PORTLETHEN Academy was once again the venue for Aberdeenshire Primary Schools Badminton Quaich.
Over 50 children representing Newburgh, Milltimber, Peterculter, Arduthie, Dunnottar and Mill O' Forest made up the eight teams of boys and girls. The initial stage of the event comprised two pools of four teams - Arduthie 2, Dunnottar, Mill O'Forest
1 and Milltimber in pool one and Arduthie 1, Mill O'Forest 2, Newburgh and Peterculter in pool 2.
Some very close and entertaining matches ensued in both groups. Every team displayed great focus and determination but above all the fun and team spirit on display was a credit to all. From the youngest players at only 8 through to the more mature 11 and 12 year olds everyone tried their best and entertained the many spectators who had turned out in support. Milltimber and Mill O' Forest 1 proved to be dominant in their group with Milltimber taking the honours 3 – 2 in the head to head, winning the girls singles, the boys doubles and the mixed doubles. Surprisingly Mill O'Forest 2 came out top of the other group even though they fielded the two youngest players in the tournament, Josh McKay and Maria Leith, both only P4. Their closest match was against local rivals, Arduthie 1 where they snatched the win 3 – 2 with the victory in the hands of Josh and Maria in the final match, mixed doubles against Calum Lawrence and Catherine Welsh.
Peterculter played well with wins against Arduthie 1 and Newburgh to secure second place in the group. With the top two in each group going into the semi-final this meant the two Mill O'Forest teams would go head to head for a place in the final, with close rivals Peterculter and Milltimber battling for the other final spot. The remaining four teams also crossed over to play off for places 5 to 8.
With a place in the National finals at Wishaw in February for the winners, all four teams had it all to play for. The strength and experience of both Mill O'Forest 1 and Milltimber proved too much for Mill O'Forest 2 and Peterculter however both teams certainly gave a great account of themselves. The final was then a rematch of the earlier encounter of Milltimber and Mill O'Forest 1. With Milltimber victorious in the morning both teams opted for a slight change of team. A fantastic match followed, though played in great spirit there was a definite edge of competition! Mill O'Forest started well with a win in the boys singles, however the match was then tied when Milltimber won the girls singles, the boys doubles went to Mill O'Forest, 21 – 17, and similarly the Mill O'Forest girls won the girls doubles 21 – 16, to secure victory for Mill O'Forest. The mixed, even though the match was already won was a very close match, Milltimber taking the honours 21 – 18, final result 3 – 2 to Mill O'Forest. The 3rd / 4th place play off was equally entertaining with Mill O'Forest 2 taking the honours 4 – 1.
Final placings were: 1st Mill O' Forest, 2nd Milltimber, 3rd Mill O' Forest 2, 4th Peterculter, 5th Dunnottar, 6th Arduthie 1, 7th Newburgh and 8th Arduthie 2.