Report by Simon Rowe
On a cool, crisp Winter’s day, Mid Glamorgan took on Gloucestershire’s first team on foreign soil. It hasn’t been the best time for Gloucestershire sport, with a certain English rugby player not really showering himself in glory and making a mockery of professional sport. However, Gloucester played with alot of fight and enthusiasm but unfortunately, they were no match for Mid Glamorgan who romped to victory, comfortably winning 13-2.
It didn’t begin very well with all competitors waiting in the cold with the hall being locked. However, the raucous crowd were treated to some fabulously entertaining badminton and some really close games. First up was the singles and after Martyn and Piret disposing of their opponents 21-9, 21-17 and 22-20, 21-10, Vikki and Gareth tried to make it 4 out of 4 for Mid Glam. Vikki did her part and showed her superiority winning 21-8, 21-12.but Gareth came up short losing out 21-19, 21-18. 3-1 to Mid Glam after the singles.
Gloucester in Old Welsh is translated into a Shining Castle or fortress and now Gloucestershire really needed to show some fight and turn the game around after the singles. Martyn and Matt paired up again and Michael paired up with Chris Allen who was making his senior debut. Martyn and Matt won both their matches comfortably. It was Mike and Chris who provided one of the stand out games and after the first game they took on Gloucestershire’s first men’s doubles pair. It was an extremely tight game but the Mid Glam pair showed excellent fight and determination to prosper 21-18, 21-23, 21-15.
In the ladies doubles again Mid Glam had the upper hand. Piret and Vikki again won their matches pretty easily and Michelle and Kate both returning today paired up. They had a really tough first match and couldn’t quite keep it together but in their second match they showed true tiger spirit and really provided another enthralling encounter. They came out on top and secured the bonus point winning, 21-16, 21-17.
Mid Glam now could relax as they went into the mixed doubles. Lauren was returning after recently becoming a mother and young Zach was there cheering on, supporting mum and dad as they took on Andy Woolway and Natalie Gilders winning, 21-15, 21-19 . Mike and Piret looked at ease as they strolled past their opponents and it was left for Matt and Kate to mop up and they truly had their monies worth as they won a very tense encounter 25-23, 24-22.
It had been a very sad day for Welsh sport with the passing of Gary Speed and Mid Glamorgan Badminton would like to extend their condolences to his close friends and family. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Gloucestershire Badminton for such a warm welcome and hospitality. Mid Glamorgan came out on top today but the future certainly looks bright for Gloucestershire badminton, with such a young team competing extremely well. We certainly look forward to the rematch. The next match is the Battle before Christmas with Mid Glamorgan taking on Wiltshire on the December 18 at University of Glamorgan sports centre.