Cornwall Badminton

CORNWALL UNDER-21 CHAMPIONSHIPS, 2011/2012

2012-01-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

ROSS LASHBROOK AND JOHANNA PHILP LIFT BLUE RIBBAND SINGLES TITLES.

A RECORD ENTRY was recorded for the Cornwall Under-21 Badminton Championships, 2011/2012, with over 40 competitors competing in the five disciplines of play, on January 2, at the Tregorrick Park Sports Centre, St Austell, which provided the excellent location for some fantastic matches, which bodes well for the Duchy’s future, writes Kelvin Edwards.

In the Men’s Singles, Liam Sillifant from Launceston, although only Under- 15, proved himself well in reaching the quarter finals. With the exception of an under-the-weather Sam Spencer (First Edition), the four seeds took their places for the semi finals. A great tussle between Josh Pearce (St Austell) and Kris Japer, an up-and-coming Under-17 from Launceston, provided the first shock of the day, with Kris winning through against the number two seed in straight sets.

The other semi was the clash of the big hitters with Cornwall First Teamer, Ross Lashbrook, from Launceston and Chris Glasson (Tecans), providing an excellent match, full of fast rallies and big jump smashes, a real crowd pleaser. Ross ran out the winner, and the defending champion showed no mercy in the final against his club-mate, Kris, with his experience dominating the game, crowning him champion with a 21/14, 21-13 win.

Ladies’ Singles – an array of fantastic ties:
The Ladies’ Singles also provided some fantastic ties and proved the strength of Cornish Youth Badminton (CYB), with five of the eight quarter finalists being Under-17, or younger. Amy Polglase (First Edition), an Under-13 player, gave an excellent performance, worthy of note, gaining her last eight place by beating the seeded Lorna Garbett. Amy then lost out in the quarter finals to Under-17 Hester Luke (Mount’s Bay) in a contest that went right to the wire. Kellen Moore (First Edition) also proved to her doubles partner, Amy that she can beat the seeds, by taking her place in the semi-finals with a 21/15, 21/13 victory over Daphne Luke (Mount’s Bay).

The semi finals was just a little out of range far for Hester and Kellen with the top seeds, Jo Philp (Camelford) and Bron Wotton (First Edition) winning through in straight sets. The final was another contest of a rivalry that has spanned many years and with some hard fought rallies, Jo successfully defended her title with a 21/14, 21/15 success over Bron.

The Men’s Doubles saw Josh Pearce and Chris Glasson, the favourites and the Ross Lashbrook and Sam Spencer combination, the number two seeds, take up their position in the final untroubled. However, Jake Brazewell and Ben Johnson, Cornish Under-17 players, gave pleasing performances, by gaining their place in the semi finals after battling through from the middle of the draw. The final proved a superb spectacle with evidence of good tactical play alongside hard-hitting and counter defence, with Ross and Sam running out the eventual winners, 21/17, 21/10.

There were some explosive rallies and some upsets in the Ladies’ doubles. The number two seeds Bron Wotton and Daphne Luke went out in a nail- biting three end encounter to Under-17 Rachel Collard and Hannah Robertson. This set up a semi final against Kellen Moore and Amy Polglase who after some exceptionally long rallies took their place in the final. In the other half of the draw, Jo Philp and Abi Logg (Launceston), the number one seeds, earned their place in the final after an equally lengthy and tense tussle against the duo of Lorna Garbett and Claire Whitmore.

Ladies’ Doubles Final proves dramatic:
The final proved no less dramatic with the younger players, Moore and Polglase defying the number one seeds of a walk-over, with a gritty performance. However, tactically the number ones out-positioned their younger opponents and, by no means easily, secured the final, 23/21, 21/19.

Mixed attracts sixteen pairs:
No less than 16 pairs started out for the mixed doubles event, and the large crowd of supporters and spectators were treated to some outstanding contests.

Indeed, the seeding committee must have been happy with their predictions as the four seeds dutifully took their places for the semi finals. Jo Philp and Chris Glasson held on to secure their slot in the final, narrowly defeating Josh Pearce and Lorna Garbett, 25/23. Bron Wotton and Ross Lashbrook had it slightly easier, but it did not all go their way and found Beth Rich (Mount’s Bay) and Chris Grout (Launceston) extremely tricky.

The final of the Mixed Doubles, between the Philp/Glasson and Wotton/Lashbrook Outfits, will now be contested on Friday, February 17, at Polkyth Leisure Centre, St. Austell, starting at 7.00 pm. This promises to be an event “not to be missed”, entry is free, but arrive early to secure your seat!

Indeed, Jo Philp and Ross Lashbrook, in their partnerships, will be bidding for a personal hat-trick, apiece, on this date.

