Badminton Oliver scores title hat-trick LYTHAM lad Oliver Hives has proved the pride of Lancashire on the badminton court. The 12-year-old was a triple champion in the under-13 county tournament at Kirkby on Merseyside. Oliver, who attends Lytham St Annes HS and lives in Bedford Road, started with the boys’ singles title and then shared the boys doubles and mixed doubles. From 17-7 down in the singles, he staged a cracking comeback to win through to the final 21-20 and took the crown with a comprehensive 21-14 victory. He and James Gregory swept to the doubles 21-12 and Oliver then teamed up with Caroline Paluch to overpower Chorley opposition 21-14 in the mixed. Oliver plays for Lancashire under-13s and his success is testimony to expert coaching from BAE Club’s Mike Cooper and Dorothy Barratt and Colin Houghton, a former national champion and Commonwealth Games gold medalist. Lytham’s Oliver Hives Email us and tell us about your stories!