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Review Green Final Articles Season 2000-2001
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 29 SEPTEMBER 2001
WESTHILL OFF TO A FLYER
The Aberdeen and District Badminton League season got underway this week with newly promoted Grampian Police going down by 6 rubbers to 3 away to Westhill in Division Two of the Gents League. Westhill's junior pairing of Alan Campbell and John Rae, although failing to take a rubber, put a spirited performance, which bodes well for the rest of the season. Westhill have also been strengthened this season by the addition of former BP Exel player, Mark Wallace, who struck up a strong pairing with Westhill, stalwart, Keith Walker.
Since last season TotalFinaElf Badminton Club has been lost from the League as have mixed and ladies teams from Summerhill and Cults Community Centre Badminton Clubs. That loss has been partly offset by the entry of ladies teams from Grampian Police and University. The number of clubs registered with the League now stands at 18 (40 individual teams).
Following the Annual General Meeting held on 28 August 2001 the following format for dividing up the Leagues has been agreed: Mixed League: One division of 5 teams and two divisions of 4 teams; Gents League: One divisions of 6 teams, one division of 5 teams and two divisions of 4 teams; and Ladies League: One division of 8 teams.
First Division Gents Club Secretaries are asked to note that Gordonians home venue this season will be Torry Sports Centre on Oscar Road. Matches will be played on Sundays from 6-8pm.
Clubs are reminded that in order to play in the Aberdeen and District League, Clubs must affiliate to the Scottish Badminton Union, which has now been rebranded as Badminton Scotland. Badminton Scotland can be contacted at the Cockburn Centre, 40 Bogmoor Place, Glasgow, G51 4TQ (Telephone 0141 445 1218, email: [email protected])
The North East Badminton Group Restricted Tournament is scheduled to take place on 12-17 November 2001. Further information and entry forms can be obtained from Andy Alexander, Dalladies, Fairley Road, Kingswells, Aberdeen AB15 8PY (Telephone Aberdeen 740366, email [email protected]).
Clubs and players are also reminded that the League has its own Web Site, which already has considerable useful information on it about badminton. This will be updated on a regular basis throughout the season. The address is: http://www.aberdeenbadminton.co.uk
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 6 OCTOBER 2001
RACQUETS WIN MARATHON
Racquets Badminton Club were involved in a marathon tussle with newly promoted Portlethen in Division One of the Mixed League. Playing their first match of the new season, away from home, Racquets edged out Portlethen by 6 rubbers to 3 to set the early pace in the League. In a match that featured 4 three setters, A Forrest and K Stephen won all three of their rubbers for the winning team, whilst G Gammack and C Ripley drew a blank for the losers.
In Division Two of the Mixed League, last year's runners up Westhill are looking to make it one better this season. They got off to the best possible start recording a 6-3 home win over Banchory. Ali Dow and Lynne Wilson and Keith Walker and Shona Gatt, sister of Scotland International, Alistair Gatt, took the rubbers for the home team.
CAS ladies started where they left off last season. Last season's champions played runners up Fetteresso in their first match. The youthful CAS team anchored by the experienced Anne Shipley won 4-0 against the Stonehaven club, though Pam Cowell and Pauline Duncan took both of their opponents to three sets.
The League now shuts down for two weeks due to the School holidays and matches will resume again on Sunday 21 October 2001. Also starting later in October is the first round of matches in the Junior Crombie Activ-8 Badminton League. The first date scheduled is Sunday 28 October at the Beach Leisure Centre when Banff/Turriff Academy will be defending their title in Division One and Mackie Academy 2 in Division Two.
Clubs are reminded that in order to play in the Aberdeen and District League, they must affiliate to the Scottish Badminton Union, which has now been rebranded as Badminton Scotland. Badminton Scotland can be contacted at the Cockburn Centre, 40 Bogmoor Place, Glasgow, G51 4TQ (Telephone 0141 445 1218, email: [email protected])
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 3 NOVEMBER 2001
GORDONIANS BACK IN TOP GEAR
Gordonians got off to a good start in their challenge to retain the Division One Gents title. They recorded an 8-1 home win over Racquets, in a match that contained only one three setter. Mark Shepherd and Dave Handsley took the sole rubber for the losers.
Grampian Police were again unsuccessful in action in Division Two of the Gents League. This time they went down 8-1 at home to Summerhill, who were relegated from Division One the previous season. This took Summerhill to the top of the League for a few days. They were then knocked off top spot by Westhill who won 8-1 away to Beacon.
Aberdeen University won their first match of the new term. They defeated Beacon by 6 rubbers to 3 at Bucksburn in Division Three of the Mixed League. K Aitkinson and E Alexander and G Duthie and E Scott won all their rubbers for the varsity team. They then followed that with an 8-1 victory over Civil Service in Division Three of the Gents League. In Division Four of the Gents League Banchory defeated Bridge of Don by 8 rubbers to 1.
In the Ladies League, Portlethen, strengthened by the return of Vicky McGillivray were too good for Banchory and won by 4 rubbers to 0. Banchory did better against University earning a 2-2 draw, this despite K Aitkinson and L Robertson winning twice for the students.
The Activ-8 Junior Crombie Badminton League got underway at the Beach Leisure Centre in Aberdeen last Sunday. New teams from Stonehaven, Kemnay, Harlaw Academy and Ellon Academy were welcomed to the League this season.
