Shepparton welcomed a major influx of competitors for a fast and furious day on the badminton courts at the weekend.
It was hot on the indoor courts on Saturday, March 15, as 32 teams descended upon Shepparton Sports Stadium for a frenetic and high-octane event.
At stake was the Shepp Feathers Champions Trophy, naturally through the Shepp Feathers Badminton Club, with more than five hours of non-stop swings and smashes on the day.
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Donal Shiju of Shepp Feathers is up and about going airborne. Photo by Martin PhotographyImage 2 of 11
Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MP helps present the runner-up award. Photo by Martin PhotographyImage 3 of 11
GSCC Mayor Shane Sali bestowed winning prizes to the victorious duo. Photo by Martin PhotographyImage 4 of 11
Agna Shinto performs her matchday duties as host and facilitator. Photo by Martin PhotographyImage 5 of 11
Fred and Peter Fisher have their court positions well set. Photo by Martin PhotographyImage 6 of 11
Anil Devassy and Antony Jones of Shepp Feathers stand strong laterally. Photo by Martin PhotographyImage 7 of 11
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell and State Member for Shepparton Kim O'Keeffe offered their support on the day. Photo by Martin PhotographyImage 8 of 11
Kim O'Keeffe MP distributes the third-placed award. Photo by Martin PhotographyImage 9 of 11
Adarsh Madaguddanahally Shivanna extends to play the shuttlecock back. Photo by Martin PhotographyImage 10 of 11
Dillan Biju of Shepp Feathers goes whack with an enormous serve. Photo by Martin PhotographyImage 11 of 11
It was a well-attended day all round with Shepp Feathers executives alongside a raft of political figures. Photo by Martin PhotographyThere was plenty of notable attendance for the extravaganza as well, with City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali on hand for proceedings alongside Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell, Member for Northern Victoria Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell and state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe.
Thirteen of the 32 competing teams belonged either to Shepp Feathers or Shepparton Badminton Association, meaning the trophy spawned massive interest with more than half of the aspirants hailing from elsewhere.
Shepp Feathers president Biju John was glowing in his review of Saturday’s play, not only providing enthusiasts a worthy spectacle, but a chance to get away from the hot sun for their high-octane entertainment.
There was more than local pride or the chance to prove oneself at the top of the burgeoning local badminton mountain, though.
The top three sides when racquets fell silent walked away with sizeable cash prizes, the winning duo of Adarsh Madaguddanahally Shivanna and Tom Thomas pocketing a cool $1500 for their troubles presented by Birrell.
Runners-up Jinu Varghese and Paul Joy left the complex $1000 better off, while $750 went to the final podium placing.