PICTURES: Honours for Bonar and Lairg primary pupils at Sutherland schools badminton tournament
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Primary schools across the county competed for honours at the East Sutherland Schools Sports Association (ESSSA) badminton tournament this past Friday.
Hosted by Golspie High School, the tournament featured pupils from Golspie, Bonar Bridge, Brora, Helmsdale, Rosehall, Dornoch, Lairg and Kinlochbervie from primary 6 and 7 classes.
The competition was based on full court singles, with two boys and two girls representing each school.
With the draw having been made before the event, games took place across three counts, with each being played to 15 points and winners moving forward into the next round.
Players who lost in the first round were then entered into the compensation round to ensure that everyone who took part played in at least two games.
Matches were capably refereed by two sports leaders from Golspie High School: Grace and Robyn, as well as Silvia Muras from Ardgay Badminton Club.
Scores were then passed to Elissa Stevenson and Murdoch Jamieson to determine the participants for the next round.
Mr Jamieson, Active Schools co-ordinator, who assisted with the organisation of the event, said: "It was brilliant to see another tournament for the pupils of East Sutherland, and special thanks to Kinlochbervie Primary Cluster for making the long journey, along with all the other the school staff, parents, and volunteers.
"Despite this being a smaller event in comparison to our previous tournaments there was still a very positive atmosphere. There was some friendly rivalry as pals from the same school ended up playing each other. But everyone showed good sportsmanship throughout.
"The event also allowed pupils to make new friends and connections with pupils from other schools so there was a huge social benefit as well as being physically active. The training for these tournaments starts weeks in advance with practice sessions during school, lunchtime and after school.
"Medals were awarded to players who came first and second place as well as a trophy for the first girl and boy. A certificate was presented to players winning the compensation round and all participants got a certificate for participation and effort."
Boys
First: Finn Sutherland, Lairg Primary School
Second: Marcus MacKay, Golspie Primary School
Girls
First: Molly McLauchlan, Bonar Bridge Primary School
Second: Freya Pryde, Brora Primary School
Compensation Round Boys
First: Shea MacLean, Bonar Bridge Primary School
Second: Lewis Morrison, Lairg Primary School
Compensation Round Girls
First: Holly Holden, Bonar Bridge Primary School
Second: Robyn Holden, Dornoch Primary School
