Old news
Badminton league ready for second half
After a well deserved Christmas break, the Master Lock and Safe Southport and District Badminton League is back in full swing and we are beginning the home stretch as teams are close to securing promotion, safety or the consequences of relegation.
Churchtown’s near perfect record is becoming hard to dent in the top division. With only a winning draw stopping that 100% record, the defending champs are still looking comfortable for more league success. The real excitement looks to be in the bottom half as seven points separates sixth and last place.
The battle for safety also looks to be the main event in the second division. With Churchtown 2 and Southport 2 cruising towards the top flight, only a slender two points is between the bottom four. This is looking like this will go down to the final round of matches and could still be between all four involved.
Division three is all about Woodvale and Victoria Hall’s third team as they are tied at the top and clear daylight is set between them and the chasing pack. However, the fourth division looks well contested in all areas. Hesketh Bank and Churchtown 3 are leading the way, but they are stiff challenges coming from Southsands and Tarleton’s third teams. Relegation looks a tight one as well. Despite Formby Methodists failing to achieve a point, two wins can take them out of the bottom two and Southport 5, Woodvale 5 or St. Cuthberts 3 could take their place.
The best battle for promotion looks to be in the fifth division as two points separates three teams. Despite losing twice it is West End Park 4 leading the way, but it does not look like it will be for long as Formby 2 and Ormskirk 2 each have two games in hand over the leaders.
Mawdesley 4 and Southsands 6 are topping the sixth division by two points with a game in hand over Formby 3 and Southsands 7. However Woodvale and Southsands’ eighth teams are looking favourites to drop to the league’s bottom division that is currently being lead by Hesketh Bank 3. But with Formby Methodist 2 not losing a game and having three games in hand, it is only a matter of time before they claim top spot.
Surprises galore as National Masters crowns are claimed
There were shocks galore last weekend as a host of new champions, including our very own Debbie Rigby
Youngsters shine on finals night
Greenbank High School was a hive of activity as the first bit of silverware of the season was presented in the finals of the A, C and Jack Blockey Tournament’s in the Master Lock and Safe Southport and District Badminton League. Despite the low number of entries, it ended up being a night to remember as some of the most memorable finals took place.
Opening the evening’s proceedings was one of three finals for Michael Johnston who was up against Matthew Tolman in the Men’s A singles. With a packed crowd in attendance, they were treated to a thrilling opener.
After a promising start by Johnston, Tolman managed to turn it around and take a tight opening set 21-18. Second set was almost a carbon copy of the first. Instead, Johnston held on to that early lead and won the set 21-18 to send it to a decider. Both finalists were on the top of their game, but this time Tolman found a lead of his own and held it throughout to win 21-18.
Alongside them, two doubles partners became enemies as Lyndsey Aston and Becky White did battle in the Women’s A Singles. Despite slipping up in the second set, Aston prevailed 21-16, 15-21, 21-11 in another entertaining contest and it was looking the perfect opening to a night full of finals.
It was always going to be a tough act to follow, but the Mixed C Doubles definitely put on a show. It was all about the Stanton family as Alex and Emma narrowly defeated Michael Gillow and Anita Pretty 20-21, 21-17, 21-17.
On the court next to them, it was the first match to finish in straight sets as promising youngster Nathanial Brown made easy work of an error-strewn Jordan Woolley 21-13, 21-13.
The next few finals were a bit more straight-forward. The duo of Aston and White was not able to show their abilities as a pair as they fell to the impressive Caroline Walker and Caroline Clucas 21-8, 21-13.
Michael Johnston’s second final was a short-lived one as him and Gill Sowden lost to a first-class performance by Joe Steele and Debbie Rigby 21-7, 21-18.
Next up were two well fought Men’s and Women’s C Doubles finals. After quickly winning the opening set 21-9, Andy Hurst and Jordan Woolley slipped up in the second 21-15, giving youngsters George Priestman and Chris Hughes a huge opportunity. But Hurst and Woolley managed to re-group and become victorious 21-16 in the final set.
In the women’s, it was more Woolley success as Ann-Marie and partner Julie Janson came through their final 21-17, 21-17 against Katie Stanton and Helen Foden.
The last of the A Tournament finals came from the men’s doubles in what was an all Churchtown affair. Joe Steele and Andy Rigby ended comfortable winners with a solid 21-13, 21-15 win over Mark Rigby and Simon Bruford.
