Promoted Racquets find Tara too tough

BADMINTON: TARA had no trouble overcoming newly-promoted Lancashire Racquets B in the first division of the Oldham & Rochdale Badminton League.

They were in control from the start after wins from Chris Cheetham and Ciaran Webster (21-6) and Richard Hadfield and Phil Cooper (21-7) helped set up a commanding 5-0 lead.

The visitors pulled one game back but Tara then took complete control to run out easy winners by 14-1.

Racquets A and Alpha Whitworth A fought out a close affair.

Alpha started well, with Paul Baker and Lee Povey winning 21-14. Danny White and Anthony Riddle (21-10).

Damian Evans and Ian Livesey (21-13) replied for the home team but Alpha always managed to keep their noses in front. Wins for Povey and Paul Shiel (21-19) and Baker and Danesh Batra (21-13) steered Alpha to a fine 9-6 win.

Racquets A fared no better on their visit to Dons. The home side took control from the start, with wins from Neil Tuersley and Jon Horlock (21-13) and Nick Weston and Dave Johnson (21-9) helping to an early 6-0 lead.

The majority of the games were fairly close but Dons were always in the driving seat as they won 13-2.

Dons other match saw them record another comfortable victory, 12-3 at home to Saddleworth A.

Saddleworth also faced Northern Flight at home. Despite some close games and two wins from Martin Read and Ian Hartley (21-11 and 21-15) Saddleworth were unable to prevent the visitors from winning 12-3.

In Division Two, MMCBC continue to dominate, with 14-1 victories over Hollingworth and Springhill helping them retain their 100-per-cent record.

They have now won their first five matches for the loss of only two games.

Balderstone opened up a 5-0 lead at Saddleworth B with wins from Brian Dearden and Bill Darling (21-10) and Dearden and Ray Bibby (21-13).

The home pair of Dave Stanton and Andy Mills tried to keep things going for Saddleworth with two victories (21-20 and 21-16) but Balderstone eventually proved too strong and recorded a 10-5 win.

Saddleworth B also visited Alpha B and, after an even start, the home side raced away with six straight wins. Martin Wolfenden and Dave Dunne recorded five wins each to guide Alpha to a 10-5 win.

Spotland started well at Hollingworth through Sharon Harding and Ian Wiener (21-12) but the home side soon got on top and, with Phil Worthington unbeaten, they secured a 12-3 success.