Surrey’s Matt Nottingham is relishing the chance to get back on court on Monday evening after a two month wait since the last National Badminton League (NBL) match night involving the Smashers.
Fresh from a men’s doubles semi-final appearance at the Scottish Open last week, Nottingham is itching to pull on his Smashers kit once again: “It has been a really long wait for us. We were delighted with our first match night win against Milton Keynes in October and we can’t wait to get back on court together on Monday evening.
“We’ve all been playing across the world in various tournaments since, but the NBL is something special and exciting. The buzz around it has been fantastic.”
Speaking in between matches at this week’s Welsh Open, Matt explained how being able to watch Loughborough live on Sky Sports on match night two will aid him and the rest of the squad in the upcoming match.
Nottingham said: “We obviously know the majority of players involved in the NBL, and have faced each other a number of times or have partnered with those who we will be up against on the opposite side of the court in this League.
“But having that Sky Sports coverage is certainly an advantage. Seeing how other teams are approaching the new rules, how pairings are working out and watching some of the less familiar young players will prove important when it comes to Monday’s game.”
Tickets for Smashers’ first ever home match at Surrey Sports Park sold out over a week ago after an unprecedented level of interest from badminton clubs, schools and fans from across the region saw seats snapped up in good time.
“We absolutely cannot wait to play in front of a crowd of that size. Over 1000 fans for our first game at home is amazing and it really will be a unique experience for everyone involved.
“Surrey Smashers are here to make a statement in the NBL- both on and off court. I’m not sure anyone could argue that we aren’t doing just that already!”
Surrey Smashers will host Loughborough Sport on match night 3 of the National Badminton League at Surrey Sports Park on Monday evening (1st December, 7.30pm). Tickets for Surrey’s next home match vs Team Derby on Monday 26th January 2015 are on sale now via www.surreysmashers.co.uk.
Coach Hayley Connor has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from on the night- check out the full line ups and order of play here.
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