SUNDAY, April 14 saw Queens Badminton Club host a Senior Bronze Level Tournament at Exeter University.

A national Bronze Level Tournament, it is aimed at local league players and there are 21 such tournaments played across the country this season.

More than 90 players took part, most from Devon and the South West, but many from further afield. There were 125 matches played in 12 hours.

Queens Badminton Club players and supporters also took part: playing, umpiring, organising and manning the refreshments stall.

Many thanks go to those who helped with the refreshments from cake baking to coffee making: including Nicky Hussey, Nikki Housley, Eleanor O’Callaghan, Izzy O’Callaghan, Zoe Housley, and apple juices donated by Little Emlett Orchard. More than £200 was raised.

Thanks also to Sarah Preece for umpiring duties, Sue Williams as tournament referee and many others working behind the scenes.

Queens’ players results: In the Men’s Singles Jamie Roberton, Nathan Scase and Sam Clark all won their round robin boxes to reach the knock out stages where Matt Showan of Hampshire eventually won.

In the Ladies Singles, Somerset’s Laura Goodland emerged the victor.

In the Men’s Doubles, Lloyd Skinner and Dorset player Ben Jarvis were runners-up, beaten by Rob Armstrong and Jason Reading of Avon.

Both Queens pairings of Oscar Mo and Zachary Phillips, and Callum Cheung and Sam Clark were close behind, reaching the semi-finals.

In the Women’s Doubles, Kirsty Wilcox (Dorset) and Leanne Debenham (Hampshire) were winners. In the Mixed Doubles Kirsty Wilcox and Zachary Phillips were runners-up, losing to Rob Armstrong (again) and Bonny Mo (Avon).

Sue Williams summed up the day: “It was a really good tournament, with a great bunch of players. It was a pleasure to spend the day with them and to be able to facilitate an event like this.

“Many Badminton England tournaments are run by counties and so it is a tribute to the quality and commitment of our members and Committee that Queens Badminton Club in Crediton can put on an annual National Tournament.”

Kate Povey