RR – 20/02/2023

Blackburn Handicap Tournaments

There was a good entry from the usual suspects – Blackburn Seniors, Westholme, Goodshaw, Accy Flyers and Independents – and on Monday 13th February, the hall at Norden was already busy with flying shuttlecocks and players limbering up.

The men’s singles and mixed doubles were played on the Monday, which meant a very busy night for the gents who had entered both events! A group of 7 men, with Mr Peter Pan himself, Rick Smith, as the back marker on -12 and Jason Loffman, Accy Flyer’s new recruit, hardly able to hold his racquet due to a kitchen knife accident at tea time, battled it out long and furiously! The last two men standing (just about) were Rick Smith and Ben Maris. Time had, unfortunately, run out and it was agreed to play the final the following Wednesday.

The mixed event, likewise, drew a healthy number of entries from the above clubs, and three groups were formed for matches. Unfortunately, due to one couple dropping out and an injury on the night, some groups only had a couple of games to play. Those players made up for this, however, by invading the empty courts next to the men’s singles to play their own matches. It also gave yours truly more time to sell her raffle tickets! More on that later.

Back markers in the mixed were Rick Smith and the tournament organiser, Claire Edmundson on -20. It was lovely to see so many family partnerships in the mixed tournament: up and coming Freya played with her dad, Stuart Davey, from Independents; the excellent brother and sister partnerships of Lewis and Amie Gregson entered, along with the other sibling duo, Joe and Sophie Lambert; Steve Roe played with his daughter, Jenny Woods; and Ben and Rosie Maris played together. If this tells us anything it’s that family matters in sport!

As with the men’s singles, however, the mixed final, between the poster boy on the evening, Dean Bertenshaw and Aliyah Ayub for Accy Flyers, and Steve Roe and Jenny Wood, from Blackburn Seniors, would be played the following week as, again, time had run out.

On Wednesday 15th February, the men’s and ladies’ doubles tournaments took place – although perhaps that could aptly be re-named Super-Sub Day, as several of those entered found themselves without a partner at the last minute and Super-Subs appeared on the night: namely Joanna Holt (who had the dubious pleasure of playing with yours truly!); Helen Shanks (who stepped in for the injured Rosie); Steve Roe (who was more than delighted to find himself partnering Westholme’s Tom James; and Paul Hooper (who stepped in for Yang to play with Jason Lim).

Ten men’s doubles couples were drawn into groups with Mr Peter Pan, Rick Smith, again finding himself as the back marker, this time playing with Lewis Gregson off -15. There were some excellent battles in the men’s tournament, and, due to the earlier start time of 7pm, the matches were able to play straight through to the final. Fresh from his victory in the Rossendale veterans’ tournament, and proudly wearing the same t-shirt (washed and ironed of course!) Anser Yaseen and Steve Grantham for Accy Flyers, playing off +4, faced the Blackburn Seniors’ pairing of Andrew Grange and Chris Peel who had been given +3. If the prize were to be awarded to who had travelled the furthest for his badminton, then Andrew coming down from Kendall would have won hands down. Unfortunately, under the watchful eye of Luke Quigley who scored the final, the confident partnership of Anser and Steve won the game, as Anser added yet another trophy to his cabinet.

There were six ladies’ doubles pairings entered which meant that we all got to play each other – which was good for those on a plus handicap but blooming hard work for anyone on a minus! The excellent partnership of Claire Edmundson and Jenny Woods were again the back markers off a whopping -20, with me and the super sub Joanna not far behind on -12. Winners on the night, however, were the exuberant couple from Goodshaw, Kathryn Owen and Lauren Wearing, with Lauren delighted that she had made a return to badminton, a sport she clearly loves. Runners up on the night were me and Joanna.

And now, back to the news of the raffle! Who would have thought that just two nights of tournament sales and one night of selling at my Rossendale away game against Accy Flyers in the cup could have resulted in a grand total of £110.60! Even I’m surprised, and I know how good I am at selling raffle tickets! The draw for the hamper will be made on March 16th at the Rossendale cup final. Remember, all the proceeds from the raffle (and don’t worry if you didn’t manage to buy a ticket for this one as there will be an Easter hamper courtesy of Asda, Rawtenstall coming your way soon) are going to the Promoting Junior Badminton in Rossendale crowdfund which you will (I hope) have seen me ruthlessly publicising.

