Roving Reporter – Week 16

Westholme A v Caprica Heathcare

In a very busy sports hall at Nelson & Colne College, your intrepid roving reporter didn’t have far to go to watch her own team, Westholme, take on Caprica Healthcare.

With mutterings of ‘all in all, tonight has to be better than last night’, Kevin Grimshaw – who had lost his wallet and almost his car at his previous game at Hyndburn the night before (and had to hang on very tightly to his racquet tonight) – partnered Andy Howson for the home team, against the experience of Graham Robinson and Philip Aspinall. A good natured game saw some very energetic net play from the home pairing along with the typical long rallies which suit Graham-wear-them-down-slowly-Robinson’s game. Philip’s efficient short serves and elegant court coverage eventually saw the Westholme men win both games. In the ladies’, Sue Hirons and Rosie Southworth faced the indomitable partnership of Westholme girls, Lucy Hunt and Rachael Coar. Rosie’s cross court clears and excellent defensive play forced the opposition to work very hard. Some well-judged line calls from Lucy, however, coupled with Rachael’s punishing net shots, ensured another away victory for Westholme.

Next to take the shared court, Rosie, this time partnering Angela Woodward, faced Lucy and Anne Robinson, who had kindly stepped in for yours truly whilst her calf recovers. Angela’s effective smash down the middle and fast reactions at the net earned the home team their first two games, despite some beautifully controlled cross court net returns from Anne. On the adjacent court, the men’s pairing of Kevin and Mark Jelic faced the two Grahams, Robinson and Ainslie. Another very close battle in which Kevin certainly earned his name of ‘he who knows no bounds’ as laps were almost sat upon and the archetypal “fat lady” may not have been singing but certainly hummed a few notes or two. Kevin’s strong wrist action and Mark’s determined smashes were not quite enough, however, to beat the Westholme pairing, with Graham Ainslie’s punishing long serves frequently proving too much for the Caprica men.

In the mixed doubles, Andy and Sue for Caprica faced  Philip and his partner, Rachael. Continuing to dance around the court, Philip’s foot work was admired by all as Westholme continued their way to victory. Rosie next faced Lucy and Graham Robinson, once her partner, Kevin, had found his racquet. Again, Kevin’s coverage, both on and off the court, was impressive, although Graham’s full length dive to retrieve a net shot left by his partner earned the vote as the shot of the match. Sue and Andy for Caprica were next on court against the B team partnership of Graham Ainslie and Anne. Again, Graham’s accurate long serves and Anne’s confident back line calls meant the home team had to work very hard indeed for their victory. Sue’s strong net play and well controlled cross court winners, however, proved too much for their Westholme opponents.

In what ended up being the last game of the night, Angela and Mark played the Westholme pairing of Philip and Rachael. The young Westholme pairing worked hard, resulting in a round of applause when Rachael had to take off her tracksuit top! Despite some determined retrieving, both games went to Westholme. Unfortunately, the last match between Angela and Mark for Caprica and Anne and Graham Ainslie had to be given to the opposition, when it was revealed that Mark had also been playing for his Mid Lancs team on the other side of the net. I wondered where he’d kept disappearing to in such a hurry!

Another well natured game came to a close as both Blackburn and Mid Lancashire players rubbed shoulders as they skipped between the courts.

Roving Reporter – Week 15

 Blackburn Seniors D v St Matthews – It’s a family affair meets a few popular pensioners

First up for the home team, the lady herself, Elaine Smith, partnering smiley Captain, Anne Masterson, as they faced the pocket dynamo that is Pauline Whitehead, and Aliya Ayub. Smothered in a cold and dangerously sucking a cough sweet, Elaine weaved deftly at the net as Anne’s accurate drops  forced the opposition to some excellent court coverage. The dynamo that is Pauline, however, made effective use of the cross court drive and, with Aliya’s intelligent long serving, won both games. On the adjacent court, the two youngsters, Morgan Shanks for Blackburn Seniors, and Rees Parry for St Matthews, faced each other. Playing with Andy Dadswell, it was lovely to see Morgan’s determination and commitment in this, his first season in the league. Andy’s strong clears and brilliant backhand control meant Rees, playing with the experienced Stewart Hope, had to work very hard indeed. Stewart’s clever centre line serve and net control eventually won both games for St Matthews.