Pace setters in Pool A of Division One were Mackie Academy (1) and Robert Gordons. In Pool B of Division One Westhill Academy (1) were top dogs and defeated last seaon's winners Banff Academy (1). In Division Two Pool A, three teams had full points, Harlaw Academy (2), Cults Academy (2) and Banff Academy (2). Leaders in Pool B were Northfield Academy. The League is decided over four sessions with the other three scheduled for November, and then January and March of next year.
The closing date for entries for the 55th North East Restricted Badminton Tournament passed on Friday, the 2 November. The competition runs from Monday 12 November until Saturday 17 November. For the first time the competition will operate under the new scoring system, which is the best of 5 sets up to 7 points in the open events. The competition is to be played at Kincorth Academy with the finals being played on the Saturday, starting at 3pm.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 17 NOVEMBER 2001
WESTHILL FEELING THE HEAT FROM SUMMERHILL
Things are heating up in Division Two of the Gents League. Westhill the current leaders stretched their unbeaten run to three matches following a 7-2 home victory over Fetteresso's second team. The match was closer than the scoreline suggests and included four close, three set rubbers, of which Fetteresso failed to win any. Ali Dow and Drew Clunie were the top couple for Westhill winning all three of their rubbers.
Summerhill, however, are hot on Westhill's heels. They won the second match of their campaign in convincing fashion, registering an 8-1 win against Beacon, in a match that contained no three setters. The Summerhill lads have still to play Fetteresso B, before they can set themselves up for a table top clash against Westhill.
In Division 4 of the Gents League the B team of the University continued the successful start to the season enjoyed by the Varsity teams. They recorded a 6-3 win over Bridge of Don who have now lost their first two matches.
The first match of the defending champions Fetteresso, in Division One of the Mixed League, saw the Stonehaven club get off to the best possible start. They defeated probably their most serious rivals in Division One, CAS, by 6 rubbers to 3, this despite Steve Thomson and Anne Shipley winning three times for the losers.
In Division Three of the Mixed League, Beacon defeated Grampian Police by 7 rubbers to 2. This Division will shortly be increased to 5 teams, with Robert Gordons University (RGU) joining the other teams, Meadows and University.
Provisional fixtures for RGU against the other teams are:
2001
Tues 20th Nov Meadows .v. RGU
Sat 24th Nov RGU .v. Aberdeen University (afternoon 12:00 - 2:00 pm)
Sun 25th Nov Grampian Police .v. RGU
Sat 8th Dec RGU .v. Beacon (afternoon 12 - 2pm) Alternatively / Sun 9th Dec
RGU .v. Beacon
2002
Tues 29th Jan Beacon .v. RGU
Sat 2nd Feb RGU .v. Meadows (afternoon 12 - 2pm) Alternatively / Sun 3rd Feb
RGU .v. Meadows
Sun 24th Feb RGU .v. Grampian Police
Sun 3rd Mar Aberdeen .v. RGU
A date has been set for the League's, Annual Club Doubles Tournament. It will be played on Saturday 9 February 2002 at the Shell Pecten Club, Woodbank House, North Deeside Road, Aberdeen. Full details and entry forms for the tournament will be sent out to clubs in December.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 24 NOVEMBER 2001
LIEW AND PAULINE TOP GUNS AT NORTH EAST FINALS
Liew Nam Min and Pauline Duncan were the mens and ladies open singles champions
at the 55th North East Restricted Badminton Tournament held at Kincorth Academy
in November. For the first time the new scoring system was adopted for the tournament,
which is the best of 5 sets to 7 points in "Open" events.
Liew, who plays for Gordonians Badminton Club, won the singles event for the third succesive year, this time defeating Martin Stuart, also of Gordonians, in the final by 4-7, 8-7, 7-5, 7-4. Liew was also a winner in the Mens Doubles Open. He teamed up with Goh Chee to defeat Colin Ross and Steve Thomson in five sets (1-7, 7-2, 8-7, 2-7, 8-6). Liew was trying for a hat trick of wins as he also contested the Mixed Doubles Open Final. Unfortunately for him and his partner J Krisnamal they lost to the CAS pairing of Steve Thomson and Anne Shipley.
In the Ladies Singles Open, Pauline Duncan of Fetteresso Badminton Club reversed the tables on her rival Rachael Rennie, who had defeated her in last year's final. Pauline edged out Rachael 3-7, 7-2, 7-4, 4-7, 7-1. Rachael had better luck, with Jane Aitcheson, in the Ladies Doubles Open winning all their games in a Pool of four couples. Pauline partnered by Anne Shipley finished runners up.
In the Handicap events Paul Wilson and Jason Guyan were the winners in the Mens Doubles. They defeated Fetteresso teamates, R Keith and R Christie 15-4, 15-10 in the final. In the Ladies Doubles Anne Shipley and Jane Wilson finished top in a Pool of 4 couples. The Mixed Doubles event was won by Drew Clunie and Shona Gatt who overcame R Christie and M Duncan 15-14, 14-15, 15-7 in the final.
The Senior Mens Doubles were won by Dave Plank and Richard Burnett, whilst the Senior Mixed Doubles event was won by Margaret Duncan and Paul Wilson, who was one of several two title winners at the Tournament.
In the Junior events, Tyson Dunz retained the Under 18 Boys Singles title, defeating Stuart Docherty 7-1, 4-7, 1-7, 7-0, 7-3 in the final. The Under 14 Boys Singles was won by Eugine Ong, who finished unbeaten in a Pool of 5 players. The Under 18 Girls Singles was won by Gillian Haugh and the Under 14 Girls Singles by Corrie Kennedy, who defeated Dharshika Sri 11-5, 11-1.
