THE Swash family dominated the annual North East Wales Handicap Tournament.

Players from Hawarden, Mold, Buckley, Eros and Llanferres club sides battled it out for silverware at the tournament staged at Deeside Leisure Centre.

Father and son duo, Andy and Matthew Swash (+9), led the way for the Swash's with victory in the men's doubles competition, beating Owain Astley and Jim Williams (-2) in the final.

It was then the turn of a female member of the Swash family to take centre stage as Wendy combined with Hazel Hyslop (+9) to win the ladies doubles event.

The victorious duo got the better of Louise Cothier and Carol Hughes (+4) in the final to take the title.

And husband and wife partnership, Andy and Wendy, completed a clean sweep of silverware for the Swash's as they combined to win the mixed doubles event.

Taking advantage of their +8 handicap, Andy and Wendy managed to come out on top in a match full of long rallies and powerful hitting against mother and son duo Trish and Liam Hird (-4), winning 21/19, 21/11.

North East Wales association team manager Heather Astley, meanwhile, had to use all of her organisational skills to put together a competitive team for the recent Badminton England League fixtures.

With a number of regular players missing through illness or injury, Astley's side were up against it as they tackled Shropshire and Staffordshire.

The new-look team combined to play exceptionally well against Shropshire, Astley's side running out 8-3 winners.

Unfortunately, the Ellen Liddle inspired Welsh outfit were unable to continue that form against Staffordshire, and despite fighting for every point, they were beaten 9-2.

Player of the match Liddle was well supported by team mates James Hulley, Jess Markey, Jess Ding, Stuart Mears, Jamie Noble, Owain Astley and Fiona Reid.