A Player's View of the U15 Quadrangular

Posted by Rob Short at 10:05 on 14 May 2013

Scott Oates, who represented Wales at the recent U15 Quadrangular in Dublin, gives us his memories of the event.

U15 Quadrangular.----- A Players Point of View

We got up at 4am on Thursday to travel to Quad. Dhruv came to our house and he, Andrew and myself travelled to Manchester Airport to arrive there at 5.30 am ready for the flight at 7.30am.

Eventually we met up with Neil and Joe Cottrill, they got a bit delayed on the connecting bus from where they parked their car.

After a bit of a wait, a couple of airport “bargains” by Andy and Joe and a nearly lost mobile phone (Neil) we were able to board the aeroplane. The journey was decent, we had enough room to relax and the staff were very happy.

After a short wait in Dublin we met up with the South group which consisted of Ollie, Katie, Sophie, Gean, Morgan and Kelly. We travelled to the Hilton Hotel to drop off our luggage to save carrying it around all day. After that we went to the Baldoyle Hall where the tournament was taking place. In the hall I had a bit of an injury scare but having a knock up in the hall and the chance to get used to the hall was very handy. The hall was surprisingly nice and the lighting was almost perfect to play in.

After the Team Knock we went back to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure, relaxation and chillaxation, which included a rest, a gossip with each other and a team visit to Tesco to stock up on the essentials. We had a tasty evening meal and a well deserved early night preparing us for the forthcoming tiring couple of days.

Friday

First day the team event. Up first was the mighty Scottish, with some dramatic and eventful battles. We lost to a seriously strong Scotland team 7-2. We weren’t looking too bad even though we had a young team. Then the next match against England, we competed really well considering London on its own has a bigger population than Wales. The result of 8-1 to England did not correspond to the matches as we should have won a couple more. Then to the third and final game against hosts Ireland and the tradition of the “luck of the Irish” still carries as we lost 6-3. At the end of the team event we went back to the hotel, a team gathering and reflection on the day and bed.zzzzzzz.

Saturday

Start of the individuals. Singles off first, some good battling performances by all players and some great shouting and support by parents. Furthest in the singles for us was the quarterfinals but beaten by some quality players. In the afternoon, the mixed doubles which brought Sophie and me to the semi finals, losing to the overall winners from Scotland. Good performances from every single pair from Wales, a couple of players picking up injuries along the way.

Back to the hotel for a presentation night and a superb meal, the chocolate brownies were mint. Kelly and myself had to do a speech between us. Kelly wrote a brilliant speech and I drew the short straw and had to go up and present it .

Sunday

The doubles started early and a great performance from Kelly and Sophie got to the semis losing out to the tough Scottish pair. Then we watched all the finals take place which produced quality badminton. 

Then it was time to go to Dublin Airport and catch our plane home. Only our plane was delayed by an hour, tidy stuff. Highlight of the return flight, Andrew falling asleep on Joe, who had his coat on his head and Neil “catching flies” napping on the way back.

To summarise

Well Done Team Wales, we have so much to look forward to, out of the 10 players that played only 4 move up to the next age group. Things can only improve for next year. We will be able to compete. The coaches were brill, thanks to Neil, Annette, Mo and mum.  Annette I am so grateful that you let me have a chance and play- you know what I mean.

Well Done to Ollie, Dhruv, Joe, Andy, Kelly, Sophie, Katie, Morgan and Gean.


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