Exeter & District Badminton
For the first time ever Clyst Vale played host to the Exeter and District Badminton tournament as round 1 of the nationals commenced. The Key Stage 3 students had one team of girls led by Kasey and two teams of boys led by Elliot and Harvey. All the players selected were year 8 and were a year younger than virtually all the opposition. However, they have trained hard all year and really competed well.
The girls team included Aimee, Merryn and Raisa, all of whom played out of their skins, diving for shots, chasing down clears and offering a good challenge to the older visitors from Maynard and Blundells. In the end they fell just short, but should feel proud of their efforts and have next year to look forward to. Kasey was picked out by the visiting staff as a natural leader and tenacious and talented player on court.
The boys were split into an A and a B squad and again the boys showed some super skills. Josh stepped in the day before and then even later Ewan was called upon on the day, dusting off his racket and reminding those there why he was a force in year 7. Elliot as captain and Stan as his second pushed and smashed their way through their singles matches and both drew praise from the other players.
The A team comprised Harvey and Dexter as one and two, with Archie and Tristan as their doubles team mates. Although the opposition were tough the guile of Harvey, power of Dexter and all round skill and movement of Archie and Tristan meant not a match was lost. They now qualify for the next round where they will meet the rest of Devon. Next week it is the turn of the KS4 students and we will all be hoping they can join the younger lads in the next round. A brilliant day of badminton enjoyed by all.
