April 26, 2023
Masters County champions have been crowned at this year’s after a thrilling weekend of Finals action at the University of Birmingham and Milton Keynes.
After a busy season of Regional rounds, the top four teams in each age group came together to battle it out for the overall title.
Event age groups ranged from over 40 to over 75 with teams competing in men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles matches to win points for their team.
Essex took top prize in the over 55 and over 70 categories, with former England international Allison Pearson leading the charge in the over 55 women’s doubles alongside June Hammond.
The pair won both of their doubles matches, with a commanding 21-9 21-5 victory over Nottinghamshire’s Sarah Heathcote and Sally Moore, before Pearson went on to win alongside David Wood in MD3.
Essex over 70’s beat Lancashire 7-2 in their final at the University of Birmingham.
The champions sealed the deal with all three victories in the MD, a tense 22-20 21-19 match swinging in Rob Long and Roger Baldwin’s favour.
Lancashire’s Susan Webber and Kath Spillane held off Linda Scrace and Janice Flower for a three-game win in the WD1, clinching victory 18-21 21-14 29-21.
In the over 60’s, Yorkshire roared to an 11-1 triumph over Hampshire.
They beat Nottinghamshire 11-1 in the semi-finals before repeating the impressive feat over Hampshire on Sunday.
The County Finals sees teams from all over the UK represent their counties, with West of Scotland also qualifying for the event.
The Scottish team finished third in the over 50’s category, beating Devon 10-2 in the bronze final.
Despite being forced to retire in the MD4, West of Scotland cruised to victory with 544 points to 418.
Hampshire took the overall title in the over 50’s category with a 9-3 win over Nottinghamshire.
The full results of Finals weekend can be found here.
