Cathy excels at nationals

The Sedlescombe-based talent entered the over-50 women’s singles, but a lack of numbers in that event meant she retained the title merely by entering.

Instead Bargh lined-up alongside three other players in the over-45 women’s singles, which was played as a round-robin at the University of Surrey in Guildford.

She beat Arlene Mitcham (Middlesex) 21-5, 21-7 and Jo Newson (Kent) 21-8, 21-10 before losing out to top seed and ex-junior international Betty Blair (Devon) 17-21, 11-21.

“She’s a few years younger than me so she should be beating me in all honesty,” said Bargh, who received an engraved wine glass for coming second.

Bargh achieved an identical result in the over-45 women’s doubles - which was contested by five very good pairs - alongside Kay Vickers (Cheshire).

Bargh and Vickers won three of their four matches in straight games, one of which was against European Championship runners-up Blair and Debbie Miller (Hampshire).

They lost in three to winners Sue Crompton and Viv Gillard (both Essex), who are also European champions. “All in all I’m extremely satisfied with that result,” added Bargh.