OVER 50s PADEL COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Bucks was well represented across the men’s, women’s and mixed events at the recent UK PADEL O50’s County Championships, held at Rocket Padel Bristol from 17-19 April.    This annual event continues to grow year on year and in this edition comprised 264 competitors from 29 counties.

Given the scale of the competition, this was the first year where UK PADEL, working closely with the LTA, implemented a divisional structure – with the result that all matches were important and would ultimately lead to relegations/promotions.

First up were the Mixed team – represented by Nick Baker, Gail Greene, Dan Ryalls and Vicki Widdowson – who were placed in the Premier division.   A narrow loss to Dorset was followed by a lesson in Padel from the ultimate champions Surrey who fielded a highly impressive team.   This led to play-off matches with a hard-fought but ultimately losing play-off final against county neighbours Berkshire.   So all to play for next year to regain a spot in the Premier division!

Mixed team (from L to R):

Nick Baker, Gail Greene, Vicki Widdowson, Dan Ryalls

Bucks Men were also placed in the Premier division and were represented by Nick Baker, Marc Cooke, Steve McGregor, Peter Savage and Pete Stonor.   The first match saw a draw versus Avon (1 rubber a piece).   Next up were Gloucestershire, one of the seeds, who proved too strong.   However the Avon draw proved enough to proceed to the quarter-finals where Bucks faced a super-strong Cheshire team sporting a former world top-10 player (!).   Cheshire were too strong – winning this match and ultimately going on to win the whole event.    But Bucks have secured their Premier division spot for next year.

Men’s team (L to R): 

Pete Stonor, Nick Baker, Marc Cooke, Steve McGregor, Peter Savage

Bucks Women were seeded in the second division and were represented by Rebecca Brett, Emma Cranmer, Gail Greene and Catrin Thomas. The first match was due to be played against Hampshire, but unfortunately one of their players broke her wrist during the warm-up and so Bucks were given a walkover.  Next, Bucks played Lancashire; the resulting draw was a nice surprise (as Lancashire are represented by some top ranked ladies) but due to game difference Lancashire went through as 1st in the group.  Bucks did, however, qualify into the semi-finals as a (controversial!) top 2nd in group overall.  The semi-final was played against the eventual winners Middlesex and the play-off for 3rd and 4th place was against Derbyshire.  Such great play-off matches for both pairs, with Derbyshire eventually winning by the skin of their teeth.  Bucks finished a respectable 4th place.  A fun weekend had by all.

Women’s team (L to R):   

Rebecca Brett, Emma Cranmer, Catrin Thomas and Gail Greene

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Bucks O60’s Padel County Closed                       14 June @UK PADEL Princes Risborough

Bucks Open Padel County Closed                        12 September @UK PADEL Milton Keynes

Bucks U14 & U18 Padel County Closed            27 September @UK PADEL Milton Keynes

Bucks O40’s Padel County Closed                        08 November @UK PADEL Milton Keynes