Next on court, Mel Rushton, Macy’s mum, played with Anne, against Aliya and Pauline Clarke. As her mum’s cross court smashes reigned supreme, Macy busily filled me in on who was who: did I know that Anne was her Maths teacher and also taught Year 4 Class Worship? I did not. The St Matthews’ strong front and back partnership saw some serious focused play from Pauline, resplendent in her headband, with Aliya’s excellent smashes making it very difficult for the home side. The men’s pairing of Andy and Stephen Smith for Blackburn Seniors battled it out on the adjacent court against the talented Rees, this time partnering the St Matthews Captain, Brian Chappell. This close match saw some excellent battling rallies from all four men. Efficient line calls from Brian to his young partner and punishing cross court backhand drops meant the Blackburn Seniors’ men had to dig deep. Despite some elegant net shots from Stephen, again the away team were victorious, going in to the mixed doubles with a commanding lead.

The young left handed talent of Morgan, partnering the lady herself, Elaine, next faced the experienced pairing of Pauline Whitehead and Stewart. She may be small, but she is mighty has been used in the past to describe this garrulous St Matthews lady. Pauline’s dominance at the net coupled with Stewart’s well controlled service returns kept the youthful legs of Morgan very busy indeed. Despite some lovely controlled centre smashes, again the away team won both games. Captain, Anne, playing with Andy, next faced Rees and Aliya from St Matthews. It was a shame that my courtside photography didn’t catch Rees’s jump smash as I’m sure it was spectacular. Using her height to good effect, Aliya dominated the net and, despite Anne’s accurate long serves and Andy’s strong smashes and controlled backhand drives, the St Matthews’ pairing won both games. Stephen and Mel were next up against Brian and Pauline Clarke. Another close game, with some very  loud line calls from Stephen which made everybody at Norden jump, not least his partner, Mel, finished with another two games for the opposition. In the final game of the night, Stephen and Mel faced Stewart and Pauline Whitehead. Careful not to jeopardise her recently insured car, Pauline, running like a greyhound, covered the court well. Mel’s aggressive net play and Stephen’s effective drop to the net eventually saw the home team win their first game of the night. Still reeling from her partner’s head (literal) shot, Pauline dared to come back on court, this time more watchful of Stewart’s straying racquet.

As always, Norden provided a very entertaining match for me to report on. The constant chat from both teams and friendly camaraderie made for an excellent evening of badminton in which young and old players mixed with courtesy and sportsmanship. Just as it should be.

Roving Reporter – Week 14

Blackburn Seniors A v Hit and Miss – Neck and neck

 This eagerly awaited clash at the top of Division 1 was always going to be a close run thing. It did not disappoint. From start to finish, points were exchanged as these top two teams battled it out.

In the opening doubles, the home team’s Nathan Whitehead and Sameer Khadir, faced the indomitable pairing of Abdul Malik and Keith Ashton. Nathan’s aggressive smashes coupled with Sameer’s determined anticipation at the net meant that the Hit and Miss men had to work very hard indeed for their first game. Tight serving from Abdul and Keith’s characteristic nonchalance on court provided a very entertaining, not to say long, match. In the second game, Nathan’s fast approach to the net and excellent cross court shots came in to their own. The Blackburn Seniors’ men worked well together, with Sameer even being allowed to poach the occasional shot from his partner’s racquet! It was a fair result to see this first men’s game split between the two teams. On the adjacent court, the ladies – Claire Edmundson and Joanna Holt for Blackburn Seniors, Alison Leaver and Julie Bates for Hit and Miss – played a similarly close game. The nippy left hander, Alison, covered the court well, helped by some strong, positional play from her experienced partner, Julie. Claire’s delicate net shots and Joanna’s excellent smashes and defensive retrieval, resulted in another split match between the two teams.

In the second round of doubles, Claire, this time playing with Jenny Woods, faced Alison and Cheryl Parry, the come back queen. Another close game, Cheryl’s intelligent net anticipation and well placed drop shots forced the Seniors’ ladies to some excellent retrieval. Jenny’s strong smashes down the centre worked well, however, against her left/right handed opposition. Again, this match was split. I told you it was neck and neck. In the final men’s doubles, Keith partnered Ashley Gibson, against the home pairing of Sameer and Rick Smith. Another closely fought match, with some very mean head shots from Ashley, eventually saw Hit and Miss nudge in to the lead, winning both these games. At this point there was a very feeble attempt at a Mexican wave from one of Hit and Miss’s supporters on the bench, Phil Rhodes. The least said about this the better!

