Schools badminton: Alex leads Scots to U–15 domination

Alex Dunn (Dalziel High School), the Scottish Under-15 Champion, led the way as Scotland dominated the Home Nations Under-15 Quadrangular in Ireland.

The Scottish team scored impressive wins over England, Ireland and Wales and followed up by winning four of the five individual events. In the team event, the Scots began with a 7-2 win over Wales and followed it with an 8-1 demolition of Ireland. That set up a decider with England – and the Scots squeezed home 5-4 to retain the title they won at Scotstoun last year.

In an all-Scottish boys’ singles individual final, Alex, the defending champion, beat Matthew Duguid (Mackie Academy) 21-14 21-17.

The pair then teamed up to take the doubles 21-19 21-10 and Alex completed the clean sweep by partnering the Glasgow School of Sport’s Holly Newall to a 21-17 21-17 win in the mixed doubles.

“We thought last year’s performances in Glasgow were outstanding but this weekend’s achievements were even better,” commented Anne Smillie, chief executive of Badmintonscotland.

“It shows the quality of talent that we have coming through. The whole team performed brilliantly.”

SCOTLAND SQUAD: Boys: Matthew Duguid (Mackie Academy) Alex Dunn (Dalziel High School) Christopher Grimley (Glasgow School of Sport) Matthew Grimley (Glasgow School of Sport), Glen Lewington (Craigmount High School). Girls: Cara McCulloch (Glasgow School of Sport) Holly Newall (Glasgow School of Sport) Eleanor O’Donnell (Glasgow School of Sport) Shona Whillans (Preston Lodge High School) Gemma Wright (Royal High School).