Flames on fire in Cup quarters, as Fitz and Riverside also advance
Catch up with last week's Peter Gibbs Cup quarter-final matches.
The Southend and District Badminton Association’s annual cup competition, the Peter Gibbs Cup, kicked off at the quarter-final stage on January 21st. The matches took place at Westcliff High School for Boys with two fixtures in the morning and two in the afternoon.
The morning session began with Fitzwimarc Seconds, who made the final last year, against Phoenix Flames. While on the other courts, Phoenix Flames Seconds had to face Westcliff.
In the Fitz 2 vs Phoenix Flames clash, it was the latter who emerged from the level doubles matches in the lead by three rubbers to one. Danny Peach (-3) won both of his rubbers in the Men’s while Holly Hoswell-Sims (-5) and Farnaz Siddiq (-2) claimed the other. Emma Dixon (0) and Kera Lewis (-2) came back from a game down to get the point for Fitz.
In the mixed doubles, all but one of the rubbers were settled in straight games and they all went the way of Phoenix Flames. The match between Ryan Pinnock (-5) and Kera against Danny and Holly went to the final point of the third game. Danny and Holly won it meaning the Flames claimed all five mixed doubles rubbers to advance with an 8-1 victory.
Phoenix Flames Seconds enjoyed an even better start against Westcliff than their first team had, as they raced into a 4-0 lead after the level doubles. Omprakash Dash (-2) secured both of his men’s doubles in straight games. Meanwhile, Corinne Telling (+1) was forced to three games in both of her rubbers but managed to win both.
Tim Baskett (-1) and Tracey Haylett (-1) quickly sealed victory overall as they won the first mixed doubles in straight games. The rest of the team then went onto win the remaining rubbers too. Phil Crabtree (-4) and Philippa Pearson (-5) nearly claimed a rubber for Westcliff as they lost 21-16 in the third, but overall a 9-0 win for Phoenix Flames Seconds.
The afternoon session featured reigning champions Riverside up against SLH Rayleigh. While the other tie pitted Fitzwimarc against Hawkwell, returning to the competition after four years.
Riverside showed why they are champions in the level doubles as they won through in all four of them. Sarah Lawrence (Tolliday) (-9) overcame two big handicap differences to win both rubbers in straight games. Rob Clark (-8) claimed one in straight games but was pushed all the way with Raff Badrinath (-10) by Joe Garnett (-2) and Peter Hall (-1), before winning 21-14 in the third.
Fraser Bradshaw (-11) and Claire Norton (Page) (-9) wrapped up the win in the first mixed doubles with a straight games win. SLH did respond with Joe and Caroline Fletcher (+2) beating Raff and Han Summons (-9) in three games. However, Riverside went onto win the remaining rubbers in straight games and secure a safe passage into the next round with an 8-1 triumph.
Fitzwimarc got off to a great start against Hawkwell, taking all four of the level doubles without dropping a game. Sarah Hall (-4) helped Fitz to win both of the Ladies doubles, while Zak Pryor (-7) secured both of his in the Men’s doubles.
That meant the Hawks had it all to do in the Mixed doubles and the opening two matches both went the distance. Tim Rainbow (-2) and Hannah Rainbow (+3) recovered from a game down against Sarah and Zak to win 21-17 and give them hope. However, Harris Foster-Carter (-5) and Pam Lee (-7) won out in three tight games against Keith Wood (-1) and Heidi Paine (+3) to give Fitz a 5-1 lead.
Paul Chaplin (-8) and Chloe Baker (-6) triumphed in three games to make it 6-1. However, Tim and Hannah again won in three to give Hawkwell another point. Paul and Chloe then grabbed their last Mixed to ensure a 7-2 win and a place in the semi-final.
Fitzwimarc will meet Phoenix Flames in one of the semi final matches, while Riverside shall face Phoenix Flames Seconds in the other. Both matches will take place later in March.
Catch up with all the pictures from the quarter finals on our Facebook page!