Hit and Miss B versus Goodshaw – Was this a Clash of the Titans or The Smiling Assassin?

Unfortunately, the Roving Reporter was unable to attend this top of Division 2 match on Monday, 3rd April, so she cajoled Big Sis into it. Apologies, then, in advance as my prose will not match hers….also, sorry, but there are no photos as my phone is a dinosaur!

It’s squeaky bum time in Division 2 as 3 teams – Hit and Miss B, Goodshaw and Westholme B – are all vying for promotion and the honour of becoming Division champions.

The teams were as follows:

Hit and Miss B                                                                        Goodshaw

Helen Borrowdale and Dhaamin Malik          Kath Riley and Gary Pollock

Aqsa Adam and Rees Parry                            Val Bertenshaw and Nigel Holt

Sophie Nicholson and Darryl Smith                Lisa Archer and Dean Bertenshaw

In the ladies doubles Goodshaw won all four games as, despite the great experience of Helen Borrowdale the Goodshaw ladies proved too strong for the up-and-coming young players from Hit and Miss. The games were a treat to watch, however, and there were some fine rallies. Lisa and Val, for Goodshaw, looked most fetching in matching skirts, whilst the Hit and Miss ladies were the Women in Black.

The mens doubles proved to be a different matter, as Hit and Miss took three out of the four games. Dhaamin Malik, resplendent in bright orange trainers, used his powerful smash to great effect. In the second mens match, the Hit and Miss pairing of Rees and Darryl provided us with two nail-biting games. The pace was fast and furious and there were some super drop shots from young Rees Parry, who is rapidly developing as a player. Although Goodshaw lost both games their determination never wavered. Nigel Holt, chatty man, kept up a running commentary on court and his cheerful smile and demeanour were infectious!

The mixed doubles games – 10 in total – were, predictably, split between the two teams. All were entertaining to watch, although at times the relative inexperience of the Hit and Miss team was no match for the more seasoned Goodshaw players.

The final result was a victory for Goodshaw  by 10 games to 8.

I spent a most enjoyable evening, watching some great badminton. But what made it all the more pleasurable were the cakes and biscuits hand-made and supplied – to both teams! – by Philip Rhodes. Boy, that man can bake! His white and dark chocolate chip buns were to die for! Great British Bake-Off – here he comes!

Cathy Hunt