Staffordshire County Badminton Association

News in Detail . . .

U12 York Team Challenge

Thanks to the players for making it a very enjoyable weekend, 4th we came which is a brilliant achievement, you should be very proud of the performance from our Staffordshire team, we seem to be going from strength to strength.

There were some really memorable moments out there:-
Harini and Matt holding here nerve to clinch Staffs a 4-3 victory in the 1st match against the Isle of Man.
Nancy and Amy nearly taking out Jessica Li (a gold player) from the Isle of Man.
Lucy C and Lucy W beating Bethany Newis (a bronze) from Cheshire.
George and Toby fighting tooth and nail (not the other doubles pair...honest) to beat Yorkshire 2.
Lancashire had a scare when Lucy Wide's singles win in her 3rd game made it 2-0 to Staffs, we then lost he next 3, so it was all on the last 2 games of the day...... Amy and Lucy G then put up a brave battle against Tolman and Lam (a silver and bronze) and the crowd were on their feet, at he same time George and Nancy's match was swaying one way, then the other eventually losing in the 3rd to a gold and silver player in the final match of the day...oooh i could go on as there were lots more.

Hope you all enjoyed it, a very promising debut for some players and next year i think we can build on this and do even better.

See the full results.

See Team Picture!

Parents thanks for all your support, hope you enyoyed it as much as me

Cheers
P.Buckley

End of the Season Results!

Mixed news from yesterdays matches which effectively bring down the curtain on another season.
The firsts travelled to bottom of the table Northants and came away with emphatic 13-2 win giving them the mid table position of third of five for the season.
The seconds really needing a win at Warks to give themselves a realistic chance of staying up got of to a reasonable start winning two of the four singles thru Rebecca Lunt [SOT] and Scott Sutton [Newcastle]. Scott then partnering Andy Reaney [Streetly] won both mens with Ed Twigg [SOT] and Joe Mathers[SOT] taking one.
The ladies managed one doubles with Jo White [SOT] and Jane Page[West Brom]. This left us going into the mixed at 6 all needing two of the three to win.
But as has been the case for most of the season with all teams we again fell down at the final hurdle winning just one with Jane Page and Scott Sutton, giving us one point and hoping that other results over the next two weeks go our way to stay up.

Last week the thirds played Glasgow twice at Preston going down 14-1 and 10-5 and have been relegated from what as been a tough division.
I do not have any details on their match at Durham today.
(Late info from Matt Jeans:- Lost 10-5 to Durham, Chris Williams and Zoey Hallam taking their singles, Matt and David Rae their Mens, plus a ladies for Zoey & Tracey Hanson.)

On a brighter note the over 65's joined the over 55's in the league finals at Fenton Manor over the last week end in April when they beat Northants 9-0 .

Peter Blake 28/3/10

Vets Teams Heading for the Finals!!

Last Sunday was a busy day of badminton. The over 55's travelled to Leicester to play Berkshire in the play offs.
Staffs got off to an excellent start winning all four mens thru Ed Sutton [Newcastle] and Richard Wright [Tamworth], Dave Eddy [SOT] and John Harris [Moorlands]. The ladies followed this up with Barbara Sutton [Newcastle] and Barbara Forster [Moorlands] winning both theirs.
Going into the mixed 6-2 up and needing to win just one of the four mixed the Staffordshire mixed jinx which as plagued the senior teams for years finally got to the vets and we promptly lost the first three, tho John Harris was suffering from a pulled back muscle. So it was down to the final mixed pair of Richard Wright and Sue Andrews [Burton], after going down easily in the first all seemed lost, but showing true Staffordshire grit they fought back to win the second and stormed thru the third to win 21-18 and give Stafforshire a 7-5 win and a place in the league finals at Fenton Manor on the 24th and 25th of April.

