LATEST NEWS
Langridge delighted by Smashers' big, big win
Surrey Smashers captain Chris Langridge admitted he was delighted for hisside after they recorded a first ever AJ Bell NBL fixture win over Universityof Nottingham Badminton with the 3-2 on Monday night.
The Olympic bronze medallist, along with the intriguing prospect of theAdcocks going head to head on opposite teams, had been sub plots to the evening'sentertainment but finally snaring a win against Nottingham was the key talkingpoint post match.
“Itwas a great win for us,” Langridge said.“We've always struggled against Nottingham just because of the way theteams line up so to finally beat them is a big result for us.It was the first time we have playedNottingham at home, and we beat them.”
“Ithink it will really give us a spur to start picking up a few games andmatches.”
Universityof Nottingham Badminton had won 4-1 on the past two encounters with the Smashersbut the night started in the right way for the hosts in Guildford with GabbyAdcock and Sophie Brown showing all their class in a 3-0 win that set the tonefor things to come.
Itwas also a win that saw Sam Parsons finally open his account for SurreySmashers with a tie-break victory over Kieran Merrilees. The relief was evidentfor Parsons who had won just one of his previous nine AJ Bell NBL events – a factnot lost on Langridge.
“Theteam played brilliantly tonight, and we won great but I have to say Sam's wintonight was the big one for us, because on paper, he wasn't the favourite.
“Forme personally, the men's doubles was a bit frustrating, because we should have wonit. Inthe mixed doubles, I was a bit off the pace, I don't think I can handle twogames anymore – I think I'm a bit old for it now!”
Another600+ strong crowd turned Surrey Sports Park into a cauldron of noise andLangridge, who before the match gave fans the chance to have their photos takenwith his Olympic bronze medal, says his side appreciate the support they get.
“It'sa great result for the team, but most of it is down to the crowd, they werebrilliant and they really did make the difference.”
BOOK THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT
Tickets to watch Surrey Smashers take on Team Derby on 9 January 2017 are available here