Finally, a massive thank you to Dave Spencer and Emily James for their tireless work on the running of the event; it would not have not been possible to run the proceedings without them. Also, to Paul and the Management & Staff of Tregorrick Park for providing such a professional approach to the Championships.

CORNWALL’S BADMINTON VETS SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND

2012-01-10T01:30:00.000-08:00

Badminton’s over 45 and 60s teams had a great weekend of veterans badminton in Bournemouth, playing against other counties from all over the south and west over 2 days of top class play.

The 60s team, led by Brian Hannibal, came an excellent 2nd in their group, after some tense and exciting battles against the likes of Devon, Sussex, Surrey and Dorset.

The 45s team, playing in this age group for the first time, finished a very creditable 3rd, following some close encounters with Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight.The annual weekend, organised by Badminton England, is always an enjoyable feast of badminton where the counties’ top vets display their skill and cunning in competitive matches, as well as their best moves on the dance floor on the Saturday night.

Not only did Cornwall’s teams do well on court, they were also voted best-dressed county, in their immaculate evening finery, and smart new daytime playing shirts.

Team photos left to right:

Cornwall 45s – Alan Riggs, Lorna Riggs, Pete Bazin, Sue Biscoe, Adam Widdison, Jan Santillo, Bob Bell, Lynda Beer

Cornwall 60s – George Whetter, Celia Hilman, Chris Marr, Brian Hannibal, Pat Edwards, Vera Nancekivell, Bill Edgar, Phil Oland

JUNIOR BADMINTON

2011-12-31T01:18:00.000-08:00

FOLLOWING a resounding away win over a weakened Avon County, in November, the Cornwall Youth Badminton Under-13 Team, sponsored by Dairy Crest Davidstow, producers of Cornish Cathedral City Cheese, came back down to earth, when they entertained Devon - going down by 24 rubbers to 12, in the South West Counties Junior Badminton League Fixture.

In an absorbing encounter, played at Truro School, on December 18, the experience of the Visiting Outfit shone through, with the Devon cream seen to rise to the top, writes John Tresidder, with Kerry Sillifant.

The Visitors’ selected a very strong contingent of Boys, especially but their Cornish opponents went down, pluckily, in all the six rubbers. Truro’s Tim Wyatt, went the closest, before losing, 22-20, 15-21, 23-21.

The Host’s Girls fared much better, harvesting 4/6 singles rubbers, with their Polly Morris and Flossie Cameron-Webb, both securing victories in a deciding third end of play.

Therefore, Devon led 8-4, following the opening singles events, which are always seen to be of a paramount importance, psychologically.

The Boys’ Doubles rubbers saw the Tyler Sillifant/Ollie Cavil partnership winning the Duchy’s sole match - against the Devon number thee pair, with Devon securing five rubbers out of six and remaining dominant throughout.

However, the Danny Alford/Charlie Newman partnership were seen to go to three exciting games against the Visitors No, 3 team, before going down, narrowly, 21-19, 18-21, 21-18.

Duchy Girls fared better:

In the Girls’ Doubles, Kernow fared much better, winning 6/9 rubbers, with strong performances from the Beth Rutter/Sarah Frost and Polly Morrris/Cara Thompson combinations, with Amy Polglase and Flossie Cameron-Webb, taking all of their matches in two straight ends of play.

The Mixed Doubles Events, which acted as the culmination, saw the Devon Boys’ strength and experience coming to the fore, once more, to help win five events, with the Duchy’s Tyler Sillifant and Amy Polglase picking up the number one mixed in three games.

Congratulations are due to Sam Tucker, who gained his first Cornwall County cap.

Finally, the Cornwall Under-13’s hope to return to winning ways, when they take on Somerset, at Truro School, on Sunday, January 29, starting at 12.00 noon.

Team co-captains: Tyler Sillifant and Amy Polglase.

Team co-managers: Kerry Sillifant and John Polglase.

Amy and Kellen, aged 12 and 13, respectively, making debut appearances in Under-21 Badminton Champs:

MEANWHILE, the Cornwall Under-21 Badminton Championships, 2011/2012, are being staged at the Tregorrick Parc, St. Austell Rugby Club Sports Hall - tomorrow (Monday, January 2).

Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles, five disciplines, in total, are on the full programme-of-play, which gets underway at 9.00 am, with supporters and spectators being most welcome, as usual.

Johanna Philp, aged 18, a Midwifery student at Truro College and Ross Lashbrook - who turn out for the Cornwall Chiefs - will be defending their blue ribband singles titles.

Camborne Science College badminton stars, Amy Polglase and Kellen Moore, aged 12 and 13, respectively, coached by Clif Morcom (Redruth), are both making debut appearances in the Championships.

