After a disappointing day on the courts, UEL badminton captain Ali Chin admitted that the best team won after they crashed out of the South Eastern Conference Cup, “Brunel just outclassed us with their quality”.
The game did not get off to the best start for UEL as George Geaves and Zain Asyraf were quickly dealt with as Brunel appeared to be on a completely different level to them. The games were won in comprehensive fashion, 21-8 and 21-16.
Chin and Joshua Teoh could not quite replicate their brilliant performance against Queen Mary 2nds as they lost a tightly fought game, 21-15 and 21-16, with unforced errors costing them the set.
The Blues were 2-0 down and needing inspiration to advance through to the next round.
Lifeline
Sean Wilson was back after his absence in the last match and he gave UEL a lifeline back into the contest. He was given a good game by his Brunel opponent but confidently swept him aside in a game where he really showed his international class.
Marco Eng was playing singles for the first time as the team decided to try out new tactics.
He was involved in an epic encounter with his Brunel counterpart and although he lost all three sets Eng showed fantastic determination.
With the score 3-1 to Brunel after the first round of games, the hosts would seal their place in the quarter final with two more points.
Game Over
Chin and Teoh struggled in their second game and were beaten 21-11 in both sets as Teoh seemed to lose both confidence and concentration.
Geaves and Zain were much improved in their second game but again the gap in quality was evident and they lost in straight sets.
With singles yet to play, UEL had already lost and were playing for pride.
Sean Wilson won his game to ensure the score line wasn’t totally one sided, but Eng unfortunately started to run out of energy from his first game which resulted in an easy win the Brunel’s top singles player.
Where To Now?
The UEL boys were disappointed to make the long trip home empty handed but they can take positives considering the differing league positions of the sides.
Despite the lose Chin still believed that the Blues gave it their best, “I thought we actually played quite well”.
This was the best cup run ever by a UEL Badminton team which shows just how much this team has achieved in the last two years.
UEL return home next week as they face Kent in the South eastern 3B league.
