2011 RAF OPEN RAF Halton 3-5 Oct 2011

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The earlier calendar date for the RAF Champs this year certainly did not affected the turn out; with 34 men and 12 women registering for the event. With the sun shining outside and the temperature soaring inside the gym the men’s singles and ladies singles competition got underway. Both events had sufficient numbers to enable a straight knock out competition and the early rounds went as expected. With most of the RAF men’s squad reaching the quarter-finals. Newcomer Flt Lt Jamie Smith made it through to the quarter finals having beaten an injured Barry Graham in the first round, but unfortunately did not progress any further, losing to ‘in form’ Flt Lt Pete Williams.

In the ladies event, Sgt Chez Done did well to progress to the semis, putting out FS Amanda Hawkins in her first match. The other semi finalists were Flt Lt Clare Hamilton, Cpl Jo Wright, and SAC Paula Dale. The ladies final was once again contested by the No 1 and 2 seeds, Jo and Paula with Jo winning in straight games. 21-12, 21-16. Jo has completely dominated the women’s event for a couple of years now with no one being able to better her consistent and strong performances.

With the Brize badminton mafia growing in strength and good representation from Leuchars there was an increase in numbers for the station pair’s trophy. In a break from tradition this event was run on the first day in an attempt to get ahead of the busy schedule. 15 pairings were pitched against each other including a selection of mixed, men’s and ladies doubles pairings from Wyton, Conningsby, Odiham, Northolt, Leuchars, Brize, Benson, and Cranwell. The all Brize final between C/T Simon Gaines and Cpl Jo Wright (ladies and men’s captain) versus Flt Lt Miles Thorne and Flt Lt Andy Johnston was reasonably one sided. The Wright: Gaines pairing were in sublime form taking the title in 2 straight games. 21-9, 21-13.

The second day began with the Ladies and men’s doubles events. An early decision to finish the ladies doubles in one day meant that 2 of the best RAF ladies Cpl Jo Wright and Flt Lt Sophie Cumming were able to play. The final between Flt Lt Clare Hamilton and Cpl Jo Wright and Flt Lt Sophie Cumming and Sgt Chez Done was won in straight games. 21- 12, 21-16.

The Men’s doubles competition was a thriller with 15 pairs entering in total. First seeds, RAF and CS champions Sgt Steve McMinn and SAC Andy Simpson were put out in the semis in a 2 game shock result by SAC Chris Parrott and Flt Lt Pete Williams. Pete and Chris played really well throughout, making few mistakes and working some cute angles to see them through to the final against the second seeds C/T Simons Gaines and SAC Mike Blyth. In keeping with tradition the final would be played on the last day and was expected to be a superb contest.

The afternoon of the second day was the time for the veterans and lady novices to shine. The veteran’s singles was an all male event with 7 gents doing battle and the doubles included the new pair of Flt Lt Clare Hamilton and FS Amanda Hawkins in their final year at the RAF Champs. The format was a round robin in both competitions to ensure that everyone got to play lots of games and had the benefit of catching up with old friends. The Veterans doubles final between C/T Simon Gaines partnered by Mr Paul Ruthven versus John Austin and Steve Sharp was absolutely dynamite. Those that had stayed around to watch the last match of the day were in for a real treat. The contest went to three ends with the balance of play shifting throughout like a pendulum on a grandfather clock (no pun intended!!) John and Steve took the first game but the combination of agility and guile from the Gaines/Ruthven combo, won through to take the title in a match that took nearly 1 hour to complete. A real nail biter – right to the end; the scores 13-21, 27-25 and 26-24. The singles final was less of a contest with the favourite John Austin beating CT Simon Gaines in 2 games 21-17 and 21-13. Also played was the Stn pairs plate final; Sgt Anne Murray and Flt Lt Clare Hamilton from Benson were the victors over Sgt Chez Done and Flt Lt Slater from Wyton.

The third and final day of the competition was set aside for the mixed competition, men’s novice singles and all remaining finals. Unfortunately, the limited number of women available to play meant that there were only 8 couples competing in the mixed but with most of the RAF squad entered, the standard was very high and many of the matches were very close. In particular the final between C/T Simon Gaines and SAC Paula Dale and SAC Andy Simpson and FS Amanda Hawkins did not disappoint. Andy and Amanda won the first end 23-21 and had a 5 point lead towards the end of the second game. But some tight serving and close line calls meant that Simon and Paula pulled back the lead to take the second game 21-19. Then at 15-18 it looked likely that Simon and Paula would seal the victory but Andy switched up a gear, putting pressure on his opponents to close the gap and take the victory in the final game 21-18. An emotional victory for FS Amanda Hawkins who finally takes a RAF champs title after 23 yrs of competing and all the more special since this will be her last RAF Champs – well done Amanda!!

The men’s novice singles was an equally close and exciting battle between Fg off Remi Stockwell and SAC Greg Truby both competing in their first RAF Champs. Another 3 game thriller which ended in victory for SAC Truby.

The Men’s Singles final was hugely anticipated and with the defending champion (Sgt Steve Mcminn) not able to attend, the trophy was up for grabs. The variety and quality of the play was excellent and a real treat for those who could stay to watch. The battle was close with SAC Andy Simpson and CT Simon Gaines making very few mistakes however, experience won out over youth, and Simon beat Andy in 3 games 10-21, 21-19 and 21-18.

The men’s singles plate saw another clash between old and young, with Fg Off Stockwell, in his second final of the day, losing out to Sgt Dave Coleman in another close 3 end match, scores 21-13, 19-21 and 21-18.

The Ladies Novice singles was a contest between FS Claire Bennet and Fg Off Becky Camm, both competing in their first RAF Champs. Becky had the edge over Claire winning in 2 straight games.

The hugely anticipated Men’s Doubles Final was won by surprise finalists Flt Lt Pete Williams and SAC Chris Parrot who were in sublime form. Having already beaten the no 1 seeds they dispensed with the no 2 seeds in reasonably comfortable fashion, victorious in 2 straight games 23-21 and 21-18. A popular pairing within the team, and a richly deserved win, both attains their first RAF Champs title.

Table of Results

Summary

There was an excellent standard of games throughout, with numerous nail biting finals to keep everyone entertained. Of particular note was C/T Gaines performance, to qualify for all finals (except the ladies events – for which he was ineligible) and FS Amanda Hawkins, Flt Lt Pete Williams and SAC Parrott securing their names on a RAF Champs trophy after numerous years of competing.

Most competitors were looking fit and sharp (except Sgt Steve Mcminn); especially considering it was so early in the season. Those who were fortunate enough to go on the RAF Badminton tour to South Africa had clearly benefited from the trg and matches they had played pre season, and there was plenty of friendly banter amongst the players. Thanks must go to Flt Lt Steve Metcalf for organising the event and running the desk throughout and to his team of helpers including Flt Lts Miles Thorne and Andy Johnston. Additionally, thanks to the RAF Badminton Association and Sports Board for their continued support, without which, these events would cease to happen. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable occasion and good prospects for the badminton season ahead. Happy days!