To end the night on a high, the prestigious Jack Blockey Trophy would be fought for and it was Michael Johnston’s third and final chance to taste victory. Unfortunately for him, they were out-done in a pretty tense affair against Rob Courtley and Naomi Baldwin 21-15, 21-19.
With one round of league matches left and several cup finals to be contested. The race for success before the Christmas break is coming to a climax.
League Round Up
With the C, A and Jack Blockey Tournaments taking focus last week it is time to reflect and how everyone is doing in the Master Lock and Safe Southport and District Badminton League with one round of matches left before the Christmas break.
Defending Championship Shield winners Churchtown are already looking like favourites to retain their title and become the first team to win Division One in consecutive years since 2008. They currently have a four point lead over second placed Southsands who still have a chance of winning the league’s top division for the first time this century. A further point behind is Victoria Hall, the league’s most successful side in recent years. As for relegation it is currently being occupied by last seasons Blakeman Trophy winners West End Park 2 and Victoria Hall 2 who managed to avoid the drop last year by event difference.
After suffering relegation in 2010, Churchtown 2 and Southport 2 look to be making a swift return to the top flight as not only are they in the promotion spots in Division Two, but there is a comfortable margin between them and the chasing pack. Working out who is going down to Division Three looks to be the main attraction in this division with three points separating the bottom four. So far, Southsands 2 and Formby who secured promotion from Division Three look to be heading straight back down. But there is still over half of the season left to shakes things up
Division Three is all about Woodvale as their third and fourth team could secure both promotion spots. They are currently being split by Victoria Hall 3 who look to be their only challengers as six points separates themselves and the mid-field. As there are nine teams in this division, only one team might get relegated instead of two. So if the standings stay as they are by the end of March, it will be Tarleton 2 getting the chop.
The battle for promotion in Division Four looks to be the most competitive throughout the league. Five points separate the top four, but not everyone has played the same amount of games. So there is a chance one win could separate the lot of them. The first team to confirm relegation could come from this division as bottom side Formby Methodist have not been able to secure a single point.
In Division Five, Formby 2 currently sit on top spot and look favourites to jump back to Division Four after agonisingly being dropped down last season by event difference. Second place is looking like it will determined by the final round of matches as two points separate Ormskirk 2 and West End Park 4. However, relegation is looking pretty straightforward as St. Cuthberts 4 and Southport 6 will need to win two or possibly three matches in the second half of the season to even catch up with their nearest challengers, and as they have secured a combined one win, it is going to be a struggle for them for the rest of the season.
The league’s sixth division sees two sides still with a one hundred percent record. Southsands 6 and Mawdesley 4’s eagerly awaited clash is currently being re-arranged and the result of that match will surely determine who will win the St. Cuthbert’s Shield. The drop to the league’s bottom division could be two Woodvale sides. Their seventh and eighth teams currently lie in eighth and last place, but with games in hand on their side they could very well beat the drop. Splitting the Woodvales teams are Southsands 8 who have played more games then all their nearest rivals and look favourites to go down with one of the Woodvale teams.
Division Seven looks to be the most surprising of all of them as a much improved Hesketh Bank 3 currently sits on top spot. But with a host of teams having games in hand, it will only be a matter of time before they lose their status as league leaders. Leading the chasing pack is Tarleton 5, who are making their debut in the league this season. With only one loss to their name, they could very well secure some silverware in their first season.
New "Net" For Southport Badminton League
It’s all systems go in the Master Lock and Safe sponsored Southport and District Badminton league at the moment, and that’s just not on the court. The start of the new season has seen the launch of the league’s new website, many hours of work has been put in behind the scenes, and a massive well done must go to Paul Stanton who I imagine has been hard at work getting the grips with html, cookies (not the edible ones), protocols and much more... and all this in his own time, no cache has changed hands!
If you haven’t seen it yet, you should! Visit www.southportbadminton.co.uk... as you will see, the biggest change this season is the results/tables section. In the past few seasons it was difficult to keep a track of what was happening due to results not being published until a few weeks after the match, now those days have gone and results are almost instantly put up on the web....of course, this is only possible if the teams keep the results rolling in fast, so, a big request and reminder to all home team captains: Once your match has finished and the result is definite, get out your Nokia, Samsung, IPhone or Blackberry and text Simon Dart how you’ve got on....even if you don’t really want to let the world know it wasn’t the best night for your team, Simon is sat waiting for your text like a kid on Christmas eve. Simon is doing a fantastic job in getting the results out there so keep helping him and we will all be in the know of how inform your next week’s opponents are!!!