Before I end this report, I must say a massive thank you to quite a few people, without whom these sort of events just wouldn’t happen. Obviously, to Claire Edmundson and her band of Blackburn Seniors’ helpers; but also to Claire’s mum, Prue, who turns out every year to assist with the smooth running of this annual tournament. I takes so little time to say thank you and it means so much. Thank you.

I couldn’t finish without a very, very special mention to the youngest helper on the night, 5 year old Flossie Edmundson (who had never been up so late before!) Quite simply, she was a delight, and I couldn’t have counted up all that raffle ticket money without her. She was awarded a Head of Year sticker on the night and I know she has her fingers tightly crossed in the hope that she wins the raffle. Thank you, Flossie.

RR – 16/11/2022

Blackburn Seniors A   v   Westholme A                            16^th November, 2022

‘That’s me in the corner’

 

An altered venue to Hyndburn resulted in a slow start to the fixture before it was all steam ahead on all four courts at 9pm! It was encouraging to see so many down to Blackburn Seniors’ practice, as

9 players battled it out under the careful watch of coach, Michael Patterson. Another friendly face, wearing his Westholme hoodie too, was Nigel Holt, busy handing out murray mints as he dropped a racquet off for Rick to re-string.

The ladies were up first: Jenny Woods and Joanna Holt for the home team, facing Jenny Brookfield and Maxine Watson. Fresh from her county veterans’ victory at the weekend, Jenny Woods played exceptionally, with clever deceptive drop shot approaches to the net. The Westholme number 3 lady, however, Jenny Brookfield, definitely had the bit between her teeth and, coupled with some beautiful tumbling net shots from Maxine, the away ladies got the two opening game.

Once I’d been instructed which side was his best for photos,  Nathan Whitehead, partnering a new player to our league from David Lloyd in Midlancs, Matt Timms, the men’s game commenced. Jason Lim and Michael Finch for Westholme, battled with great spirit and determination but the might of the Seniors’ smashing power was too much for them. I don’t quite know how it happened, but somehow I missed Nathan’s full length dive in this game; rest assured, it was spectacular, and a testimony to his 100% commitment.

Level in the match, the two ex-Westholme students, Jenny and Emma Dean, faced Jenny Woods and Claire Edmundson. The experience that the home pairing are now gaining from their veterans’ matches made for another very entertaining game which was fairly split between the couples. Unbeknown to the opposition, however, Claire had over-stretched during this game and, although she battled bravely through her first mixed game, she then had to retire injured for her final match. The Blackburn ruling of an alternative player stepping in came in to play, however, and Jenny Woods finished the fixture off in style.

Both number two gents, Lewis Gregson for Seniors and Aiden Sui for Westholme, had waited a long time for their match: it did not disappoint. Delicate drop shots from Jason and energetic movement around the court from Aiden were not enough for the strength of Nathan (who did his second dive of the night – again missed by my camera but, again, quite spectacular) and Lewis, stepping up to the A team which I can see will soon become a regular occurrence. There was much puffing and panting on court (naming no names) and both games fell to the home team.

The number 1 pairs of Matt and Joanna and Michael and Maxine were next up – along with a raft of games as suddenly there was court space. The away pair fought with heart and determination but were no match for the powerful Mr Timms. Aiden and Emma played well against Claire and Lewis, running the home pairing close in both games, but not quite close enough. It was a similar story when the Westholme number 2s faced Matt and Joanna, with both games going down to the wire but falling to the home side. It was lovely to see Aiden’s enjoyment of the game, however, as he realised how close he had come. Having finished off Jason and Jenny Brookfield at number 3, playing with Nathan, Jenny Woods then substituted for Claire in the final game, partnering Lewis against Maxine and Michael. Fatigue probably played a factor in this final game being split between the teams.

This was a well fought, well played match. Congratulations go to Blackburn Seniors A for their 14, 4 win.

 

RR – 02/11/2022

Westholme B v Blackburn Seniors C              31^st October, 2022

Too wet for trick or treating

It was a cold, wet Halloween night but the Westholme heaters were on and the away captain, Joe Lambert, had brought his own trick or treat sweeties. Tonight was going to be a good night!