In the mixed doubles, the experienced partnership of Julie and Abdul faced the young pretenders, Nathan and Joanna. Julie’s fast cross court cut outs and Abdul’s controlled backhand net shots were met shot by shot by their worthy opponents. The strong pairing from Blackburn Seniors fought hard throughout both games, thoroughly deserving their split result. Next up, the cousins, Cheryl and Rick, faced each other, partnering Ashley and Jenny. Well, I say ‘cousins’ – it was at this point that Sheila, the lady herself, put me straight. Stephen Smith is, apparently, an ‘inbetweener’ which, I was reliably informed, is better than Penny’s description of him. Another close game, Rick’s tumbling net shots and Jenny’s determined cross court anticipation made the Hit and Miss couple dig deep. Some lovely flick serves from Cheryl, however, and excellent returns to the net from Ashley, who was, again, very mean in his deliberate head/body attacks, eventually resulted in both games going to the opposition.

It was at this point that the bench noticed how many shuttles were being used, as they began to litter the court side. Murmurs of ‘It’s a good job you don’t play this lot every week’ were heard as fresh tubes of shuttles surfaced from deep inside badminton bags. Keith and Alison were next up, facing Sameer and Claire. The net was definitely on the nippy left hander’s side in this game, both of which went to Hit and Miss, despite some excellent defensive play from both Claire and Sameer. The remaining mixed games saw Abdul and Julie face Rick and Jenny, followed by Ashley and Cheryl play Nathan and Joanna. All extremely close games, both of these matches were again split.

The atmosphere throughout this well supported fixture was both exciting and competitive. Players applauded each other’s shots, gave encouragement to their partners and generally behaved in the way we should expect all players to behave. Steve’s momentary lapse when he accidentally laughed at his son’s short serve was soon forgotten in the general mood of fun and enjoyment. A thoroughly entertaining match, for yours truly to enjoy from the side lines, and lovely to see the come back queen, Cheryl, looking and playing so well.

Roving Reporter – Cup 3

Back where I started

More by chance than ornament, I ended up reporting on another friendly cup game between the family that is Blackburn Seniors. I had actually braved the snow thunderstorm on top of the Rising Bridge to watch Blackburn Seniors A take on Caprica. Unfortunately, the latter weren’t able to field a team; fortunately, the Wilson Cup match between the C and D teams was taking place at the same time. My trip had not been wasted.

Straight down to business, Lilly Edmundson took charge of the C team, putting mother and daughter partnership, Keira McPartlan and Helen McKernan against Mel Rushton and the ever smiley Anne Masterson. The D team ladies worked well to cover the court, ensuring the rallies were long and well fought. Keira’s aggressive net play and her mum’s effective attack down the middle, however, meant Lilly’s team were quickly two games up. Ryan Collins and the experienced Steven Smith for Seniors C then faced their youthful D team opponents of Morgan Shanks and Harry Boyle. This was definitely a no mercy kind of men’s game and, although the C team men came out on top, every point was hard fought.

In the second round of doubles, Lilly partnered Helen against Anne and the lady herself, Elaine Smith. The C team couple quickly asserted themselves, largely down to Lilly’s accurate, steady serving and Helen’s powerful centre court smash. Anne and Elaine, however, were never down hearted; in fact, every point they scored was met with a victory wave and a cheer. In the men’s doubles, Stewart Holt and Ryan for the C team faced their even younger opponents of Morgan and 17 year old Jack McKenna. Ryan’s dominant net play was particularly impressive. The left handed Morgan and his partner, Jack, however, withstood whatever the C team couple blasted at them, remaining cool and calm under pressure. I am sure this young couple will go far.

In the mixed matches, Steve and Keira faced Harry and Mel. Steve’s well balanced court coverage and Keira’s excellent net play had their opposition at full stretch. The C team pairing were made to work hard for their win, however, with Steve having to go off court for occasional liquid refreshment which he cleverly disguised as changing the shuttle. Harry’s well placed back hand drops and strong drive smashes worked well with Mel’s reach at the net. Stewart and Lilly then met Jack and Elaine in another ‘every point counts’ match. The lady herself played with poise at the net as her young partner, Jack, scurried around behind her, sometimes diving to the floor to retrieve Stewart’s punishing drives. Lilly’s effective long serves worked well, pushing her opponents to their limits. Helen and Ryan from the C team next faced Morgan and Anne. Another well fought battle, Morgan’s accurate drop shots had the C team couple at full stretch. However, Helen’s well controlled play at the net and Ryan’s aggressive domination and cross court smashes eventually won the game. In the final match of the night (unfortunately, Jack had had to leave early due to the worsening weather conditions) Lilly and Stewart came up against the D team pairing of Harry and Mel. Another good natured, well fought match; another victory for the C team couple.

