Lancashire Constabulary Sports & Social Club - Badminton Section Annual Reports

This started at the regional championships that were held in February at Ribby Hall in Lancashire and involved players from Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cumbria.

The men’s singles was again won by Tim Cope from Cheshire who beat Lancashire’s Simon Taylor in the final. However with Tim being the National Title holder both he and Simon qualified for the National finals.

The ladies singles was won by last years National runner up Anna Wilson from Merseyside. Anna later suffered an injury that caused her to pull out of the National finals in this event allowing new comer Amy Ashrafi to qualify to represent the North West forces in this event.

The ladies doubles was won by Anna Wilson and Becky Hutt from Merseyside but as National title holders our second ladies pair of Amy Ashrafi and Amanda Gibson also qualified.

The men’s doubles was won by Paul Hope and Ashley Gibson and Ashley also went on to win the mixed title with his wife Amanda.

In the veteran categories Paul Hope and Keith Ashton won the men’s doubles and Paul Hope and Maxine Watson won the mixed. Dave Sherrington and Peter Wright also qualified for the Nationals as Paul and Keith were the national title holders.

In the senior veteran categories Peter Wright and Keith Ashton won the men’s doubles, and Maxine Watson and Michelle Boggis won the Ladies doubles. Keith and Maxine then joined forces to win the mixed doubles event.

These results meant that the Lancashire badminton section had 10 players qualified for the national finals.

Apart from the tournament the PSUK Badminton section has a British team and this year players from Lancashire have also been selected to play for this team. Paul Hope and Ashley Gibson were both selected to play in the European Championships in Denmark were their team lost in the semi finals to the Danish who went on to win the event. Paul and Ashley also played for PSUK against the England youth team, and Paul also played the remaining matches against British Universities and the Scottish National select team.

The National Finals this year were hosted by Thames Valley police and were held at the National Badminton Centre at Milton Keynes. At this point all the regional qualifiers form the North West regional team. The National are all individual events but there is a team trophy which is decided on points. You receive 1 point for losing in a semi final, 2 points for losing in a final and 3 points for winning an event.

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Badminton Sports Section

By Secretary PC Paul Hope

PSUK North West Regional Tournament

In February 2008 this event was again held at Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green Nr Blackpool. This event was again a great success with 20 competitors from Lancashire taking part and further joined by other officers from Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria and Isle of Man.
Lancashire was very successful taking the majority of the titles.

There were a number of good performances over the day but as well as the winners I would like to thank everyone who took part as this is the basis of our section and the more people we can encourage to have a go and take part the better.

The winners who then qualified for the National Finals are as follows:

Paul Hope & Ashley Gibson won the Men’s Doubles
Ashley Gibson & Amanda Gibson won the Mixed doubles.
Paul Hope & Keith Aston won the veteran Men’s doubles.
Peter Wright & Maxine Watson won the veteran Mixed doubles.
Keith Ashton & Maxine Watson won the super vet Mixed doubles.
Peter Wright & Dave Sherrington won the super vet mens doubles.

57th National Badminton Championships 2008

The PSUK National Championships were hosted by Devon and Cornwall and were held at Exeter this year. Over 100 competitors from all regions of the UK took part.

The Lancashire players had qualified by winning the North West regional tournament in their respective events and were joined by Anna Wilson and Rebecca Hutt from Merseyside and Tim Cope from Cheshire.

The first days play on the Saturday went as seeded with all of the North West entries making it through to the Semi-finals stage.

The semi finals were played on the Sunday morning. The Lancashire players had a great morning with nearly all our entries making it through to the national championship finals.

The Sunday afternoon finals began with Tim Cope (Cheshire) playing Scottish champion Paul Hulme. Tim who is currently ranked 19 in the country showed his class and won the singles 21:11, 21:08. This gained 3 points for the North West Team.

