefeated.
Many thanks to Tony Wright for taking on the team captaincy and guiding the team successfully thru the season.

Next week the Firsts take on league leaders Norfolk at Rugeley starting at 12 and the Over 65's visit Northants.

Peter Blake 8/2/10

Junior Successes!!

Congratulations to the following players for their success at J.C last weekend.
Jack Buckley won gold in the boys singles at Gloucestershire Under 11 Tournament.

At the under 17 Bronze at Macclesfield, Staffs players were again in "Top Form":
Tom Gough took home two silver medals, one for the boys singles and the other with partner Lewis Morley from Warwickshire in the boys doubles event.
STAFF girls also put in excellent performance with; Gold from Ellie Stringer in the girls doubles with partner Rebecca Pollitt from Cheshire, beating Evie Carroll and partner Ellie Charalambous from Durham.

Also Farid Akroum reached the quarter finals of the singles and boys doubles event at the Under 15 Gold held at Milton Keynes.

Irene Williams SSBA Secretary 1/2/10

A couple of individual achievements additional to Josh Tipper’s and Jack Buckley’s success’s last weekend: Durham & Tees U17 Silver JC 23rd January 2010: Becky Lunt won a bronze medal for getting to the girls singles semi final stage (only losing semi final in 3 games) Derbyshire U13 Bronze JC 23rd January 2010: Matthew Lunt got through to the quarter final stage in the boys singles (only losing 22-20) Matthew Lunt and Adam Harley won Bronze medals for getting to the boys doubles semi final (only losing 24-22) Steve Lunt 1/2/10

Not a Good Day for Seconds and Over 55's!!

Today saw two matches at Rugeley.
The seconds entertained runaway league leaders Oxford and in low key affair went down 14-1,Rebecca Lunt[SOT] being our only winner in the singles.
The seconds have two important matches left in which they have every opportunity of lifting themselves up the table, home to Bucks and away at Coventry.

The other match involved the undefeated over 55's who were playing second in the table Leicester.
Minus Barbara and Ed Sutton and three other regular team members it was always going to be a big task and so it proved.
Dave Eddy [SOT] and John Harris [Moorlands] got us off to a good start winning both mens doubles and were ably backed up by Mike Ryder [Newcastle] and Clive Turner [Moorlands] who having lost to Leics second pair then turned the tables on their first pair!
Going into the mixed needing three for a draw we almost made it with wins from Barbara Blake [Cannock] partnering John Harris, and Clive Turner and Sue Andrews [Burton]. Dave Eddy and Barbara Forster [Moorlands] going down narrowly in three.
Leaving us with the narrowest of defeats 7-5.
If Leics win all their remaining three matches 12-0 and they still have to visit Warks, Staffs can afford to drop one in their remaining two matches against the bottom two sides in order to win the league. Then add one to that figure for every game Leics lose.
Hope you've got that folks.
Next week just one match sees the over 40's entertain Oxford at Rugeley staring at 2pm.

Peter Blake 31/1/10

Vet's Matches - Success for O55's!!

Two veterans matches today at Rugeley saw the Over 40's starting first entertaining Derby. We got off to a very good start being 5-1 up at one stage eventually finding us at 5-5 all with the last two mixed to play. The ladies pairings of Lesley Broadway [Lichfield] and Lea Beesley [Streetly], and Debbie Rollinson and Louise Bentley [SOT] winning a ladies doubles each. Tony Wright and M Copp [SOT] won two mens doubles and Mark Hatton [Lichfield] and Simon Goodwin [Tamworth] one. We won the first of the last two mixed so Tony Wright [Cannock] and Debbie Rollinson[Cannock] needed to win the last mixed and clinch a win. However despite a brave effort we eventually went down and at 6-6 all a count back in points and games was needed and with the points being equal Derby eventually took the two points for a winning draw 17 games to our 16 leaving us with one point for a losing draw.

The Over 55's played Warwickshire and also got off to a flying start winning the match at the end of the level doubles being 7-1 up.
The ladies doubles pairings of Barbara Forster [Moorlands] and Barbara Sutton [Newcastle] and Barbara Blake [Cannock] and Sue Andrews [Burton] winning all four ladies doubles.
The men then followed this up with three doubles wins Dave Eddy [SOT] and Richard Wright [Tamworth] winning one and Ed Sutton [Newcastle] and Mike Ryder [SOT] winning their two.
This was then followed up by two mixed wins and an impressive 9-3 scoreline.