Results from Bill's Tools Store National Veterans Championships played at the Cockburn centre Glasgow, on Saturday and Sunday the 10 th and 11 th of November saw Aberdeen players reached 5 finals.
Over 40's Events
Colin Ross (Aberdeen) and Robin Huthwaite (Aberdeen) lost in the mixed final
to Dan Travers and Christine Black. 3-15,1-15. Colin Ross and Colin Campbell
(Edinburgh) narrowly lost in the gent's doubles final to Dan Travers (Perth)
and Leon Douglas (Glasgow), 15-11,13-15,13-15. Robin Huthwaite and Jean Steen
(Tayport) lost in the ladies doubles final to Caroline King (Clydebank) and
Elizabeth Hamilton (Glasgow), 12-15,15-13,6-15.
Over 60's Events
Ross Weir (Aberdeen) and Rose McClymont (West Kilbride) lost in the mixed final,
to Ron Peden (Windermere) and Vy Davidson (Stirling), 3-15, 7-17. Ross Weir
and Ian Martin (Ardrishaig) narrowly lost in the gent's final, to John Barrie
(Lanark) and Jim Clow (Helensburgh), 15-8,10-15,12-15.
Results from the Aberdeen Leagues saw Racquets go top of Division 1 of the Mixed League, courtesy of a 9-0 home victory over Fraserburgh.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 1 DECEMBER 2001
ACTIV-8 JUNIOR CROMBIE LEAGUE RESULTS
The second session in the first round of the Activ-8 Junior Crombie League was played at the Beach Leisure Centre in Aberdeen on Sunday 25 November. Twenty four teams from secondary schools and clubs across the North east of Scotland are competing in this event, which is now in its fourth year.
Pool A in Division One is being dominated by Mackie Academy (1). They won their matches against Harlaw Academy (1) and Stonehaven Boys on sunday and have yet to drop a game in their Pool. The chase for second place is between Westhill Academy (2) and Robert Gordons, though the latter would appear to have the harder task to move into the top Pool in the second round, as they have still to play Mackie Academy (1).
In Pool B in Division One, Westhill Academy (1) have full points and have already beaten last season's Junior Crombie champions, Banff Academy (1), who currently lie in second place with 6 points. Mackie Academy (2) and Cults Academy (1) are the next best placed teams.
Division 2 Pool A leaders are Cults Academy (2), though both Harlaw Academy (2) and Banff Academy (2) are only two points behind. Ellon Academy currently lie bottom of Pool A, with no points, though their challenge was not helped by their inability to field a team on sunday.
The pace setters in Pool B of Division Two are Kemnay Juniors and Northfield Academy, who both have six points from 4 matches. This is the most closely contested of all the Pools, with Stonehaven Juniors on 5 points and Banff Academy (3) on 4 points.
The next session of the Junior Crombie League is scheduled to take place on the 13 January 2002.
In the Aberdeen Leagues Fraserburgh went down again in Division One of the Mixed League, this time losing to Portlethen by 8 rubbers to 1. In the same Division CAS comprehensively beat Portlethen by 9 rubbers to 0.
In Division 3 of the Mixed League Aberdeen University continued their impressive start to the season, with a 7-2 win over Grampian Police. The University B team also had a good win in Division 4 of the Gents League, defeating 71 Club 9-0. One black spot for the University. Their ladies team conceded their match to CAS ladies. One other result from the Ladies League, saw Fetteresso defeat Portlethen by 3 rubbers to 1.
In Division One of the Gents League Fetteresso defeated Portlethen, 6-3, with Colin Ross and Donald Cameron winning three times for the Stonehaven team.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 8 DECEMBER 2001
UNIVERSITY GET TOP MARKS
The most improved club this season, both in terms of their teams performances and organisation are Aberdeen University. The Varsity's Gents A team kept their momentum going with a 6-3 away victory over Cults CC and a 6-3 home victory over Garioch, in Division Three of the Gents League. Alan Keith and I Watson won three times for Garioch, but the Inverurie team will be dissappointed as they were considered to be one of the promotion favourites from Division Three. They did make some amends in their next match against, Civil Service, which they won by 8 rubbers to 1. They have still to play Cults CC. University finish the first half of the season with full points from their three matches.
Aberdeen University Gents B team, not to be out done by their A team, also finished the first half of the season unbeaten. They won their final match in Division 4 of the Gents League against Banchory by 5 rubbers to 4. In a very tight match both teams won 11 games and only 3 points separated the teams at the finish. The match also had 4 three setters. Also in the same Division, Bridge of Don completed the first half of season programme. In another close match, they edged out 71 Club by 5 rubbers to 4, with former Exiles stalwart,Ian Jamieson in partnership with Lindsay Kessack, winning three times for the losers.
Gordonians kept their unbeaten record for this season and stretched their lead at the top of Division One of the Gents League, with a 7-2 home victory over Portlethen. Craig Stewart and Roy Paton took the rubbers for the losers. In Division Two of the Gents League the top two teams clashed at Summerhill Sports Centre, with the home team winning 6-3 against Westhill. This took Summerhill above Westhill on superior rubbers, this despite Summerhill going down to Fetteresso B, by 5 rubbers to 4 at Stonehaven the previous Saturday. This promises to be a contest, that will run till the last match of the season.
In the recent Senior Inter Group Badminton competition, played in Glasgow, the team from the North East of Scotland finished third out of the five teams, that entered. A commendable performance, given the strength of badminton in the Central Belt.