For the home team, Rebecca Bailey, a new signing from MidLancs, played at number 3, partnering another new player to our league, Jane Grant, and then a returning player in Chris Salmon. The Westholme ladies faced the youthful exuberance of Macy Rushton, who partnered Rosie Fenwick and then the captain’s sister, Sophie Lambert. Both ladies’ matches produced some competitive and well fought rallies, and all were played in good spirit and with much enjoyment. The power of Rebecca won through in the end, however, with the home team winning all four ladies’ games.

In the men’s doubles, Westholme’s Aiden Sui, resplendent in his XXL (!) black team hoodie, partnered the reliable Chris Ball before then seeing a very welcome return to the team for Hef Parry – yet to purchase his team hoodie! For Blackburn Seniors C, another up and coming player in Jack Morris played opposite Aiden, partnering the experienced ‘why-does-he-never-look-any-older’ Stewart Holt at number one and then the captain, Joe. The away pairing of Jack and Stewart battled hard in the opening game, winning to 17, before Aiden and Chris got the second game. Hef and Aiden then won both men’s against a spirited performance from Jack and Joe.

After chewy marshmallow cakes (picture courtesy of Kit!) had been consumed, the mixed games got underway. The opening matches between Jane and Chris and Rosie and Stewart were, again, well fought – in fact, Stewart’s racquet just collapsed at one point with the power of his smash! Likewise, Chris and Hef faced some healthy opposition in the brother and sister team of Joe and Sophie, who both played with massive smiles on their faces throughout their games, which was lovely to see. As the number three pairings of Aiden and Rebecca and young Macy and Jack went on court, Westholme had won the opening four mixed games, but this did not deter the youngsters in the slightest. They fought long and hard, never giving up and chasing the game right to the end.

In the final mixed games, the tables were turned on the home side, as a rejuvenated Blackburn Seniors C (must have been that chewy marshmallow cake!) won the remaining four games.

This was a well fought, friendly fixture on a cold, wet Halloween night. Well played to both teams and congratulations to Rebecca Bailey for winning Player of the Match! We look forward to welcoming Blackburn Seniors C back again next week when we play them in the cup competition.

RR – 12/04/2022

Blackburn Smith Cup Final  12^th April, 2022

I miss those days!

In a surprisingly quiet Norden Sports Centre, the youngsters of Blackburn Seniors C, ably captained by Mel Rushton, took on Goodshaw, led by the ebullient Nigel Holt.

Once the mix up of J.Alfred Prufrock was sorted out in Goodshaw’s whatsapp group, the match got underway. On the adjacent courts the other father and son Holt duo, namely David and Rhys, manfully played singles all night on their Independent club courts.

First up, David Holt and Michael Ormerod for Goodshaw faced young Jack Fenwick and Joe Lambert for Seniors C. Although he has been playing for four years, Jack is still only 14 years old. His backhand grip proved very useful in the battles he had against the more experienced men, although he had promised me to work on his forehand grip too! At one point in the match, young Jack’s racquet cracked and he had to run off to borrow one of his partner’s spares! The Goodshaw men, however, served well, often forcing a lift which was then difficult to defend. In the second men’s doubles, Michael, this time partnering captain, Nigel, met Jack and Jamie Blackburn. I think having a name which begins with a ‘J’ must be a secret Seniors C ploy maybe? Another entertaining game, particularly when a flick over Michael’s head saw him simply duck and shout ‘Yours, Nigel!’ – who promptly came scurrying from the other side of the court to retrieve it. This game also saw the shot of the night: a retrieval of Jamie’s smash which somehow Nigel extricated from his body to return it trickling over the net. Nobody could quite believe it!

Special mention in the ladies’ doubles must go to Sophie Lambert (sister of Joe) who stepped in at the last minute to replace a fellow player who came down unwell. We all need players like this, so well done, Sophie! Captain Mel was first up with Sophie (aka the ladies in black) against the experienced Kath Riley and Lisa Archer. This was a very amicable game played in the best of spirits with much laughter and enjoyment. Kath’s perceptive drop shot to the net proved difficult to read, despite the efforts of both Seniors C ladies. Next up, Sophie played with Becca Grimshaw, against the sprightly Karen Rogan and the formidable Lisa. I don’t often (in fact I probably never have) pick out a player of the match…but if I were to, it would definitely be Becca. She positively danced at that net, always on her toes and always ready for the next shot.