The veteran men’s doubles final was next. Paul Hope and Keith Ashton of Lancashire played Steve Brown and Brian Lockie of Metropolitan. Keith and Paul were the holders of this title. Paul and Keith were in fine form as they showed why they had reached the previous 3 open men’s doubles finals retaining the title 21:16, 21:13. This was 3 more points for the North West.

Next was the Senior Veteran Men’s Doubles. Peter Wright and Dave Sherrington were the holders in this event having played so well in Lancashire last year. They took on the Scottish pair of Stevie Mitchell and David Steel. Mitchell and Steel were holders of the title and unfortunately outplayed the Lancashire pair to retain the title. Another 2 point for the North West.

The Veteran Mixed Doubles was next on court and saw a repeat of last years final. Lancashire pair Maxine Watson and Keith Ashton take on Julian Rawthore and Lisa Chapman who had won the event the previous 3 years. Unfortunately for Keith and Maxine the Yorkshire pair were again too strong from the outset and despite a fight back in the second game they eventually lost 21:8, 21:14. This got the team another 2 points though.

The next final was between Anna Wilson and Rebecca Hutt from Merseyside against 4 times previous winners Katie Andrews and Hayley ####. Against all the odds the North West pair won 22-20 in the third game to win their first titles and another 3 points for the region.

The last final was the Men’s doubles. This was again a repeat of last years final between 18 times former champions from the Metropolitan James Teale and Martin Haddon against Lancashire’s pairing of Ashley Gibson and Paul Hope who were the current holders of the title.

The first game was a nervous one with the former holders from the Met having the experience to take the first game 21:19. The Lancashire lads then got off to a bad start in the second and despite fighting to get back on terms lost it 21:17. No doubt they will be back to try and win it again next year.

The above report only mentions the results involving Lancashire and North West competitors. The other events had been won by either Scottish or Metropolitan forces. As a result the North West team lost the Jean Cunningham team trophy they won last year, coming second to Scotland but still beating the Metropolitan into third place. A good result that we will endeavour to improve on next year.

It should also be noted that both Ashley Gibson and Paul Hope were both selected to play in the PSUK British Team and also to represent British Police in the European Championships in Denmark in November.

Picture: http://www.slateman.co.uk/lcssc/off-duty/lcssc-offduty5-badminton.jpg

2007 top

By Secretary PC Paul Hope

56^th National Badminton Championships 2007

The PSUK National Championships were hosted by Lancashire and were held at Ribby Hall Blackpool this year. Over 100 competitors from all regions of the UK took part.

The Lancashire players had qualified by winning the North West regional tournament in their respective events. The team are Paul Hope, Keith Ashton, Ashley Gibson, Maxine Watson, Amanda Hawron, Dave Sherrington and Peter Wright. Once at the National finals they then became the North West regional team and were joined by Anna Wilson and Rebecca Hutt from Merseyside and Tim Cope from Cheshire.

The first days play on the Saturday went as seeded with all of the North West entries making it through to the Semi-finals stage.

The semi finals were played on the Sunday morning. The Lancashire players had a great morning with nearly all our entries making it through to the national championship finals. Tim Cope from Cheshire also reached his final. The only losses were for Peter Wright and Maxine Watson of Lancashire who lost to Scottish pair Mitchell and Smith 21:19,21:19. Mitchell and Smith went on to win the final, 21:9, 21:7 which shows just how well Peter, and Maxine played. The other loss was for Anna Wilson and Rebecca Hutt of Merseyside who lost in their ladies doubles semi final to the holders of the title who went on to win the event later in the day. These Semi final appearance however secured the North West team a vital 2 points in the team event.

The Sunday afternoon finals began with Tim Cope (Cheshire) playing last years champion James Teale (Metropolitan). Tim who is currently ranked 19 in the country showed his class and won the singles 21:11, 21:18. Another 3 points for the North West team.

The veteran men’s doubles final was next. Paul Hope and Keith Ashton of Lancashire played Steve Brown and Martin Haddon of Metropolitan. Keith had previously won this event with other partners but this year played with his former open partner Paul who had just turned 40. Paul and Keith were in fine form as they showed why they had reached the previous 3 open men’s doubles finals winning the title 21:16, 21:13. This was 3 more points for the North West and the first national title for Paul after 18 years of trying.