I have enclosed the most up to date Badminton League Tables below. If there is room, I would apprecite if they were published in this Saturday's Evening Express.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 8 DECEMBER 2001
BACK TO BACK WINS FOR FETTERESSO
Fetteresso moved effortlessly to the top of Division One of the Mixed League following back to back wins over Fraserburgh and Portlethen. The current Division One Mixed champions made their move with a 9-0 home victory against Portlethen. They then followed that with a 9-0 away victory against bottom club, Fraserburgh. This leaves Fetteresso with six points from their three matches played so far.
In the same Division, Racquets went down by 6 rubbers to 3 to CAS. Racquets stay above CAS, courtesy of their superior difference in games.
In Division Two of the Mixed League, Westhill stretched their lead at the top to 4 points, following a 5-4 home win over Garioch. There are still a number of matches to be played in this Division before the end of December. It seems likely that some of the matches may be require to played early in 2002, this is due to injuries to a number of players in the teams.
Fraserburgh had an important result in Division One of the Gents League. They defeated Racquets by 9 rubbers to 0, a result aided by the addition of Graham Willox to their squad. This will help ease any relegation worries, they may have entertained at the beginning of the season.
Fetteresso B may yet challenge for the Division Two Gents title. They followed up their recent victory over Summerhill, with a 5-4 away win against Grampian Police. Andy Hinchcliffe and Ross Watson won three times for the Stonehaven club.
Portlethen and Garioch fought out the perfect draw in Division One of the Ladies League. The teams finished with 2 rubbers each, 5 games each and both had 95 points. There was only one three setter in the match, which was won by Sandra Wood and Vicky McGillvray of Portlethen. Clubs are asked to note that Aberdeen University Ladies Team has withdrawn from the League. All matches already played involving the University Ladies team are now declared null and void.
A reminder for all clubs in the Aberdeen Leagues. The League's annual club doubles tournament will take place on Saturday 9 February 2002 at the Shell Pecten Club. Entry forms will be sent out to match secretaries just after Christmas. Please keep your diaries free!
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 12 JANUARY 2002
LEADERS WIDEN THE GAP
The second half of the Aberdeen Badminton League Season is now underway. Results held over from the first half of the season saw Gordonians stretch their lead at the top of Division One of the Gents League. An 8-1 home victory over Fraserburgh was enough to take them 4 points clear at the top of the Division. The Gammack brothers won the sole rubber for the losers.
There are still a large number of outstanding matches in Division One left over from the first half of the season, with CAS yet to play a match. The League Committee wishes to see these matches played as soon as possible.
In Division Two of the Gents League Fetteresso B were granted a 9-0 walkover by Beacon. This puts them on the same points as Westhill and Summerhill, the latter club lying top of the Division, by virtue of their superior rubbers.
Entry forms have now been sent out to all clubs for the League's Club Doubles Tournament. The event, which is handicapped, includes mixed, ladies and gents doubles sections. The tournament is to be played at the Shell Pecten Club at Pitfodels, on Saturday 9 February 2002. The closing date for entries is Friday 1 February 2002. If you have not received an entry, please contact the League Secretary as soon as possible.
The third session of the Activ-8 Junior Crombie League will be played tomorrow at the Beach Leisure Centre, starting at 1.30pm. The current leaders of Pool A, Division One are Mackie Academy 1, with Robert Gordons in second place. Westhill 1 lead Pool B in Division One with Banff Academy 1 in second place.
In the Second Division, Pool A leaders are Cults Academy2 with Banff Academy 2 in second place. In Pool B Kemnay Juniors and Northfield lead the way. After the finalisation of the first round pools, the teams are split up into their second round pools, with the first match of these pools played on Sunday. The remaining matches will be played on Sunday 24 March.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 19 JANUARY 2002
MACKIE THE FRONT RUNNERS
The third session of the Activ-8 Junior Crombie League was played at the Beach Leisure Centre last Sunday and already it looks like Mackie Academy (1) and Westhill Academy (1) are the front runners to lift the Junior Crombie Trophy.
The final games of the first round of the competition were played first and there were few, real surprises. In Division One Pool A, the winners with full points and yet to drop a game, were Mackie Academy (1), with Westhill Academy (2) in second place. In Pool B in Division One Westhill Academy (1) topped the table,also finishing with full points. In second place were last year's champions, Banff Academy (1), closely followed by Mackie Academy (2).
The Division Two pacesetters were Cults Academy (2) and Banff Academy (2) in Pool A. Top teams in Pool B were Kemnay Juniors and Northfield Academy. Portlethen Academy and the Meadows, from Ellon have unfortunately scratched from the tournament.
After completion of the first round pools, the teams were graded into their second round pools, which consist of 6 pools, each comprising 4 teams. In Division One the top pool is Pool C, in which Mackie Academy (1) defeated Banff Academy (1) 6-0 and Westhill Academy (1) defeated their second team by the same margin. In Pool D in Division One, Mackie Academy (2) had a 4-2 victory over Stonehaven Boys, whilst Robert Gordons were granted a 6-0 walkover against Cults Academy (1), who failed to show on the day. In Pool E, the current leaders are Portlethen Juniors who had a 6-0 walkover against Harlaw Academy (1). In the same pool Westhill Academy (3) and Banchory Academy (1) fought out a 3-3 draw.