As the mixed doubles beckoned, both teams knew they were neck and neck – well, they didn’t ‘know’ it (the handicap was sent in a text to the captain at the end of the match…gone are the days of opening the envelope. I miss those days!)

Mel was ready to serve, so once Karen had been pulled away from our interesting conversation about The Horse & Bamboo’s open deck vinyl night on Friday, the opening battle between Nigel and Karen, and Mel and Joe could commence. It’s always a good game when two captains play one another, especially when one of them stands in the right position for the other one’s canny cross court shots! On the adjacent court, Becca and Jamie faced the mighty smash of David playing with Kath. I know Becca wasn’t looking forward to this game having sat with her just before and hearing her tactics of duck or get black eyes. When they came off, having got double figures in both games (and no ducking or black eyes!) the Seniors C pairing were beaming! Their mixed game against Nigel and Karen, was played with the same enthusiasm and determination. Those nifty cross courts were lunged after and stretched for in another friendly and enjoyable game which left Becca very ‘warm’!

As the games drew to a close and the captains carefully added up the scores before Nigel opened his text with the handicap from President Pete, both teams knew they had done their best – and that, after all, is what matters most. It was a shame there were only two spectators (me and my brother, David) – unless you count the brave Holt duo who did momentarily draw breath from their singles to watch the action – as it was a really good night of badminton, well played.

When the handicap had been added on, the youngsters of Seniors C had won by just 24 (and a half!) aces. Playing their first league games last night were Jack Fenwick and Sophie Lambert: the first, I’m sure, of many more to come.

RR – 14/02/2022

St Nicholas v Westholme B                     1^st February, 2022

When Mr. & Mrs. faced Mr. & Mrs.

It can’t be very often that two couples not only partner each other, but then end up playing the opposition couple – anyway, I felt it was worthy of another roving report!

In the first ladies, the first Mrs., Selina Walton, partnering Joanne Egan for St Nicholas, played against the second Mrs., Anne Robinson, playing with yours truly. Anne’s long serve came in to its own in games which were evenly fought. As the match progressed, the home team ladies grew in confidence, with the opening level doubles fairly split, one game a-piece. On the adjacent court, one of Westholme’s many new signings for the season, Jason Lim, had long looked forward to playing with the legend himself, Graham Robinson. The Westholme men took on Mohammed Aslam and Gary Walton, in another entertaining set of games. The away team’s court coverage, however, proved too much for the home side and the Westholme gents won both games.

The second ladies saw a welcome return to our courts for Pam Kirkham. A founder member of Whitehall Badminton Club in 1980 and former captain of the club, Pam made contact with Westholme over the covid break and has been attending our Monday practices. This, however, would be her first game for us. We had the pleasure of playing against Joanne, with Carole Eldon for St Nicholas, and it really was a pleasure. Everyone played to the best of their ability, and there was mutual respect for each other’s shots and points won. It was a most enjoyable match, which the Westholme ladies won. After I’d got over the shock of Pam’s red hands and she’d realised a new grip was perhaps in order, we got ready for the mixed doubles.

The second men’s game saw Mohammed and the bouncy Matt Honey (still not wearing protective knee pads) against Westholme’s Paul Hooper and Jason. The St Nicholas men battled hard in both games but just lost out to 17 and 18, giving the away team a 7,1 advantage going in to the mixed.

It was at top mixed, that the two Mr. and Mrs. couples faced each other: with Selina and Gary Walton playing against Westholme’s Anne and Graham Robinson. Another enjoyable game played in the right spirit (I feel like I could say this throughout this report!) the experience of the away couple and the busy scampering of young Robinson around the court proved hard to handle, and Westholme won both games.

Playing with Paul, Pam faced Carole and Matt at number 2 mixed. Some excellent smashes from Matt (when he wasn’t diving on the floor!) and brilliant retrieval skills from Westholme’s Paul Hooper, produced another very entertaining game to watch. The home team came out victorious in both games, winning 18 and 14.

