KBC mixed fortunes in SWL Finals
On court 2 were KBC's Grade 4 finalists, captained by Sarah Walshe, and their opponents were Ballinabranna of Co Carlow. The team knew that this was going to be a tough final as they had met them twice in the league qualifiers, with both teams winning one match each. It was thanks to the ladies that both teams went in two-all after the doubles session, with Helen and Jen and Sarah and Tara winning the first and second ladies after the men had been beaten in their doubles games.
KBC lost their first mix, but Jen and Vincent and Sarah and Enda both won their mix games which put Kilcullen 4-3 up going into the last game. Unfortunatley KBC lost the last game in two sets which left both teams at 4-4 in games, Ballinabranna won the final on the cruel countback winning this exciting match by only two sets and taking the Grade 4 League Cup back to Carlow. Hard luck but well done to Sarah, Jen, Helen, Tara, Enda, Vincent, John and Fintan on a great league campaign.
On court 1 Kilcullen's Grade 2 Mix finalists were in close battle with Portarlington of Laois, who also were in Kilcullen's qualifying group. At the end of the doubles games KBC were locked at 2-2 with Portarlington. Once again KBC lost their first mixed match. Mix 2 of Sinead and Murt and mix 3 of Gareth and Norrie won their respective games putting Kilcullen 4-3 going into the final game. Annette and Darren didn’t disappoint and won their game taking the Grade 2 trophy back to Kilcullen winning the match 5-3. Well done Dave, Lynsey, Norrie, Sinead, Annette, Murt, Gareth, and Darren on a great win for the club.
Some more good news as the South West League have chosen Kilcullen's Grade 2 and 4 mix teams to represent them in the Inter League Cup. If Kilcullen can beat their counterparts in the Dublin District League, KBC will represent Leinster in the All Irelands!, (this would be the Super Cup in soccer terms!) This competition will be hosted in Dublin in April.
I'm going to finish with a quote for our two finalist teams — "When we look around we see winners, winners in a sport that is both physical and challenging but is also very rewarding, that is the beauty of sport especially badminton as you can play throughout the year to improve yourself both physically and socially in your life irrespective of your age or gender."
Photographed are Grade 2 Champions and Grade 4 runners up.
