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Newly formed Great Southern Badminton Association host first tournament won by The Nutellas

Albany Advertiser
Boney Thomas, Rhett Eiffler, Leo Merto, Amy Lee, Steve Barron and Michelle Benjamin.
Camera IconBoney Thomas, Rhett Eiffler, Leo Merto, Amy Lee, Steve Barron and Michelle Benjamin. Credit: Michelle Waterson

A strong performance from The Nutellas helped them claim victory at this year’s Albany Badminton Tournament held at the Albany PCYC at the weekend.

The Nutellas, containing Boney Thomas, Rhett Eiffler, Leo Merto, Amy Lee, Steve Barron, Michelle Benjamin, finished with 188 points to defeat the second placed Honeys.

Albany player Sam Graham’s big smashes and the prowess of Armadale’s Kelli Garland just couldn’t get them over the line against the finesse of Steve Barron (Bunbury) and athleticism of Rhett Eiffler (Albany).

Lyn Stoltze and Craig Hughes.
Camera IconLyn Stoltze and Craig Hughes. Credit: Michelle Waterson

Most of the competitors are regulars including Dennis Wootten, a former Darkan player, who has been attending this tournament for more than 40 years and this year teamed up with Denmark stalwart Warren Miller and former Albany resident Mark Dhu.

Competitors enjoyed making the pilgrimage back to Albany where they caught up with old friends.

The tournament, run by the newly formed Great Southern Badminton Association, went smoothly with minimal injuries and all games played in good spirit while the volunteers did a top job.

There was an increase in spectators for this year’s event and the GSBA is working on this being the beginning of the rejuvenation of badminton in the region.

Shaun Richards, Will Emery and Louis Poiron.
Camera IconShaun Richards, Will Emery and Louis Poiron. Credit: Michelle Waterson

“By encouraging people to watch and advertising more, we hope more people will give it a go and join,” GSBA chairperson Michelle Watson said.

“We are lucky in Albany there are various times and venues available so there is something to suit everybody.

Sunil Sudhan.
Camera IconSunil Sudhan. Credit: Michelle Waterson

“It coinciding with the Commonwealth Games was also some great inspiration. Next year’s tournament allows us to nearly double the amount of entrants and we have had enquiries already.

“Players are now looking forward to attending the Pemberton tournament in a couple of months time.”

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