Jason carried me through in my mixed at number 3 against St Nicholas’s Joanne and Mohammed where we won both games. Mohammed used his height well to get great depth on his smashes, but Jason’s quick feet around the court and tactical awareness eventually wore down the home couple.

Graham and Anne continued to forge ahead in their second mixed game, this time against Matt and Carole. The fitness levels of young Robinson seem to know no bounds: there was a whisper of something laced in his delicious birthday cake which Anne handed round to both teams at the end of the match, perhaps that is what keeps him so young?

In the final game, Westholme’s Pam and Paul played Selina and Gary Walton in yet another tightly battled game, again enjoyable to watch. Two very evenly balanced couples on the night, this match was rightly split one game a-piece, 21,18 and 19, 21 – couldn’t be much closer.

As Captain Yvonne Kay totted up the scores on the doors, we all appreciated a match well played and well fought as we munched through Graham’s delicious birthday cake, in the hope that, if it was laced with anything that would rejuvenate, it would rub off on us too.

RR – 04/02/2022

Goodshaw  v  Independents B                          27^th January, 2022

The future is bright

The thought of somebody missing the roving reports spurred me on to write another, especially as the venue was so close to home. I was glad I did.

I’d already been forewarned by Goodshaw’s ever smiling Captain, the gregarious Nigel Holt, to bring my flash with me if I was taking any pictures: as the away team ambled in, Judith Hamilton wondered whether wearing a miner’s helmet on court might be a good idea. It was rather shady in places!

Once Goodshaw realised I hadn’t turned up thinking it was a Rossendale match but was writing a report on the fixture, they were all on their best behaviour. Alex and David came off court after their men’s saying they’d felt the pressure of me there and that was the best they’d ever played. I hadn’t the heart to tell them my attention had been on the ladies’ game next to them.

And here is the reason for the report’s ‘The future is bright’ title. Stuart Davey’s 14 year old daughter, Freya, was playing for this much supplemented Independents B side. Like I said, I was glad I’d made the effort to come out and report on this fixture.

The home side was unchanged: Captain, Val Bertenshaw, at number one, with Kath Gillam and Lisa Archer; David and Nigel Holt at 1 and 2 respectively, with Alex Hinton playing at number 3. The Independents B side, however, were almost unrecognisable from the team I had seen earlier in the season. It was lovely to see Sue Hirons, the Captain of Caprica, back playing in our league (and promising Caprica would return next season – I’m going to hold you to that, Sue); at number 2, Judith Hamilton, formerly Blackburn Telecom, and the promising junior, Freya Davey, at number 3. The away team’s men were made up of Dave and Rhys Holt, also formerly of Blackburn Telecom, and Julian Silverwood, who played at number 1.

In the opening doubles, David and Alex faced Julian and Rhys. As Alex reported, it was one of their best ever games – and I believe him: unfortunately, I focused on the ladies’ game where Val and Lisa met Sue and Freya. The ladies were very evenly matched: Val’s trademark backhand cross court came in very handy, as did the feisty Lisa’s drop shots and cross court clears. What was so lovely to see, however, was the tactical understanding between Sue and young Freya. Sue’s clever positioning on court and Freya’s excellent short serves and strong smashes, brought victory for the away team in both games, and produced a massive smile on the watchful face of Dad, Stuart. After the opening doubles, it was neck and neck as David and Alex had got both of their games against Julian and Rhys.

In the second level doubles, Kath partnered Lisa for Goodshaw, and the experienced Judith Hamilton played with Freya for Independents B. Again, the excellent tactics and court coverage of the away ladies proved too much for the Goodshaw pairing, who battled hard throughout but were always playing catch up. Another win for Freya and an even bigger smile on Dad’s face! The final men’s game saw a great battle between Nigel and Alex, and the father and son duo, Dave and Rhys Holt. It’s not often you get two players with the same name in a match, which is why the Goodshaw Holt is David and the Independents Holt is Dave – otherwise I’d get confused! The men split their games meaning the fixture was very finely balanced at 3,5 as we went in to the mixed.

