Topflight soared to Final Success.

Hampshire’s Topflight Badminton Academy beat Sheffield Brunswick 6 - 3 in a closely fought contest in the Final of the Badminton England Cup held at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes.

Both teams topped their respective 4 team groups following 2 days of exciting and high quality badminton. 8 teams from around the country had battled their way through a number of preliminary rounds to earn their place in the final of the premier club national tournament.

Group 1 comprised of: Loughborough Students, Solihull & Shirley, Leighway & Sheffield Brunswick

Group 2 comprised of: Topflight, Barnt Green, Eltham Green, Wycombe Originals

Brunswick’s first match on Saturday morning was against Solihull & Shirley and after 4 rubbers the score was 4-0 and the match looked in the bank; however an amazing recovery form the Warwickshire team saw them tie the match at 4-4 with Mark Needham and Nicola Smith contesting the final mixed which after a tough 3 end battle went Brunswick’s way.

Saturday afternoon presented Leighway a team from Essex who had upset the form book by unexpectently beating Loughborough Students. Brunswick spurred on by the fine morning victory performed exceptionally and eased to a 7-2 win.

The clash with Loughborough Students on Sunday morning saw Brunswick take a 2-0 lead following Alex Marritt’s and Nicki Chan-Lam’s singles. The level doubles were split; 4-2 Brunswick.  The 2nd and 3rd mixed doubles were won ensuring a 6-3 victory.

The Final against the much fancied Topflight team who were effectively the Hampshire County 1st

Team was a tough battle. The opening singles were split 1-1. Steve Parry & Rob Oadley teamed up to contest the 2nd Men’s doubles and after an exciting battle with Steve using his considerable

experience and sportsmanship overcame the spirited resistance of Chris Shepperd and partner  21- 15 in the 3rd. 2-1 Brunswick. The top men’s doubles and second ladies went the way of Topflight

and after a mammoth battle the top ladies doubles went the way of Topflight. 4-2 Topflight. Alex and Rachel Ellis clinched top mixed but Rob and Nicki playing 2 were no match for the experienced Hampshire pair and the match was Topflight’s. The remaining mixed went their way too and a final score of 6-3.

Overall a great weekend for the club and great credit goes to the Team who have now lost twice in the Final in the last 3 years.

Team: Alex Marritt, Glenn Coburn, Steve Parry, Mark Needham, Robert Oadley, Nicola Smith, Nicki Chan-Lam, Jenna Walker, Rachel Ellis.