Students get into badminton

Zara Cooper (Te Hapara)

The 2021 Primary School Interschool Badminton Competition drew 52 competitors to the Badminton Centre.

Schools taking part were Makauri, Te Wharau, Sonrise Christian, Waikirikiri, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Horouta Wananga, Te Hapara and Central.

Separate competitions were run for boys and girls, with teams of four playing doubles.

Teams were exceptionally competitive. Some schools practised before the competition, while many players had not played badminton before.

A big thank-you goes to Albie Nepia, from Waikirikiri, who organised the draw and co-ordinated the day. Teachers, learning support staff, parents and Badminton Eastland volunteers contributed to the success of the day.

Players were enthusiastic, competitive and ready to learn and try new skills. They enjoyed their matches, and the sportsmanship was fantastic.

Due to time constraints, the finals were not held. These will be organised early in Term 3.

Shuttles (Makauri) defeated Excellers (Te Hapara) 5 matches to 1; def Central Crushers B 4-2; def Waikirikiri Toa 5-1.

Excellers (Te Hapara) def Central Crushers B 4-2; def Waikirikiri Toa 6-0.

Central Crushers def Waikirikiri Toa 5-1.

Te Wharau def Whero (Combined team) 5-1; def Sonrise 5-1; def Tangaroa Maraenui Tau 5 (Horouta Wananga) 6-0.

Whero (Combined team) def Sonrise 4-2; def Tangaroa Maraenui Tau 5 (Horouta Wananga) 6-0.

Sonrise def Tangaroa Maraenui Tau 5 (Horouta Wananga) 6-0.

Sonrise def Waikirikiri Toa 5-1.

Central Crushers def Tangaroa Maraenui Tau 5 (Horouta Wananga) 5-1.

Excellers (Te Hapara) def Whero (Combined team) 5-1.

Te Wharau def Shuttles (Makauri) 3-3, 80 points to 65.

Stars (Makauri) def Te Wharau 5-1; def Pongo (Combined team) 5-1; def Tangaroa Maraeroa (Horouta Wananga) 6-0.

Te Wharau def Pongo (Combined team) 6-0; def Tangaroa Maraeroa (Horouta Wananga) 6-0.

Pongo (Combined team) def Tangaroa Maraeroa (Horouta Wananga) 6-0.

Salties Soarers (Te Hapara) def Sonrise 5-1; def Maui Atamai (Waikirikiri) 5-1; def Central Challengers 6-0.

Sonrise def Maui Atamai (Waikirikiri) 4-2; def Central Challengers 5-1; Maui Atamai (Waikirikiri) def Central Challengers 6-0

Pongo (Combined team) def Central Challengers 5-1.

Maui Atamai (Waikirikiri) def Tangaroa Maraeroa (Horouta Wananga) 5-1.

Stars (Makauri) def Sonrise 4-2.

Te Wharau def Salties Soarers (Te Hapara) 4-2.