The friendliness and social inclusiveness of this club continue to impress me. Prior to the match, I had seen dozens of youngsters enjoying this sport of badminton we all love so much being coached by the ever ebullient Richard Smith. I heard tales of the club meal at Monte Cristo; saw pictures of a fancy dress handicap tournament; and watched an exhausting two hour ‘practice’ between 4 of the A team players who had had their own match cancelled. Oh yes, in case you’re wondering, the picture of the broken strings is one of Paul Zinger Ainger’s racquets: apparently, he did that on a serve!

Time to open the envelope. Nobody was surprised by the C team’s victory on the night. Thank you for another very entertaining evening of badminton and chat.

Roving Reporter – Cup 2

DON’T LET ME CRAMP YOUR STYLE

Unfortunately, the Roving Reporter had too many other commitments this week, so Stand-in Reporter was asked to oblige. Apologies in advance, therefore, if my literary style is found wanting!
This week I attended a Cup Tie between Blackburn Seniors B, currently enjoying success near the top of Division 2 and Westholme B, enjoying less success further down the table. ‘Twas a cold and snowy night when the teams met to do battle at Norden Sports Centre, Rishton.

The opening Level Doubles saw the Seniors pairing of Keith Last and Samir Kadiri against the Westholme duo of Simon Townsend and Graham Ainslie and, for the Ladies, Vicki Last and Helen Shanks for Seniors versus Helen Wharton and Sarah Avent for Westholme. Both games began nervously, but both soon developed into fast-moving and skilful games of badminton. Simon and Graham served well and their court coverage was very good, showing off Graham’s drop shots and Simon’s powerful smash. Their opponents, however, were not to be outplayed: Keith’s energy and refusal to be beaten by any shot, coupled with Samir’s incredible speed around the court ( aided, I believe, by his new streamlined haircut!) eventually proved too much for the Westholme pair. The Ladies game was also very closely contested: Vicki displayed the same energy and determination as her husband and was a perfect foil for Helen’s calm interception at the net. For Westholme, Sarah did some super drop shots, despite nursing a slight neck injury, and Helen hit some powerful clears and drives. Both games were close, but the Seniors pair was victorious.

The second set of doubles saw Keith teaming up with the very young and very talented Brad Savage to play Simon and a relative newcomer to Blackburn Badminton – Josh Lee. This was a most entertaining game to watch : Keith moved like a human dynamo, Josh showed off his acrobatic talent – on one occasion even doing the splits! – Simon performed with the grace of a ballet dancer, managing to catch the shuttle on his chest and Brad displayed that awesome potential which, I am sure, will make him One To Watch in the future. The Ladies game was a slightly more sedate affair. Vicki teamed up with young Emily Cholmondeley and Helen partnered Wendy Matthews, another newcomer to League badminton. There were some great rallies during the game; Wendy’s high serve was used to excellent effect and Helen once again showed why her middle name is Power! However, excellent smashing and placing of the shuttlecock by Vicki and Emily eventually proved too much for the opposition.

Unfortunately, the Mixed Doubles games were not as closely contested and Blackburn Seniors demonstrated why they are vying for promotion to Division 1. The night was not without drama, however: in the 3rd Mixed – Keith and Vicki against Simon and Helen – it seemed that all the incredible energy expended by Keith earlier in the evening had eventually taken its toll as he fell to the floor, suffering from a bad bout of cramp. As we looked on in horror and consternation Samir, the Knight in the Yellow T-shirt, sprang to the rescue. After much leg-stretching, pulling and massaging (?!) Keith was able to finish the game. His ordeal, however, affected his mobility and, on this occasion, Westholme was victorious.
Finally, the moment came to open the Little Brown Envelope, carefully signed by the President herself, Jean Wilson, which contained the Fateful Handicap! After much careful – and sometimes erroneous – adding-up of scores, the Blackburn Seniors team came out on top…….by 9.5 aces! What excellent handicapping!

Sorry, folks – no photos this week – my phone is a dinosaur.