The open mixed doubles final was a repeat of last year with Amanda Hawron and Ashley Gibson of Lancashire trying to go one better than last year and beat the holders Brian Lockie and Helen Skeggs of Metropolitan. This was an exiting final but in the end the Met pair were just too strong for Ashley and Amanda and went on to beat the Lancashire pair 21:15, 21:17. This is only their second year in the event and they will surely be future champions. Two more points for the North West.

Next was the Senior Veteran Men’s Doubles. Peter Wright and Dave Sherrington were the holders in this event having played so well in London last year. They took on the Scottish pair of Stevie Mitchell and David Steel. Mitchell and Steel had just moved up into this category having reached 45yrs. Peter and Dave were up in the first game and looked like taking it but the Scots came back at them to take it 23:21 This gave the Scots the confidence they needed and they went on to win the title 21:14 in the second game. Another 2 point for the North West.

The Veteran Mixed Doubles was next on court and saw Lancashire pair Maxine Watson and Keith Ashton take on Julian Rawthore and Lisa Chapman who had won the event the previous 2 years. Unfortunately for Keith and Maxine the Yorkshire pair were too strong from the outset and despite a fight back in the second game they eventually lost 21:8, 21:16. This got the team another 2 points though.

The last event of the day was the final of the open Men’s doubles. At this point having completed a number of events not involving north west players the team standings had Scotland, Metropolitan and North West all on 16 points. This meant that whichever pair won this last final would also secure the team trophy.

The final was between 18 times former champions from the Metropolitan James Teale and Martin Haddon against Lancashire’s pairing of Ashley Gibson and Paul Hope. Ashley had never been in the men’s competition before but Paul had been in the event for the last 18 years and had lost in the final for the last 3 years.

The first game was a nervous one with the former holders from the Met having the experience to take the first game 21:19. The Lancashire lads then got the bit between their teeth and played some great power badminton to take the second 21:11. It was all down to the last game. The met got a good start and led the Lancs pair by 10:4 but the Ashley and Paul refused to be beaten and gave everything to win the title 21:18.

This was a superb win for Ashley on his first attempt and also for Paul who despite his 38 regional titles in open events has never managed to lift the National title. This year he won two.

North West won the Regional team trophy for the first time sine 1994.

2006 top

By Secretary PC Paul Hope

A very good year for the Badminton section. Not only have we had good results but have also increased out membership significantly.

The regional championships were held in February and was well supported by Lancashire and other forces. Obviously there were differing standards of play but the event was enjoyed by everyone involved.

Three of the new players gave impressive performances. Ashley Gibson and Simon Taylor who lost in the mens doubles final. Amanda Hawron who won the ladies doubles, and Ashley and Amanda then joined forces to win the mixed doubles.

Other regional winners were Keith Aston and Paul Hope in the mens doubles, Keith Ashton and Peter Wright in the veteran mens doubles, Martin Kay and Dave Sherrington who also won through to the national finals in the veteran mens doubles and Dave Sherrington and Peter Wright who won the super veteran mens doubles.

The national championships were this year held by the Metropolitan Police in Hounslow.

The first event was the Ladies doubles. Amanda and Maxine battled through to the semi final where they came up against the titleholders and top seeds who were just a little strong for them.

The Mixed Doubles was next where Ashley and Amanda beat the holders and top seeds from Scotland in the early rounds. They then won through to the final but were unfortunate to lose in the third game to a pair from the Met.

The mens doubles were next and following closely fought games throughout the tournament the same two pairs as last year met in the final with Paul and Keith losing in the final to the pair form the Metropolitan police.

Paul Hope & Keith Aston

Peter and Keith then started the defence of their national vets mens title and went well until the final where they lost to a pair from the Met who had just come into their age group.

