REDLANDS Community Sports Hub was the venue for the West Dorset Badminton League’s annual Nigel Miller Junior Tournament.

Entrants comprised 12 boys and four girls aged between 12 and 17, and the event was split into three groups — two boys’ and one girls’ which were handicapped by age.

The boys played in two groups of six and each match featured one game to 21 points.

Positions were determined by the most points achieved in each group, followed by play-offs to settle the quarters, semis and final.

The final was between Eddie Knell and James Mathie, and both were unrelenting with their sheer determination.

Knell played superb badminton, executing every shot with skill and precision, but Mathie delivered a number of unreturnable winners.

However, after a gruelling skirmish, Knell secured a 21-14 victory.

The girls formed a single group and, after the first round of matches, the handicaps were slightly adjusted before games were replayed.

And as there was still time remaining, the handicaps were adjusted for a second time to make a third round playable.

The two youngest competitors, Olivia Bailey, 14, and Erin Gowers, 13, fought long and hard throughout.

Bailey, who executed accuracy and control, clinched first place with 174 points and Gowers, whose shots were extremely precise, finished a close second with 170.

All winners and runners-up will be presented with trophies at the West Dorset League’s presentation evening in May.

Coach Liz Osborne said: “Everybody played brilliantly and it was exciting badminton from start to finish.

“Playing in a handicapped tournament is always difficult, it’s not only a game of physical fitness but mental fitness as well.”

Osborne, a Level Two coach, runs various clubs throughout the week.

If your child is aged seven or over and would like to get involved, call Osborne on 07970508790 or contact Redlands Community Sports Hub.