Following the first win of the season last week, the University of Chester (UoC) men’s badminton team had an away trip in the cup to the University of Liverpool (UoL) who sit 5 places above them, in the league above. There was a sense of hope amongst the team though, as they travelled as the only team on a standard sized coach, because the University of Liverpool men’s 2nd team hadn’t won all season, or gained so much as a draw – having a game difference of -20.
Upon arriving, it was clear that only two out of the four courts were available as UoL women’s team had a match at home that day too. This meant that both singles games would go on first, followed by both doubles games, and then the singles would rotate, followed by the doubles’ rotation.
Stan Lee and Jack Rothwell took to the courts to face their respective opponents, with Josh Bamford, Josh Miller, Ed Bradley and Rob Coleman sitting off, waiting and watching. Lee went 1-0 down but never really seemed to hit second gear in that first game, almost like he was still warming up and after some inspiring words from team captain Ed Bradley, Lee went back onto court and won the next two games with ease. Unfortunately for UoC, Rothwell didn’t fare as well, losing both games back to back, 2-0. This meant that scores were even headed into the doubles games.
Bamford and Miller picked up the win in 3 as Bradley and Coleman fell at the first hurdle, losing 2-0. This meant that scores were all tied heading back into the second round of matches, but the mood was definitely different in each camp, UoL felt like they were underperforming and were spurred on by this, UoC felt as though they weren’t reaching the standard they played at last week and were getting more and more frustrated with themselves and each other.
© University of Liverpool and University of Chester respectively
Lee won his second game in straight games once again, keeping his 100% performance across the season. Rothwell also repeated his performance from the latter stages of his last game, losing in straight games again. Bamford and Miller lost in 3 to the UoL first pair which left the weight of the match on Bradley and Coleman, this being a weight they just couldn’t carry, losing in 3 and losing the game in the process.
This meant that, for another year at least, the University of Chester were out of the cup, which on this season’s performance, was probably fair as they only scraped through the last round against Keele on game count back. Next week, UoC will face Liverpool John Moores’, who atop of Northern 3A undefeated.
Chester Record 