Second Division pacesetters are Cults Academy (2) who had a 6-0 victory over Northfield Academy in Pool C. Kemnay Juniors and Banff Academy (2) contested a 3-3 draw in the same pool. In Pool D, Banff Academy (3) had a 6-0 walkover against Harlaw Academy (2), whilst in the clash of the Stonehaven teams, the Juniors defeated the Chiefs 5-1. In the final pool, Banchory Academy (2) and Ellon Academy both had 6-0 walkovers against, Portlethen Academy and The Meadows, respectively.
The final session of the Junior League has been set for Sunday, March 24.
Results from the Aberdeen Senior Leagues saw Gordonians retain their undefeated record in Division One of the Gents League, with a 5-4 victory over CAS. Liew Nam Min and Craig Walker won three times for the victors. In Division Two of the Gents League, Grampian Police were in action twice, losing 6-3 to Beacon and then having a better start to the New Year, with a 6-3 win against Westhill.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 2 FEBRUARY 2002
The Aberdeen and District Badminton Leagues are now back in full swing following the Christmas and New Year break. Activity was spread right across the Mixed and Gents Leagues.
In Division One of the Mixed League, CAS started off the New Year in fine style with a 7-2 home victory over Fraserburgh. Also in action twice, in the same Division, were Racquets who defeated Portlethen 7-2 away and then followed that with a second away victory, this time winning 5-4 at Fraserburgh. This takes Racquets to the top of Division One on superior rubbers. Also on the same number of points are CAS and Fetteresso, Fraserburgh who have yet to win a match, are stuck at the bottom.
In Division Two of the Mixed League, Westhill stretched their lead at the top of the Division to 4 points, after a 6-3 away win against Banchory. The experienced pairing of Keith Walker and Lynne Wilson won three times for the victors. Garioch meanwhile had an emphatic 9-0 win over Cults Community Centre at Inverurie in the same Division.
Fraserburgh are doing better in the Gents League. They had an excellent 7-2 away victory over Portlethen in Division One. Their team has received a new lease of life, following the addition of Graham Willox to their squad of players. The Gammack brothers are also back on form, winning all three of their rubbers in straight sets against Portlethen. CAS meanwhile are making a comeback after winning 5-4 against Racquets with some assistance from their seasoned campaigners Bob Glennie and Robbie Dunbar-Smith. They do however, have a backlog of matches to clear if they are to muster any sort of serious challenge to Gordonians.
Division Two of the Gents League continues to be the most competitive, though Westhill did their title prospects further damage when they lost to Fetteresso B at Stonehaven, by 6 rubbers to 3. Ross Watson and Andy Hinchcliffe anchored Fetteresso's victory by winning all three of their rubbers. This leaves Fetteresso joint top of Division Two with Summerhill, who kept their title challenge very much alive with a 6-3 away victory against Beacon.
Garioch and Cults were also in action in the Gents League. In this third division clash, Cults were perhaps a little unlucky to lose out 5-4 to the lads from the Garioch. In Division Four of the Gents League, Banchory won 7-2 away to Bridge of Don. The addition of Jim Beaton, from Portlethen Badminton Club, to their squad has undoubtedly strengthened their team and given them a platform to challenge University for top spot in the Division.
Westhill Ladies have announced that they had to withdraw from the Ladies League for this season, due to the unavailability of players. The relevant League secretaries have been notified.
The League's Club Doubles Tournament gets underway at the Shell Pecten Club next Saturday. First on court are the Ladies Doubles starting at 9am. Next on are the Gents Doubles, whose programme starts at 9.30am. The Mixed Doubles commences at 12.30pm.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 16 FEBRUARY 2002
WOMAN'S DOUBLES WIN FOR BRUCE SISTERS
The Aberdeen and District Badminton League's annual club doubles tournament was played last Saturday at the Shell Pecten Club and was voted a huge success by the organisers and competitors. The tournament consisted of mixed, ladies and gents doubles, with two sections in the mixed and gents events.
First off were the ladies at 9am. Reigning champions Shona Gatt and Lynne Wilson were not defending their title, though Lynne had teamed up with Westhill, teamate, Elaine Walker to have another shot at the trophy. They faced stiff opposition from pairings from Garioch, Portlethen, Beacon and Racquets. They unfortunately did not get off to a good start losing their first two matches. The Bruce sisters representing Garioch Badminton Club were too good for them and the other pairings, this despite playing off a top ranked handicap of 5. They won their four matches, all in straight sets. Gallant runners up were C Ripley and J Price from Portlethen. Westhill finished in third place followed by Racquets and then Beacon, the latter being unlucky to finish on the wrong side of 3 three setters.
The Gents Doubles event was divided into two sections. In Section A teams were entered from, Fetteresso, Portlethen, Garioch and Racquets. Andy Hinchcliffe and Ross Watson were quick to take advantage of having the highest handicap rating. Playing off 9 they won all three of their matches in straight sets to take the title for the second time in five years. In second place were Craig Stewart and Graham Gammack from Portlethen, with Garioch and Racquets finishing 3rd and 4th respectively.
Five clubs contested Section B of the Gents event, Beacon, Fetteresso B, Grampian Police, Westhill and Civil Service. Westhill, represented by juniors John Rae and Alan Campbell and Civil Service comprising the seasoned pairing of Mike Watson and Tim Ingram set themselves up for a title decider after each had won their first three matches. The winners were Civil Service who secured the trophy with a 15-11, 15-13 victory, their experience coming to the fore when the pressure points were played. Beacon were third, followed by the Police and Stonehaven's Fetteresso B.
