Scottish Universities Students & Graduates (SUSAFS) Mixed
22nd April, Strathclyde University

The Scottish Universities badminton season concluded in April with the final event of the season, the SUSAFS Mixed at Strathclyde. Now in its second year, the organising staff were hopeful that this yearνs tournament would be a similar success to the 2005 edition, and be just as enjoyable as the Xmas Level Doubles event last December, where both current students, and graduates, entered in high numbers and participated with true University badminton spirit. Read the event report

British University Games 2006
10-13 April, Swansea University

Scotland's top university players travelled to Swansea to take on Welsh, Irish and English Universities at the season's annual multi-sport event for elite student sportspeople in Britain. Read the full report

British University (BUSA) Knockouts Update

In the last month many of the teams have been involved in the British University (BUSA) Knockouts.† The Menνs Championship was not to prove as successful for our teams as it has done in previous years.† Edinburgh Men drew one of the three English Sport Universities ρ Loughborough - away in the first round and were beaten 8-0.† The Loughborough team includes English international talent such as Robin Middleton, Tom Armstrong and Steve Day.† Strathclyde Men boasted a strong team once again and were also involved in the opening round of the tournament but despite leading their first round match 3-0 against Sheffield Hallam, Strathclyde had to concede the match, losing on a technicality 8-0.† This was the result of a mix up between the Sports Union offices at Strathclyde and Sheffield Hallam causing problems that were unbeknown to either team on the day.

In the Menνs Trophy both Stirling and Aberdeen universities were involved.† Stirling was drawn at home to Leicester but despite Scottish Universities Captain Jamie Neill (pictured)†leading the team with 2 wins, they were pipped 5-3 in the 3^rd set of the deciding match. Aberdeen men travelled to Northumbria only to lose 6-2.† The Menνs Shield involved Dundee and the Strathclyde 2nd team.† Dundee were drawn away against a strong Sunderland side and without having their three top players, including Alastair Hogg, the current Scottish Universities Mixed Champion, they lost 8-0.† Strathclyde were more fortunately drawn against Liverpool at home and had a comfortable 6-2 victory.† However, the next round saw them pitched against Sunderland and despite a valiant effort they were to lose 5-3.

In the Womenνs Championship Strathclyde and Aberdeen were involved.† Aberdeen was also drawn away against the strong Loughborough University.† The fixture took place on the day of the extreme snow and the team deserve a medal for travelling the 8 hour journey only to lose 6-2.† Strathclyde were more fortunate with their draw, travelling to Durham and winning 5-3.† In the next round they were to face the seeded Nottingham University at home.† Strathclyde won the match comfortably in the end 7-1.† In the semi-finals, Strathclyde were to face Loughborough who boasted the British Universities Ladies Singles Champion Jenny Day and county player Caroline Smith.† With a weakened team due to university study deadlines, the girls lost 6-2 with Victoria Wan and Laura Patterson winning 2 doubles.† Despite the loss this placed Strathclyde ladies in the top 4 university teams in Britain which is an excellent achievement.

Scotland was represented in the BUSA Ladies Trophy by Glasgow and Stirling Universities.† Glasgow were drawn away in the first round to Lancaster.† Unfortunately the strongest Glasgow ladies team was unable to travel due to various university commitments and the team lost 7-1.† Stirling were given a first round bye and were then drawn against Lancaster at home.† The girls put up a brave effort and drew 4-4 but lost out on a games count back.† In the BUSA Ladies Shield Robert Gordon were the only Scottish interest but after being drawn against Manchester University they lost out 7-1.


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