County Match Secretary's Report for Season 2003-2004 Season

John Ellis reported that In common with the preceding 3 seasons, player availability has again proved a major handicap for the Senior County Teams in their quest for success in the ICC competition.  Nevertheless, the enforced absence of several first choice players through International duties and other commitments, coupled with long term injuries, illness and retirements, has required other squad members to rise to the challenge of maintaining our Premier B status.  In the end, they were rewarded with a creditable 7th place for their endeavours throughout the season, ensuring that David Lindley's efforts during the middle weekend, were not in vain.  The contribution made by our Women was vital to our survival this year, none more so than Ruth Coleman, an established U17 Junior International, whose 3 victories at 1st Singles on a tense, final weekend proved decisive.

Unfortunately, the over-riding need to support the Premier B campaign resulted in, relegation for the 2nd Team, who always needed to be at full strength in order to 1 compete in a tough division.  However, the performances of several younger players, l notably Peter Mills (U16) and Chris Adcock (U15), bodes well for next year, when they will be required to accept some of the responsibility for ensuring a swift return to Division 1.

In contrast, the 3rd Team earned points consistently throughout the season, despite several changes of personnel.  Their improvement during the season was demonstrated by the defeat of Leicester 2nd, the eventual divisional winner.  There will be strong 1 competition for places in this team next year, when they should be aiming for promotion, dependent upon 2nd Team success.  

The reinstated 4th Team, did manage to complete all their fixtures and thanks to the support of several non-squad players, coupled with the commitment of Manik Chakravarti and the determination of Vanessa Law, a recent recruit from Surrey, they remained undefeated and secured promotion to Division 4.  This will provide a tougher challenge.  

Thank you to Peter Herrity for organising the County Training Evenings, and to all those other players who have shown a continuing commitment to Nottinghamshire Badminton throughout a difficult season - I could not mention you all, but thank you for your support.  

The Individual Player Trophies for the season were awarded as follows –

Most Improved Player of the Year - Ruth Coleman
Ruth's contribution to the 1st Team's fight for National League survival speaks for itself.  

Already an established Junior International, Ruth won four of her six rubbers on the final weekend, including all three of the No.1 Women's Singles.  Considering her lack of experience at senior level, and the fact that she had only made six appearances prior to this season, her efforts for the County deserve to be recognized.

Squad Player of the Year- Vanessa Law
Vanessa joined the County Squad during last season, from her native Surrey.  This year Vanessa has been an ever-present member of a reinstated 4th Team, organizing and acting as chauffeur for the younger team members.  Without her efforts in recruiting fellow members of Forest BC, to fill-in when County Squad resources were stretched to breaking point, the team would not have survived the season, let alone have been promoted.

Finally, John wished to take this opportunity to mention three of our longest serving County Players, who have all made over 100 Appearances for the 1st Team.

Hayley Vincent who made her debut in 1985-1986 Season and last appeared in the final weekend of the 2001-2002 season.  Hayley has made a total of 129 Appearances in those 17 consecutive seasons - 107 at 1st, 14 at 2nd and 8 at 3rd Team level.

Karen Peatfield who made her debut in the 1984-1985 Season and has been prevented by injury from playing competitively since 2002.  Karen has made a total of 135 appearances in those 18 consecutive seasons - 125 at 1st, 5 at 2nd and 5 at 3rd Team level.

Loraine Buck who made her debut in 1978-1979 Season and announced her intention to retire from the Squad earlier this season.  Loraine has made in excess of 149 appearances, missing only 4 of the 26 intervening seasons - 124 at 1st, 15 at 2nd and 10 at 3rd Team level.

In terms of achievement and service to the County, their records speak for themselves and serve as an example to our talented younger players.

End Of Season Analysis Reports For Senior County Teams

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