The top mixed produced a veritable marathon between Val and David, and Sue and Julian. The two couples battled for every point, Julian frequently flying through the air (as can be seen in my action shot!) and David racing himself ragged around the court. The first game went to the home side; by the skin of their teeth the away couple then took the second game – 25, 27. I’ve heard rumours of a ladies’ game between Blackburn Seniors B and Accy Flyers B going to 28, 30 (the Accy Flyers’ ladies were still reeling from it when we played them the week after!) so the 25, 27 isn’t quite in their league but, even so, it’s a fair score. At number 2, the experienced pairings of Kath and Nigel for Goodshaw, and Dave and Judith for Independents B, proved to be an equally entertaining game. Judith’s deceptive down the line long serve came in to its own in another battle which was fairly split, one game all. The number 3 Goodshaw partnership of Lisa and Alex were next up against Rhys and Freya. The determination of the Goodshaw couple saw them victorious in the first game, making the fixture a nail-biting 6,7. Rhys and Freya, however, won through in the second game, with a magnificent smash by Freya to seal the game 21, 18. In the final two mixed games, Kath and Nigel again split their games this time to Sue and Julian, winning 23, 21: as did Val and David against Dave and Judith – losing to 11 before winning to 19.

The fixture could not have been much closer. Independents B won by 10 games to 8, with both teams getting the 4 bonus points. When the aces were totted up, there were just 8 points in it!

Once the photos I had taken had been approved by both teams, and Lisa’s delicious malt loaf with its secret ingredient had been eaten (yes, here’s another team who makes cake!) I set off for home happy in the knowledge that, as the heading says, the future is badminton is bright…as long as we all keep on having children and bringing them in to the sport we love!

Well played to both teams.

 

RR – 26/01/2022

Blackburn Seniors A  v  Westholme A                          26th January, 2022

Fierce, Friendly and Fair

Norden Sports Centre was positively buzzing with this top of the table clash on two courts and a healthy number of club players practising on the adjacent courts, many of whom stopped to watch the fixture in between their games.

Celebrating the Legend’s 70th Birthday (well, what else is Graham Robinson going to do on his birthday?!) the Westholme team presented him with some homemade shortbread cookies which were then shared with the opposition – mainly Nathan Whitehead, but more of that later.

For Blackburn Seniors, Captain Rick Smith played at number 1, Matt Boyes at number 2 and Nathan Whitehead with the unenviable task of keeping up with Westholme’s Michael Finch at number 3. The home team ladies of Claire Edmundson, Joanna Holt and Jenny Woods, faced the away team’s Maxine Watson, Jenny Brookfield and Lucy Gallagher. As well as the birthday boy for Westholme, it was lovely to see the rarely spotted (well, together at least) Finches, namely father and son, Andy and Michael, who would be playing together for the very first time tonight.

In the opening level doubles, Jenny and Claire took on Lucy and Maxine in what was to be the first of many battles. Both games were close, a game a-piece, and all four ladies looked like they had had a good run around. More was to come! On the adjacent court, the Finch boys took on Rick and Nathan – once the later had been prised away from Graham’s shortbread biscuit. Another extremely entertaining game, the home pairing won both games to 19 and 18.

In the second ladies’ games, Jenny Woods partnered  Joanna for Blackburn Seniors against Lucy and Jenny Brookfield for Westholme. As with the first match, the ladies split their games, with Westholme narrowly losing 23, 21. The second men’s pairing of Matt and Nathan (once he’d had his shortbread fix) faced the birthday boy and young Michael, and, again, the home side were victorious, this time winning both games. The score was 6, 2 at the end of the level doubles.

There was hope, however: someone reported they had seen Rick wince during one of the long rallies and Nathan had completely finished off the birthday boy’s shortbread.

At top mixed, Rick and Claire faced Andy and Maxine in another gruelling marathon. The match was split, with the Westholme pair narrowly losing their game again to setting 24, 22. At number 2, Joanna and Matt proved too strong for Westholme’s Graham and Jenny, winning both games. With no shortbread to spur him on, Nathan, playing with Jenny, split both games against Michael and Lucy. As both ladies mopped their brows, they compared healthy complexions, relieved they had finished their matches for the night!

Andy and Maxine then faced the young duo, Matt and Joanna, and again split their games – 19, 21; 21, 19. As the final mixed game was about to be played, Rick’s limp had become more pronounced and he asked if a replacement could be chosen for his final game against Graham and Jenny. Unfortunately, at the prospect of yet another game, Nathan (whom the opposition had chosen!) realised the shortbread had run out and he would not be able to play without it! Undeterred, the plucky captain decided he would ride through the pain and play instead, winning both of the remaining games with Claire.