As in previous years with reports on the league we don’t want to bore you with point by point match reports on divisions that don’t really hold much an interest to you , so this year we are going to try and keep you interested with a more lighter look at the league and what’s going on...including a few match action photos along the way to keep things interesting, so if you see me down at your match with my camera you are the chosen 'Sky Sports One to Watch' that week so make sure you have your best smile face on! And if it the results you are interested in, you know the place to visit to get your fix, OK, I’ll mention it once again www.southportbadminton.co.uk!!
A brief look at the divisions sees Churchtown 1 carry on where they left of last year with a solid start winning 2 from 2 as have Woodvale 2 (2nd Div.), Ormskirk (3rd Div) Churchtown 3 (4th Div) and Southport 7 (6th Div) and all lead their respective divisions, but as we all know, its early days and anything can happen......good luck for round 4 of matches next week and keep those results coming in!!
Andy Bate
Woodvale II off to a flyer
The opening week of the Southport and District Badminton League took place at Greenbank High School with action from Division 2 as Woodvale II got off to a promising start with an impressive 6-2 win against Burscough Pioneers II.
After finishing sixth last season, Woodvale captain Emma Walmsley is looking for her team to return to the first division, and this win has given her confidence that it could become a reality. “We have a few changes in our team from last season. We unfortunately lost one of our guys to the first team, but we have gained a couple of girls who have improved a lot and I am glad they are part of the team” says Walmsley.
“For this season, I will be happy with a top half finish. But I will obviously be looking for promotion and try and get this team back in the first division. After this win against Burscough Pioneers II who finished third last season, it is already a promising start to our campaign.”
The hosts got off to the perfect start with victory in the first mixed doubles. Oliver Gyte and Hannah Buckingham overcame Paul Hawes and Diane Jennings 21-8, 21-13. Shortly afterwards the match was levelled as Andy Broadbent and Faye Brown edged out Jeff Griesdale and Brenda Jones in the the fourth mixed 21-17, 21-17.
Second mixed saw Mark Waggett and captain Walmsley come out winners in a pretty tense and close match against Dave Broadbent and Jenny Daley 21-15, 23-21. The final mixed doubles match of the evening ended with the home side creating some daylight between the two going into the second half of matches. Danny Wright and Becki Hurst produce a healthy gap in each set and they kept that lead throughout to win 21-18, 21-17.
After a short break, the match resumed with the start of the first men’s and women’s doubles. It began with another Woodvale victory as Buckingham and Walmsley managed to defeat Jennings and Daley 21-17, 21-11. There were problems in the first set for the hosts as Burscough came close to taking it. But the quality of Buckingham and Walmsley was too much and they quickly secured the second set to move them within one win of an opening week win.
The next completed match ended up being the first match going to a deciding set. After first men’s double pair Gyte and Waggett took the opening set 21-16, their opponents Dave and Andy Broadbent levelled the match with an inspired 21-16 second set win. But it seemed that was the best they could do and Gyte and Waggett pulled off a three set victory with some ease by winning the deciding set 21-10 which therefore secured all three points for Woodvale.
In the final round of matches, the second women’s went the way of the losing side as Miller and Brown gained some pride with a well fought 21-18, 21-15 win over Jones and Hurst. But the second men’s managed to re-establish their teams four point lead with a three set victory in what was probably the most entertaining match of the evening. Greisdale and Wright managed to overcome a possible Burscough comeback and prevail 21-11, 15-21, 21-16.
Next up for Woodvale is an away matchup against the Division 3 champions Southsands II. As for Burscough it is the first match of the season at their Sports Centre as they host Tarleton who will be looking for a much improved season after finishing seventh last season.
NEW SEASON
I extend a very warm welcome to everyone who visits this website.
Whilst the website has been in operation for several seasons, since the end of the 2010/2011 season, much work has been carried out to re-vamp it in terms of layout and content.
I must pay particular thanks to Simon Dart, Paul Stanton and Andy Bate, who have been responsible for the Southport and District Badminton League’s new style website and who have made such significant contributions to get to where the site is now. The clear aim of the website is too keep the information, whether it be e.g. results, league tables, not only relevant but as up to date as possible.
As the 2011/2012 season beckons, or indeed may have already started for some teams with Cup matches, it is perhaps relevant for me to highlight certain features that have been introduced for this season.
The League Executive has taken notice of comments/suggestions made by individuals and Clubs, and innovative changes have been introduced for two of the League’s competitions. To provide more play in the Shields competition for those players who currently only participate in one mixed and one level doubles, the three mixed doubles events will consist of 2 games of 30 aces.