After playing their beloved sport for two years, only, this U-21 Event will prove invaluable in the Girls' remarkable development, including for Miss Polglase installed recently, as the BADMINTON England No 8, in Girls' Under-13 Singles.

GREAT WIN FOR CORNWALL

2011-12-19T01:28:00.000-08:00

Cornwall’s best badminton players took on Berkshire, who had made the long journey west, sitting at the top of the Division 3 league last Sunday.

This proved a tense, exciting clash of two talented sides battling for supremacy at the halfway stage of the season which kept the crowd enthralled throughout the afternoon.

Cornwall made a dominant start in the singles to make it 3-1, after Shane Maton, James Whetter and Jo Philp played superbly to see off their opponents, and Bronwen Wotton just losing to a mobile, tricky Berks player.

The Cornish men kept the winning theme going as the established pair of James and Guy Michell powered their way to 2 victories, and Tom Lyle and Ross Lashbrook winning one of their games in fine style before succumbing unluckily to the first mens pair.

The Duchy’s ladies were up against it, as Berkshire took 3 of the 4 games, although Jo and Emily James did extremely well to beat the first pair in 3 very close ends, and Bronwen and Vicki Thomas came agonisingly close to winning against the 2nd pair, in a nail-biting 3 ender.

So with the match score at 7-5, Cornwall needed just the one mixed doubles for victory. The watching crowd became more and more tense as Berkshire took 2 of the games to tie the score, and it came down to Cornwall’s top mixed pair, James and Jo to win for the team. This they did, of course, in 3 ends much to everyone’s relief and gratitude – a great win for Cornwall 8-7.

This outcome makes the teams tied on top of the Division going into the Christmas break, and makes the second half of the season a mouth-watering prospect.

Team – Shane Maton, James Whetter, Guy Michell, Tom Lyle, Ross Lashbrook, Jo Philp, Bronwen Wotton, Emily James, Vicki Thomas.

CORNWALL 1 V SOMERSET

2011-12-05T14:47:00.000-08:00

Cornwall’s top badminton team maintained their winning ways, with an excellent home victory over the visiting Somerset team at Polkyth last Sunday (4th December), 11-4, gaining maximum points and moving them to second in the league behind the powerful Berkshire side, who they play next on 18th December.

All four Cornish singles players won, giving a fantastic 4-0 start to the match, 3 of the games going to the wire, with Shane Maton, Jo Philp and Bronwen Wotton being victorious in three close ends, and James Whetter taking his game comfortably in two.

James teamed up once again with Guy Michell to power their way through both mens doubles, equalled by the newer pairing of Shane and Ross Lashbrook Both pairs looked impressively invincible and the Somerset boys had no answer to the attacking badminton on display.

Cornwall’s ladies doubles players were up against some experienced Somerset girls, who proved too strong for Jo and Rachel Irish, although Bron and Vicki Thomas faired better by just taking an exciting 3 ender against the second Somerset pair, saving match points along the way to the delight of the partisan crowd. Bron and Vicki were unlucky not to push the first pair all the way in their other game.

The match score stood at 9-3 going into the mixed doubles – Cornwall having won the match but needing one more game to secure maximum points. All three games went to three ends to keep the watchers on edge, but James and Jo, and Guy and Rachel won through, and Ross and Bron were very unlucky to miss out on winning a fine close game.

Congratulations to Shane, James and Guy on their 100% performance, and well done to the whole team for a thrilling result. All spectators are welcome to the final game before Christmas, a potential top of the table clash with Berkshire at Polkyth on 18th December at 1pm.

Under 13's Cornwall v Avon

2011-12-05T14:28:00.000-08:00

The jubilant Cornwall Youth Badminton Under-13 Team, sponsored by Dairy Crest Davidstow, after defeating Avon County, by 35 rubbers to 1.

Cornwalls Under 13 Badminton team made the long journey to Avon on Sunday 13th November for their first match of the season.

The team of 6 boys and 6 girls made a fantastic start taking all but one of the singles games, Avon put up a fight but the determination of the Cornish youngsters paid off and they went on to win the remainder of all the doubles and mixed doubles games to take a 35-1 victory.

Good performances from the Boys Captain Tyler Sillifant and the Girls Captain Amy Polglase who both won their matches in 2 ends not allowing the opposition into double figures
In the girls singles Cara Thompson held her nerve going into a third end which she then won comfortably 21-7

Avon were unable to field a full team of girls so they played 3 players from the girls under 15’s. Beth Sarah and Polly played these singles matches and won them a fantastic achievement. Beth went to 3 ends in her match and showed true determination and focus to emerge victorious after taking the final end 21-18.

