FIRST CLASS SERVICE The Oldham & Rochdale Badminton League (ORBL) recently held their annual presentation evening at the Manchester Golf Club. The event was well attended, with representation from many of the league clubs. The evening proved very successful for Rochdale based clubs and players, with many receiving trophies and awards for achievements throughout the season. the biggest success on the night came from alpha, who collected 11 different trophies and awards. in the Mixed division, alpha a (Janet Beardmore, angela Lister, Laura ashworth, Paul shiel, John Nutall, stan Lister) won the title, with shawclough a claiming runners-up spot. alpha also had a successful season in the open divisions, with alpha B (gary Harrall, daniel Harrall, rick ashworth, Peter ashworth, Usman ali, Pasha riley, John, Neal Butterworth) winning the division 3 title. in the Mixed team Handicap event, alpha B (david
Columbine, Craig Leedham, Martin Wolfenden, Janet Heywood, Charlotte Leedham, Ve Nutter)claimed top spot.
In the Open Championships, there was more success for Alpha, with Janet Beardmore and Angela Lister claiming the women’s doubles title. The individual handicap tournament saw wins in all three disciplines for Alpha – Paul Baker & Lee Pover (men’s doubles), Janet Beardmore & Angela Lister (women’s doubles) and Lee Povey & Charlotte Leedham (Mixed doubles).
Other awards presented on the night included the Open Team Handicap trophy, won by Balderstone (Anthony Boughton, Rod Collins, Damon Conway, Bill Darling, Andy Gilmartin, Simon Jukes) and the award for the Young Player of the Year, which was jointly won by Daniel Harrall and Pasha Riley (both Alpha.)
The new season starts in September and clubs are always looking for people who are interested in playing league badminton. If you are interested, then you can check out the league website at www.orbl.org.uk.