Maraenui, Maraeroa fill top two placings

Badminton Juniors: Wairua Taare (Waikirikiri)

BADMINTON

TEAMS from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Horouta Wananga finished first and second in a Year 7 and 8 interschool badminton competition held at the Badminton Centre this month.

This competition was cancelled last year because of Covid-19 cancelled this competition in 2020, so organisers were pleased to see seven teams enter from three schools — Waikirikiri, Sonrise Christian and TKKM o Horouta Wananga.

It was a big learning curve for some players who had never played badminton in an indoor facility with white lines, correct-height nets and international hall height.

The teams played with enthusiasm, asked questions about the game and showed good sportsmanship.

Teams were made up of two boys and two girls playing doubles and mixed doubles.

All teams played each other, in a round-robin format. When teams had a bye, the players umpired games.

Thanks go to the players and their teachers and caregivers.

The winners were Maraenui, who won all six of their ties, and the runners-up were Maraeroa, who won five. Both teams were from TKKM o Horouta Wananga and it was the first time they had entered the competition.

Maraenui defeated Maraeroa 3 matches to 0 and 1 match drawn; def Sonrise Christian 2-1 and 1 drawn; def Waikirikiri Tahi 3-1; def Waikirikiri Rua 4-0; def Waikirikiri Toru 3-0 and 1 drawn; def Waikirikiri Wha 4-0.

Maraeroa def Sonrise Christian 3-1; def Waikirikiri Tahi 3-1; def Waikirikiri Rua 2-2, 48 points to 44; def Waikirikiri Toru 4-0; def Waikirikiri Wha 4-0.

Sonrise Christian def Waikirikiri Tahi 3-1; def Waikirikiri Rua 4-0; def Waikirikiri Toru 4-0; def Waikirikiri Wha 4-0.

Waikirikiri Tahi def Waikirikiri Rua 2-1 and 1 drawn; def Waikirikiri Toru 3-1; def Waikirikiri Wha 3-1.

Waikirikiri Rua def Waikirikiri Toru 2-2, 58pts to 52; def Waikirikiri Wha 4-0.

Waikirikiri Toru def Waikirikiri Wha 4-0.