Next week the seconds entertain Oxford starting at 12 and the Over 55's entertain Leicester at 1pm.

Peter Blake 24/1/10

Under 15 Success!!

Congratulations to Ryan Silk and Alex williams for winning a gold medal in the boys doubles at the Under 15 Lancashire Bronze at Leigh on Sunday 17 January. Alex and his partner Jessica Walker from Yorkshire reached the semi finals in the mixed doubles. Ryan also achieved a bronze in the boys singles.

Also taking home two medals this weekend was Farid Akroum for his achievements at the Under 15 Gold tournament held at Fenton Manor. Farid reached the semi finals in doubles and singles.

Irene Williams (Secretary SSBA) 18/1/10

County Round-Up ~ 2 Good Wins!!

Two matches today with the senior seconds taking centre stage traveling to fellow strugglers Worcestershire looking to overturn an 8-7 defeat earlier in the season.
Again we got off to our customary good start winning all four singles,if only there was eight singles in every match instead of four we would top every division.
Winners were Trevor Kernick [Cannock], Scott Sutton [Newcastle] and in the ladies Jo White [Newcastle] and Rebecca Lunt [Moorlands].
On to the level doubles and the men found the going particularly tough and were unable to register a win.Fortunately the ladies fared better and Helen Cheadle [Newcastle] partnering Claire Perks [Walsall Wood] and Jayne Page [West Brom] with Jo White managed a win each to leave us going to the dreaded mixed at six all.
Was the mixed jinx to strike again? and this time the answer was an emphatic no!
Mat Brookes[Lichfield] And Jo White took us to seven all and in the final deciding mixed Trevor Kernick and Rebecca Lunt fought their way thru a three setter eventually clinching the third game 21-17 to give Staffs an 8-7 win and three points.
We are now just one point behind Worcs with three to play.

The other match today involved the over 65's entertaining unbeaten Bucks at Rugeley. We got off to a good start with the three men, Ian Willis [West Brom], Mick O'Connor [Walsall] and Harold Angel [Betley] playing in various combinations won two of three mens doubles.With the ladies, Val Bennett [Stafford], Jan O'Connor [Walsall] and Sue Willis [Cannock] going one better to give us a winning 5-1 lead.The mixed went 2-1 in our favour and a final result of 7-2.

Next week end there are two matches both at Rugeley L. C. The Over 40's entertain Derby at 12 noon and the Over 55's Warwickshire starting at 1PM.

Peter Blake 17/1/10

Under 15 Shires Match - Staffs v Warwickshire - Away fixture

On Sunday 10 January the Under 15s travelled to Coventry for their Shires fixture against Warwickshire.
Warwickshire were a very strong team hosting 2 England players and 2 other top 10 players. The final result was a 14 - 6 loss to STAFFS.
The team put up a brave performance with a special mention going to Nancy Harley who won her singles on her Under 15 debut.
Team Manager Russell would also like to say a big "Thank You" to everyone for making the extra effort to attend considering the terrible weather conditions.
Well done to all who took part.

Irene Williams (Secretary SSBA) 11/1/10

Congratulations!!

Great Win for the Firsts!!

Good evening and a Happy New Year,
There should have been two matches today however the veterans cancelled their match at Worcester leaving just the firsts playing at Leicester and looking to follow up their recent victory over Northants.

The got off to a cracking start winning all four singles, Darren Chesworth [Stafford] and Andy Aspinall [SOT] the mens and in the ladies Amber Gregory [Walsall] and Erica Whittingham [Uttoxeter] the ladies.
The ladies then took the match by storm winning all four doubles with Amber partnering Helen Cheadle [Newcastle] and Erica, Emma Harrison [Newcastle] giving a winning eight rubbers.
Needing two more for a bonus point Tom Whitehouse [Newcastle] and Will Harris [Moorlands] won a mens and to clinch the point Amber and Mat Gregory [Walsall] won a mixed and we gained a convincing 10-5 win with three points in the bag.

Next week the seconds travel to Worcs and the over 65's play Bucks at Rugeley with a 2pm start.

We are currently looking for ladies 55 or over if you are interested in playing in the over 55's team or know anyone who might be interested please contact me.

