Chris became Double National Champion at the u17 English Nationals In Stoke-on-Trent.  He won the Gold in the Men's doubles with partner Matt Nottingham from Cheshire, against the very formidable pairing of Ed Thomas and Michael Daw from Surrey 21 14,& 21 16. He then won Gold in the Mixed Doubles with Partner Jess Fletcher from Yorkshire in a very exciting 3
setter which saw Chris and Jess show great determination and nerves to claw back from 13 18 down to win 21 19. Chris also got Bronze in the singles
losing in 3 to the eventual winner.  Chris was elated with his victories but it was a tough tournament. 

Josh also got Bronze in the Singles losing in the Semi Final to Ed Thomas in a very close 3 setter and got Bronze in the Men's Doubles with partner Phil
Aspinal from Lancashire losing 21 12 and 22 24 in a very closely fought 2nd game . 

 

It was 2 Avon players versus 2 Surrey players in the Semi-finals of the Men's singles and we were hopeful of a repeat of the 2007 U15 English Nationals with Chris and Josh in the final. Josh came out the victor on
that occasion.

 

Igor and Will also competed.  Igor, who won his way to gold status this season won his box after a grueling 3 setter to win 21 18 in the 3rd. It was a very exciting game and Igor played very well. He then met Ed Thomas who is in the England Squad and who went on to reach the finals.  Igor played very well against Ed losing 21 17, 21 15 but showed great determination against a very experienced tournament player.

 

Will was a bit unlucky not to win his first game against Matthews Andrews from Durham. Will who was not in the best of health that weekend lost in 3 then had to meet England player Matt Nottingham who he lost to 21 14 21 10. Will played some great rallies against Matt but Matt's experience triumphed on this occasion.

All in all a very successful weekend for Avon.

 

Photos of Chris and Jess Fletcher

 

 

and Chris and Matt Nottingham

Here is an update on Avon's results season since Christmas.

 

 

U17 Gold -York - Jan 3/4th -
Chris won Gold Mens Doubles and Gold Mxd
Emily Hollis won Bronze Ladies Doubles

U18 Notts 10th Jan
Chris won Gold Mens Doubles
Emily won Gold Ladies Doubles

29-21st Jan Senior English  Nationals
Chris and partner gained entry into the Men's doubles getting to the second round against some formidable opposition.  Chris and Matt were the youngest male entrants in the competition at 16.

 

7/8th Feb U19 Notts/Derby
Chris won Gold Mens singles and Gold Men's doubles

8th Feb U17 Bronze - Worcestershire
Andrew Craig - Silver Men's singles
Andrew Craig/Steven Van De Park Gold Men's doubles

21st Feb U17 Silver Devon
William Hollis/Andrew Craig Gold Men's doubles

20/22nd Feb U19 Nationals - Milton Keynes
Chris Silver Men's sngles
Chris Bronze Men's Doubles