Another innovation, which is being trialled in 2011/2012, relates to the issuing of a sealed handicap for all Watkinson Trophy matches. The envelope containing the handicap is not opened until the match is finished when only then will the winner be known.
This season some changes have also been made to the tournaments, particularly the C and V. I would hope that these changes might encourage more members to give the tournaments a go – so please make sure you get your entries in.
It is important that the League Executive is given feedback on whether it is felt, after having played with these changes, whether enjoyment of playing in these events has been enhanced. Of course, any other comments that individuals/clubs might have about the way the league operates or suggestions as to how it might be improved are welcome as are those relating to the website itself. The website does contain appropriate contact details to enable views to be sent through.
Finally, on behalf of the League Executive and myself, I wish you all a most enjoyable season.
Best wishes
Malcolm Banham
League Chairman
09 September 2011
Dark Nights and Winter on the way can only signal one thing for many badminton players in the area, and that’s the start of the new Master Lock and Safe Southport and District Badminton league season. Whilst some players will not have had much of a break since the end of last season, keeping their eye in at one of the many club nights run in the summer months, there will be a far few that are racing around getting rackets re strung, new kit bought and probably trying to find the matching trainer to the one that is safely in the place it should be.
With so much going on over the summer break it would normally be hard to single out just one to write about ...... but this year one event stands out head and shoulders above the rest and deserves a very special mention. At the end of April, Woodvale BC organised a 24hr Badmintonathon, the event captured the imagination of many club players in the area who supported the event fantastically helping to raise £3,000 for Queenscourt Hospice in the process, a big well done has to go to Dave Miller, Tony Woolley, Malcolm & Julie Banham and Emma Walmsley for organising and running the event and a big thanks to all that took part, especially the fool hardy few who made the full 24hrs!!!! With Fancy dress hour, party hour and glow hour..... the event was certainly one not to be missed!
As you read this the first week of the cups and shields will be under way, many see these as a chance to try out pairings old and new, introduce new players into the fold or generally just dust of the cobwebs and get back into competitive action. New players will be joining the league for the first time, players will be on the move to a new club, some will have decided that the time is right to call it a day and a few will be coming out of retirement to take to the court once again. No matter which of the previous applies to you it is certainly an exciting time for all involved in the league and the first round of league matches will give us an indication to who are the teams to look out for this year. The teams that gained promotion last year will look to keep things on the up whilst the relegated teams will look to bounce back straight away. Ormskirk were the only team to win all of their 18 league matches last season in Div 4 and will be hoping to take that form up with them as they make an assault on the 3rd div. Churchtown took the 1st Division title last season and look strong again, but with many teams strengthening their squads over the summer it could be wide open this year. Reports from the league matches will appear each week to keep you up to date of whats happening around the league, and there will be some features to keep the read interesting also!!
If you have any stories to tell, or wish your team/club to be featured in coming weeks please email Andy Bate at andybate1@o2.co.uk
15 April 2011 - Watkinson & Shield Finals Reviews
The final week of the season in the Master Lock and Safe sponsored Southport and District Badminton League saw the Shield and Watkinson Trophy finals take place.
The finalists in the Fleetwood Hesketh Shield were Burscough 1 and Victoria Hall 2. After four games the score was level at 2 all so this was an exciting match to watch. There were some exceedingly close games with only a couple of points making the difference. In the end the ladies from Burscough won all their games and so the match ended Burscough 6 – Victoria Hall 2 3.
The contenders for the League Shield were Pioneers 1 and Churchtown 3.This was another exciting match as the score was 4 games all going into the final mixed doubles. The mother and son pairing of Maggie and Joe Daley of Pioneers were up against Tim Knighton and Janet Wright and in a fluctuating game Churhtown won giving them a 5 games to 4 victory.
The Watkinson Trophy is the premier trophy competition in the Southport and District Badminton League and this year it was between Woodvale 8, in Division 6, and Formby Methodist 1 from Division 4. Woodvale 8 had 120 points start. All night the match ebbed and flowed, and it was never clear who would emerge as the winners. Even the players did not know the result at the end of the match which proved very exciting for players and spectators alike. When the points were added up a jubilant Formby Methodist raised the handsome trophy – they had won by one point! Understandably Woodvale were disappointed to have lost by such a narrow margin.
