PREMIUM
Sport

Cobram junior badminton celebrates its young stars

State finalists: The CAGS team of Caitlin Welch, Emily Orsida, Natasha Smith and Cadence Pang were state finalists in senior girls’ badminton for 2023. Photo by Contributed

Cobram’s Friday Night Badminton at the Cobram Sports Stadium wound up the season on a high, celebrating the achievements of their young stars.

Year 12 students, Cadence Pang, Natasha Smith and Martin Kong were recognised for their loyalty, dedication and leadership to junior badminton, having joined the club at a young age.

All three achieved at the highest level and were presented with trophies signifying their achievement, sportsmanship and leadership qualities.

The club wished them well in their tertiary studies and badminton future.

Trophies identifying promising talent for 2023 were won by Jordan Talbot, Fletcher Davies, Melody Su, Leah Willis and Jessica and Vanessa Voeurn.

Upcoming talent: Cobram badmington Most Promising Players in Secondary School Age Group were Leah Willis, Jessica and Vanessa Voeurn. Photo by Contributed

These players have shown significant improvement in their game and no doubt will be keen to reach success at the highest level in the years to come.

Encouragement Awards were presented to Herbie Euston, Harry Thompson, Qisha Adbullah and Ally Stillard who have worked hard to improve their game throughout the year.

Great work: Encouragement Awards recipients Herbie Euston, Harry Thompson (Olivia accepting the trophy on her brother's behalf) and Ally Stillard. Photo by Contributed

It was exciting to see the huge steps they have made.

The Su Family were rewarded for their regular attendance throughout the season with Melody, Bosco and Jordan taking home the Attendance Award for Junior, Intermediate and Senior Age Groups respectively.

The Su family: Melody, Jordan and Bosco Su win the season's award for attendance. Photo by Contributed

The 2023 Serving Award was won by talented youngster Maddix Kong.

Great achievement: Maddix Kong is the Serving Champion for 2023. Photo by Contributed

Following in his brother Martin’s footsteps, he is shaping up to be one of the stars of the future.

The final night for 2023 saw the End of Season Singles Championships contested.

Cobram Badmington 2023: Cobram badmington B Grade Girls and Boys Singles Champions - Jessica Voeurn and Bosco Su Photo by Contributed

The open winners were Martin Kong and Caitlin Welch.

Stars: Caitlin Welch and Martin Kong Photo by Contributed

Caitlin was in fine form after having recently competed at the State Schools Badminton Teams Event at Albert Park with her CAGS Senior Girls teammates, Cadence Pang, Natasha Smith and Emily Orsida as the number one in the team which covered themselves in glory to be ranked fourth in the state.

Cobram Badmington 2023: Year 12 students, Martin Kong, Natasha Smith, Cadence Pang were presented with Trophies for Achievement, Sportsmanship and being superb role models as Members of the Junior Badminton. Photo by Contributed

Certainly a magnificent achievement for a small country town.

Martin is an exceptional talent and throughout the year has been a class above the adult players. Martin has also been a fantastic support to his peers in the CAGS Senior Girls badminton team.

The A-grade boys’ competition was won by Aden Modderkolk in a thrilling final against Nathan Gossayn 15-13. His natural talent and his achievement in the older age group is to be commended.

Champion: A-grade boys’ singles champion Aden Modderkolk. Photo by Contributed

Melissa Voeurn snatched the A-grade Girls’ title from Leah Willis. Both girls are developing their game quickly and will be a force to be reckoned with in the Regional Schools competitions in 2024.

The A-grade: Melissa Voeurn, A-grade Girls’ singles champion Photo by Contributed

B-grade Boys was won by Bosco Su with a perfect score in a hard-fought competition with Maddix Kong and Coen Pang, whilst Jessica Voeurn stole the honours from her sister Vanessa in the B-grade Girls.

It was exciting to see Ben Dean, a newcomer to the sport in the second half of the season, take out the B-reserve Boys’ comp. Ben has come along in ‘leaps and bounds’ and certainly has a future in badminton.

Promising star: Melody Su was named Most Promising Player for 2023 in the Primary School Age Group. Photo by Contributed

C-grade Girls saw Melody Su complete a fine season, taking home the title whilst Coen Pang was in a class of his own, taking home the C-grade Boys’ title. Coen who is in Year 5 competes regularly with the Year 7 boys and shows exceptional talent for his years.

Cobram Badmington 2023: Cobram badmington C-grade Girls’ Melody Su, B-reserve Boys’ Ben Dean and C-grade Boys’ Coen Pang, 2023 singles champions. Photo by Contributed

A great season was wound up with supper and presentation of trophies with happy youngsters keen to return in 2024.