Roving Reporter – Cup 1

On the night, Holt was definitely the name of the game!

Well, it may have taken me all night but eventually I sorted out one Holt from another, mainly by process of elimination. And, for once, I could almost have walked to this fixture from my house on Schofield Road!

Following some very healthy coaching from 7 till 8, taken by Goodshaw’s very own Val and Dean Bertenshaw, which saw lots of youngsters put through their paces (and made me feel very guilty that I didn’t even know there was a Sports Centre up here let alone coaching going on) the match got underway. Using all three courts as they did, occasionally made it difficult to know which game to watch, but I gave it a go.

First to play, Nigel-the-tournament-Holt partnering Kath Gillam, against the mother and son pairing of Tina and Niale Holt. I told you Holt was the name of the game, didn’t I! I immediately committed the cardinal sin of assuming Niale was his elder brother Cameron whom I’d played against on Tuesday. It did not go down well. The Goodshaw pair took command of the first game with some excellent cross court smashing from Nigel. Fighting hard in the second game, Tina’s quick anticipation at the net, coupled with strong smashes from Niale, resulted in a much more evenly matched game which Telecom were unlucky to lose. On the adjacent court, the ladies battled hard with Val Bertenshaw in her vibrant top playing with the experienced Kath Riley. They made their Telecom opposition work for every point. Lianne Dewhurst and Gill Luker fought hard but the controlled court coverage of Kath, coupled with her left handed partner’s delicate net shots, eventually saw the Goodshaw ladies take both games. Meanwhile, young David Holt, when he could be separated from his AS Chemistry revision, took on Nils McDonald and Jonathan (whose surname I didn’t copy down – my apologies for this) as he partnered Dean. Despite some excellent court coverage from both Nils and Jonathan, who both smashed well, the Goodshaw men won both of these games.

The second round of games saw Kath and Dean from Goodshaw take on Nils and Lianne from Telecom. Kath was quick to take control of the game, playing some lovely service returns to the oppositions’ backhands. Not to be outdone, however, Lianne’s accurate drop shot to the net off a long serve and Nils’ well controlled backhand drops, kept the rallies going. Eventually, however, the Goodshaw pairing proved too strong for Telecom as they won both their games. The father and son partnership from Telecom next took to the court, facing Niale and Jonathan. David’s relaxed approach frequently had spectators wondering whether he could in fact see the shuttle under that mop of hair! Dad’s off the body returns and unfailing smile on court saw the Telecom men take the first game. Niale was quick to respond, however, and he battled hard with Jonathan in the second game. The competitive rallies of their second game suited the long serve which Niale had switched to, and Jonathan’s strong net approaches resulted in this match being split.

One of the closest games on the night was up next, between Kath Gillam and Val for Goodshaw and Tina and Gill from Telecom. Kath reached the shuttle well, often deceiving her opposition with clever drops to the middle. Having lost the first game, Tina’s never give up attitude, and Gill’s accurate drop shots, made for a neck and neck second game which Telecom were,again, unlucky to lose.

In the final round of games, Nigel and Kath Gillam were up again, this time against Nils and Lianne. Kath’s steady serving and cross court net shots worked well as the Telecom pairing won the first game. In the second game, Lianne pulled back valuable points with some excellent net anticipation as Nils, resourceful as ever, found ways of using the net to bring errant shuttles back in to court. Despite their sterling efforts, however, both games were won by the Telecom partnership. Tina and Niale were back on court this time facing Kath Riley and Dean. Having lost the first game, the mother and son pairing began the second at a gallop. Keeping in touch, however, Kath’s steady play and Dean’s control at the net, eventually saw the Goodshaw pairing pull back to 18 all. Very much an evens stevens game, Tina and Niale were unlucky to lose by the narrowest of margins: 20,21. Believe me, I know what that feels like! The last game was between Jonathan and Gill from Telecom and David and Val. After losing to 20 in the first game, the Telecom pairing were out for revenge and took the second game, splitting the match.

As the points were carefully added up, checked and re-checked, and we wondered whether the points’ difference was 110 or 109, it was time to open the envelope. With a handicap of 120 and a half (Nigel was quick to point out the important significance of that half) it meant Telecom had won by 10 points. Good handicapping indeed.

Ever the optimist, the smiling Nigel took the defeat on the chin with the observation that they may have lost every game so far in the league but Goodshaw were certainly getting better as he organised who would make the long journey to Roefield the next day to play their rearranged fixture.

