On Wednesday, July 30, seventeen players contested the Charlton Badminton Club singles championships in two grades of men and one grade of ladies.
In the men’s “A” grade, Troy Heenan made it singles championship number eight by winning all of his five matches, including the final against Thomas Bibin 25-14. Thomas was successful in his other four matches. Lachlan Holmes-Brown and Soni Easo finished with two wins each, while Seb Zagame and Brian Heenan each secured one win for the night.
In the ladies “A” grade, Naomi Fitzpatrick successfully won her first club singles championship title by winning all her five matches, including against runner-up, Sandra Fanning 25-17. Sandra’s only loss for the night was against Naomi. Brooke Thompson had three wins, Claudia Lee finished with two, Lara Thompson, one, and Lauren Riley, although winless, had two very close matches.
The men’s “B” grade championship was hotly contested between five players. Lachlan Start and Leigh Van Boven each had three wins, Lachlan defeated Leigh 25-21 in the round robin, but the title went to Leigh with a better percentage on the night. Ethan Soulsby and Mat Thompson both finished the night with two wins apiece and Jordan Start, although not cracking a win for the night, had four very close matches.
The mixed doubles championships will be played on Wednesday, August 20, and the club dinner is to be held on Wednesday, September, 10.
On Friday, July 25, ladies gathered from Geelong, Macedon, Ballarat, Bendigo, Horsham, St Arnaud, Boort and Charlton for the Annual Ladies’ Badminton Tournament. There were 36 ladies playing in five different sections and competition was strong all day long. Good sportsmanship and fellowship was experienced from all those present.
Winners were:
- Section 1: Maxine Andrews (Ballarat). R/up Morgan Crisp (Charlton).
- Section 2: Mikaylah Crisp (Charlton). R/up Ilona Moore (Ballarat).
- Section 3: Karen Lopaz (Geelong). R/up Shirley McDonald (Boort).
- Section 4: Norbil Binti Abuil Jalil (Horsham). R/up Courtney Paterson (Ballarat).
- Section 5: Noime Powell (Horsham). R/up Joan Velthuis (Horsham).
Many thanks to the sponsors – East Charlton Hotel, Charlton Pharmacy, Charlton Newsagency, IGA, Steels Butchers. The club also thanks members who supplied food for lunch, and Marj and Marea for their help in the kitchen.
If anyone is interested in playing ladies badminton, it is on Friday mornings at 9 o’clock in the Stadium at the Charlton College; small children are most welcome and will be looked after.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 8 August 2025.