Results of all Shield and Watkinson Trophy Finals:-
Fleetwood Hesketh Shield - Burscough 1 6 - 3 Victoria Hall 2
St Johns Shield - Woodvale 6 8 – 1 St Cuthberts 3
Frank Simpson Shield - Southsands 8 5 - 4 West End Park 6
League Shield - Churchtown 3 5 – 4 Pioneers 1
Watkinson Trophy - Formby Methodist 1 345 - 344 Woodvale 8
Sincere thanks to Pat Boylett for contributing the above article and to the Umpires who officiated at these finals.
06 April 2011 - Hudson Cup Final Reviews
The Hudson Cup final of the Master Lock and Safe sponsored Southport and District Badminton League took place the week before last. The final had been due to be played in December but because of bad weather had been postponed. West End Park and Victoria Hall contested a closely fought and entertaining final.
At 1st mens doubles the West End Park pair of Gareth Perrins and Danny Finn got their side off to a flying start by beating Richard Williams and Neil Tolman 21-13, 21-8. Victoria Hall very quickly levelled the match with Caroline Clucas and Gillian Sowden overcoming Hayley Harrison and Sharon Taylor 21-11, 21-17. Through Anthony Pratt and Derek Neary, playing at 2nd mens, West End Park restored their lead as they won 21-14, 21-12 against Alan Dunn and Gareth Barr . With 2nd womens being won by Victoria Hall’s Sue Smith and Kiara Green who triumphed over Sue Wilkie and Cathy Atfield, 21-18, 21-14, the match was once again all square at 2 events each.
Victoria Hall made it a clean sweep of womens doubles events when Caroline Clucas and Kiara Green edged their team in front with a 21-11, 21-12 victory over Sharon Taylor and Cathy Atfield. In the final mens doubles event, the result went for the first time in the evening to a deciding game. This event saw Richard Williams and Gareth Barr of Victoria Hall, playing Gareth Perrins and Anthony Pratt. The first game was taken by the Formby based club 21-14. The second game was won by Anthony and Gareth, 21-13, and this proved to be a significant game of the night. In the decider Richard and Gareth took the event by winning 21-14 to give their side a 4-2 advantage with only two mixed events to be played.
At first mixed doubles, Danny Finn and Hayley Harrison pulled the tie back by winning in 2 games. In the last event, 2nd mixed, West End Park’s Derek Neary and Sue Wilkie levelled the match with a 21-15, 21-12 win. With the match score at 4 events all, the game which West End Park won at 3rd mens doubles meant they lifted the Hudson Cup by virtue of having won 9 games to their opponents 8.
A reminder to all Clubs and players, that the Master Lock and Safe Southport and District Badminton League’s AGM will be held on Wednesday 13th April 2011, at St John’s Church Hall, St John’s Road, Birkdale starting at 7.30pm. It is your League so please make every effort to attend. The Agenda for this meeting is available from your club secretaries. One of the items for general discussion is the format of tournaments.
On Saturday 16th April 2011, the League is holding its Annual Presentation Dance at the Masonic Hall, Duke Street, Southport. The evening will include, in addition to the presentations, a disco, buffet and raffle. For more information and the purchase of tickets please contact John Marsh on 07736967660. Please note that if you wish to attend, tickets MUST be purchased beforehand as their will be no pay at the door on the evening.
17 March 2011 - C Tournament Review
13 year old, Katie Dixon-Turner of Woodvale BC was celebrating after taking all three titles at the recently held Master Lock and Safe C tournament. Her first success came on the Saturday in the womens doubles when partnering Julie Banham, also of Woodvale they beat the Southsands pairing of Sara Draper and Anita Pretty 21-9 in the deciding game.
Katie had to wait until the Sunday to win the singles title, defeating fellow Woodvale member Lizzie Tolman in the final match. She rounded off a successful weekend by winning the mixed doubles with Rik Knighton (Woodvale), defeating Mike Gillow and Anita Pretty of Southsands in the final.
The mens singles took place on the Saturday and saw some incredibly close matches throughout. It culminated in Jake Lloyd of Woodvale defeating Jonathan Inkley (St Cuthberts) 21-13 in the third game in an entertaining final.
Jonathan got some consolation however when teaming up with Steve Bennet (also St. Cuthberts) in the men's doubles as they prevented a Woodvale clean sweep by beating the Southsands’ father and son combination of Paul and Alex Stanton 21-15, 14-21, 21-19, in a match that really could have gone either way.
Thanks go to Tronex Europe for their continued support with supplying shuttles, Greenbank High School for the use of their sports hall and finally the players, for making it a successful weekend.
