TEAMS from St Bede’s, St Wilfrid’s and Westholme will represent Blackburn and Darwen in the regional finals of the Center Parcs National Schools Badminton Championships.

St Bede’s did the ‘double’ in the under 14s age group, winning both the girls and boys titles while Westholme were crowned girls under 16s champions and St Wilfrid’s took the honours in the boys age group.

All four teams will now represent the borough in the regional finals in Thornton Cleveleys later this month.

Seven different schools were involved in total in the boys and girls competition held at St Wilfrid’s and Westholme schools.

In the girls under 14s, St Bede’s won all of their group games as did Westholme ‘A’ to set up an intriguing final. Westholme won the first singles and St Bede’s took the first doubles but the Saints went on to win the next singles game and subsequent doubles games to win 4-1.

In the girls under 16s, Westholme dominated with Westholme ‘A’ winning all their matches and Westholme ‘B’ only losing to their name sakes in the final.

In the boys competitions, St Bedes were victorious and only lost one game from their three matches to take the under 14s crown.

St Wilfrid’s and Our Lady and St John won their respective groups in the under 16s.

In the final, both of the opening games went to a final point decider with St Wilfrid’s winning both games by the smallest of margins 15 points to 14. When St Wilfrid’s won the remaining singles fixture their victory was sealed. OLSJ deservedly won one of the remaining doubles games which meant St Wilfrid’s won by a score of 4 games to 1.

Andrew Mercer, School Games Organiser said: “This is the fourth year I have organised this competition and it is pleasing to note that an increased number of schools have taken part each year.

“I would like to thank Westholme and St Wilfrid’s for hosting the competitions and congratulate those involved – not only for the impressive standards of badminton but the sportsmanship shown throughout all of the competitions.”