St Mary’s travelled to Tyneside Badminton Centre to take part in the Sainsbury’s School Games on Thursday 15th January.
The A team consisted of Callum Larmouth, Sam Bird, Sam Walker, Kieron Dixon, and Michael Ngnie. Callum and Kieran faced very tough situations in game 1 against RGS, drawing the top seeds, but both gave it their all throughout and played with fantastic attitudes. Sam Bird and Sam Walker competed well, narrowly losing 21-18. In the second round of doubles Sam Bird and Kieran Dixon paired together, with Callum and Sam Walker making up the other pairing. Both pairs unfortunately couldn’t contend with the much more experienced RGS players, losing 21-4 and 21-6 respectively.
Game 2 was played against Gosforth Academy, and was a much closer affair. Sam Bird and Michael Ngnie played well as a pair, losing 21-8. Callum Larmouth performed well again, but again came up against a much more experienced player who was ultimately too good. Sam Walker was competitive throughout his match, losing 21-10 but playing some fantastic shots to test his opponent. The doubles matches were both close games, but the St Mary’s pairings were unable to get their first point on the board.
Game 3 vs Heaton Manor. Sam Walker played brilliantly in his singles, narrowly losing 21-18. Each doubles game showed a big improvement from the earlier fixtures, with teamwork and communication much improved. Despite these improvements St Mary’s again lost each doubles match.
The B team consisted of Kevin Okoh, Reece Monaghan, Jack Ferguson, Matthew Wilson. Playing Benfield in Game 1, St Mary’s performed well, and kept the games close throughout. Despite not winning a game the largest margin of defeat was 10 points, showing how hard the St Mary’s team worked to push their opponents.
Game 2 vs Heaton Manor was very similar, with each St Mary’s player pushing their opponents, but being unable to steal the first point for the team. Reece Monaghan and Jack Ferguson staged a brilliant fightback, coming back from 12-2, to 19-17 but couldn’t quite finish the job, losing 21-17.
The final game pitted A team against B team, with the A team coming out on top 5-1, despite each game being close. The pick of the games was between Sam Bird and Reece. With the lead changing hands several times in the game, Sam eventually came out on 21-19.
The lads were fantastic all day, facing much more experienced players but maintaining their composure and sportsmanship even in defeat. Sam Walker was the star of the day, competing well and showing real talent for the game. The team spirit between the group was brilliant to see, and was complimented by several of the other members of staff present.
Mr Hook (PE Teacher)
