Dundee Area Badminton: First winners of the season crowned
The first title of the season has been won by Carnoustie Panbride who completed a fantastic season with big wins against their nearest rivals to clinch the T Duncan & Co Mixed 2nd Division title with a perfect 100% record.
First up was a home tie against 2nd placed Nomads 3 and although the visitors took the opening Gents doubles, 5 wins in a row from Carnoustie sealed an impressive 7-2 victory. Theresa Lapadula and Maria Boyd were once again in cracking form for Carnoustie with 3 wins each.
The win meant that Carnoustie only had to fulfill their final fixture v 3rd placed Monifieth Grove, but were obviously keen to maintain their 100% record and they did so in some style with a 7-0 victory. Lachlan Mulford and Donnie Smith were the Carnoustie crackers in this one with 3 wins each and Carnoustie are well deserved champions returning to the First Division at the first attempt.
The wins also mean that Donnie Smith can’t be caught at the top of the Gents Divisional rankings and Maria Boyd is almost certain to top the ladies rankings, currently being 24 points ahead of her nearest rival.
The excitement in the race for the ladies doubles title continued as Monifieth Grove shocked reigning champions NCR, with a 4-1 victory. This was close early on with Monifieth Grove holding a 2-1 lead going into the final round of fixtures, but a further 2 wins sealed it. The experienced pairing of Wendy Symington and Sarah Pheasey who were making their Monifieth Grove debuts, was pivotal as they both won their 3 games.
In the Gents Division 1, the leadership changed hands again as NCR beat Carnoustie 4-1 to go to the top of the table. The Cash held a 3-1 lead going into the final round of fixtures and a 21-16, 21-11 win by Josh Lowe and Robert Adamson sealed the win. Josh was on top form for the victors with 3 wins, which extended his lead at the top of the rankings to 6 points.
In Division 2, it doesn’t look like anyone is stopping Forfar and they made it 8 wins out of 8 with a 6-0 win v Monifieth Grove. Jamie King was one of the Forfar players with 3 wins, which maintains his place at the top of the rankings.
In the other Division 2 fixture Lunchtime Badminton and NCR 2 shared the spoils, with a 2-2 draw, which moves Lunchtime off the bottom of the table in the battle to avoid the drop.
In Division 3, The Firies are another team with a 100% record and made it 7 in a row with a 6-0 win v Monifieth Grove. Brian Corbett’s 3 wins extended his lead at the top of the rankings.