The Frantic Fairywrens flew home with the annual Great Southern Badminton Association division one title after a nailbiting last round victory over Old Ducks at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre.

The top three were all decided in the final outings as Fairywrens, who included Albany shuttlers Brad Mertens, Vincent Phan and Michelle Watson, finished 15 points ahead of nearest rivals the Baskin Robins.

Third were the Old Ducks, who gathered 102 points from their six rounds compared to the Fairywrens’ 138 and the Robins’ 123.

Watson, chair of the GSBA, said the event had exceeded expectations.

“We’ve got 90 people taking part who have come from all over WA,” she said.

“On the whole, people just love coming down to Albany because it’s fun and people just enjoy coming down here.”

The event is unusual because entrants are put into teams by organisers according to their ability.

It means teaming up with partners on the hoof and getting to know each other as the shuttles fly.

Albany-based competitor Shannen Higgenson said the format made for close matches.

“Badminton is for anyone,” she said.

“The goal is always to have fun.

“Our committee does a fantastic job of matching like-for-like players, so it’s never an easy win, and if it’s a loss, it’s a close loss.”

Higgenson was in action for the Spangled Drongos, who finished fifth with 70 points.

The Preening Peacocks were fourth on 73 points with Grumpy Coots sixth on 67 and Emu Bitters seventh with 57.

The Scintillating Spinebills won division two.