A young under-12 Lothian team travelled to Tyneside Badminton Centre for the annual Anglo-Scottish Event, with seven teams taking part in the 2 day event. Lothian showed true spirit in turning around after a very close 8-7 defeat in their first game to Cumbria, to bounce back with good victories against Borders, Lanarkshire and Cheshire. A tired but happy team retired to the excellent Novotel for our overnight stay, managing to fit in a “swim”. Sunday brought a well-fought victory against a good Northumberland team, based on true determination and wonderful team support. Our final match saw defeat against a very good Yorkshire Team, who won the overall event, and took the trophy back from Lothian, the defending champions.
A very creditable, and thoroughly deserved second place for Lothian, with many of the team eligible for next and future u-12 competitions. The coaches, Mahlen and Arlene. were so proud of the team’s level of play, team spirit and behaviour on and off-court. A great trip all round, and we look forward to seeing the development of quite a few characters, as they progress through the age-groups!
Many thanks to Julie Brown of Northumberland for organising the event, Tyneside BC for hosting, and the parents who travelled to support the team.
Report by Arlene Bryen
Lothian Team:
Back, l to r: Mahlen Fox (coach), Freya Pryce, Poppy Shell, (both Bruntsfield), Niamh Taylor (Dunbar), Euan McCartney (Torphichen), Callum Jack (North Berwick), Mitchell Speirs (East Craigs), Arlene Bryen (coach);
Front, l to r; Ellie Bent, (North Berwick) Abhi Vinjam (Livingston), Rhona Pryce (Bruntsfield), Xiao Qingyang (Sciennes), Blair Tait (George Watson’s), George Cuthbert (Longniddry).