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Photos: Vivan Jayant
The game was a steep climb from the get-go, with Leeds Met being well known as the dominant force in the BUCS league, particularly in badminton.
The cards dealt gave York a strong hand, as Leeds Met could not provide a 2nd singles player, allowing York to start the game 2-0. Jinglung Tang was the first to step up to the mark, however the victory finally went to Leeds Met with a convincing score of 4-21, 8-21. Jinglung ‘Chin’ Tang held his own though with a couple of spectacular trick shots that left the Leeds Met ‘pro’ stood speechless.
York responded to their fallen teammate’s loss with a hugely important win. In an intense session of speed and agility; Andrew Henderson and Tom Dainty took their game in 3 ends. In the end a great show of consistency afforded them the win.
The York home crowd really got behind the lovable underdogs here. What started as a potential 9-0 loss turned into a war for the points. With the scoreline at this point currently 3-1, York were chasing the draw and maybe even the win.
Soon, the scoreline had become 3-3. The professional manner of Leeds Met’s single player proved too much. The pressure fell to the remaining two doubles.
In what turned out to be quite a ‘shouty’ match, Leeds Met won their 4th match off a proud York pair. Dan and Baillie relished every point they won, but in the end they just couldn’t take the win. The score stood at 4-3.
Now the need for a draw fell to the responsibility of Tom and Andy. Having taken the first end 21-14, all the York boys needed to do was to finish off the 2nd end for a draw. Unfortunately Leeds Met pair took the 3rd end for themselves in a thrilling fight for the win.
During the match the Leeds players had a clash of racquets and one of the player’s £180 racquet was completely destroyed…..but it was ok! He pulled out another £180 racquet out of his bag! All the gear and no idea eh?
In the end Leeds Met finished off the 3rd end competently, despite Tom and Andy’s best efforts. Final score: York 3-5 Leeds.
Leeds Met Captain said that “It was a bit of a struggle but the York team did really well. The crowd help a lot too!” York captain Baillie Watterson stated “We were unlucky at the end but its done our points difference a world of good!”.
Elsewhere, the Mens 2nds beat Huddersfield 1sts 6-2 and the 3rds beat a strong Durham 2nds team 6-3! Well done the lads!