Season 5 is upon us, with a plethora of new opponents once more we will venture forth into England showing what Welsh Badminton has to offer.

This years sees matches against Warwickshire, Worcestshire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, no doubt the standard will be very high and we relish the challenge they will bring.

After a promising pre season in training, Mid Glamorgan’s badminton stars travelled to Warwickshire to begin the new season. They couldn’t have asked for a more challenging start, as Warwickshire won the Division 1 league title last year, however lost out on promotion in the playoffs. Mid Glamorgan had a very strong team travelling, boosted by some new members of the squad, boasting international pedigree. Debutants Carissa Turner, Kelly Blake and Gareth Cox all proved their worth and displayed some excellent performances in the 11-4 victory.

The match began with Men’s singles, with Martyn Lewis and Gareth day representing Mid Glam taking on two very strong Warwickshire players. In Martyn’s case it was like David v Goliath as the sheer size and reach of his opponent proved to be difficult to overcome although the tiger was still there (Simon Rowe). Gareth however, showed true grit and determination and came through his match in a scintillating performance taking his game in 3 gruelling sets. The ladies singles was a more one sided affair, with both Mid Glam’s internationals, Vicki Jones and Sarah Thomas showing great dominance taking their games 21-4, 21-14 and 21-11, 21-15 respectively. Mid Glam leading 3-1 after the singles.

The level doubles was the highlight of the day as every match was an absolute corker. There was not much between the teams, as Warwickshire, obviously reeling after the singles tried to gain parity and take the initiative in the doubles. The brothers Martyn and Michael headed the men’s doubles and in two exciting matches came out on top winning their matches 21- 14, 21-17 and 21-14, 21-19. Gareth Day and Gareth Cox had two extremely close games but were edged out in both, however showing great desire and effort coming back from 19-14 down to just lose 23-21 in the second. However, Mid Glamorgan stuck at their task and managed to maintain the edge over their opponents with the match score 8-5 after this discipline. It was the same story in the ladies doubles as Mid Glam’s number one pair came out on top in both of their games winning 21-14, 21-17 and 21-13, 21-8. Mid Glam’s 2nd ladies pair had two extremely close encounters and in their match against Warwickshire first ladies pair, they were in total control after winning the first game and 19-13 up in the second. However, a spirited rearguard action came into fruition, as the Warwickshire ladies came back to take the match in 3 sets.

Mid Glamorgan came into the match looking for not only a win, but to secure a bonus point to ensure maximum points from the trip. They needed two mixed matches and the pairings of Martyn and Sarah, and Gareth Cox and Carissa came through taking their games 21-14, 21-13 and 21-13, 17-21, 21-10 respectively. It was left for Michael Lewis and Kelly Blake to complete the match and they came through another tough 3 setter, winning 18-21, 21-10, 21-19. Match score Warwickshire 4 Mid Glamorgan 11.

Mid Glamorgan are very happy with their first performance of the season and will take great heart from this positive display against a very strong Warwickshire outfit. Mid Glamorgan will travel to Worcestershire next week and will hope to emulate their performance from this week.

Worcestershire will be next in the firing line with two matches back to back - the first away on October the 30th and the second home on November 6th.

Match report brought to you by Michael Lewis