ONCE again, young Badminton players from around the Borders region played their hearts out in the annual Anglo-Scottish tournament, held in Ashington.
This time it was the turn of the under-16 squad, who consisted of three 12 year olds who certainly did not let the side down.
Robbie Patterson (Eyemouth HS) and Annabel Young (Peebles HS) were both placed as second seeds so were taking on the might of the Northern English counties as well as the stronger Scottish sides, with the rest of their team-mates.
The whole team had to graft to get points from the opposition, but they did manage to take some major scalps.
Against Lanarkshire, Linsey Young (Kelso HS) with partner Robbie in the mixed and Joanne Rae (Kelso HS) in the level doubles got two amazing wins against Scottish development players. But a major scalp here was when Jake Drum (Berwickshire HS) and Robbie took the Scottish No1 and 4 seeds in the first doubles match in an exciting three-setter.
Next up was Northumberland who, despite having to forfeit five games due to lack of girl players, still edged the win.
Borders success here came the way of Joanne and Robbie in the mixed and Annabel in the singles.
Results (day one): Borders 0 Lothians 15; Borders 3 Lanarkshire 12; Borders 7 Northumberland 8.
The second day saw us nursing some asthma, some very stiff and painful knee injuries, and a starch deficiency player, but the courageous Borderers battled on.
Jake (who trains two times per week) played out of his skin to beat the West of Scotland, No1 Scottish seed (who trains five times per week) in a fantastic three-setter. Against Cumbria, Robbie beat their No2 seed in the singles, while Annabel and Kirsty Miller (Berwickshire HS) took their No1 girls in the level doubles.
Results (day two): Borders 1 West of Scotland 14; Borders 2 Cumbria 13.
Head coach Pete Hardie was extreme proud of his young team’s efforts. Many of these players will be representing the Borders and their schools next at the SSBU Nationals on March 10 at Ravenscraig.