GREAT ORME BADMINTON CLUB

Established 1999

The County Times 1999

CONWY COUNTY BADMINTON (Formerly West Clwyd and East Gwynedd. 1966 - 1999) 

As the millennium approaches let us reflect on the players who have made their name over the past 33 years.

First the player who was synonymous with style and deception, Mike Duncalf (pic right). Mike won a Welsh International Cap in 1964 and in his playing career went on to win 13 County Association tournament titles between 1966 - 1980, 7 men's doubles (Pickerring Trophy) with 3 different partners (inc. Andy Stewart) and 6 mixed doubles (Iolyn Bowl) again with 3 different partners. Mike was also a member of Conwy club who won the 1st division on 2 occasions and the Gibson cup on 1 occasion. J.M.Walker won 8 titles between 1966 - 1971, 5 mens doubles, the first three with Mike Duncalf and 3 mixed doubles.

After Mike Duncalf there was no dominance in the mens event until Andrew Chambers and Richard Eastwood (pic left). Andrew won his first title in the mixed doubles in 1977. He went on to win 13 titles between 1977 - 1999 winning the 13th this year, 7 mens doubles and 6 mixed doubles. Andrew is still a committed player and will be looking to win more tournaments. Richard Eastwood, although not winning as many titles as his partner Andrew, played at a higher level. Richard won 7 International Caps, the first cap awarded in 1980 and National mens doubles championship in 1980. He won 6 titles between 1982 - 1999, 5 mens doubles all with Andrew and 1 mixed doubles. Andrew and Richard are members of Stella Maris who have won the 1st division and the Gibson Cup on 5 occasions.

Andrew Spencer (pic left) took up the challenge and became in 1984 a Welsh International player. Andrew become the most successful player in the county winning 41 caps. He also won 6 senior National titles, 2 singles, 3 mens doubles and 1 mixed doubles. Andrew spent time living and training in the London area and did not compete in many local tournaments.

In the mid 80's Giles and Roger Pierce emerged to challenge Richard and Andrew for the mens doubles number 1 spot. Giles also become a Welsh International player winning 3 caps. He went on to win 5 tites between 1985 - 1997, 4 mens doubles and 1 (James Wiseman) senior open doubles. Giles and Roger were members of the Llanfairfechan club who won the 1st and premier division on 8 occasions and the Gibson cup on 3 occasions, only the Newborough Deganwy club has a better record with 13 1st division titles between 1954 - 1972.

Ian Roberts was the next player, winning 14 titles between 1985 - 1993, 2 mens doubles, 3 mixed doubles, 3 mens singles in the (Jim Wiseman) County championship, 3 mens doubles and 3 mixed doubles in the handicapped tournaments. 5 of the mixed doubles titles were with Karen Walford. Ian played for the Vadre club who won the 1st division on 4 occasions and the Gibson cup on 2 occasions.

Matthew Hughes (pic left) became the next player. Matthew is a current Welsh International player and has won 11 caps since his debut in 1997. Matthew currently lives and trains on a daily basis with the Welsh senior team in Cardiff, but has still won 3 titles between 1994 - 1999, 1 mixed doubles in the handicapped tournament and 2 singles in the (Jim Wiseman) County Championship.

The current mens number 1 is Neil Cottrill (pic left). Neil is an ex England international, Olympic Squad and World class player. After the 1996 Olympics he retired from England International badminton scene and moved to North Wales with his fiancé Nikki Hill. After they married he was asked to play for Wales, where he won 4 International caps in 1999 and he also won the senior mens doubles title. Neil has won 13 titles between 1996 - 1999, 1 mens singles, 2 mens doubles and 2 mixed doubles in the (Jim Wiseman) senior Open. Neil has not competed in the handicap tournaments.

Mrs P. Pierce and Miss E. Jones firstly dominate the ladies. Mrs Pierce won 5 titles between 1969 - 1972, 3 ladies doubles (Gibson Cup) and 2 mixed doubles. Miss Evans won 3 ladies doubles titles between 1969 - 1971.

Wendy Nash nee Robinson (pic far right) won 5 titles between 1968 - 1992, 4 ladies doubles and 1 mixed doubles.

Saundra Hoskins (pic right) then took over the mantle and won 6 titles between 1973 - 1977, 3 ladies doubles and 3 mixed doubles. Helen Shaklady (pic left) then become the number 1 lady. Helen won 1 international cap in 1980. In her career she won 5 ladies doubles titles between 1977 - 1987.

Sally Owen won her 1st ladies title in 1979 but won 4 more with Heather Youd nee Dale between 1979 - 1984. Pam Gibbons won 4 titles between 1980 - 1999, 1 ladies doubles and 3 mixed doubles.

From 1986, 2 players, Janet nee Evans and Nikki Cottrill nee Hill have dominated the ladies. Janet has won 26 titles between 1986 - 1999, 10 ladies doubles and 2 mixed doubles. In 1990 the (Jim Wiseman) County Championship started (it was not competed for in 1994) so in the 8 years it has been played, Janet has won 2 ladies singles, 6 ladies doubles and 2 mixed doubles. In 1997 the (James Wiseman) senior open started (ladies doubles was not contested in 1999, Janet and Nikki were the only entries), Janet has won 2 ladies doubles and 2 mixed doubles. Janet plays for Llanfairfechan club and has won 9 1st division battles and the Gibson Cup on 4 occasions. Playing with Nikki she has won 15 other of her 18 ladies doubles titles. She is still a committed player for both club and county in which she has been a member of the team that has won the Welsh Inter County 1st division on a number of occasions. Nikki has mirrored Janet's achievements at local level winning 24 titles. Nikki, who is now a mum, has a distinction of being the youngest player to play for Wales when she played in Ireland with u - 14 team (before U -11 and U 13 squads were formed) when only twelve years old and went on to win 3 National titles. She also represented Wales at senior level in 1996 Of her 24 titles she has won 8 ladies doubles and 3 mixed doubles. In the (Jim Wiseman) County Championship she has won 2 ladies singles, 5 ladies doubles and 2 mixed doubles and in the (James Wiseman) senior open she has won 1 ladies singles, 2 ladies, and 1 mixed doubles. Nikki played for the Llanfairfechan Club and has won 8 premier and 1st division titles as well as Gibson cup on 4 occasions. Nikki is still a member of the county team and has won the Welsh Inter County 1st division on a number of occasions.

Karen Roberts with 3 ladies doubles titles could be the next dominant lady. Karen however divides her time with her main sport, netball, where she is a current Welsh International player. Unfortunately Karen, unlike all the other ladies mentioned, has not got a regular partner of her own age and ability. These results only apply to county Association Handicap Tournaments, the (Jim Wiseman) senior county tournament and the Welsh national championship.

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Not mentioned above, but arguably one of the most naturally talented players in the County's history is Roy Williams (pic left) . Aged 18 he won the 1976 Welsh Junior singles in South Wales beating Phil Sutton (who went on to be a top 10 world singles player).

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Conwy County Team Honours

Division 1 League Champions           H.M. Gibson Cup Winners