Scoil Dara A battled hard against Scoil Dara B to secure a place in the final next Wednesday at the Terenure Badminton Centre.
Report by: Gemma Downing
Scoil Dara A battled hard against Scoil Dara B to secure a place in the final next Wednesday at the Terenure Badminton Centre.
The tournament began with four singles games. First, Dhanistha Joshi took to the court against Laura Vacaru. Dhanishta led throughout, with Laura fighting back to close the gap. They swapped sides with the score at 20–2. In the second half, excellent points were scored on both sides, but Dhanishta came out on top, taking the win for the A team with a final score of 30–10.
Next, Stania Stalin for the A team faced Rashmika Das for the B team. This game caused great excitement among the spectators. As the shuttlecock flew back and forth, the scores stayed unbelievably close, with both sides fighting for the win. In the end, Rashmika edged out a thrilling victory for the B team with a score of 28–30.
With two wins apiece, the doubles match created a nervous tension for all players. Dhanishta and Nikhiya Mathew for the A team faced Laura and Rashmika for the B team in a thrilling final game. The A team took an early lead, with the B team not far behind. At half-time, the score was 15–7, and it looked as if the A team would take the win. However, the B team rose to the occasion, bringing the score back to a tie and even pulling ahead 19–24. Some beautiful points were scored by both Dhanistha and Laura.
Not wanting to lose their chance at the final, the A team fought their way back to secure a dramatic 30–28 victory. With their other doubles team also putting in a stellar performance, Scoil Dara A secured their place in the badminton final next week.
Well done to all players involved, to Ms Jenkins, and to the umpires Noku, Darren, Seamus, and Adhiti. Best of luck to the A team in next week’s final!
Scoil Dara Girls’ Badminton Semi-Finals – 29th January
The girls’ semi-final matches delivered thrilling rallies, impressive teamwork, and some truly nail-biting finishes at the Scoil Dara badminton courts.
Report by Orla McFall
Singles Match 3: Mariah Panakal vs Sofia Cunha
The match opened strongly for Sofia, who raced to a 3–0 lead within the first three minutes. Mariah soon found her rhythm, and by the court swap Sofia’s Team B held a 15–10 advantage. The second half of the match saw both players battling fiercely, but Mariah’s determination shone through. She powered past her opponent to claim victory for Team A, finishing 30–25. Spectators agreed that both players did Scoil Dara proud.
Singles Match 4: Nikiya Mathew vs Fujiko Baylon Papp
From the opening points, this clash promised excitement. Fujiko secured the first two scores, but Nikiya quickly caught up. At the court switch, Team B’s Fujiko led 14–9. The second half was a tense back-and-forth, with both players scoring sixteen points apiece. Fujiko ultimately held her lead, closing out the match 30–25 for Team B.
Doubles Match 2: Mariah Panakal & Stania Stalin (Team A) vs Sofia Cunha & Fujiko Baylon Papp (Team B)
The doubles contest was a showcase of skill and teamwork. Team B struck first with two early points, but Team A quickly responded to level the score. The crowd was treated to breathtaking rallies, particularly Mariah’s remarkable save before Team B’s 11th point. By the court swap, Team A edged ahead 14–12. The second half saw points traded tirelessly, each side refusing to give in. In the end, Team A’s combination of sharp technique and cohesive teamwork secured a 30–27 victory.
Across all matches, the Scoil Dara girls demonstrated exceptional commitment, skill, and sportsmanship, leaving supporters in awe of their determination and talent.
