Smith has a Smashing Time
Local Badminton player Lorraine Smith has been pitting her skills against the most talented young badminton players in the country at the Under 17 Harrod Inter Counties Tournament held at Nottingham University.
The seventeen year old who is a member of Thornaby Badminton Club and Tees Active Sports Academy was competing for the Durham U17 county team.
The competition is the highlight of the county season and 41 counties sent teams consisting of 5 boys and 5 girls. Lorraine was the only Teessider in the team for this 4 day event.
The 410 competitors were all accommodated in the students halls of residence and the matches were played in three different venues across the university campus.
The Durham team initially played in a group consisting of Buckinghamshire, Suffolk and Cheshire but unfortunately were handicapped by injuries to two of their team as they both suffered dislocated shoulders.Despite this set back the Durham team played 11 matches over the four days and in the circumstances finished a creditable 32nd out of 41 with the Yorkshire team being crowned champions for the ninth year in a row.
A tired Lorraine said “The tournament was a fantastic experience although it was extremely hard work playing so many matches over 4 days but I enjoyed every minute.”
There is no rest for Lorraine as she attends a master class by senior national coach Peter Higman at Thornaby Pavilion this weekend. The event organised by Tees Active Sports Academy and Thornaby Pavilion Badminton Club will see Peter passing on his knowledge to 12 talented youngsters whilst observed by several young badminton coaches.
For further information on Tees Active Sports Academy contact Academy Manager Allan McDermott on (01642) 528772.