First Taste Of Competitive Play For Local Squash Team (Contributed)

THE first home match of the season in the Aylesbury and District Badminton League was against local rival Mill Lane BC of Chinnor. Selected to play just 10 minutes before the start of the match, Ben Cooper was a late but inspirational change to the team.

Ben won his opening match with Geoff Gage (Award winner of Local Tastes) by 2 games to nil to give Thame BC the lead in the match. Mens Captain Gareth Allingham partnered by Andy Hilson, making his debut in the team, also won their opening match but had to fight harder as the Mill Lane pair took a deciding 3rd game. Ben then played with Gareth and was again a winner to take Thame BC into a 3-0 rubber lead and at least a draw in the overall event.
The next match saw Geoff paired up with Andy. This was the first time that they had played together and it showed as they lost the first game easily. However, the playing improved in the second game but still lost although the score reflected the improvement. The last 2 games were played as the original pairings. Playing against the Mill Lane second pair, Ben and Geoff both took off and quickly won the first game. Mill Lane showed some spirited defence in the second game but could not overcome Ben?s service and Geoff?s sometimes unique, shots and they ran out the winners. The last game on court saw Gareth and Andy slump to an easy loss in their opening rubber and although they improved in the second but they still lost.

This team is designed to give players an opportunity to play competitive league badminton under different playing conditions. It builds on the skills and techniques learnt on club nights.

Thame Badminton club is a mixed badminton club and continues to meet on most Wednesday evenings and is always looking to welcome new members of both sexes.