Junior reps spring badminton surprise

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 538, 31 May 1994, Page 16

Junior reps spring badminton surprise

The Wanganui representive under- 14 badminton team sprung a major surprise at the North Island teams event at Palmerston North last week. The team consisted of three Ohakune girls, Donna Cranston, Eileen Voon and Sarah Lind. The team cast aside rated sides as they climbed up to a final seventh placing from 25 entries. Wanganui only lost to North Shore and the top two Auckland units. The Wanganui girls laid the foundations in all their games as they took out the singles and doubles. Waikato was given a singles lesson during the seventh place contest on the last day. The 6-2 lead pro ved valuable as the Northerner reversed the result in doubles play. Solid work throughout the fixture gave the team a 15-point margin for the 8-8 countback, giving them 7th place overall. Further success was gained in the North Island championships that followed the teams events. Wanganui members reached 4 of the 5 under 14 plate finals. The Wanganui under 14B team played well consisting of

Tania Sheilds and Jenny Murdie, finishing on a good note by taking out Wellington B 14-2 in the wooden spoon contest. The.Wanganui under 16 team consisting of Cathy Cranston played well and gave Auckland D a close run in losing 9-7 for 15th spot. Katrina Marsh being a 'professional reserve' played for Poverty Bay winning all her singles at number four and then being promoted to number one. Poverty Bay finished well down the ladder. Ohakune had eight players playing in five different teams and four of them playing in the number one spot. Team members will have a week's rest before getting back into hard training for the Central Districts final, Wanganui Open, Wellington Open, Hawkes Bay Invitation and Peter Quin Invitation in Wellington. If the girls get recognized throughout the year, they will be in the running for making the Central Districts team bound for Australia next year. Thanks were expressed to all the local supporters, mums and dads, and helpers.