The Celtic Challenge 2011 age-group badminton contest in Dublin proved an important learning experience for the Lothian team who upped their game accordingly.
Opposition were tough, particularly the hosts Leinster, who retained the trophy with clear victories against not only Lothian but Wales and Ulster.
In their opening encounter Lothian were just squeezed out 8-7 by Ulster and a stiffer challenge awaited against Leinster who won 12-3.
Special mention should be made though of Lothian players Melrick D’Souza, Dylan Jia and Yingfan Wang who all tasted success against quality opposition.
Finally, on a Sunday morning, there was a more relaxed match against quite a young Welsh team with a satisfying 11-4 win accruing for Lothian.
Coach Douglas Walker paid tribute to the Lothian squad, saying: “The players were a joy to be with throughout the weekend, and their parents can be rightly proud.”
Lothian were represented by Dylan Jia, Melrick D’Souza, Anton Valanraj, Kavin Raman, Yingfan Wang, Ziyang Xiao, Emily Jobson, Emma Joshua, Eva Li, Giselle Lee, Bhanu Duvvuri and Anvita Awasthi.
Coaches Mahlen Fox and Douglas Walker
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