Although the final score was 13, 5 to Blackburn Seniors, all of the spectators (not just me!) will agree that the match was played in a fierce, friendly and fair way – as it should be.

 

RR – 06/12/2021

Westholme A v Independents A                                    6.12.21

 What a difference a Finch makes

 Finding out at tea-time that my number 1 lady could no longer play because of a stomach upset was not something I was expecting, but, hey ho, I was down at the practice anyway so I might as well play. Moving all the ladies up one, I muttered a hasty ‘I hope you’re all ready to carry me’, before getting the underway.

The ladies’ pairings of Maxine Watson and Lucy Gallagher for Westholme and Jane Mackey and Karen Lamb for Independents were first up. Excellent net play and strong smashes from the opposition made for a really entertaining game, with all four ladies playing some excellent badminton. Revenge for their loss in the opening match of the season, however, pushed the Westholme ladies to take both games. On the adjacent court, the wonderful sight of the master himself, Graham Robinson, fresh from his National success (silver medal in the O65s men’s) playing with his youthful protégé, Aiden Sui, as they faced the indomitable duo of President Pete Wright and Stuart Davey. To say this game was neck and neck would be an understatement; even those watching it were out of breath! The Westholme men narrowly lost the first game to setting, before securing a win in their second game.

In the next ladies’ game, Lucy was under strict instructions to carry her auntie as we faced Gill Fourie and Karen Lamb. Fortunately, I benefitted from Lucy’s powerful smashes as I hid at the net, occasionally popping up to take a shot or two. Again, two very entertaining games of competitive badminton, with all four ladies at full stretch, eventually saw the home side win both games.

Finally, the second men’s couple of young Aiden and the Legend himself, Andy Finch, faced Hot Stuff, aka Ian Bythell, and Stuart. It was lovely to see Andy and Aiden finally play together: the wait was almost worthwhile. The opposition’s clever net play and delicate disguised shots resulted in Independents winning the first game, again to setting. In the second men’s, however, Andy and Aiden held on to their lead, winning it 21,18. Aiden was positively beaming!

After chocolate rolls and vimto (yes, we serve refreshments now!), the top mixed pairing of Graham and Maxine faced the newly formed partnership of Jane and Pete. This was an excellent, close battle with the away team narrowly losing out to setting in the first game before clinching the second 21,16. In the second mixed pairing, another new partnership for Independents, Ian and Gill, faced…well, I don’t like to think how many years I have played mixed with Andy – let’s just say, more than half my lifetime (and his!) During our game, it was noted by more than just me that I obviously stand in the wrong place on court as I seem to frequently get hit by my own partner, even when he is simply passing the shuttle back to the opposition. That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed both games, played in great spirit and with friendly banter – exactly how league badminton should be.

The number three pairings of Aiden and Lucy, and Stuart and Karen, then faced each other. It was nice to discover that Stuart had already come across Aiden at the coaching he takes his daughter to – he has promised to bring her down to practise with us when we get back in to Westholme after the break for examinations. Two excellent, close games were fought over by these couples, with the home side coming out victorious – 21,19; 21, 15. Aiden was definitely beaming!

The top mixed pairing of Max and Graham split their games with Ian and Gill, winning the first 21,12 before succumbing 15, 21. In the final match on court I decided to stop hiding at the net as me and Andy faced Jane and Pete. I lost count of the number of long rallies and punishing smashes in these two games but they certainly kept me on my toes. Fortunately, the Legend pulled me through and we completed the match by winning both games to 17.

RR – 09/11/2021

St Nicholas v Westholme B   9^th November, 2021 – She’ll be back!

After a sudden change of venue (I think this could become a habit this season!) St Nicholas welcomed Westholme B to their new home courts at Accrington Academy.

The Times Cup winners of 2018 were largely unchanged with Louise Bernard, Carole Eldon (replacing the injured captain, Yvonne Kay) and Lynne Hustler; and Gary Walton, Matt Honey and Mohammed Aslam. Their opponents, however, were a much altered Westholme B side of: Claire Banfield, Jenn Trethewey, Rachel Robertson; Chris Ball, Paul Hooper and Callum Briggs.