Keith Ashton & Peter Wright

Last was the men’s super vets. With Peter Wright now old enough to partner Dave Sherrington in this event. This one was never in doubt as these two easily won through to the final and then overpowered the opponents to take the title for the first time.

Peter Wright & Dave Sherrington

Although it sounds disappointing that we lost in 3 finals and won only one it should be noted that this is an incredibly high standard and those competitors who reach the finals should be proud of the achievement. In the team event the North West region earned the highest score for 12 years and came third.

2005 top

By Secretary PC Paul Hope

The regionals in 2005 have been hosted again by Lancashire although Cheshire have kindly offered to host the event next year. The entry from Lancashire was bigger than in recent years as a result of new events - super vets for men over 45 and ladies over 40, and also new recruits like Ashley Gibson from Preston who is no doubt a champion of the future.

This years regional champions are :

Men's singles - Paul Hope

Men's doubles - Paul Hope & Keith Ashton

Mixed Doubles - Maxine Watson & Paul Hope

Vets men's doubles - Keith Ashton & Peter Wright

Vets Mixed doubles - Keith Ashton & Maxine Watson

Super Vets Men's Doubles - Dave Sherrington & Eric Lange

Super Vets Mixed Doubles - Ian Mather & Cath Thundercloud

All the above qualified to represent the North West region in the PSUK finals in Edinburgh from 22 April - 25 April 2005.

In the national championships Lancashire officers played well with the following results:-

Paul Hope and Keith Ashton were runners up in the National finals.

Keith Ashton and Peter Wright won the national veteran mens doubles

Dave Sherrington and Eric Lange played well but lost in the opening rounds

Paul Hope and Maxine Watson lost in the semi final of the nationals.

Keith Aston and Maxine Watson lost in the final of the Nationals.

As a team Lancashire and the North West region did do very well in the events we entered but we are still looking for new players especially ladies.

Also of note is that again both Paul Hope and Keith Ashton were selected to represent the PSUK British team this year in both matches and also the European Championships.

2004 top

By Secretary PC Paul Hope

Following on from last years report the Lancashire officers who won the regional tournament went forward to represent the North West in the PSUK national finals in Wales in April 2004. The event was again a success and was enjoyed by everyone competing.

The best results at the nationals were Paul Hope and Keith Ashton in the open Men's doubles where they again made it to the semi-finals , but a great achievement was in the Vets Men's doubles where Keith Ashton and Peter Wright went one better than last year and won the national title.

The Regionals in 2005 have been hosted again by Lancashire although Cheshire have kindly offered to host the event next year. The entry from Lancashire was bigger than in recent years as a result of new events – super vets for men over 45 and ladies over 40, and also new recruits like Ashley Gibson from Preston who is no doubt a champion of the future.

This years regional champions are :

Men's Singles – Paul Hope

Men's Doubles – Paul Hope & Keith Ashton

Mixed Doubles – Maxine Watson & Paul Hope

Vets Men's Doubles – Keith Ashton & Peter Wright

Vets Mixed Doubles – Keith Ashton & Maxine Watson

Super Vets Men's Doubles – Dave Sherrington & Eric Lange

Super Vets Mixed Doubles – Ian Mather & Cath Thundercloud

All the above have now qualified to represent the North West region in the PSUK finals in Edinburgh from 22 April – 25 April 2005.

Also of note is that again both Paul Hope and Keith Ashton were selected to represent the PSUK British team this year in both matches and also the European Championships.

2003 top

By Secretary PC Paul Hope

Following last years success in the national finals the Lancashire Badminton section has again won through in the men's singles men's doubles mixed doubles, vets men doubles and vets mixed together with a new event of the super vets men's doubles. We will be at the national finals in early April and I will update you with the results. But yet again the Badminton section has continued to be the major force in NorthWest Badminton.

2002 top

No report received

2001 top

Paul Hope and Diane Turner won through to the PAA semi-finals mixed doubles and Paul also made the quarterfinals.

Dave Sherrington and Diane Turner also made the semi-finals in the veteran's mixed doubles event.