Badminton Section End of Season Review

The 2025/26 season has been another busy and successful one for the Badminton Section, with 12 teams representing the club across a range of formats in the Orpington and North West Kent League. As always, the season brought plenty of excitement, close matches, hard-fought victories and memorable performances, demonstrating the strength and depth of badminton throughout the club.

The headline successes came from Men's 3 (6's) and Mixed 2 (6's), who both enjoyed outstanding seasons by winning their respective divisions and securing promotion. Congratulations go to all the players involved, as well as team managers Joby Morris and George Koshy, on fantastic achievements. Special recognition should also go to Men's 4 (6's), also managed by Joby Morris who finished as runners-up in Division Four.

Several other teams came agonisingly close to league titles. Ladies 1 (6's), managed by Monica Patel, produced an excellent campaign to finish second in Division One, while both Men's 1 (6's) and Mixed 1 (6's), managed by Dave Roberts, also secured runners-up spots in their respective top divisions after competing strongly throughout the season. Men's 2 (6's), in George Koshy's first year in charge, added another second-place finish to the club's impressive record, highlighting the competitiveness and consistency of our teams across the league.

Elsewhere, there were many positive performances and encouraging signs for the future. The Composite Team, managed by Alexander Pastron, finished an excellent third in a highly competitive league. The Men's Division One (4's) team, led by John Norman, successfully retained their place in the top division during their first season at that level, a notable achievement against experienced opponents.

Mixed 3 (6's) and Ladies 1 (4's) faced tough seasons after competing at higher levels following previous promotions. Despite the challenges, both teams showed tremendous commitment and gained valuable experience against stronger opposition. Meanwhile, Ladies 2 (4's) continued to develop, with many players experiencing league badminton for the first time. The progress made throughout the season will undoubtedly help strengthen the section in years to come.

Perhaps most pleasing of all has been the contribution of players across every squad. Whether competing for titles, battling for promotion, consolidating positions in higher divisions or gaining valuable experience, every team has played its part in another successful year for the Badminton Section. The enthusiasm, commitment and willingness of players to represent the club week after week continue to be one of the section's greatest strengths.

With two league championships, two promotions, numerous top-three finishes and many players continuing their development in league badminton, there is much to celebrate. Thank you to all our team managers, players, substitutes and supporters for their efforts throughout the season. We look forward to building on these successes and enjoying another exciting year of badminton in 2026/27.

If you are a badminton member and would like to play competitive matches, but have not done so before (or have played previously and would like to participate again), please speak to one of your section representatives. We are keen to increase participation in the league and would love to hear from anyone interested in getting involved.

Dave Roberts

Badminton Chair