20/09/2026
Just like that summer is a distant memory for most, schools/colleges have returned. Many of you may have children starting University this time making you feel old yourself when I’m sure it doesn’t seem a few years since you had your first freshers week and WKD’s.
Just to add to the colder weather which appears to be setting in now (feeling like I could get myself a job at BBC north west tonight!) its only 96 days until Christmas!
It’s been a fantastic sporting summer, starting with the World Cup, Wimbledon and a new one, the World humanoid Robot Olympics- one of the strangest things I’ve ever seen but here we are in modern day life!
Many people swap their racquets over summer for Tennis and the more evolving sport of Padel where it seems more venues are popping up everywhere- soon to be more padel courts than Aldi’s in the North West (FACT!)
I know a number of clubs have continued their club nights over summer and have seen a brilliant turn out. Many run private sessions or invite only and again have continued to play competitive matches followed by that social rehydration in the pub after.
Over Summer a lot of work has been going on in the background with the League committee. Talks are ongoing to celebrate the Blackpool District and Badminton Association 80th Year and it has been decided to hold this event along with the presentation do as one BIG event. Bookings have already been taking place and save the dates will be sent out to all clubs and past members. Myself and Mr Cross spent a fair few hours sat around my kitchen Island with puzzled looks on our faces when it came to fixtures! We attempted to accommodate clubs requests where we could be please do bear in mind there are a number of clubs playing on the same nights and in other leagues that clashes were inevitable. You may also see that for some clubs their first matches aren’t against their own clubs in the same leagues, it just wasn’t possible in some cases.
As always I will try my best to complete the fortnightly match report updates… depending on any unexpected hospital admissions !! but it may be that only certain matches are commented on in some weeks.
Mixed Div 1.
Last week started the first of our matches with Newly promoted Lightning B against last years Division 1 cup winners, Kingfisher A. Although the 24-0 score shows an almighty defeat a number of compliments were made about Lightning B and in particular Jess Bagley. I actually received a message saying the following ‘well it’s clear who her mother is, what a brilliant player Jess is turning out to be, her positioning, net shots and movement around court has drastically improved since I last saw her play. She’s not far off being the best Bagley lady already!’
Stanley A, who found themselves staying in Division 1 for another season hosted one time league winners Poulton. Unfortunately Poulton shone through again, with another 24-0 defeat.
Lightning A hosted Kirkham’s 1st team where Kirkham took 5 games. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough for a point but a very interesting result. Lightning ladies took all their games while the mens were very much an even playing field with a 3-3 draw. It was Luke Eckersley for Lightning who made his debut appearance and is this weeks POTM.
Mixed Div 2.
Only one game this week in Divison 2 which saw Lids B hosting Kirkham’s 3rd team. A brilliant start for both teams with a 16-8 win for the home side. Kirkham managed to bag 8 games securing what may become a vital point.
Levels 1
Bloomfield Levels A hosted last years division runners up Fleetwood Levels A. In the first match Bloomfield appeared to come fighting fit winning one game to setting and taking one closely but losing 17-21. Unfortunately that was Bloomfields only game as Fleetwood turned the on switch on their rackets and secured every game following.
Levels 2.
At appears this league is the Kirkham inter-league! Its absolutely fantastic to see so many teams entered from them this year (if not a bit of a headache for the planning of fixtures, but nothing we couldn’t overcome!)
Kirkham 3 hosted Kirkham 6 winning 14-2 while Kirkham 4 hosted Kirkham 5 with a 13-3 win to the home team.
Again, it really Is fantastic to see new names popping up on score cards, I believe Ant has posted a message on Facebook but please could club match secretaries and captains ensure all players first and surnames are written on the sheets at least once. It helps when writing reports and also collating the player stats.
If anyone has any further comments they’d like to add when sending in the scoresheets that would be brilliant. I will try my best to make it down to some games in order to bulk up some reports and highlight games of the week (fortnight).
Please could I request that match sheets are sent to myself and Ant Cross as normal, preferably by Whatsapp as it appears I order far too much online that my emails keep getting full and I refuse to upgrade again for cloud storage!
(Serena 07972172043, Ant 07984380955)
Please keep your eyes peeled on here and Facebook for more updates throughout the season and details of the 80th Anniversary Entertainment evening!
Thanks again and hopefully see you on or off court over the next few months.
Serena.
(Press and Social Secretary)
