There were a number of successes for Colchester players at this year's Colchester and East Essex Badminton Federation tournament at the University of Essex.

The tournament draws in competitors from all over Essex and parts of Suffolk and was well contested in all events.

Highlights included Daniel Eghan regaining his singles title from two years ago by defeating Colchester's Simon Gilhooly in the final.

Eghan, who was top seed in the draw, had to fend off stiff competition in the semi-final from another Colchester player as he narrowly beat 14-year-old Joe Skornia, who, with good fitness, punched above his weight.

In the doubles, Eghan teamed up with Trevor Rogers to win the title, while the women's doubles was won by local pair Karen Wilson and Kate Balls. The ladies' singles event was won by Kate Taylor. Mayor of Colchester Ray Gamble handed out the trophies and stated how important the Colchester Open is.

essential He said: "Badminton is an important sport in the fraternity of sport generally. Competitions like this are essential to build up character, which is vital in all walks of life."

Colchester had more success the following day as the brother and sister pairing of Caroline and Ben Westley won the mixed doubles title with Mark Law and Kate Balls the runners-up. Tournament secretary John Stuck and former coach Bob Taylor presented trophies.

Plate competition winners: Men's singles plate: Adam Stringer. Ladies singles plate: Pam Titmus. Men's doubles plate: Ben Taylor and Joe Skornia. Ladies doubles plate: Jackie Woodrow and Georgina Jones. Mixed Doubles plate: Trevor Rogers and Elizabeth Rowland.