Roving Reporter – Tournaments 2

Tournaments…continued 22nd December, 2014

Well, there may not have been any minced pies but there was plenty of Christmas cheer amidst the supporters, mainly courtesy of Laura Cannan and her flask of mulled wine.

The first match to get started was the men’s doubles final where the young, emerging talent of Sam Cannan and Morgan Shanks, faced the experienced pairing of Graham Robinson and Sam Ames. Point for point, the men battled away in this entertaining match. Morgan’s delicate net shots and left handed deception made both Westholme men work extremely hard. Strong smashes from young Sam Cannan tested the opposition’s defensive play, forcing the final to go to three games. As the third game drew to a close, Graham and Sam Ames nudged in to the lead, resulting in a victory for the Westholme couple.

The semi-final of the mixed doubles, between Claire Edmondson and Paul Ainscoe from Blackburn Seniors, and the Legend that is Andrew Finch who partnered yours truly, for Westholme, played on the adjacent court as the eager eyes of Abdul Malik and Hayley Wilson watched on, anticipating their opponents in the final. Paul’s non- stop effort and commitment were matched by his partner, Claire’s, excellent anticipation and defensive play. Andy’s tactic of wearing his opposition down again took this entertaining semi-final to three. In the end, however, Andy and Claire’s perseverance and dogged attitude paid off and they were victorious.

The final of the mixed beckoned.

Andy Finch set the bar high with his dogged determination and court coverage. The speed with which he returned the unreturnable was matched by Abdul’s deceptive cross court net shots and powerful smashes. Taking regular advice from her experienced partner, Hayley grew in confidence. As always, the Legend took the final to three with the narrowest of margins separating the two evenly matched couples. When the third game reached 20 all, both couples had to double check with Nigel, scorer and tournament organiser supreme, that it was the next point that won the title. It was the sort of game it was a shame one couple had to lose. But, hey, that’s badminton and why we all love it so much. Congratulations to Hayley and Abdul, worthy winners of the mixed doubles tournament.

Well done to all our winners and finalists. Another big thank you to Nigel for organising the league’s tournaments for us, also to Norden Sports Centre for allowing us the use of their venue.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all from your very own Roving Reporter (who played dreadfully in both her games which is why she didn’t get a mention!)

Make sure you all go to the Presentation Dance to pick up your trophies!

Roving Reporter – Week 11

You just can’t get the staff these days

Lovely to be back where I started in the last match report this year and to meet up again with Elaine Smith, quick to tell everybody to watch what they say as ‘she writes it all down you know!’ Nice, too, to get a compliment from one of the Abacus ladies, Julie Blackburn, as she admitted to being a regular reader of my ‘right good column.’

As the Blackburn Seniors training session finally ran the Edmondson duo off the court (well, that’s what taking on 16 young up and coming stars does for you, Lily and Claire!) the fixture got off to a slow start. As frantic phone calls were made in the foyer, it quickly became apparent that Abacus were going to be a man short and a hanging was threatened next time they saw ‘him’. Amicably, the teams decided to start with the men’s and ladies’ games: Adam Parker and Keith Last taking on Mick Crilly and Gary Pollock; Joanne Harrison and Vicky Last facing Rachel Hillary and Alex Bullock.

The men’s game got off to a cracking start with some long, exciting rallies. Point for point, the two couples battled it out in friendly rivalry. Keith’s well placed drop shots and aggressive smashes were met by some excellent reaction shots by both Abacus men. Gary’s efficient push attack returns and Mick’s effortless net shot from a short serve eventually won them the first game. The battle was on. Ambitious Adam dominated the net for Blackburn Seniors with some confident serving and excellent court coverage. Both pairs were sporting in their appreciation of the oppositions’ good play and splitting this first match was definitely a just result. In the ladies’ match, the Blackburn Seniors ladies took both games, although Rachel and Alex certainly gave them a run for their money. Quick to kill it at the net, Joanne played with confidence with Vicky, using her height to excellent effect. Vicky showed lovely control at the net and gave some very sporting line calls. The Abacus ladies never stopped fighting for every point, however, with Rachel’s effective drop shots and confident approaches to the net frequently forcing the Blackburn Seniors ladies to a lift which Alex was always ready to put away.