Peter Blake 10/1/10

Firsts, Seconds and Vets Results

We finished the old year with a hectic week ends badminton.
The firsts entertained Northants at Rugeley looking for their first win and were not to be disappointed.
Getting off to our customary good start, we must be one of the stronger singles county, by going 3-1 up with wins from Darren Chesworth [Stafford], Erica Whittingham [Uttoxeter] and Amber Gregory [Walsall].
We then continued the good form losing only one of the doubles to secure an emphatic 13-2 victory and almost ensure a place in this division next season.

The thirds also at Rugeley played Durham seconds and again we started well winning three singles thru Chris Williams [Tamworth], Alison Jeans[Tamworth] and Zoe Hallam [SOT].
Unfortunately the doubles did not go nearly as well and we managed one win thru Chris and Mat Jeans to go down 11-4.

Two very difficult veterans matches saw the Over 40's take on Warks at St Augustines Coventry and in a competitive match eventually went down 8-4 winning two mens and two mixed.

The final match of the year saw our Over 65's visit Notts at Chillwell. Despite several three setters we eventually went down 8-1,Harold Angel [Betley] and Mike Oconnor [Walsall] winning our only rubber.
Our first matches in the new year start on the 10th January when the firsts visit Leicester and the over 55's travel to Barnt Green to play Worcs.

Finally a big thank you to all the county officers, committee members and team captains whose sterling efforts have ensured the well being of our county,who knows in the new year some one may come forward to manage another veterans team!

Merry Christmas and a happy new year,
Peter Blake 14/12/09

County Round-Up

Just one match last week end saw the seconds travel to Milton Keynes to meet Bucks with us looking for our first win.
We got off to a good start taking three of the four singles,quite a regular feature of all our teams.
We took both ladies with Joanne White [SOT] and Rebecca Lunt [Newcastle] and one mens with Trevor Kernick [Cannock].
The doubles didn't go as well,Andy Reaney [Streetly] and Mat Brookes [Cannock]winning a mens and Joanne and Jane Page [West Brom] a ladies.
Needing all three mixed for a win we did manage one thru Jane and Mat for a 9-6 defeat and one point.
As with other matches we look for an improved result in the return.

Next Sunday the firsts looking to open their account entertain bottom team Northants at Rugeley starting at 12, the thirds are also at Rugeley against Durham starting at 1pm.
Two veterans matches see the over 40's at Coventry and the over 65's at Nottingham.

Last week I emailed several over 50's players looking for some one to captain the team as we seem to have plenty of interest from people to play. However no one came forward. If you know of any one who may be interested in playing and captaining this team please ask them to e mail me.

Peter Blake 7/12/09

Firsts Come Second as Over 55's Win!

The firsts travelled to play Norfolk's undefeated first team and were a Little unlucky to go down 10-5 in a match that could easily have seen us pick up at least a point.
We were 2-2 after the singles with wins for Darren Chesworth [Stafford] and Erica Whittingham [Uttoxeter]. With several three setters in the level doubles we eventually managed one ladies with Erica and Amanda Banks [West Brom] and one mens with Tom Whitehouse [Newcastle] and Will Harris [Moorlands].
Needing two mixed for a point Andy Aspinall [Newcastle] and Amanda took theirs and we were within a point of the necessary six when Will and Emma Harrison went 22-20 in third game of the final mixed!
We look forward to a better result in the return.

The other match played yesterday saw the over 55,s travel to Coventry. In a match which ebbed and flowed Staffs eventually clinched the tie 7-5 with Richard Wright [Tamworth] and Sue Andrews [Burton] winning the final mixed comfortably in two.
Barbara Sutton[Newcastle] went thru the afternoon undefeated and there were wins for Ed Sutton [Newcastle],John Bagshaw [Lichfield], Barbara Forster [Moorlands] and Dave Eddy [SOT]. The over 55's remain undefeated and continue top of the division.

The third team match at Glasgow was called off.

Next week the seconds travel to Bucks looking for their first win.

Peter Blake 30/11/09

Brave Effort by The Second Team!!

Just one match last weekend saw a depleted seconds take on Warwick at Rugeley.
We made a good start with Zoe Hallam [SOT} and Scott Sutton [Newcastle] each winning a singles and the two we lost were three setters with Mat Brookes losing 27-25 in the third giving us real hope in the level doubles.
Eventually of the eight level doubles we managed just two wins thru Scott Sutton and Ed Twigg [Newcastle and Mat Brookes [Cannock] and Andy Reaney [Streetly]. Of the six lost five went to three sets and many of them could very easily have gone our way.
The three mixed also went to three and unfortunately we were on the losing side in all of them.
Of the eleven games lost 10 were three setters and Warwick were some what flattered by there 11-4 win.
Next week end is an away day in the real sense when the firsts travel to Norfolk, the thirds to Glasgow and the Over 55's to Coventry.

