Sports Development
Annual Badminton Tournament
Grangemouth Sports Complex - Sunday 23 Nov. 2008
The Annual Falkirk Council Sports Development Badminton Tournament was held on Sunday 23rd March 2008 at Grangemouth Sports Complex. Over 90 children from the Forth Valley area took part across the three age categories of Primary 4-7, Secondary 1-3 and Secondary 4-6. All categories saw an increase in entries over previous years and it was extremely encouraging to have so many local badminton players taking part.
A full copy of the results, including pool games, is available by e-mailing alistair.mitchell@falkirk.gov.uk|.
The final of the Boys P4-7 was strongly contested by Douglas Bryden (Erskine Stewart Melville), last year's runner-up, and Mark Scott (Wallacestone PS). Douglas went one better this year and beat Mark in a great match to become this year's champion. Findlay Nelson (Clackmannanshire PS) edged out Ross Binnie in the 3rd-place playoff match to claim the bronze medal and finish off the top 3.
In the Girls P4-7 category Claire Williamson (Ladeside PS) played a great match to win against Heather Valentine (Wallacestone PS) and claim victory. In an incredibly close 3rd place playoff, Toni Woods (St Andrews PS) edged out Emilia Fazzone (Wallacestone PS) to win 21-20 and finish in 3rd place.
A record number of participants in the Boys S1-3 produced a good competition and set up a final between Fraser Lyons (Falkirk HS) and James Lee (Dunblane HS). A close match saw Fraser clinch the win over James with a score of 21-17. The final medal spot was filled by Euan Macer Law in another very close match, beating Archie Russell (Wallace HS) by a single point to win 21-20.
The Girls S1-3 category was just as exciting with Kathleen Menzies (Graeme HS) producing some excellent play to retain the title for another year. Samantha Eadie put up a great fight in the final but Kathleen was too strong and won 21-6. Katie Smith (Bo'ness Academy), last year's P4-7 category champion, was unable to overcome Megan Fleming (St Modans HS) in the 3rd place playoff match with Megan winning 21-9.
The Boys S4-6 category also saw a record number of participants turn out to challenge last year's champion, Fraser Weir (Denny HS), for the win. Fraser made it through to the final where he faced Ryan Penman (Braes HS, last year's S1-3 champion), and produced some strong play to beat Ryan 21-16 and retain the trophy for another year. Ross Sheppard (Graeme HS) made up the top 3 with a win over Martin Clark (Larbert HS) to finish in 3rd place.
In the Girls S4-6 category Susan Montgomery (Graeme HS) continued her winning ways with victory in the final 21-11 over Emma Forshaw (Balfron HS), to become the champion in this age group for 2 consecutive years. The 3rd place playoff was another close match but Hayley Thomson (Lawrence Academy) edged out Rebecca Mitchell (Grangemouth HS) 21-18 to claim the final medal in the category.
came through a semi-final against last year's champion, Natasha Waugh, to set up a final against Jennifer Croal (Bantaskin PS). Megan was in excellent form to clinch the title.
A special mention must be given to the parents and older participants who assisted with managing games and courts and helping younger participants with their scoring, and to all competitors for making the tournament a success.
The Tournament organizers were encouraged to see a healthy number of competitors take part in the competition, and hope that this will support the development of Badminton in the Falkirk area. Any children aged from 8 years upwards who are interested in Badminton should contact Falkirk Council Sports Development on 01324 503732 for further information on classes.
ALISTAIR MITCHELL
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER - FALKIRK COUNCIL
01324 506938
alistair.mitchell@falkirk.gov.uk|