1981 Southland Badminton Champs to start....

The Southland B Grade, Open and U 19 badminton championships to be held at Surrey Park.

The B Grade championships had received good entries for the 1981 tournament with 31 entries in the mens and 20 in the womens singles.
Daryl Paskell has gained the top seeding in the Men's event. Judging the fine display he has in his attacking form throughout the inter club competition he will prove a formidable opponent.
Second seed, John Brown (St Marys) has the ability to upset Paskell, but his retrieving ability may not be enough to cope with the flair and control that several others possess.
Lindsay Salton and Lindsay Holden are third and fourth seeds, respectively. Both are capable of playing steady badminton, which often in this grade proves the decider. 
Although unseeded, Ricky Smith, John Cournane and Alan Thompson will add interest.
The Women's single should provide some entertaining badminton especially with the prospect of 14 year old Cara Brown taking out the title.
Cara (Surrey Park) although seeded second has the ability and temperament to outclass the field, and could become one of the youngest title holder in the grade. 
Charlene Manaena, Pam Thomas and Lorna Surgenor are others to gain favour with the seeding committee, but can expect spirited competition from Kay Georgel and Fiona and Ashley Robb, all of who have shown good form throughout the season. 
The men's doubles events have seen some interesting pairings, but Daryl Paskell and John Brown should be the favourites to take out the title. They can expect strong opposition from Alan Thompson and Danny Wehi and Rickey Smith and Lindsay Salton who have shown marked improvements in recent weeks.