Mid Glamorgan County Badminton welcomed Warwickshire’s second team to St Cenydd Leisure Centre to battle it out for the second time this season in a much anticipated rematch. Warwickshire obviously devastated after being outplayed earlier on in the season by Mid Glamorgan and Mid Glam after suffering their first defeat this season back in December.

It was a very even beginning to the match as Vikki and Carissa both walked their singles matches winning, 21-9, 21-14 and 21-4, 21-4 respectively. Mid Glamorgan’s men represented by Alex and Gareth had more trouble and came unstuck both losing out 21-11, 21-15 and 21-19, 21-19 respectively. Match score at this point 2-2.

The level doubles provided much more entertainment as Michael and Matt headed up the first men’s doubles and Nic and Alex the second. Mike and Matt looked sharp and proved too strong for both Warwicks pairings, winning 21-16, 21-19 and 21-16, 21-18. Nic and Alex had some entertaining matches and took the first 21-16, 21, 10 but just came up short narrowly losing out 23-21, 21-19. Mid Glamorgan’s ladies pairings of Vikki and Carissa and Kate and Kelly, showed off the power and were both SOLID and were again in no danger as they powered Mid Glamorgan into an unassailable lead. They won their matches 21-12, 21-6 and 21-11, 21-9  21-11, 21-17 and 21-14, 21-15 respectively. Match score 9-3.

It was nice for Mid Glamorgan to go into the mixed with the lead and they could go and express themselves freely. Matt paired up with Kate to represent the Northern contingent, Gareth and Kelly made up the Southern and Nic and Vikki met half way to show the unity display by Mid Glamorgan. Matt and Kate enjoyed their time out on court and Ridler was once again SOLID, as they won 21-14, 21-13. Gareth and Kelly showed lots of grit but lost out to the skilful Tom Burton and former Welsh international Hannah Killick whose parents were cheering her on 21-17, 21-16.  However, it was left to Nic and Vikki to round off a very satisfying day for Mid Glam winning 21-16, 21-13 and closing the match for Mid Glam as 11-4 victors. This was doubly satisfying as the match ended a full 2 hours before kick-off to allow all those interested to go and settle themselves down for a very entertaining game.

Mid Glamorgan are gaining momentum and are very close to securing the title. There are two more very important matches to complete, with the next one against Gloucestershire on Sunday 26^th February at University of Glamorgan Playing Fields, where the all important first 100 Club Prize draw will take place. Mid Glamorgan wishes to extend their gratitude to all those who have supported the county and want to welcome you all to further support the county on the 26^th and also invite you all to do the same during the Mid Glamorgan Badminton Tournament on Saturday 10^th March at the same venue as the county match.  One last thing to mention is our thanks to Warwickshire Ocunty Badminton for two well contested matches and hope the rest of the season brings good fortune for yourselves!

Match report brought to you by Michael Lewis.