Badminton Report
(1970-71)

The record of the badminton team (played 16, lost 1) is one which truly reflects its ability and keenness. Having been runners-up for the past two years in the West London League, the team took the final step and won the shield, bringing it to the school for the first time. In the Middlesex league, the badminton team reached the quarter finals going out to Highgate, the eventual winners, in a match worthy to have been a final. The standard of the badminton in this league was appreciably high and to win this will be the main aim in seasons to come.

During the season a high standard of badminton me been maintained. This is due mostly to the great improvement in the team, which has remained unchanged throughout the year. Smith, who has gained a name for himurit outside of school as a good badminton player, was partnered by Ransly also a player of considerable ability. As a pair they had both power and finesse, the combination of which proved to be too strong for most opponents. Summerhayes, the captain, and his partner Infante overcame the difficulties of last season and lost few games. Infante showed improvement on his backland and a good partnership developed between the two. Unlike previous years the third pair was more settled, having three players to choose from, Warby, Szelewski and Beaumont. Both Warby and Szelewski used all-round sports ability to produce a pair fast about the court, but lacking a little in the finer shots of the game. Beaumont, a younger Member of the team played for a part of the season showing great confidence against players much older than himself. The age of the players stands the badminton team in good stead for the future and the standard of play will certainly be maintained.

IAN SUMMERHAYES