Despite two 11-0 victories – against Lanarkshire and West – the Lothians’ under-16 schools badminton team came unstuck in going down 2-9 against Glasgow and North Strathclyde in their inter-area age-group team competition.
Perhaps it was home advantage with the match being played at the Sir Craig Reedie Centre in Glasgow?
Or maybe just the hosts’ ability to capture the crucial points on the day?
Whatever, the Lothian under-16’s failed to emulate their under-18’s in capturing the trophy a few weeks earlier.
It was still a noble Lothians’ effort, though, according to team manager, Douglas Walker, who said:
“The 9-2 victory by Glasgow does not give a true representation of the exciting competitive play with several matches being lost by the narrowest margins – 19-21 in the second game (twice), 20-22 in the third, 21-23 in the second. Indeed, all of the matches were very closely contested, and played in an excellent spirit. It was just that, for whatever reasons, Glasgow generally came through the crucial situations more successfully.”
And Douglas stressed: “Those who did not win could come away with a feeling of satisfaction at the way they had played, and the effort they put in.”
Lothian under-16s were represented by: Lucy Degg (North Berwick HS), Chloe Hu (St.George’s), Amy Hunter (Craigmount HS), Sophie Walker (Penicuik HS), Justin Wong (George Watson’s), Josh Ryan (Beeslack HS), Aryan Aniruddhan (Stewart’s-Melville), Dylan Jia (George Watson’s).
Evergreen sports journalist. Previously published in many publications around the world. Send me your local sports stories. billlothian1008@gmail.com
