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 .