THE West Dorset Badminton League held their annual Nigel Miller Junior Tournament at the Redlands Community Sports Hub in Weymouth.

A total of 16 youngsters aged 12-17 took part, with the tournament being split into three groups, two boys’ groups and one girls’ group, all of which were handicapped by ability.

In the boys’ category they played round-robins in two groups with positions determined by the highest points achieved in each group, followed by a play-off between both groups to conclude a quarter-final, semi-final and a final.

It was Eddie Knell, 14, who took on Marcus Burt, 15, in the final with both players executing every shot with skill and precision, but it was Knell who secured a 21-14 victory over Burt.

In the female category, the girls made up one group with the positions being decided by most points won across all games played.

Sophie Suter, 14, and Daisy Parsons, 13, were the two girls who led the charge in the group, but it was Suter who won with a tally of 111 points which just edged Parson’s total of 105.

All winners and runner-ups will be invited and presented with trophies at the West Dorset League’s presentation evening in May.

Coach, Liz Osborne said, “Everybody played brilliantly.

“It was exciting badminton from start to finish. Playing in a handicapped tournament is always

difficult, it’s not only a game of physical fitness but mental fitness as well.

“All players fought hard to the end regardless of their handicaps and I was very proud of them all.”

*For anybody aged seven or over who would be interested in playing badminton, telephone Liz Osborne on 07970508790 or contact Redlands Community Sports Hub.