On Sunday 11 December Saw the Last of the Junior Singles Tournaments Take Place in The

UNDER 18 BOYS & GIRLS SINGLES 05-06

Sunday 11 December saw the last of the junior singles tournaments take place in the Pickaquoy Centre. It was encouraging for the Orkney badminton association to see so many of the younger players keen to participate. In all, there were over 30 entries in the boys and girls singles and it looked as if there could be a few good matches along the way. Cup holders Robert Miller and Laura Gray were playing to retain there titles as it would be their last year in this event. Many of the junior development squad players were out in force and were keen to put all their training into action on the day. First round results were: Gordon Aitken bt Graeme Kennedy 21-6. This marathon match ran for over half an hour as both boys tussled for control - the score not reflecting the quality of the match. Magnus Wylie bt Greg Rendall 21-2, Josh Prendergast bt Owen Reid 21-3- well done to Owen, the youngest player on the day, who fought hard against tough opposition. Second round results: Robert Miller bt Rory Anderson 21-5, Jordon Low bt Ewan Loudon 21-10, David Delday bt Hamish Flett 21-3. Magnus Wylie bt Josh Prendergast 21-19 – this was a very competative match with both players displaying fine shots and keen tactical awareness. They played some long rallies which held the attention of spectators. U15 Singles winner, Gary Nicolson bt Calvin Cooper convincingly 21-2. Quarter Finals: Robert Miller bt Gordon Aitken 21-5, 3rd seed Ethan Bews bt Jordon Low 21-7. Gary Nicolson bt Magnus Wylie 21-3. William Thomson bt David Delday 21-18 – William took an early lead 9-1 but David played well to level the score to 9-9. David began to snatch shots which allowed William to capitalise securing a 17-10 lead. David dug deep to try and narrow the gap, producing some fine play along the way. However, William had his sights firmly set on a place in the semi as he secured the final points of the match. Semi Finals: The first semi saw Robert Miller play Ethan Bews. Ethan showed his skills off well as Robert tried to find his true form. However, after many excellent rallies Robert forged ahead using his strength and experience to book his place in the final winning 21-14. The other semi final saw William Thomson compete in another exciting close match against Gary Nicolson. Both players displayed good use of clears, smashes and drops throughout the match. However, Garys consistency pulled him through at the end for a place in the final winning 21-18. Final: An exciting final was eagarly awaited and spectators were not to be disappointed. Robert went ahead in the early stages of the match leading 7-1 as Gary tried to find form. After the turn, Robert managed to secure three points in succession to lead 14-4. At this point Gary started coming back into the game. Winning back the serve he played some fine cross court drops and smashes and found himself up level with Robert at 17-17. Both boys covered all corners of the court skilfully displaying a wide range of shots to gain control. Roberts unforced errors allowed Garys confidence to grow as he lost vital points in the latter stages of the match. In a last effort Robert managed to pull back a point to stall his opponent. However, at 20-18 Gary held his nerve and secured the final point to clinch the title 21-18. Well done to both competitors on an excellent match.

Boys Plate: Rory Anderson bt Ewan Loudon 23-20 in a very close tussle. Hamish Flett bt Owen Reid 21-3, Graeme Kennedy bt Greg Rendall 21-1. Semi final: Calvin Cooper bt Rory Anderson 21-11 and Hamish Flett played well to beat Graeme Kennedy in a close match 21-15. Final: The final saw Calvin Cooper play up and coming junior Hamish Flett. Hamish showed great determination throughout this match, playing some fine shots which earned him a very respectable score. However, Calvins strength and experience pulled him through to win the plate title 21-15. Many thanks to organisers, spectators and umpires who helped make it a successful tournament and for the continued support of the parents. This was the last of the tournaments up to xmas. Please watch this space for information regarding competitions in the new year. E Gray