As the second ladies got under way, the Abacus men decided to stop on court to play an extra, friendly game against the young pairing of Adam and Brad Savage. As Julie worried about the stamina of her mixed partner, begging him to save something for the four games he would still have to play with her, Michael (to give him his Sunday best name) strolled on to the court with his partner in crime, Gary. Never has so much energy and enthusiasm gone in to a friendly game whose scores would not count. At one point, Gary’s breathing had to be assisted by another part of his body – enough said. Against this experienced pairing, then, the promising Blackburn Seniors partnership had their work cut out. Again, Adam’s domination at the net pushed the Abacus men to their limits, with some well-balanced coverage of the court and agility from both Brad and Adam. Having won the first, it was fortunate that Gary, who may have been struggling to breathe, was able to keep the score otherwise I think they would still have been playing! Two very pleased and very wet Abacus men came off the court, happy in their double victory.

In the ladies’ match, Julie and Alex from Abacus met the home partnership of Helen Shanks and Vicky. The opposition ladies worked well as a couple, with Julie’s anticipation at the net and Alex’s punishing drop shots pushing the Blackburn Seniors hard. Helen’s effective back hand and straight smashes were frequently out and out winners, racking up valuable points for the home pairing. The experience of Julie and brilliant court awareness, however, finally won the Abacus ladies both games.

In the mixed doubles, young Brad, playing with Joanne, faced Mick and Julie from Abacus. Using the whole of his racquet, Mick frequently surprised himself with some of the reaches he was able to pull off. Julie’s delicate net shots and agility around the court had their young opposition at full stretch. Despite some excellent cross court smashing from Brad and tight serving from Joanne, the opposition won both games. Next on court, Alex and Gary faced husband and wife, Keith and Vicky. Gary’s favourite cross court return from a smash worked effectively in the first game, along with Alex’s full length clears. In the second game, however, the Blackburn Seniors couple were determined not to let the opposition have it all their own way, fighting back to split this match.

In what was the last match on the night, the experienced pairing of Julie and Mick faced Adam and Helen. Another very sporting battle, Mick’s clever deceptive drops from the back and short serve returns forced the opposition to scrabble hard for the shuttle. Adam’s agility round the court and quick attack at the net worked well with Helen’s excellent reading of the cross court drive shots from both Abacus players. Neck and neck in the first game, the Blackburn Seniors finally put the shuttle on the floor at 21 to win. Not to be outdone, Julie and Mick fought even harder in the second game with some excellent cross court smashes by Mick. This was a very sporting match which was justly split, one game each.

A rest, now, till the New Year, although spectators are more than welcome next Monday 22nd December at Norden when Nigel’s tournament finals are to be played, 8pm start. You remember he promised mince-pies? Well, I do!

Roving Reporter – Week 10

Cold wind whipping through….Brrrrrr

After last minute re-jigging of the pairings from the home team, the match began with the mixed doubles. The top couples, Chris Ball and Louise Burrill for Clitheroe and Gary Pollock and Rebecca Pountain for Abacus, were very evenly matched. Chris’s aggressive smashes complemented well with Louise’s tight net shots and excellent coverage around the court. The supportive partnership of Gary and Rebecca, however, worked effectively as a team, with Gary’s strong backhand clears and Rebecca’s nice half court pushes, matching their opposition point for point. Splitting the first two games was a fair result and both couples came off smiling. On the next court, Dave Gruby and Shirley Bush faced the Abacus pairing of Eric Duckworth and Kath Keir. Eric’s steady serving and Kath’s confident finishing off at the net ensured an away victory in both games, although Dave’s effective push return of serve and Shirley’s cross court net shots frequently pushed their opposition hard.

In the third mixed doubles, Steve Jenkins played with Clitheroe’s new signing Pippa Davies, facing the experienced pairing of Jeff Howorth and Karen Cook. Pip used her height to good effect as she enthusiastically reached for the shuttle. Supporting his partner with both encouragement and what appeared to be growls (!), Steve covered the court with similar alacrity. Jeff’s strong focus and strident line calls (which made more than Karen jump) were a difficult match for the new Clitheroe partnership, however. At the net, Karen’s tight play and excellent control eventually saw an away victory in both games.

