Team Eucalypts on song to take winning spoils at 2024 Albany Badminton Tournament over two days

A huge field has contested a memorable 2024 Albany Badminton Tournament at the weekend, as team The Eucalypts emerged with top honours. A total of 80 players, the largest field in decades, hit the courts at the Albany Leisure Aquatic Centre on Saturday and Sunday for the event run by Great Southern Badminton Association. Players came from Beverley, Denmark, Bunbury, Perth, Kendenup, Manjimup and Albany took part in the growing competition. The winning team consisted of Thomas Rowland (Bunbury), Joyce John (Armadale), Zalita Van-eijk (Albany), Orla McCarthy (Armadale), Angela Whittington (Armadale), Brad Garland (Armadale), Michelle Watson (Albany), Andrew Leach (Albany), Louis Poiron (Albany) and Brandon Dell (Albany). The Eucalypts finished with 3001 points, to narrow edge out runners-up The Sheoaks on 2892. The Hakeas (2683), The Wattles (2758) and The Boronias (2690) rounded out the top five in the standings. GSBA chairperson Michelle Watson said it was another fantastic event. “There was lots of positive feedback on how inclusive and fun it was,” Watson said. “People can’t wait for the next one and our committee worked very hard to pull it together. “We hope to expand to capacity of 96 (players) next year. “We are very grateful for the support of Southern Ports, Badminton Association of WA and Perth Badminton Arena. “GSBA is now looking forward to holding the Great Southern Invitational in early 2025.”