Campbeltown & District Badminton Club were very proud to host the Under 19’s Argyllshire Championships in the Victoria Hall on Sunday 25th March – the first major tournament to be held in Campbeltown for quite some time.

We had a full compliment of players, which consisted of

And a very worthy stand in to help out Mid-Argyll, Heather Lazarus.

Paul and Christopher played in the Boys Singles with Paul reaching the Semi-finals and putting up a good fight against Stuart Dunlop, Mid-Argyll’s number 1 player.   Christopher played extremely well to get to the final of the singles and fought hard to win the first set off of Stuart.   His hopes were dashed as Stuart then went on to win the next two sets and taking the singles title.   A brilliant game by two young players.

Sarah and Stephanie had some hard games, Stephanie losing in three close sets to Lynsay Derrett from Dunoon who reached the final to play against Sarah who confidently reached the final.   Great success as Sarah lifted the Singles title, the first of three trophies for Campbeltown.

Boys Doubles next, Liam and Luke came up against the finalists and unfortunately their efforts were in vain.   Christopher and Paul also came up against the other finalists and eventual winners, which were Stuart Dunlop and John Kennedy from Mid-Argyll.

In the Girls Doubles, Campbeltown’s Rosie and Lorna had a very difficult game against Lindsay and Laura from Dunoon.   It was a hard fought three set game with Lindsay and Laura reaching the final.   On the other half of the draw, Stephanie and Sarah had played well to get to the final.   These four young girls had played in the final of this competition last year, so could Stephanie and Sarah triumph again?   Yes!   They defended and regained their title as Under 19’s Girls Doubles Champions.

Last but not least, the Mixed Doubles trophy was played for.   Liam and Sarah, who were the youngest pairing in this competition, played a fantastic game with some wonderful rallies – and a bit of gymnastics thrown in by Liam – but just not enough to beat the eventual finalists, James and Lindsay from Dunoon.   Luke and Stephanie were winning their games on the other side of the draw – no gymnastics though – and reached the final to face James and Lindsay from Dunoon.   This was the last game of the day and all the spectators and players sat and watched as the Campbeltown pairing made a confident start winning the first set.   The second set saw both sets of players showing a bit of fatigue, but in the latter part of this close final we saw Luke and Stephanie moving up a gear and taking the Mixed Doubles title and the third trophy for Campbeltown.

A fabulous day’s badminton and a special cheer must go to these young players who all took part in forming the strongest junior team we’ve had in a long time.   Three out of five trophies for Campbeltown – not bad for a days work, well done.   Long may it continue and what a great way to end this season.  Article submitted by Kerry Mitchell