Essex Senior Silver – October 2019

Rosemary Allen

On the 19th-20th October I competed in the Essex Senior Silver. I had the advantage of it being in my home club, Redbridge. My first singles match was against Alice Xu, which I won 21-17 21-16. The next game in my box was against Gemma Atkins. I had a good start and won the first set 21-17. Unfortunately, I lost focus and then lost the next match 21-15. I then regained focus going into the third end and won 21-17. I was then out of my box and had a bye straight into the semi finals, which was to be played on the Sunday.

Up next was the ladies doubles, where I paired up with Natalia Mitchell. We played very well in our box and won comfortably, booking our place in the semi finals. 

On the Sunday was semi final day. The doubles semi final was a very tough match and we could not keep up with their amazing defence. We lost to the eventual winners 21-14 21-7. Up next was the ladies singles semi, where I had to play fellow Essex teammate Caroline Westley. After only a few rallies, Caz badly injured her ankle. Although she chose to continue, at 18-9 she unfortunately decided to retire as the injury was too severe. This wasn’t how I wanted to get to the final, but I had to focus on the next match against Katie Scott. The last time I had played Katie, I had lost 22-20 in the 3rd set, so I knew it would be a tough match. Both sets were close with some great rallies, however I lost in the final 21-18 21-17. 

I was pleased to have come away with a bronze and silver medal after some fantastic matches!