CREDITON’S Queens Badminton Club held its 15th annual awards presentation evening where the quality of players shone yet again, in a club that continues to nurture and support both players with top 10 national rankings and those just starting on their badminton journey.

Nick Masson, Chairman of Queens Badminton Club, said: “I’m proud of the many times I have been coaching in the sports halls and seen Queens’ players going that extra mile to welcome a new club member or support someone who has just lost a tough match.

“I’m proud of the many players who have faced their fears and yet overcome them to triumph.”

The highlight of the evening was club member, Dee Weiner, winner of three Gold medals at the English Para Badminton Four Nations Championships in June, who talked about how important badminton was to her, how she might struggle in her daily life but that her commitment to badminton and the friends she has made through the sport have helped her achieve so much.

There have been many highlights for the Club over the last year including:

At the National Championships five Queens’ players attended: Sam Clark, Alex Moir, Bronya Pike and Lloyd Skinner played in the Under 15 years, and Learna Hearkes played in the Under 13 years.

At the Nationals Bronya Pike reached the quarter finals, only losing to an England player – this is the furthest a Queens’ player has reached in this age group.

Sarah Preece continues to climb up the national rankings in Ladies Singles (currently no 23), now playing as Devon no. 1, and playing in the Adult Nationals for the third time.

Hannah Preece remains hot on the heels of her sister, claiming the no. 2 spot in the Devon Ladies Singles, also playing in the Adult Nationals for the third time and beating Sarah in the Club Tournament in June to be Queens Ladies Singles Champion for 2015.

Outstanding professional coaching from our deeply committed voluntary coaching team, and welcoming two more newly qualified coaches Ben Metheril and Adrian Partridge.

Team success in the Exeter Division One Mens Doubles and Ladies Doubles, and in the North Devon League, Mens Doubles (Division Two winners) and the Medley Team (Division Two winners).

Most improved Saturday player was Charlotte Smith, who only joined the club recently, has already demonstrated the willingness and determination shown in some of our more advanced players.

Under 11’s Players Player of the Year was Toby Brookes who won the first ever Dartmoor tournament.

Under 11’s Coaches Player of the Year is Emilia Partridge.

Under 13’s Players Player of the Year was Amy Housley, who regularly supports the coaching team in her own time on a Saturday morning.

Under 13’s Coaches Player of the Year is Learna Herkes, who is continually driven to succeed at the highest level. She represents Devon County as No 1, has a national ranking of sixth and trains tirelessly throughout the week both at Queens and in the performance centre to improve their skills.

Under 17’s Players Player of the Year is Sam Clark, a player who has hit the club late and has progressed at lightning speed in their badminton development.

Under 17’s Coaches Player of the Year is Bronya Pike who started in jacks (five-eight year-olds introduction to badminton sessions) and now has a list of wins so long it is difficult to pick out any one.However, to go to the U/15 Nationals and win through several rounds to get to the quarter finals has to be her outstanding achievement as this has not been achieved at this age by any other player in queens.

Most Improved Player of the Year is Sam Clark who has shown just how sheer determination can make such an impact on your progress.

Captain’s Best Club Member is Grace Lee who clearly demonstrates that hard work and determination will get results.

Queens Player Medal went to Ben Metherel who has made a significant contribution to the club throughout the year.

Pinnacle Personality of the Year award went to Lauren Horsnell who only recently joined the club and is already working with the other performance players. She has shown real determination to catch up with her peers.

Outgoing Club Captain is Scott Chudley who has shown that with determination you can be successful. Thanks go to Scott for supporting players and giving back his time to encourage particularly the younger players.

Incoming Club Captain for 2015/16 is Luke Clifton who has already shown that he is willing to give up the kind of time necessary to be a Queens Club Captain.