Youngsters show class on courts
Shetland Badminton Association held the first of its annual championships on Saturday at Clickimin.
The event was for the under-11 age group and after a night of snow most players were able to make it for the noon start.
The 16 boys were split into four groups of four, playing the best of three sets to 21 points, ensuring they got plenty of games and used all the court time. In this young group some good grounding was evident with good rallies and attacking play.
In Group A first seed Dean Guthrie (Yell) was very strong, winning through comfortably. In Group B Cameron Garrick (St Clement’s) was top of his section. Group C was probably the toughest, but Stuart Copland came through with a clean sheet. Josie Wishart (St Clement’s) was the winner of Group D, securing the last semi-final place.
In the semi-finals Dean continued to play well, winning 21-6, 21-11 against Cameron. The other semi-final was closer with Stuart defeating Josie Wishart 21-15, 21-19. In the final Dean continued to dominate, winning 21-9, 21-7 against Stuart.
In the girls’ singles Claire Johnston (Aith) topped Group A with full points with Amy Sineath (Sandwick) doing the same in Group B. In the final Claire got a good start taking the first set 21-4, but Amy composed herself and stayed level in the second set, only losing out 21-16 in a good match.
In the boys’ doubles there were two groups again. Kieran Flaws and Dean Guthrie had a good win against Rohan Grieve and Stuart Copland to put them top of Group X, while Josie Wishart and Cameron Garrick had an easier time in Group Y. In the final Dean and Kieran dictated play well, winning 21-16, 21-12 against Josie and Cameron.
Thanks to Claire for partnering Edward Oldbury and making up the numbers in the event.
In the girls’ doubles everyone played in the one group with no final. The pair at the top of the table were the winners and that title went to Claire Johnston and Amy Sineath who were too strong for the rest.
After a good day of play association president Norman Sineath presented the trophies to the winners. He thanked the Clickimin Centre and all who helped with scoring.
The next event will be the under-13 championships tomorrow at Clickimin at noon.
The senior singles will be on Monday and the doubles on Sunday 22nd February.
The under-15s and under-18s will be in action on Sunday 1st March and all players who have not yet entered are urged to do so.
Shetland Badminton Association is holding a public meeting at 9pm on Monday at Clickimin to set the handicaps for this year’s championships.
There will be no training session at AHS games hall that night, due to the singles event.
