On Tuesday, we travelled to Clyst Vale to start our journey in the National Badminton Championships. Unfortunately, we arrived to discover 2 of the 4 schools had withdrawn with late notice, leaving the boys to battle it out with Clyst Vale and the girls in a group with Clyst Vale and The Maynard School.
Boys 1 – Owen T, Archie M, Oliver W and Sreehari S
Every match was close with many results in the balance until the doubles. Archie and Oliver made for an excellent team, proving difficult beat in defence and covering the court well. Sreehari was as busy on court as ever, bringing his unique flair and technique to his overhead shots and always challenging his opponent’s defence. Owen opened every match well with resilience and confidence against some very tough opponents.
They went down 4-1 to CVCC 1, however it could have been very different, as Sreehari lost his singles match 22-20 and Archie and Owen lost their doubles game 22-20.
Boys 2 – Oliver R, George C, William C and Igor W
Soe very tough games for a relatively inexperience side, however their determination and positivity was an example to be shared and celebrated. This will bode well for next season. Oliver R was excellent in the singles, showing his vast improvement in his power and depth. Will and Igor worked well as a doubles team, putting their opponents under pressure with their excellent reactions. George showed excellent improvement, consistently using the overhead clear to push his opponent to the back of the court.
Girls 1 – Lexie T, Niara T, Phoebe B and Dorothy C
Playing up a year, the girls were excellent in their united approach. Lexie overcame injury to power her way through the matches, using her effective smash to put her opponent under pressure. Niara showed a steely determination in her singles matches, whilst Dorothy and Phoebe, as always, demonstrated the finest example of sportsmanship and teamwork in the doubles, as they battled their way through some extremely tough doubles matches.
Match report from Mr Puzey.