Chris and Louise for Clitheroe next faced the Abacus pairing of Eric and Kath. The long rallies during this match and excellent court coverage of all four players were a delight to see. Chris’s recent marathon training stood him in good stead as he energetically returned the shuttle. Eric’s precise backhand drop shot, however, frequently forced the Clitheroe pairing to lift the shuttle which Kath was always ready to finish off. The inventive use of the net at the end of the second game when Eric’s long serve caught on the cord, only to become an impressive short serve instead, resulted in the games being split: again, a fair reflection for two evenly matched couples. In the final mixed game, Dave and Shirley for Clitheroe faced Gary and Rebecca. The Abacus pairing won both these games. Working efficiently as a team, Rebecca’s low positioning at the net enabled Gary to use his strong wrist for deception as well as effective backhand winners.
The men’s and ladies’ matches were extremely close often being played point for point. Louise and Pip split their game against Rebecca and Karen. Louise’s excellent long serves and strong backhand clears frequently had the Abacus ladies chasing after the shuttle. Rebecca’s use of the cross court drive and Karen’s magical touch at the net helped to secure them the second game. On the adjacent court, the men were likewise battling it out. The Clitheroe pairing, Chris and Steve, gave it their all in the long exchanges, with Steve even doing a full length dive on the final point. Gary’s ability to find the gaps on court, particularly with his accurate backhand drive, coupled with Jeff’s confident drop shots, resulted in both games going to the away pairing.

The final ladies’ match saw Pip and Shirley take on the experienced partnership of Kath and Karen. This was a very sporting game, even to the extent of re-serving Karen’s errant long serve which had been inadvertently hit by the opposition. Despite the perseverance and enthusiasm of the Clitheroe ladies, however, the Abacus pairing proved too much for them, winning both of these games. In the final men’s, Steve and Dave faced Jeff and Eric in another very entertaining match. Dave’s determination and Steve’s energetic court coverage saw the Abacus men forced to pull out all the stops and resulted in this final match being drawn one game each.
A request from Louise and Chris for a copy of their photo used with this report certainly made my night: perhaps I’m getting better at this roving reporter malarkey!

Roving Reporter – Week 9

From ancient grudge break to new mutiny

As soon as I walked in to Norden Sports Centre scary flashbacks from Tournament Week flooded back to me and then in walked a blast from the past: Steve Ramsbottom. Still breathing, this former Greenmount Youth Club player is still, 56 playing years later, going strong. It was lovely to see him standing in for Telecom and playing so well with his mixed partner, Kath Spillane. The other reunion on the night was between Judith Hamilton and Helen Wharton who, once they’d put to bed the tricky question of who was older than who, reminisced about former school battles (1979 and 81) when they played for Everton and Westholme respectively, before pairing up with each other to play for the town. Happy days!

Soon, however, it was time for the match to start. The first ladies’ doubles pairing of Jane Makey and Judith Hamilton from Telecom faced the Westholme ladies, Lynn Hosegood and Helen Wharton. Some tight serving from Jane enabled Judith to use her steep smash and punishing cross court drives to good effect. Not to be outdone, however, Lynn’s precision at the net, coupled with some effective overhead smashes from her partner, Helen, meant both games were neck and neck. It was a fitting result for this top match to be split between the two teams. On the adjacent court, the men had a similar battle on their hands. The promising talent of Cameron Holt, playing with his Dad, faced the experienced pairing of Mohammed Suleman and Graham Robinson. Following some strong, controlled smashing from Cameron and excellent court coverage between this father and son pairing, Sully and Graham had to work hard throughout both games. Again, it was a just result to see this match drawn.

In the second ladies, Judith played with Kath Spillane to face her arch nemesis once more, Helen, this time partnering Claire Banfield. Kath’s steady net play and Judith’s punishing down the centre line serving resulted in both games going to the home side. Fortunately, once Andy Finch had sorted out how best to wear his kit, the legend that is Finch, partnering Graham, took both games against the Telecom pairing of Dave Holt and Steve Ramsbottom. Andy’s wicked cross court drives and Graham’s excellent defensive play eventually wore down the Telecom opposition.

Even-steven, then, the match went in to the mixed doubles. Lynn and Sully faced Jane and young Cameron: again, Lynn’s confidence at the net and Sully’s strong straight smashes worked to good effect. Not to be outdone, however, Jane and her promising protégé continued to battle with the Westholme pairing stroke for stroke. Again, a fitting conclusion to this game was for it to be split. The home couple of Judith and Dave then faced Helen and Graham before, eventually, the legend that is Finch walked back on court and came in to his own – once he had reminded his partner, Claire, to stop drifting from the net. Clinching a Westholme victory, Andy and Claire won all their remaining matches.