BROMSGROVE'S Dolphin Badminton Club aim to kick-start their season when it resumes this Sunday.

The teams have all struggled with injury and availability problems during 2001 but the New Year brings fresh hope with the return of Lee Miles, Pete Scarle and Mike Bennison to full fitness.

The Ladies' First team remain the torchbearers of the club.

Captain and county Seconds player Ellen Porter has taken the team into the Premier Division of the Worcester League.

New pairings and the loss of key individuals made for a difficult start but Ellen, Sally Finden, Alison McLaughlin, and Linda Smith are beginning to gel.

The junior ladies are competing well in Division Two A in their first season together.

After two narrow defeats and a draw, captain Christine Ashworth believes the young team are developing well.

The two mixed teams compete in Divisions One and Three A. The Firsts have struggled this season with injury but have been fortunate to play just three games - recording a win and two defeats.

The return of captain Lee Miles will give a significant boost if he can recapture his previous form.

With the contributions made by Chris Winch and Sally Finden at third pair and the reliable Mike Bennison and Ellen Porter at first pair, 2002 promises much.

The mixed Seconds of Pete Scarle/Sam Ralphs, (captain) Mike Smith/Tina Jennings, and Javid Iqbal/Christine Ashworth are well placed having had two resounding victories and two marginal defeats.

The Men's First team have consistently been the bridesmaids of Division Two A.

Runners-up in the previous three seasons, they were looking to go one better this time.

A new line-up of pairings has brought mixed results but they remain title contenders having won three and lost one. They will be looking to avenge that defeat when Worcester visit the Dolphin Centre.

The Seconds aim to introduce new members to the competitive side of badminton. The team in Division Three A gives the club a bridge between social badminton and those who would like to progress and learn.

Skipper Nigel Porter, with stalwarts Paul Harbach and Steve Ross, maintain a fun element with a competitive edge.

If you want to develop your skills beyond social play, why not give Dolphin Badminton Club a try in the excellent facilities at the Dolphin Centre, in School Drive, between 6.30pm and 9.30pm on Sundays?