Wednesday 28 October 2009

West Cheshire Performance Centre Launch

On Saturday 24 October, Ian took part in the launch party for the West Cheshire Performance Centre - badminton performance, that is - at the David Lloyd Centre, Cheshire Oaks.

Tracy Hallam (recently retired as British No. 1) and Steve Butler (ex-England international and now MD of Forza UK) were guests, along with two very good Malaysian players.

Ian lost 15-9 to Steve Butler, and came back with two new Forza tops - which he needed.

A good time was had by all...

Wednesday 21 October 2009

Worcester U15 Bronze 17/10/2009

Here we are, leaving home at 6:30 in the morning. At least my son can sleep on the way down - I just hope it's worth the effort.

The sports centre is good, although the banked seating isn't comfortable, it does give a good view of 3 of the 7 courts in use.

One lad in my son's box looks a bit good -not sure Ian will win it.

Needn't have worried, he won all 3 of his box matches very comfortably, 21-11, 21-12, 21-12, and looks as if he's playing well.

The next game is a real nail-biter. Ian starts off badly, making quite a few unforced errors. I lose count but am sure he's 4 or 5 points down shortly after the change of ends. The game seems to go on for ages - maybe he wasn't trailing badly. Somebody blocks my view and next sight I get the boys are shaking hands. I get ready to commiserate but he's smiling broadly (and very red in the face). I ask Ian what the score is and he says 25-23. So he's through to the Quarters, which will be tough as it's one of his friends, Peter. In a close fought game, played in a great spirit with some high quality badminton being played, Ian goes out 18-21. Peter wins his semi comfortably, and will meet another of Ian's friends - Jamie - in the final.

Jamie is playing very well and is too strong for Peter. there's some very good badminton being played but Jamie seems to have everything well in hand and wins 21-17.

Was it worth it -yes, but not sure my heart can take too many more 25-23s.