READING School left spectators in no doubt of their quality on a badminton court when putting up a successful defence of their KS3 National School Championship title.

And Reading, who saw three brothers – Alex, Toby and Merlin Dillingham – crowned champions last weekend, wrote their own slice of history by becoming the first school in the last 15 years of the championships to win both the KS3 and KS4 boys crowns on the same weekend.

It was a feat even head coach Steve Pedlow did not anticipate, but one they are well worthy of following big wins over established finalists – and one which also drew similarities across both days of competition.

In fact, Reading defeated Tapton School 3-2 to win the KS4 on Saturday and repeated the same trick with the same scoreline in Sunday’s upper age group, forcing Tapton to settle for silver again whilst Manchester Grammar School took bronze.

Captain Alex Dillingham said: “It feels good to win and I hope we can win it again next year at KS4. The win really promotes badminton in our school and it’s another trophy to enjoy.”

The finals weekend of the National Schools Championships were played out on the courts used by Olympians and the England squad – something that adds to the experience for pupils, some of whom are taking their first steps into competitive badminton.

Dillingham added: “It’s really cool knowing we’re playing on the same court the England stars play on every day”.

Meanwhile, neighbours Kendrick School competed in the KS3 girls tournament, finishing just outside the medals. They narrowly lost to eventual champions Arden Academy in the group stages but went on to win all their remaining matches and finish fourth.