Wayne Pope wins Southland C Grade Badminton in 1968.....

Southland had their C and D grade championships in 1968 with the most interest being in the C Grade men's games where 17 year old Wayne Pope beat F. Cournane of Oteramika 21-12

The two competitors have always been evenly matched with Cournane having the advantage when playing close to the net.  So it was good tactics for Pope to ensure his game got good length to keep Cournane on the back line as much as possible.  He managed to be ahead 10-0 and grew with confidence to take the final.
The women's final was won by I. Shand of Oteramika, who beat Mrs R. Troon of All Saints 15-4.
Miss Shand started the best and once ahead kept the pressure on her opponent, and although Mrs Troon tried to combat the strong game played by Shand - there was nothing she could do to stop the flow.
It was Oteramika in the women's doubles with Shand and Mrs Lawson to beat Mrs M. Jackson and Mrs F. Whelan (All Saints).
R. Horrell and K. Stuart from Riverton won the men's doubles over F. Cournane and N. Lawson.
Horrell then combined with Miss B. Stuart and took out the mixed doubles.
They beat N. Anderson and Miss S. Adamson 21-19.
The men's D. grade was won by B. Elder of Riversdale and he then combined with Miss D. Shaw to take the mixed doubles and then also won the men's handicap single and was heavily punished with a severe minus points.
​

---

Nigel Skelt at 11 years old wins NZ under 13 singles badminton in 1968.....

At just eleven years old, Nigel Skelt won the New Zealand under 13 badminton final in 1968. He beat R. Mein of Wellington 15-1, 15-0.
Others competing in the tournament were:
C. Bullen, (Auckland), B. Whyte (Southland), E. Bint (Taranaki), L. Gow (Auckland), W, Greaves, M. Weatherston, (Otago).
D. Curtin (West Coast).
W. Petroz (Taranaki), M. Skeen (Auckland), I. Elder (Southland), S. Gloyn (Manawatu), 

Reference:  Nigel Skelt Wins NZ Title.  The Southland Times  June 1968