The Mixed Doubles sections were played in the afternoon. Both sections A and B consisted of four teams each. The A section resulted in a real dogfight. With one match remaining for each pairing, all couples had a chance of lifting the title. The eventual winners were Dave Brown and Jane Aitcheson of CAS, who edged out Fetteresso's Paul Wilson and Shelia Valentine, by virtue of their superiority in sets. Paul and Shelia had won the event the previous two seasons and were going for three titles on the trot. If Paul had won the League Committee may have given him the trophy to keep, given he has won it 5 times in the past thirteen years. Racquets finished third in the section with Roy Paton and Stacey Wood of Portlethen perhaps unlucky to finish last after having lost two three setters.
Section B of the mixed doubles event also contained a number of experienced couples. After the first two rounds of matches, the outcome depended on the winners between Westhill's Keith Walker and Shona Gatt and Garioch's Alan Keith and Diane Benzies. Alan and, Diane, who was a late substitution for Louise Yule, edged out Keith and Shona to clinch Garioch's second title of the tournament. Beacon and Racquets were third and fourth respectively.
In the Aberdeen Leagues Racquets eased their relegation worries in Division One of the Gents League, after securing a 9-0 walkover against CAS. In Division Two of the Gents League Westhill had a far from easy 7-2 home win over Beacon, which confirmed the Bucksburn club as the division's backmarkers. In Division Three, Cults Community Centre won 7-2 away to Civil Service.
In Division One of the Mixed League Portlethen comprehensively beat Fraserburgh 8-1. This sees them tied on 6 points along with CAS, Fetteresso and Racquets, with Fraserburgh in bottom spot with no points. In Division Two of the Mixed League, Westhill stretched their lead at the top to 6 points after a 7-2 win over Cults Community Centre. In the Ladies League CAS moved into top position following a 4-0 win over second placed Portlethen.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 23 FEBRUARY 2002
TOP PAIR CAN'T SAVE PORTLETHEN
There was a return to the bread and butter for the Aberdeen and District Badminton League, following their Club Doubles Tournament of the previous week. First back on duty in Division One of the Gents League were Portlethen, they faced an arduous trip to Fraserburgh and so it proved as they went down 7-2, Craig Stewart and Roy Paton taking Portlethen's two rubbers. Portlethen had no better luck in their home fixture against Gordonians. They again went down 7-2, with Craig and Roy experiencing a touch of deja vu in once again taking Portlethen's two rubbers. Gordonians have now stretched their lead at the top of the division to 4 points over Fraserburgh, with Portlethen stuck on the bottom, without a point.
Summerhill improved their promotion prospects in Division Two of the Gents League with a 7-2 home win over Grampian Police. They currently lie top of the division, but have two difficult matches to play, one at home to Fetteresso B and the other away to Westhill.
Fetteresso edged ahead in the dogfight in Division One of the Mixed League. They moved two points clear of the chasing pack after a 9-0 win over bottom club, Fraserburgh. On current form and given the size of the pool of players available to them, they look to be favourites to retain their title. Fetteresso are also doing very well in Badminton Scotland's Millennium Club Cup competition. They are now through to the final having beaten Caithness One by 3 rubbers to 2 and County/Linthouse 4-1. The final is to be played in Dundee on the 24 March, their opponents as yet are unknown.
The North East Junior Restricted Tournament got underway at Hazlehead and Kincorth Academies today. Following on from last year the entry was encouraging. Singles and Level Doubles sections are included for Under 13, 15 and 17 age groups for both boys and girls .
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 9 MARCH 2002
ALIVE AND SMASHING
Badminton has a healthy future in the North East, that was confirmed at the North East Junior Restricted Tournament, recently played at Kincorth and Hazlehead Academies. Once again the tournament was very well supported by boys and girls across all age groups.
The Under 17 Boys Singles had the largest entry with 19 boys competing from Banff to Stonehaven. The event was divided into four pools, with the winners going through to the semi finals. In the first semi final John Rae defeated Scott Graham 15-5, 15-9, whilst Kieren Hendry defeated Martin Anderson 15-9, 15-6. In a strongly contested final, Kieren from Stonehaven, drew on all his reserves to beat John from Westhill 15-10, 11-15, 15-10.
In the Under 17 Doubles, the event was divided up into two pools. John Rae made amends for his defeat in the singles, by going on to win the event with partner Alan Campbell. In a very close final John and Alan edged out Luke Robertson and Kyle Duncan 16-17, 17-15, 15-8.
The Under 15 Boys Singles also featured four pools. Winner of Pool 1, Kyle Duncan eased past Andrew Hardie, winner of Pool 3 15-0, 15-0. In the other semi final Eugine Ong defeated Jamie Munro 15-4, 15-0. Kyle, playing in an age group down from what he played in the doubles event, was too good for Eugine, winning 15-7, 15-1. Eugine had better luck in the Under 15 Boys Doubles. In partnership with Murray McLeod they defeated Logan Davidson and Kyle Sinclair, 15-7, 15-1.
Eleven boys took part in the Under 13 Boys Singles event. The winners of the three pools, Logan Neave, Richard Perry and Eric Edgar were then put into a play off pool, with Richard emerging as the eventual winner and Logan as runner up. Four couples were entered for the Under 13 Boys Doubles Event, which was won by the undefeated pairing of Tom Fegen and Eric Edgar. Angus Turner and Fraser Borthwick were the runners up.
