St Mary’s Y11 boys team took part in the Sainbury’s School Games badminton competition today at the Tyneside Badminton Centre. Other schools taking part included Excelsior, Benfield, Heaton Manor, Gosforth Academy and Walbottle.

The team included Callum Larmouth, Reece Monaghan, Jack Traynor, Matthew Wilson and Paul Mazhetu.

The highlight game in match 1 against Benfield came in the first doubles game, where Callum and Reece put up a great fight against Benfield’s number 1 doubles pair, losing a tight game 21-17. Matthew and Jack had tough games in the singles, but worked hard to make the scores respectable against very experienced opponents.

The games against Heaton Manor, Gosforth Academy and Excelsior were very tough matches but the boys competed hard throughout and never let their heads drop.

The game of the day was game 3 against Walbottle. Paul won his singles game 21-20, and this was followed by an equally close doubles game which Callum and Jack won 21-20. Reece came out second best in his singles game, and with Callum and Paul losing another nail biter 21-20 it all came down to Reece and Jack in the final doubles game. It was a close match early, but the Walbottle pair eventually ran away with it 21-9.

The lads showed a brilliant attitude on the day and gave it their all in each fixture. Callum Larmouth and Paul Mazhetu were the top performers on the day, with a win each in singles and doubles.

Mr Hook