The Over 65's were also in action taking on a very strong Notts team who were runners up in the finals last year.
Staffs got of to the perfect start winning two mens and two ladies to put us 4-2 up. Needing just one of three mixed to give as a memorable win we went one better and won two mixed and an emphatic 6-3 win.
We now need to beat bottom of the table Northants at home next week to join the Over 55's in the league finals.
The winning team was Jan Oconnor [Walsall], Val Bennett [Stafford], Joyce Stewardson [Cannock], Captain Mick Oconnor [Walsall], Ian Willis [Streetly] and Harold Angel [Betley].

I have not yet received any information from the thirds playing Scotland at Preston.

Next week all three senior teams finish the season with away matches, the firsts at Northants,the seconds at Warwickshire and the thirds travel to Durham.

The last veterans match takes place at Rugeley when the over 65's take on Northants starting at 2pm

Peter Blake 21/3/10

Congratulations to Our Juniors!!

For their achievements in both the local county events and in Individual Tournaments.

County Tournaments

Well done to Alice Arnstein & Lucy Wide, James Ball, Matt Lunt & Adam Harley in the Under 13 Event. (Click to see the full results.)
Well done to Charlotte Flower & Eleanor Flower, Christopher Vaz & Beth Earls Davis, and Ryan Silk & Anuj Savani in the Under 15 Event (Click to see full results).

Under 13 Competitors
Under 13 Girls Doubles Winners	Under 13 Mixed Doubles Winners	Under 15 Girls Doubles Winners
National and JC Tournaments Under 13 Bronze event which took place at Burton upon Trent. Congratulations to Lucy Carroll and Matthew Lunt, reaching the quarter final of the mixed doubles. Also reaching the quarter final in the boys doubles were regular partners Adam Harley and Matthew Lunt. Matthew Lunt went a step further in the boys singles taking home a bronze medal for getting to the semi final. UNDER 15 NATIONALS Congratulations to Farid Akroum on his success at this year's Nationals. Farid reached the semi finals in singles and the boys doubles and takes home two bronze medals.   UNDER 11 NATIONALS A wonderful achievement for two under eleven's; Jack Buckley and George Monk. Two medals was the order of the day for Jack Buckley, silver in the singles and gold in the boys doubles with regular STAFFS partner George Monk. Well done to both players.		George Monk

Irene Williams (Secretary SSBA) 11/3/2010

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!

Congratulations to Ryan Silk and Alex Williams for reaching the final of the Under 15 Bronze at Warwickshire both taking home a silver medal.
Alex also reached the semi final in the boys singles taking home a bronze medal. It was nice to see a number of STAFFS juniors at this tournament with one or two attending their first Junior Challenge and enjoying the experience.

The Under 17's were also in action this weekend participating in the Under 17 Silver at Nottingham. Success came in the boys doubles for STAFFS pairing Josh Tipper and Oliver Blakemore taking the bronze medal. STAFFS Josh Hull with partner Martin Drabble from Yorkshire taking the gold medal.

A couple of Under 11s made the long journey to Surrey to compete in the Under 11 event with an excellent outcome. Jack Buckley and George Monk winning gold in the boys doubles. Jack Buckley also added a bronze medal for his achievement in the boys singles bringing his current stash of medals this season to a staggering 12.

Another junior in action this weekend was Tim Morris. Playing in the North Wales Satellite in Flintshire and competing against some of Wales' top seniors.
Tim made his first senior satellite singles final losing in 3 very close games. Tim was also successful in the mixed doubles, reaching the quarter finals. A superb result for a junior playing in a senior competition.

Irene Williams (Secretary Staffordshire Schools' Badminton Association) 24/2/10

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!!

To Alex Williams for winning a gold medal and Ryan Silk who took silver in the boys singles at Leigh U15 Bronze Tournament on Sunday 10 January.

Josh Tipper will become a grade 1 gold player as a result of his performance at the Lancashire U17 Gold singles tournament on 9 January 2010 when he topped his box and beat a grade 1 player.
In the boys doubles event Josh Hull reached the semi finals with his partner Martin Drabble from Yorkshire.

Irene Williams (Secretary SSBA) 11/1/10

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