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Player Insight - Pride of the Lions
"Wow, what a match to finish the year on. Last week saw theBirmingham Lions beat the University of Nottingham 3-2 in a nail biting match!
Unfortunately itwasn't the start we hoped for as myself and Ben (Beckman) lost our singles matchesagainst two top European players.
I wasdisappointed with my performance as I didn't feel like I played my bestbadminton and my opponent played very well so she didn't give me anything forfree. It's always really tough losing in team matches as I want the win not formyself but for the team.
I didn't haveany time to dwell though as it was then my job to support the rest of the team& help them believe they could win each match. And like the last time,that's just what they did.
The mixeddoubles went on after my singles and Nico (Ruponen) and Alyssa (Lim) showed nerves of steelwinning the game and keeping us in the match.
Our newestrecruit in the team, Jess (Hopton), was up next with Heather (Olver) and we had every bit ofconfidence in them. They stepped up and won, levelling the score withNottingham. Jess showed that she was a true Lion and gave it her all alongsideHeather.
It all came downto the final match of men's doubles. My heart was in my mouth and I couldn'tsit still on the sidelines. The crowd were great all night but in theexcitement and turn of events in the last few matches, they got even louder andthe atmosphere was incredible in the Great Hall!
Gary (Fox) and Koen (Ridder) came out fighting and stunned Nottingham in the first two sets by takingcontrol and winning. I could barely watch after they lost the third set butafter a close start in the fourth, Gary and Koen grew in confidence and won thematch for us. It was one of the most thrilling matches to watch as all fourplayers on court gave it their all, a great spectacle of our sport.
Playing inBirmingham's Great Hall was the perfect setting and we couldn't ask for bettersupporters. The Lions really do play with pride and have a 'never give up'attitude that has carried us through the last two matches.
I can't wait for our next match in Januarywhere I aim to help the team secure our place in the top 4."
Book your tickets now to see Fontaine and the teams in action in January.