Committee members please note the next meeting is this coming wednesday at Cannock L C starting at 8 pm please make every effort to attend.

I understand that Keith Hawthorne who had major heart surgery last week is making a good recovery.

Peter Blake 23/11/09

Double Success for Vets!

Two veterans matches this week end saw the Over 55's travel to Leicester and the Over 40's visiting Worcester.
The Over 55's saw two unbeaten teams going head to head with Staffs getting of to a good start winning three mens doubles, Dave Eddy [Edg] and John Harris [Moorlands] taking both doubles and Ed Sutton [Newcastle] and Richard Wright [Tamworth] one.
The ladies pairs of Barbara Sutton [Newcastle]  and Barbara Forster [Congleton] and Barbara Blake [Cannock] and Jan Oconnor [Walsall] then enabled us to take a 5-3 lead into the mixed by halving theirs.
Needing two mixed to win the match the team went one better with three wins and only lost a fourth in three to give us an 8-4 victory.
The match against Warks in two weeks could now decide the league winners.

The Over 40,s managed to go one better when they played at Barnt Green registering an impressive 9-3 victory.
Again we saw the mens pairings of Tony Wright [Codsall] and M Copp [Newcastle] and Simon Goodwin [Tamworth] and Mark Hatton [Lichfield] give a three games lead equally supported by the ladies pairings of Hilda Langley [Cannock] and Louise Bentley [Newcastle] and Elaine Grimley [Cannock] and Lesley Broadway [Lichfield] to go into the mixed 6-2 needing just one for a win but showing how mixed should be played we took three and nearly a fourth to take the match 9-3 and give us two wins out of three.
Next week the 2nds take on Warks at Rugeley starting at 1 pm.

Our former 1st team player and match secretary Keith Hawthorn as entered hospital and will shortly be under going heart surgery i am sure you will all go along with me in wishing Keith a speedy recovery.

Peter Blake 15/11/09

Thirds Come Back Strong and O40's Come Second!!

The thirds had a double header this weekend playing the Isle of Man home and away at Rugeley.
On the Saturday we struggled to make an impression with only one singles win thru Zoe Hallam, we did manage to win four level doubles and needed all three mixed for a win, this was always a tall order however we did manage one win with Mat Jeans and Victoria Sutton to gain a point in a 9-6 defeat.
Come Sunday morning and what a difference a day makes! With Alison Jeans back in the side and winning her singles as did Zoe Hallam again and David Rea reversed his singles defeat, and Christopher Williams winning, we went 4-0 up after the singles.
We then won five level doubles to give us a winning nine games, needing just one mixed for ten and three points Mat and Victoria duly obliged again and we won 10-5.
This gave us four points against the I O M's two and means we will move up to a more secure place in the table after an excellent week end.

There was one veterans match when the Over 40's travelled north to play Cheshire and found them far to strong and despite several three setters were unable to avoid a 12-0 defeat.

Senior teams are not in action next week but the over 40's are in action again traveling to Worcestershire and the over 55's visit Leicester.

I have no details regarding the firsts at Coventry other than we went down 9-6.

Committee members please note next meeting is on Wednesday 25th of this month at Cannock L C starting at 8 pm.

Peter Blake 8/11/09

Seniors Struggle as Vets Enjoy Success

Three Staffordshire teams were playing this week end.
The 2nds travelled down to Oxford who were relegated from the 1st division last season and despite a good start in the singles thru Trevor Kernick[Cannock] and Joanne White[SOT] they proved to be our only wins as we went down 13-2.

The 3rds had a similarly tough match at Lancashire doing somewhat better,
Again we got two singles with Alison Jeans[Tamworth] and Chris Rea[Streetly],however the going got tougher in the doubles tho there were several three setters and two more wins thru Mat Jeans[Tamworth] and Chris Williams[Tamworth] and Victoria Sutton[Newcastle] and Alison Jeans to eventually go down 11-4.
A particular mention of Victoria and Chris who were making their county debuts and gained a win each and Zoe Hallam who was unlucky going down in three in her singles.
Apparently the match was closer than the score suggests and we look forward to a positive result in the return.

