BADMINTON CHALLENGE

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31089, 18 June 1966, Page 17

BADMINTON CHALLENGE

Some of the players who helped the Skelt brothers to build a fine reputation for Southland badminton in the late 1950 s will be in action against Canterbury in a division I match at Skellerup Hail tonight. Foremost among them is N. R. Thompson, a New Zealand representative and national doubles champion. His skill and experience should be worth many points to Southland.

last year’s match between the two provinces was exceptionally dose. The teams were tied on games and sets, and Southland gained the de-

cision by the narrow margin of 40 points. Canterbury will be a stronger proposition tonight. P. V. Boatwood, A. G. Duckmanton and B. W. Crofts are reliable representatives, and if Ho Kai Yen can reproduce his tremendous form of the Canterbury trial series the scales should be tipped in the home team’s favour. B. Young, N. F. Hamilton and K Elliotte will complete a competent Southland men’s quartet. All have representative records extending over several years.

The powerful play o* t Miss S. Field will give Canterbury

an early advantage in the women’s matches. Miss B. Gormack, a former Southlander, will be a strong No. 2, and Mra M. Brown, a division II player last year, and Miss R. Waites, who has made rapid progress in her first season in A grade, will bring depth to the side. Canterbury and Southland will also meet in division II and junior matches at Skellerup Hall. Canterbury should start as favourite in the division H contest, if only for the fact that it has been able to drop two of the players who helped it win the South Island final last year.