East Lothian take3 titles in the Scottish Schools.
The Scottish Schools National Secondary Championships is an important date in the calendar for all young badminton players and this year the venue was the new Linwood Sports Centre in Renfrewshire.
Our players grasped the opportunity with both hands and were delighted to test their skills against all who came from north, south, east and west. Three was an important number for us over the – 3 Age Groups, 3 Titles, 3 finalists and also 4 semi-finalists for Mid/East.
Top scoop went to Shona Whillans (Preston Lodge HS) who captured three medals in the U16 events when she took gold in the Girls’ Singles, gold in Girls’ Doubles with school partner Eloise Morris, and silver in mixed doubles with 14 year old James Morgan, also from Preston Lodge. James also reached the semi-final in the Boys’ Singles in the U16 event.
Rachel Cameron (Musselburgh Grammar) topped the lot when she comfortably came through to the final in the U14 Girls’ Singles to beat Glasgow’s Alice Campbell 21/14 21/5, to lift the title and take home the gold medal. Rachel joined forces with brother, Jason in the U19 Mixed Doubles and were thrilled to reach the final where they gave top seed Alistair Orr, Lanarkshire, the fright of his life when they took the first game 21-16. Halfway through the second Alistair and partner Rebecca Dobbin found their rhythm and took it 21-15 followed by winning the third to 12. A silver medal for Rachel and Jason was fantastic and they will be back to challenge again next year.
Alistair Campbell (Dunbar Grammar) certainly lived up to the seeding in the U14 Boys’ Singles when he came through to the final to meet top seed Josh McKay (Mackie Academy). The boys gave the spectators a thrilling display of their badminton ability and skill with Josh pipping Alistair 22-20, 16-21, 21-15. A silver medal was a tremendous achievement after many long challenging encounters that day. Teaming up with U13 year old Cameron Pike, in Boys’ Doubles saw the Dunbar pair reach the semi-finals before being ousted 21-14, 21-15 by top seeds and winners Chan and McGarrie from Glasgow School of Sport. James Guckian (North Berwick HS) reached the semi-final of the U14 Boys’ Singles where he also was beaten by Josh McKay in a close tussle 22-20, 21-16. James and Ross McFarlane reached the Boys’ Doubles semi-final losing 21-8 in the first but showing great spirit in the second before losing 21-16 to the No.2 seeds from Scottish Borders.
Great achievements from Mid/East players throughout the tournament!
