THE Tyne Valley was well represented as Northumberland took on Yorkshire at U16 level.

The 10-10 draw saw impressive performances from both girls and boys as hard-fought points were grounded out in both singles and doubles matches.

The Shires League match concluded with Northumberland’s Charlotte Graham and Amy Ward winning both of their doubles matches to secure the draw.

The youngsters also excelled at a Badminton England National Bronze Circuit event, which took place in York.

Charlotte, who is from Hexham, and her doubles partner Tim Bodani, from Ponteland, won their mixed doubles group against the tournament’s number three seeds, from Yorkshire.

This booked them a place in the semi-finals, where they bowed out after defeat against a strong pair from Cheshire.

In the men’s singles, Tim performed well, again reaching the semi-finals.

In the women’s singles, Charlotte missed out on winning her group on points. However, she won a bronze medal in the doubles competition alongside Amy.

They were convincing winners of their group, with highlights including a victory against an older, more experienced pairing from Yorkshire,

Despite defeat at the semi-finals stage, the Northumberland pair took a lot from the tournament and are looking forward to their next competitive badminton.

There is a strong contingent of youngsters excelling at the sport. Many of them play and practise at Ponteland Leisure Centre.