HUDDERSFIELD Eagles junior badminton team enjoyed a narrow victory against Calderdale when they hosted an inter-town fixture at the Sports Centre.

Even though Calderdale were less experienced than their hosts, they pushed all the way and were only pipped in the Mixed after the teams were locked on 20 ends each after the Men’s and Ladies’ matches.

In the Mixed, the 10-strong Huddersfield team (five boys and five girls) triumphed 6-4 to take the honours overall.

The Eagles Men’s team was led by Josh Dyson winning three out of his 10 games against Calderdale’s No1 Joe Crosfield, who took seven out of the 10.

For Calderdale, Tom Pratt won an excellent eight out of 10 while, for the Eagles, Oliver Shaw performed well to win five of his matches.

In the Ladies, the Eagles team was led by Amy Crowther who won seven out of her 10 games, but sister Emily bettered that by winning nine.

Jess Hall and Phoebe Pottinger also played well to win eight out of 10 and Anna Whitwam a creditable six out of 10.

The Calderdale team was spearheaded by Latika Rodway-Anand who, although considerably less experienced than her opposite number Amy Crowther, still managed to win three out of 10 while Hebe James managed to take four.

The Eagles team was Josh Dyson, Anveet Singh Cheema, Jas Sodhi, Arjan Panesar, Oliver Shaw, Amy and Emily Crowther, Jess Hall, Anna Whitwam and Phoebe Pottimger.

Calderdale were represented by Joe Crossfield, Michael Silvester, Tom Pratt and Mark Aitkin, Latika Rodway-Anand, Lisa Paul, Rosie Baldwin and Hebe and Cara James.

Eagles president and coach Mike Hall and coach Ron Mellor congratulated the teams on their excellent standard and also thanked parents and helpers.

The Eagles, established for more than four years, meet on Sunday mornings at Newsome High School during school term time and are run by Badminton England coaches, catering for three levels of ability through beginners, intermediate and advanced.

Information from www.huddersfieldeagles.co.uk or e-mail huddersfieldeagles@hotmail.co.uk

The Calderdale team were formed for 18 months ago and have been developed by Mellor working through Schools Partnership Funding, enabling him to coach in many schools in Calderdale and establishing after-school Performance Centres in Todmorden, at North Bridge Leisure Centre, and at Brighouse Badminton Club in Hipperhome with the support of Brighouse club members.

Unfortunately, despite their success, a change in Government policy means the sessions may no longer be funded and could end unless funding is found from elsewhere.

Brighouse club junior section will continue (contact Matthew Hunt on 07989 479269).