Badminton - Under 15 Boys and Girls Singles Competition – Sunday 8th December 2013

The junior Badminton fixtures continued on Sunday 8th December when we played the Under 15 Boys and Girls Singles Championships. Orkney Badminton Association would like to thank Foveran Hotel & Restaurant who have generously sponsored the U15 singles, doubles & mixed doubles events this year

An excellent entry of 17 boys and 13 girls turned out full of energy and determination to play their best and compete for the U15 titles. Players took to the courts to play the best of three sets to 21 points. First round losers would enter into the plate competition in which they would compete again playing one set to 21 points.

The boy’s first round saw all last week’s U13’s boys playing older opposition. There were no upsets to be had, but they can all be pleased on how they played against older opposition with some games being very tight. Archie MacPail bt Glen Foubister 21-10, 21-10; Aaron Leitch bt Jay Foubister 21-8, 21-12; Bruce Tait bt Aiden Foubister 21-6, 21-6; Robbie Cant bt Charlie Corsie 21-15, 21-18; Willis Deans bt Reid Kemp 21-8, 21-6; Tom Scott bt Tommy Ballantine 21-12, 22-20; Craig Clouston bt Archie Flett 21-7, 21-5; Kristopher Leask bt Jamie Clouston 21-5, 21-12, Aaron Leitch bt Sam Rendall 21-14, 21-12.

Quarter Finals: Archie MacPhail bt Aaron Leitch 21-12, 21-9; Bruce Tait bt Robbie Cant 21-7, 21-14; Willis Deans bt Tom Scott 21-19, 21-10; Kristopher Leask bt Craig Clouston 21-9, 21-14.

Semi Finals: Archie and Bruce had long rallies and were moving each other well about the court; the first set was very close with Archie winning it 21-17. The second set saw Archie find his form and was placing the shuttles well, winning the second set 21-10. The second semi-final was one of the games of the day, both Kristopher and Willis were determined to book their place in the final and were both giving it their all. Kristopher won the first set 21-18. The second set saw Willis edge it 21-16, setting up a third set. The third set was point for point all the way, with both boys played very good singles by using all four corners of the court. At 19-19, it could have gone either way, but Willis gained the last two vital points to book his place in the final.

3rd/4th playoff: Bruce Tait just beat Kristopher Leask for third, winning 21-19, 21-19.

Boys Final:

Boys Final started off very even, with both players trying to work out their opponent’s weakness. But both boys were displaying they didn’t really have any, so this led to long rallies and hard fought points. Archie won the first set 21-11. The second set, Archie gained a good lead early on, Willis fought hard throughout and must be pleased with his day’s performance, but it was Archie that proved to be the best player on the day, winning the second set and title 21-7.

The Boys Plate Final saw Sam Rendall against Jamie Clouston. Both boys had played really well against hard opposition to reach the final. Sam won 21-7.

The girl’s singles first round saw some really close games. Kasey Garroick had a real tussle with Alanah Johnston, with Kasey winning 21-12, 19-21, 21-19; Another excellent game saw Adele Flett( Primary Singles Winner) take on last week’s U13’s winner Freya Stevenson. This was one of Adele’s best performance’s this season, as she beat Freya Stevenson in a very close three setter 16-21, 21-17, 21-17; Caitlin Foran bt Keira Stecenson 21-16, 21-11; Amy Johnston bt Anna McEwen 21-11, 21-13; Leah Moodie bt Neve Hall 21-9, 21-6.

Quarter Finals: Alice Scott bt Caitlin Foran 21-10, 21-4; Leah Garriock beat her younger sister 21-11, 21-13; Amy Johnston bt Adele Flett 21-12, 21-11; Elise Doull bt Leah Moodie 21-19, 21-12.

Semi Finals: Alice Scott played Leah Garriock in the first semi, Alice played well to win the first set 21-6. Leah showed great determination and movement in the second set, making Alice really work hard for every point. Alice eventually won 21-17. The other semi placed Elise against Amy. Both players had played well to reach this stage, Elise placed her shots well into the corners to win 21-13, 21-8.

3rd/4th playoff: Amy Johnston and Leah Garriock had an excellent game, with it going to three sets. Amy won 20-22, 21-7, 21-17.

Girls Final: The final saw the two top seeds placed against each other. The spectators were treated to a real corker of a game, with both Alice and Elise moving each other all over the court. There were no easy points to be had in the first set, with the game going point for point. Alice just gained a few points advantage to take the first set 21-18. The second set was no different from the first, with both girls demonstrating a high standard of play. Again, Alice and Elise couldn’t be separated in the second set and the game reached 20-20, then 21-21. Alice gained the next two points to take the title. Games like this, there are no losers. Well done both girls.

Plate Final: Freya Stevenson had to play really well to beat Anna McEwen to win the plate 21-15.

As we have now come to expect the standard of play and sportsmanship shown on Sunday was of a very high standard. The spectators were not disappointed with plenty exciting and nail biting games. Paul Doull, from sponsors, Foveran Hotel & Restaurant kindly handed all medals and certificates to deserved winners. Once again we wish to thank Foveran for their kind sponsorship.