On a very gloomy Sunday, which epitomised the Halloween weekend, Mid Glamorgan travelled to Worcestershire to play the first of what was built as the title deciding double header, with the re-match taking place in University of Glamorgan next Sunday 6^th November.

In a match which boasted several internationals including two Olympians (Simon Archer bronze medallist and Richard Vaughan) it was a very exciting affair which was enjoyed by all spectators. Unfortunately for Worcestershire , Mid Glamorgan were on top form and took the match 14-1 , preventing the home team obtaining that all important bonus point.

Mid Glamorgan made a fast start taking all four singles matches, including two men’s and two ladies singles. Richard Vaughan made light work of his match beating Richard Wrigley 21-6, 21-18 and Martyn managed to broom aside Ben Witham 21-13, 21-19. Richard’s better half Piret and Vikki Jones also enjoyed much success in their matches, winning, 21-12, 18-21, 21-10 and 21-9, 21-8 respectively.

The doubles was where the match really came alive, with the men providing great entertainment, with many talents on show. Representing Mid Glamorgan were Richard Vaughan and Gareth Cox and again Martyn and Michael Lewis, who were able to overcome the pairing of Simon Archer and Richard Wrigley in a very tough encounter. After losing the first, they managed to gain momentum in the second, comfortably winning in the third, with the scores reading 11-21, 21-18, 21-10. Their second match was more comfortable, taking it 21-10, 21-15. Richard and Gareth Cox also showed off their grit and determination taking their first in 3 sets and then winning a very close match against Archer and Wrigley 21-17, 21-19. The ladies doubles was no less exciting as Worcestershire managed to conjure up their only victory of the day against Kelly Blake and Michelle Smith, winning  21-15, 21-13. However, Mid Glamorgan’s ladies redeemed themselves, beating Worcestershire’s first ladies, 21, 19, 21-15. Piret and Vikki enjoyed an easier time of it, proving to strong for Worcestershire’s effort taking both games, 21-21, 21-11 and 21-14, 21-14 respectively.

Mid Glamorgan continued enjoying success in the mixed doubles as the pairings of Richard and Piret Vaughan, Martyn and Vikki and Gareth Cox and Kelly Blake all took on the might of Worcestershire’s retaliation. All games were well contested but Mid Glamorgan came out on top in all three, with the scores reading, 21-16 and 21-14, 21-17 and 21-15 and 21-19 and 21-14 respectively, with Martyn completing a well deserved double over Simon Archer, a former competitor on the world circuit.

Following a well deserved win, the Mid Glamorgan team were treated themselves with Halloween delicacies such as home grown pineapple, which is apparently not found in Welsh soil.  A fast escape was then made to ensure the Welshy’s were back to Welsh land before the borders closed!! Mid Glamorgan would like to thank Worcestershire for their tremendous hospitality and are really looking forward to the rematch next Sunday.