NBF Report 23 December 2010 (posted 2 Jan 2011)

Leagues: (see separate tables)

Heading into the New Year there are a few surprises in the Newmarket Badminton Federation Leagues. The ladies teams are holding similar positions to where they finished last year with champions Haverhill again heading the League and Soham holding it up. However Impington, in just their second season, have risen to second spot whereas Crossways have slid to mid-table. This is a general theme for last season’s star club who are trying to recover from losing a number of their stronger players.

Indeed Crossway’s Men’s Division One champions have only won 1 of their 5 matches to date so slide out of the top 3, replaced by a strengthened Ely Victoria who head the table, above an also stronger St Edmunds and previous champions St Phillips. Judging by the score lines newly promoted Littleport are finding the going tough, although they have clocked up one draw so far.

Brandon A, who steamed through Men’s Division Three, are maintaining their momentum (bolstered by a veteran of the St Phillips champions teams, Dean Richardson) and lead Men’s Division Two just ahead of Linton, probably their only serious competition.

Men’s Division Three looks very competitive and teams are close at this stage, so it will be interesting to see who wins through.

Although yet to register a win this season, Crossways won the Mixed First Division at their first attempt last season. The newly promoted Con Club are hoping to emulate that and currently head the table above the usual contenders.

Ely were unfortunate to be relegated to the Mixed Second Division last season but, as expected, this strong side should bounce back immediately and have the distinction of having the League’s only 100% success record at this stage.

International Tournament:

The event, being held for the eighteenth consecutive year, is two weeks later than usual, over the weekend of 26th and 27th February 2011. Due to increased interest, as well as the usual venue at Littleport Sports Centre, this year the event will also be playing at Kings School in Ely.

Local players compete against players from outside the area, particularly from Belgium and other parts of the country (including the Wirral and Birmingham).

There are several playing standards from league up to County, so if you are interested in playing as an individual or in a team (of 2 men and 2 ladies) then entries must be returned to Phil May by 23 January 2011 - entry form and details, together with other league information, are on the website at www.newmarketbadmintonfederation.org.uk .