Surrey Smashers head coach Hayley Connor believes her side can continue to give Guildford’s loyal crowd more entertainment value when the National Badminton League resumes this month.
Surrey Smashers head coach Hayley Connor believes her side can continue to give Guildford’s loyal crowd more entertainment value when the National Badminton League resumes this month.
Surrey Smashers finished top of the table at Christmas after three thrilling Match Night rounds following the NBL’s inaugural evening in October in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
After beating Loughborough Sport 3-2 in a tense encounter last month, Connor’s franchise side plays its second successive home match on 26 January against Team Derby.
“I thought we were down and out and were going to lose 3-1,” said Connor of the Loughborough clash. “But Soraya [De Visch Eijbergen] was my player of the night and she came back brilliantly.
“That’s what the scoring is all about. It brings critical points and puts pressure on players, so in all it has been brilliant.”
On paper, she says, the games are evenly-matched, but the scoring has changed the dynamics for each player.
Connor said: “The NBL is all down to the scoring and that is what this league is about. It’s about attracting the big points quickly and getting the entertainment value into it.
“The crowd were everything against Loughborough. It is just another part of the format. It is about a night of entertainment and not just watching the badminton.”
The Smashers’ first home match at Surrey Sports Park sold out with over a week to go for their December outing against Loughborough when over 1,000 fans snapped up tickets.
Tickets for the next match night at Surrey Sports Park vs Team Derby on Monday 26th January are selling out fast with less than 50 available! Don’t miss out- get your tickets online now! Click here for more information.
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