The last match of the day saw the over 55's score a resounding 11-1 win over Worcester and maintain there 110% record.

Next week end the 3rds play IOM twice at Rugeley, on Saturday starting at 2pm and Sunday at 10 am. The 1sts travel to Coventry and the Over 40's go north to play Cheshire.

Peter Blake 2/11/09

U11 + U15 Achievements!

Good News for the U11s this weekend at Oxford with a large entry of 48 boys Mathew Bridge came second in his group in singles and doubles (personal best).
Jack Buckley and George Monk won bronze in the singles, unfortunately George had to retire injured in the doubles, however both George and Jack came away with a bronze also in this event.

Also "Well Done" to Alex Williams for reaching the quarter finals in the boys singles at York U15 Bronze J.C. this weekend.

Irene Williams (Secretary SSBA) 2/11/09

Firsts Go Very Close, But . .

Today saw the firsts take on Leicester at Rugeley and got off to a cracking start with three singles wins,the ladies with Erica Whittingham [Uttoxeter] and Lauren Bromley [Uttoxeter] making her debut taking theirs and Darren Chesworth [Stafford] a mens.
We then totally dominated the ladies doubles with Lauren partnering another debutant Amber Gregory [Walsall] and Erica partnering Amanda Banks [West Brom] playing brilliantly to take all four rubbers.
With the men unable to gain a win in their doubles we found ourselves in the first match of the season yet again needing just one mixed to win.
Was the Staffordshire mixed jinx about to strike again? Yes it was,the nearest we came was in the final mixed with Will Harris [Moorlands] and Erica leading 21-20 in the third end going down 23-21!
A point but a disappointing result.

Next week the A41 will be busy with the Sutton family traveling all over the country. Victoria will be in the thirds as they travel to Lancashire, Scott will be with the seconds as the travel to Oxford and Ed and Barbara will be at Rugeley playing for the over 55's!!
Thats commitment for you!

Peter Blake 25/10/09

Success for O55's!!

Today the Over 55's started their season with three former England internationals in their ranks, Barbara and Ed Sutton [Newcastle]  and Dave Eddy [SOT] and two former senior county players Barbara Blake [Cannock] and John Harris [Moorlands] ably backed up by John Bagshaw [Lichfield], Jan O'Connor [Walsall] and Barabara Forster [Moorlands] against a very spirited Shropshire side and eventually ran out 12-0 winners.
Their next match is at home to Worcestershire in two weeks time.

Next week the 1sts start their season with a home match against Leics 2nds at Rugeley starting at 12.00

The over 65's against Bucks as been cancelled as Bucks are unable to field a team and as been re arranged for January 17th.

Peter Blake. 18/10/09

County Restricted Championship and County Teams Selection

RESTRICTED RESULTS:

Mens Doubles
In the final Matthew Gregory and Darren Chesworth beat Andy Aspinall and Will Harris 25/23,21/15. This was a closely contested final with Mat on his way to two titles and Darren obviously well on the road to recovery from his illness.

Ladies Doubles
Amber Gregory and Lauren Bromley defeated Erica Whittingham and Emma Harrison 21/17,21/19.

Mixed Doubles
This final saw Amber Gregory and Mat Gregory beat Emma Harrison and Will Harris 22/20,21/15. Two titles for Mat and Amber, and leaving Will no doubt ruing his luck in two final defeats.

Ladies Singles
Erica Whittingham beat Lauren Bromley, 21/15,21/15. Congratulations to Erica winning the singles yet again and commiserations to Lauren just missing out on her second title.

Mens Singles
Andy Aspinall beat Darren Chesworth, 21/19,21/18.

Following the tournament the following teams were selected:

Congratulations to Amber and Lauren on making county teams permanently for the first time. To Will on his elevation to the firsts and Rebeccas promotion to the seconds.
Congratulations to Chris, Victoria,Zoe and Scott on being selected for the first time,we hope this is the start of long and successful playing days with our county. With Helen Cheadle and Louise Hanson returning after christmas, the teams will be further strengthened.
Thanks to Jane and helpers for enabling this tournament to be staged again.

Finally on behalf of Staffordshire a huge vote of thanks to Simon Goodwin for his total committment to Staffordshire teams over many years,Simon as finally been overtaken by some promising younger players and now looks forward to many years of veterans badminton,well played Simon!

Peter Blake
6/10/09