Benfield School qualify for national badminton finals for 9th year running.

Benfield School Qualify for National School Games 'Centre Parcs' Badminton Finals

Benfield Key Stage 3 Badminton team consisting of Sam Dinning, Paul Courtney, Ben Matthewson, Daniel Morton and Adam Scott maintained the schools unique record by securing a place in the Centre Parcs National Badminton Championship in May. This is the ninth year running at least one of the school teams has reached the final and on four of those occasions both age groups have progressed to that stage. The team came through the North Regional Final with flying colours.

In their first match against Durham Champions Wolsingham, the team recorded a comprehensive 5-0 win. They then went on to play Northumberland Champions Longridge Towers from Berwick in the semi final.

Sam Dinning narrowly lost to Longridge number 1 Hogg, 19-21 in a game which could have gone either way. In the Boys Doubles Ben Matthewson and Daniel Morton dominated the game winning 21-4. Paul Courtney then beat the second singles player Fawcus 21-15 to put Benfield 2-1 up. A place in the final was secured when in the mix and match doubles both pairs won easily 21-7 and 21-10 respectively.

The Final against Cleveland Champions Huntcliffe, proved to be worthy of the occasion.

In a fantastic top singles game, where both players demonstrated high levels of skill, Sam Dinning saw off Campbell. There were never more than two points between them during an intense battle. B  Sam held his nerve winning 21-20 to record what is probably the best win of his career so far. Ben Matthewson and Dan Morton then made short work of their doubles pair winning 21-11, another good win which put Benfield in control.

Paul Courtney played the second singles against Hill, and followed strict instructions with a display of all out attacking Badminton to win 21-17. His performance in this game was awesome to watch, and he was in shock as he realised the significance and magnitude of his performance as he left the court to be greeted by his dancing team mates.

The team goal then was to have a clean slate but this was not to be as Sam Dinning and Ben Matthewson narrowly missed out by one point in the doubles. Paul Courtney and Dan Morton maintained the high standard by winning 21-17 in another thrilling game between two very good sides.

What was also particularly pleasing was the conduct of the players throughout the event despite some challenging situations. The team now look forward to a trip to Centre Parcs for the National Final in May and amongst the best nine teams in the Country.

Margaret Perry

Benfield School