Having quickly established that Jenn had just completed a day’s first aid training, Chris volunteered to be first in line for any CPR going. The floor antics of Matt Honey, however, were more than enough to have us all nervously waiting in the wings as he literally threw himself from pillar to post!

Despite getting double figures in all the games and several ‘almost there scores’ in the opening level doubles, the home team proved far too strong for Westholme B who went in to the mixed with a mountain to climb. Resolving to make good in the mixed doubles, Claire and Chris faced the top pairing of Lynne and Gary. After a nail-biting game which the home side won to setting, the Westholme couple served through (well, Chris did) to finally win their first game – 21, 5. Phew!

Working hard on the adjacent court, the two new recruits, Rachel and Callum, did themselves proud at 13 and 13, showing much promise in their determination and grit, as can be seen in the accompanying photographs. Using her flick serve to good effect, Jenn and Paul took a much needed second game from the top pairing for St Nicholas, despite losing both games to the smashing policeman, Matt, and his partner, Carol. In the final mixed, Chris and Claire decided to try to defend that formidable smash, and squeezed out another split result.

From the side lines, Yvonne continued to captain and run this long-standing club. A rotary cuff, torn tendons and six pins in her shoulder may stop her from swinging bin bags around but will certainly not see this recently retired player give up the sport she loves – and, now she knows about the Blackburn & District Facebook page, she can join in with the #throwbackthursday photos!

The learning curve will be a steep one, but I am sure Westholme B will get there in the end: after all, nothing worth having comes easy.

RR – 03/02/2020

Blackburn Seniors B  v  Westholme B        3^rd February, 2020

 The tale of the walking wounded

 The day didn’t start well when Westholme’s newest signing pulled out at lunch time with a bad back: straight in to the fray, John Skinner, stepped in to the breach and I could breathe easy again.

Arriving a full half an hour early (forgetting this was our away match so we didn’t need to turn the lights and heaters on, sweep the floor and set up the courts) me and mine, aka Jenn Trethewey, filled the time with idle chat and talk of wedding dress shopping.

With the arrival of the two teams, came news of the long-awaited semi-final draw: we have a home game against Seniors C to look forward to on March 2^nd.

The match started well with top ladies, Jane Tighe and Mel Rushton, being pushed very hard by Jenn Trethewey and her cousin, Lucy Gallagher, in two very close games. On the adjacent court, the men’s pairings of young Tyler Allen and the experienced Steve Roe, were having a similar battle against Westholme’s Hef Parry and Alex Pimperton. Winning at the time, unfortunately, Hef stretched just a little bit too far and had to retire early, conceding the two games. The picture taken below is Hef’s attempt at looking like he has a painful groin strain – just use your imagination, please! Now came the very interesting revelation (well, to me anyway…even though Keith reminded me that I’d voted against it at an AGM!) that, when a player is injured, the remaining games can be played by a substitute of the opposition’s choosing. Well I never! My super last minute sub, John Skinner, was certainly going to get his money’s worth tonight!

In the second round of level doubles’ games, Wendy Matthews (as always resplendent in pink) partnered Lucy against Mel and Helen Shanks. Effective re-organisation of tactics in the second of their games produced a thrilling match which the Westholme couple narrowly lost to setting. The men’s doubles of Alex and John for Westholme and Steve and Luke Quigley for Seniors B, was an evenly fought battle which resulted in an appropriate game a-piece to the two sides.

In the mixed doubles, Jenn at top mixed played first with Alex and then with John as a result of Hef’s injury. Serving well in both games and cutting out some effective crosses at the net, Jenn should be very proud of how far she has come in this only her second season in the league. The indomitable partnership of Tyler and Jane at top mixed for Seniors, however, proved too much for both the Westholme couples, with John and Wendy likewise succumbing to the might that is Tyler (and a might that is only going to get mightier) The second mixed pairing of Luke and Helen were also victorious in their four games, although promising scores meant that Westholme reached their three bonus points.

Alex and Lucy at number three fared better against Steve and Mel, winning both of their games.

So, as Seniors B stride ever closer to their return to the top division, the Westholme B team pick themselves up from their defeat and thank their lucky stars that they have super subs they can rely on in an emergency! Thanks, John.