Kilcullen Badminton shows its mettle
Saturday night last Kilcullen Men’s 1st team beat Dr Friends in the Dublin and District League final at Whitehall Road, Terenure.
Kilcullen represented my Paddy Burke (captain) Karl Harris, Mark Phelan and Dave McClean beat their old adversaries DR Friends by 3-0 in a hotly contested match played at a fierce tempo throughout.
Team Captain Paddy Burke won the toss for Kilcullen and elected to serve and use the opposition shuttles for the opening match. Immediately Paddy and Karl got of the mark and sprinted to a 7-0 lead and ultimately to the opening game with a 15-5 scoreline. The second game in this opening match was a more of a contest as DR settled in to a routine and starting to make Kilcullen work for every point. The match went to set and DR had game point at 16-16 but uncharacteristically fowled their serve and let Kilcullen back into the game. Kilcullen now had a golden opportunity to wrap up the opening match 17-16 and duly did with the first point on their next serve.
Next up were Mark and Dave to play DR’s second pairing. The lads started off very well and took the opening game 15-11. DR stormed back in the second and took it 7-15 leaving the Kilcullen lads stunned and thus taking the 2nd match into a third and final set. Mark and Dave composed themselves and drawing on their experience of playing two three setters in the semi final dug in deep and ground out a 15-11 win in the 3rd set thus taking the second match for Kilcullen and left the lads needing only one more match from the final two for the overall victory. All would now hinge on the mid match toss to see who would play next. In both the ¼ final and semi final Kilcullen lost the toss so the lads were on tender hooks as it would be difficult for Mark and Dave to step back on court after just playing a gruelling 3 set game.
The Gods were on Kilcullen side as Paddy turned and clenched his fist after winning the toss and so elected to play the third match with Karl against a now tired DR second team.
The lads composed themselves and walk out on court and stormed their way to a 15-6 15-9 win and take the League title for Kilcullen. This final game showcased the exquisite talents of team captain Paddy Burke who was ably assisted by the deft Karl Harris.
This was a game they were never going to loose as the desire to win was evident in their body language on court.
All in all it was a very clinical performance by the Kilcullen Lads and a huge achievement for Kilcullen Badminton Club. This was the first ever league win for the club. The road to this league title was sometimes rocky but this team overcame all obstacles to clinch this title with a 100% league record this year.
Throughout the year the team’s dedication to practise and willingness to adapt helped them gel as a cohesive unit. Even when behind the lads never say die attitude always came to the fore and got them out of some tricky situations. As usual a loyal band of supporters followed the lads to all their competitive games and they to were an integral part of this success.
Should you wish to experience this game first hand Kilcullen Badminton club play on a Tuesday and Thursday night in Kilcullen Community Centre from 9pm to 11pm and are currently seeking members at all grades to come and join in the fast, exciting and fun game. Should you require and further information please contact Mark Phelan on 087 9050999.
Mark Phelan
