This season, the clubs 50^th, has proven to be the most successful season ever for Stowmarket badminton club. Unprecedented success for the club was led by the Ipswich and the Bury ladies teams who both managed to win their respective Division One titles for the first time. This success was backed up by the Junior section who also managed to win the Suffolk non county league and several other individual events and tournaments throughout the season.

Ipswich Ladies Team

Bury Ladies Team

But it was in the Ipswich league (IDBL) that the clubs success was at its best with the ladies winning the first division and also getting two other team's promoted. The Mixed C team from Division Five to Four and the Men's B team from Division Four to Three.

The Junior section's league win for the 3^rd time in seven years was testament to the way the junior section is run by the club and all the coaches who assist. They managed to win the under 17's and under 15's events and came fourth in the under 13's which gave them the overall combined title.

The Bury league proved the other league success as already mentioned and to back up the Ladies victory the Mixed A team narrowly missed out on the Division One title to Abbeygate, whilst also losing the Knockout Final in a closely contested final to DVE. Both of the Men's team also finished in mid table positions but showed encouraging signs of improvements for next season.

Bury Mixed Knockout Team

Away from the leagues Stowmarket also had success in the County and IDBL tournaments. Isabel Lucas won the Suffolk Ladies Singles as well as the IDBL event and Isabel and Kari Sherrington beat Jo Smith (nee Tumilty) and Mandy Davies (all pairs Stowmarket) in the IDBL Ladies doubles final. Stephen Hall and Isabel then lost in the mixed doubles final to Mandy Davies (Stowmarket) and David Poole (Abbeygate).

IBDL Final Night

The awards evening held at the Limes in Needham Market attracted 50+ members and was a great night of celebrations emphasising what a successful season the club has had. Most improved player went to Ben Proctor with Club Person of the year going to Isabel Lucas. The Chris Cory award was awarded to the junior that has shown commitment both to playing but also off court as well. This was voted on by the junior coaches and went to Tommy Hunt for his play throughout the season at the club and for the county, as well as for his encouragement and support to other junior players. Well done to all our juniors who have represented the club in the leagues, at County fixtures and in school events this season.

Award Night Winners

Several members from our Club have also represented Suffolk during the season; Isabel Lucas, Mandy Davies, Kari Sherrington, Jo Smith (nee Tumilty) and Colin Campbell have all played as well as Ryan Newcombe who was called up for the last match of the season for the 2nd Suffolk team and represented Suffolk at the Inter County Championship in Nottingham. Phil Maynard, John Dakin, Mary Watson, and Mary Hughes have played for the Suffolk Masters teams in matches against Norfolk and Lincolnshire. Also Steph Dakin joined the squad to play at the Yehlex Masters Tournament at Lilleshall in January.

What a season we've had!