Woodvale do double in Watkinson Trophy
ONE of the most exciting weeks in the ‘Master Lock & Safe’ Southport and District Badminton League took place as the first round of the prestigious Watkinson Trophy took place, with 64 sides competing.
The main focus looked to be how Churchtown and Woodvale would fare. Especially with four of their teams being drawn against each other.
Beginning the quadrilogy was fourth division leaders Churchtown IV on the Monday.
Despite a brave showing by fifth division side Woodvale VIII, Churchtown continued to show their prowess as they managed the handicap disadvantage and collected a 28-point victory.
Wednesday saw the next two instalments take place, both at Greenbank High School.
It ended up being a double victory for Woodvale that night.
While their first team toppled Churchtown’s seventh by 35 points, Woodvale’s ninth team managed to capitalise on their handicap advantage and claim the smallest victory of the week by a slender two points over second division leaders Churchtown III.
Ending the week with a victory in the fourth encounter was sixth division leaders Churchtown VI.
They showed impressive strength and confidence and took fellow sixth division side Woodvale VII by 47 points.
Elsewhere, defending champions Churchtown I began with a well fought victory over sixth division side Southport VII.
With the lower-ranked side looking for a miracle on the court, it was reliant on a large handicap to be given to them once the contest comes to its conclusion.
With each match barely seeing Southport even get a handful of points each game, the 330 point handicap was not enough, as Churchtown secured a 14-point victory.
The same could not be said for last season’s finalists Tarleton IV.
The fifth division side struggled to field a side and were forced to concede.
Claiming the walkover win, was highflying second division Crosby I.
They will be taking on Churchtown VI in the next round.
It was a week to forget for Victoria Hall, who ended up being the only club to not get any of their teams beyond the first round.
While an under-strength first team suffered an embarrassing 278 point defeat to fifth division side Mawdesley V, the second team were short of available players and had no option but to concede their match against first division side Ormskirk I.
On the complete side of the spectrum, Formby Methodist claimed their first win in the Watkinson Trophy for a few years.
Along with an 160 point handicap advantage, the 2011 champions managed to oust fourth division side Southport V by 36 points.
Formby Meths next opponents will be Hesketh Bank III, who reside in the same division as they do.
It was a nervy finish for 2018 champions Burscough Pioneers III.
With three divisions separating themselves and second division opponents Mawdesley II, they knew the handicap would be on their side.
However, a hard-working performance was still required and they managed to pull off a narrow three point victory over their higher ranked counterparts.
There were a couple of other wins for Burscough Pioneers, as their second and fourth teams came through the stern tests of Hesketh Bank I and West End Park II respectively.
Other notable wins came from 2009 and 2008 champions Tarleton I and West End Park I.
They both sailed to the second round after wins against Woodvale II and Tarleton II respectively.
It is back to league action next week as the battle to be in the best position before the Christmas break begins.
For a full list of first round winners in the Watkinson Trophy, along with the latest news and latest league tables, check out www.southportbadminton. com. Also, make sure you like the league’s official Facebook page.