October 23, 2017, by Cara McIsaac-Hall
Team of the week: Men’s Badminton 1st
Up for Team of the Week this week is Men’s Badminton 1s, gaining an astounding 8-0 away win against Durham 1s!
Having never played many of the Durham squad, Nottingham were apprehensive having only heard rumors about the new players. On top of this, the 6-man Nottingham squad this year was made up of 5 new first year students, 4 of these being scholars: Harry Arksey, James Youle, Sam Smith and Phonee Naing. All of them having previously played at the highest level nationally.
To start was Nottingham’s 2nd singles player, Dan Blair, winning a big game against Durham’s number one men’s singles player. After having a tough match against Loughborough last week, Dan opened the game with a great three setter and continued to dominate the match from then on. Dan’s game was considered by the rest of the squad as a highlight of the day.
Despite Durham supporters taking to the balcony to watch the match, Nottingham remained unfazed and each player continued to focus on the match and bring home the win!
Off the court, even the team spirit couldn’t be faulted as each member of the squad would watch all the matches and make as much noise as possible to try and drown out the Durham supporters. Especially in a few close matches, the teams support of one another kept them going and was greatly appreciated by the player, especially on a big away day.
Harry Arksey, Vice-Captain, commented; ‘I’m very impressed with the squad’s performance both off and on the pitch, I hope we can continue like this for the rest of the season!’
Moving forward they hope to finish in the top two of their league, challenging both Bath and Loughborough who have strong teams this year. With their next match against Birmingham at home, the boys are optimistic for another big win and are ready to challenge Birmingham who sit just above them in the league table.
Congratulations Men’s Badminton and good luck next week!
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