Five girls took part in the Under 13 Girls Singles. The winner was Nicola McAuley with Ruth Seery second and Kirsty Lawson third. The Under 15 Girls Singles event was divided up into two pools of four girls. Emma Tait and Stacey Bruce emerged victorious from the pools, with Emma defeating Stacey 11-5, 11-5 in the final. Three couples took part in the Under 15 Girls Doubles event, with Corrie Kennedy and her partner Nicola McAuley unfortunately having to withdraw due to Corrie being unwell. The two singles finalists, Emma Tait and Stacey Bruce had to settle for second place in this event Avril Seery and Susan Johnston were the winners with Lynne Anderson and Rosie Burt in third place. The Under 17 Girls Singles final was won by Stacey Wood, who defeated Shona Jenkins 11-1, 11-2.
Results from the Aberdeen Badminton Leagues
Fraserburgh 3 CAS 6 (Mixed Division 1)
Cults CC 8 Banchory 1 (Mixed Division 2)
Summerhill 6 Fetteresso B 3 (Gents Division 2)
Banchory 6 University B 3 (Gents Division 4)
Banchory 0 CAS 4 (Ladies Division 1)
I have also enclosed below the Badminton League Tables for inclusion in this Saturday's Evening Express.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 16 MARCH 2002
Fetteresso are moving closer to retaining their title in Division One of the Mixed League. Two victories over Portlethen (8-1) and Racquets (7-2) maintains their 100% record and keeps them four points clear over nearest rivals, CAS. Fraserburgh remain bottom of the division having yet to win this season and their return to Division Two, looks to be a formality.
In Division Two of the Mixed League, Garioch have shot to the top of the Division following three victories, since the beginning of the year. They firstly defeated Banchory, winning 7-2 at Banchory. They then went onto beat Banchory at Inverurie, this time by the margin of 9 rubbers to 0. They finished off their winning run with a 7-2 away victory over Cults Community Centre. They now lie top of the League by virtue of their superior rubbers over Westhill. The latter club do have a game in hand, though they still have to travel to Inverurie to play Garioch. Banchory remain bottom and their plight is looking increasingly desperate as they have only one match to play to secure their future in Division Two.
Aberdeen University maintained their promotion challenge in Division Three of the Mixed League with a 7-2 home win over Grampian Police.
Gordonians are receiving little challenge from the other clubs in Division One of the Gents League, as they seek to defend their championship. A 6-3 home victory over a capable Fetteresso team sees them 6 points clear at the top of the division, Craig Walker and Liew Nam Min won three times for the winners. Fetteresso had better luck against Portlethen, winning 8-1, with father and son partnership, Colin Ross and Chris Ross playing for the Stonehaven club. Also in the same division, CAS beat Fraserburgh 8-1, with Scottish Junior Under 17 singles champion, Calum Menzies playing for CAS.
In Division Three of the Gents League, things are heating up. Garioch have moved to the top of the division by virtue of their superior rubbers. Victories over Cults Community Centre (5-4) and Civil Service (6-3) gives them 8 points. Aberdeen University also now have 8 points following a 5-4 home win against Cults Community Centre, with P Addlington and I Wright winning three times for the Varsity. University have a game in hand, they do however, still have to play Garioch at Inverurie. Civil Service lie bottom of the division and have yet to record a win.
Aberdeen University B maintained the students good run of results with a 7-2 home win over Bridge of Don. The Division Four title is now a straight fight between Banchory and the University.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 23 MARCH 2002
TITLE DOUBLE JOY FOR STUDENTS
Four titles have been decided in the Aberdeen and District Badminton League over the past two weeks. In two cases the Inverurie Club, Garioch finished in the position as runners-up.
In Division three of the Gents League, Aberdeen University went down to Garioch by 6 rubbers to 3. The students, however had a home game in hand against Civil Service, which they duly won 8-1. That was sufficient to clinch the title from Garioch, by virtue of their superior rubbers.
In Division Two of the Mixed League Westhill made up for missing out on promotion last season, when they lost the title on rubbers to Portlethen. They recorded a 5-4 away win against Garioch, which was their second win against the Inverurie Club this season and puts Westhill into an unassailable position at the top of the division. They are champions elect subject to them completing their remaining match against Cults Community Centre. The Lower Deeside Club were also in action, with an emphatic 8-1 away victory over Banchory, which condemns them to Division Three next season.
The third title also went to Aberdeen University. The varsity completed their programme in Division Three of the Mixed League with a 6-3 home win over Beacon. They finished unbeaten and full points from all their matches has guaranteed them second division badminton next season. The University B Gents team is close to making it a hat trick of titles for the students. They won their last match against 71 Club 8-1 in Division Four of the Gents League. Only two convincing wins for Banchory stands between them and the title.
Summerhill bounced back to Division One of the Gents League, following their clinching of the Division Two title at Westhill, where they won by 7 rubbers to 2.
In Division One of the Gents League, Gordonians took another step to defending their title. They recorded a 7-2 away victory over Fraserburgh. The boys from the Broch were also in action against CAS, but fared no better, again going down by the score of 8-1.
CAS are making a late challenge for the Division One Mixed title. They defeated Portlethen 5-4 to take them level on points with Fetteresso. The defending champions do however have a game in hand and a far superior rubbers advantage.
