THE region’s leading players battled for top honours when Harewood College hosted the Dorset Badminton Junior County Restricted Tournament.

Competition debutant Matthew Howcroft (Poole High) had a day to remember in the under-13 category as he defeated Ben Jarvis (Ferndown Upper) 15-9, 15-12 to take the singles title.

Matthew then combined with Ben to secure victory against Daniel Hart (Ballard School) and Jack Camsooksai (Poole Grammar) 15-9, 15-8 in the doubles.

Lily Stent emerged as one of the most successful performers as she walked away with prizes from the under-13 and under-15 age groups.

The Stent sisters took charge in the under-13 girls’ singles category with Lily (BSG) securing the trophy against Cherry (St Katharine’s) thanks to a 15-8, 15-2 win.

The girls’ doubles featured two players who are new to the county squad and both proved their ability to set up a thrilling final match.

Eventual winners Bethany Fry (West Moors Middle) and Jessica Wilson (Avonbourne) emerged victorious by overcoming Hetti Fox (St Michael’s, Wimborne) and Cherry Stent 8-15, 15-11, 15-14.

In the under-15 girls’ event, Willow Houlson took the singles crown, a step up from her win in the under-13s last year, by defeating Ali Donnelly 15-10, 16-14.

Both singles finalists featured in the girls’ doubles showpiece but were forced to settle for the runners-up spot against winners Lily Stent and Sophie Sawyer (both BSG) who triumphed 21-15.

Local England hotshot Jack MacGregor (BCS) only dropped 13 points in the initial box stage of the under-15 boys’ singles as he set up a final showdown with David Higbee (Poole Grammar). Jack managed to close out the match to secure a 15-5, 15-7 victory.

But David did not leave empty- handed as he then combined with Jack to win 21-19 in a fantastic doubles final against Harry Rowett (Burgate School) and Kaylan Jensen (BCS).

In the under-11 boys’ singles contest, Reuben Bodman swept through the box stage, only dropping 18 points in total, to set up a showdown against fellow school-mate Thomas Dickman. Reuben took the title with a 15-1, 15-8 win.

The duo (both Lytchett Matravers Primary) then went on to retain their under-11 boys’ doubles title by getting the better of Jake Prentice (Mudeford Junior) and Charlie Pye (Kinson Primary) 15-9, 15-10.

Rhiannon Lockie (Baden Powell & St Peter’s) won the under-11 girls’ singles crown thanks to a 15-6, 15-3 victory over her doubles partner Sophie Hillman (Our Lady & St Joseph’s Primary).

The pair then took the under-11 girls’ doubles championship after registering a 15-5, 15-7 victory against Ella Crossen-White (St Katharine’s) and Jasmine Wong (Broadstone).