GREG Mairs, from Northwich, believes a comeback victory in the men’s doubles on opening night in the National Badminton League proves Loughborough Sport mean business.

He was in action alongside Peter Briggs on Monday, when their side celebrated a 3-2 win against neighbours University of Nottingham.

With the match level at 2-2, Briggs’ smash on the final point of a tiebreak clinched a dramatic 6-9, 7-9, 9-6, 9-5, 5-4 victory.

“That match was incredible – I just think it showed what the competition is all about,” said Mairs

“At one point we were 2-0 down, but we fought back.

“We were ahead in the fifth game and had match point, but they came back into it and moved ahead again.

“Then it came down to that final point; Briggsy has been there in two matches before, so I think that helped us because he was used to it.

“Luckily it went our way on this occasion.”

Lauren Smith and Jenny Moore took victory for Loughborough in the women’s doubles, although Nottingham successes in the men’s singles and mixed doubles prevented Loughborough from completing a clean sweep.

Not that Mairs, a former student at Weaverham High School, was deterred.

He added: “We lost in the final last year, and are determined to go one better this time around.

“I think coming second has given us more fight to return and challenge for the title.”

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