Norfolk Open Championships

With several other tournaments taking place over the same weekend, the entry for the Norfolk Open Championships, played at the UEA Sportspark, was the lowest for many years, failing to reach 50 over the five disciplines. The star player for Norfolk was top seed, Daryl Jacobs, who reached the final in all three of his events.

Seeded two in the mens singles, he beat Matthew Widdicombe in his semi-final 21-16,21-16, but then lost 21-15,21-16  to top seed Sam Phillips who had earlier triumphed over Chris Evans in his semi 21-13,21-14. Evans reached the semi-finals when Norfolk's Ian Murphy had to retire in the third set due to the recurrence of a calf injury, which he picked up in a Premiership match in January. In the mens doubles Daryl teamed up with John Hepworth to beat Norfolk's Luke Cox and Chris Piff 21-17, 21-11 in the semi-finals, only to lose out to brother Steve  and Lee Ackerman 21-17,14-21,21-12 in the final.

Daryl's winning title came in the mixed doubles when he and Julie Russell beat Chris Piff and Serena Verney 21-8,21-9 in the semis and then went on to take the title 21-17, 21-18 from John Hepworth and Kelly Holdway who had earlier triumphed over Norfolk's Jono Atmore and Louise Culyer 21-17, 21-15.

Elena Johnson was the star of the two women's events, beating the hard working but unlucky Culyer 21-11, 21-19 in the singles final  and then, partnered by Holdway, taking the doubles title from Culyer and Toni Sturgeon 21-13,21-12

*   It is often said that badminton is a great sport for all ages to play and enjoy and the county's Over 60s squad is a good example of that. Just recently they completed their season with excellent 7-5 victories over Lincolnshire and Suffolk, making it their fourth consecutive unbeaten season. Their current squad is Alan Palmer, Copper, Roger Potter, Gerald Cooke, Bob Collinson, Ann Hutchin, Lorner Potter, Lois Ash, Margaret Peters and Pam Mace. But they are still looking for new members for their club "Skiggs Vets" They play at the Bob Carter Centre, Drayton on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10.00am - 12 noon. Why not give it a try!  Further details from Pam Mace on 01603 411190