Tomorrow sees the final session of the Activ-8 Junior Crombie League take place at the Beach Leisure Centre starting at 9.30am. This year the winners of the two Divisions will receive their trophies from Aberdeen's Alistair Gatt, a member of Scotland's Commonwealth Games Badminton Squad and a Scottish international.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 30 MARCH 2002
WESTHILL AND CULTS TAKE ACTIV-8 JUNIOR TITLES
Westhill Academy (1) and Cults Academy (2) were the victors at the concluding session of the Activ-8 Junior Crombie League, held at the Beach Leisure Centre last Sunday.
The Division One title went right down to the wire, with the final match between Westhill Academy (1) and Mackie Academy (1). Mackie went into the last match having never dropped a game throughout their previous 7 matches and with a draw good enough for them to take the title. They got off to the best possible start when their number one, Kieran Hendry, the north east under 17 singles champion, defeated Alan Campbell of Westhill 15-5. John Rae of Westhill was too good for Kyle Duncan, however, winning 15-3. The next game looked like it would be decisive, especially after Neil Adams of Mackie clawed himself back from 8-1 down to edge out Nicol Webster 15-14 and put Mackie only one game away from the title. James Seivwright kept Westhill�s hopes alive with a 15-7 win against Neil Fowler. In the first doubles game Alan and John of Westhill, the current holders of the north east under 17 gents doubles title, were always in control in defeating Kieran and Kyle 15-7. The last doubles game would be decisive, the winner�s taking the title. James and Nicol proved they were up for it, in winning 15-7 against Mackie�s two Neils. Last year�s champion�s Banff Academy (1) were third, with Westhill Academy (2) in fourth place.
In Division Two Cults Academy (2) showed the way, winning their 3 final pool matches. In second place were Kemnay Juniors, followed by Banff Academy (2) and in fourth place, Northfield Academy. The prizes were presented by Aberdeen�s Scottish Badminton International and member of Scotland's Commonwealth Games squad, Alistair Gatt with assistance from Councillor Jurgen Thomaneck, the City Council's Convener of the Education and Leisure Committee.
The Division One Mixed title was decided last week. CAS pushed defending champions, Fetteresso, all the way to the last match. They beat the Stonehaven team 6-3, which took them top by two points � Steve Thomson and Anne Shipley won three times for CAS. Fetteresso�s match in hand was against bottom club, Fraserburgh and they duly won 9-0 to clinch the championship, by virtue of their superior rubbers.
Two results in Division One of the Gents League worsened, Portlethen�s plight at the bottom of the league. They lost 5-4 to CAS and then by 7 rubbers to 2 against Fetteresso. They still have to play Racquets twice who are currently only 2 points ahead of them. In Division Two of the Gents League Beacon beat Grampian Police 5-4, but this was not enough to lift them from the bottom of the league. 71 Club have yet to record a win this season and their most recent opponents, Bridge of Don, were not in the mood to change that situation, defeating 71 Club 6-3.
In the Aberdeen Invitational Mixed Doubles Tournament, Steve Thomson (CAS) and Margaret Duncan (Fetteresso) defeated Craig Walker (Gordonians) and Louise Yule (Garioch) 15-9, 15-11 in the first semi final. In the second semi, Dave Brown and Rachael Rennie of CAS defeated Robbie Dunbar-Smith and Anne Shipley of CAS 15-9, 17-16. In the final Steve and Margaret beat Dave and Rachael 15-2,15-2.
Fetteresso played in the semi finals of the Millennium Scottish Cup last Sunday and lost to Nomads (1) from Edinburgh 4-1. The Stonehaven club did go onto win the 3rd/4th place play-off, defeating Nomads (2) 3-2. The final was won by Western from Edinburgh who defeated Nomads 3-2. Playing in the Western team were Rhona Hume and Colin Dow, both originally from Aberdeen.
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary
BADMINTON ARTICLE FOR GREEN FINAL: 13 APRIL 2002
BANCHORY TITLE WINNERS
Two more titles were decided in the Aberdeen and District Badminton Leagues. Banchory gents were first to the mark, lifting the Division Four Gents title. Two emphatic 9-0 wins over the luckless 71 Club pulled Banchory level on points with University B, and a rubbers advantage of 5 was more than enough to make Banchory champions.
In the Ladies league CAS retained their Division One title, finishing the season undefeated. Their last two matches were 4-0 walkovers against Grampian Police and Garioch, who were unable to field teams. In the same league Portlethen kept second spot in the league, following a 4-0 win against Grampian Police. Two matches were declared null and void, Garioch Vs Banchory and Banchory Vs Fetteresso.
The Division One Gents title has still to be decided, this despite a spate of results. Gordonians currently hold top spot, but still have 3 matches still to play. Fetteresso are their nearest challengers and kept alive their outside chance of the title with 7-2 and 8-1 wins over Fraserburgh. Portlethen meanwhile are involved in a desperate fight to avoid relegation. They lost 6-3 at home to CAS, but then leapfrogged over the other team involved in the relegation dogfight, Racquets. This courtesy of a 9-0 walkover against Racquets. The two teams have still to play again against each other. Clubs are reminded that all fixtures must be completed by the end of April.
Two other results from the Leagues saw Fetteresso B confirmed as runners up in Division Two of the Gents League following a 6-3 win over Grampian Police and, Westhill finish their programme of matches in Division Two of the Mixed League, undefeated following a 7-2 away win against Cults Community Centre.
2001-2002 League Champions:
Gents
Division One - Still to be decided
Division Two - Summerhill
Division Three - University
Division Four - Banchory
Mixed
Division One - Fetteresso
Division Two - Westhill
Division Three - University
Ladies
Division One - CAS
Malcolm Campbell
Aberdeen and District Badminton League Secretary