Newcomers Flossie Cameron Webb and Charlie Newman were paired with Amy Polglase and Tyler Sillifant respectively for their level doubles games and the new partnerships proved successful as they won all of their doubles games in 2 ends

Danny Alford and Tim Wyatt both in their debuts for Cornwall Successfully won all of their doubles matches again in 2 ends.

There was a nail-biting 3 ender in the boys doubles between Cornwall’s number 3 pair and Avon’s number 1’s but the committed doubles play of Mark Pearson and Ollie Cavil saw them take the 2nd end 24-22 and then storm to victory in the 3rd end winning 21-10

Going into the mixed doubles Cornwall had already won the match but that didn’t stop the Cornish youngsters going out and taking all the mixed matches in two ends,

A Fantastic victory for the Cornish team and a great start to the season.

Boys team: Tyler Sillifant (capt), Charlie Newman, Tim Wyatt, Danny Alford, Ollie Cavil and Mark Pearson.
Girls Team: Amy Polglase (capt), Cara Thompson, Polly Morris, Flossie Cameron-Webb, Beth Rutter and Sarah Frost

Avon Boys: James Eastland, Thomas Watkins, Ian Dafilmoto, Paul Mc Crimmond, Patrick Foley, Susan Canagarason
Avon Girls: Lucy Gorham, Abi Kemp, Amea Feron, Ellie Lewis, Eleanor Beasley, Amy Wilson

U21 Closed Championships

2011-12-05T13:15:00.000-08:00

The CCBA 2011/12 Under 21 County Championships will be held at Polkyth Leisure Centre, St Austell on Monday 2nd January 2012. Entry forms can be downloaded HERE , or from the download section to the right.

Bonanza of Badminton at Penryn

2011-10-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

Penryn College’s purpose built badminton hall was full of enthusiastic players from all over Cornwall, and Plymouth, at the weekend – over 70 social and league competitors had a great day’s badminton in the latest tournament promoted by Cornwall Badminton Association.

The idea of Bonanzas is to bring together those who play both sociably and in leagues, to widen their experience and for a day of badminton against new opponents, and Saturday’s event was a big success, judging from the tired but happy faces leaving the hall, asking when the next one would be.

All funds raised from the tournament will go towards the Association’s aim of developing more community league badminton across Cornwall, and to help new clubs to grow.

Winners and Runners up in the various categories were –

Mens Social Singles – Dominic Thomas, runner up Martin Penney
Mens League Singles – Ryan Lambourne, runner up Paul Lydon
Ladies Social Singles – Judit Matyas, runner up Talwyn Craddock
Ladies League Singles – Catherine Harrison
Mens Social Doubles – Keith Wingett/Sei Jip Wong, runners up Phil Eagles/Oliver Fernandes
Mens League Doubles – Russell Hallett/Jeremy Roberts, runners up Paul Lydon/Sim Tak Yau

Ladies Social Doubles – Alison Turpie/Dee Frost, runners up Sarah Catterall/Lynn Jones
Ladies League Doubles – Celia Hillman/Pat Edwards, runners up Rachel Newlands/Sarah Glister
Mixed Social Doubles – Sei Jip Wong/Stephanie Phillips, runners up Andrew Daniell/Judit Matyas
Mixed League Doubles – Jamie Dunn/Julie Edwards, runners up Ryan Lambourne/Waine Parker

CORNWALL JUNIOR BADMINTON

2011-10-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

FOUR MAJOR EVENTS IN THE DUCHY WITHIN A MONTH.

THE Annual Kerrier Junior Badminton Tournament, is being staged at the Truro School Sports Hall, Trennick Hill, Truro, on this Sunday, October 16.
The Event is being organised by the First Edition Junior Badminton Club, from Cornwall College, Pool, Near Redruth, sponsored by the Redruth Charity Trust, writes John Tresidder.

The Under-13’s have attracted an excellent entry of 68, from the South West Counties, including Cornwall, the host, with player registration at 9.30 am., prompt, with the singles matches getting away very soon afterwards.
Alan Williams, EBA, Mr. Cornwall Badminton, is the Tournament Secretary, with Alison Williams, acting as the Referee.

Supporters and spectators will be most welcome, with refreshments available.
Meanwhile, the Kerrier Junior U-15 and U-17 Events, are scheduled for Truro School, on Saturday and Sunday, November, 5/6, respectively. (Mr. Williams contact number: 01209 - 712 626).

Furthermore, on February 11, 2012, Mr. Williams is the Tournament Secretary for another BADMINTON England Bronze Under-15 Event, scheduled for Truro School, as well.

A most successful England Bronze Event, held at Saltash, with three youngsters recording a brace of wins and presented with gold medals for their efforts:
Meanwhile, Yesterday Week (Saturday, October 8), a very successful BADMINTON England Bronze Under-15 Tournament, was staged, at the Saltash Community College, Wearde Road, Saltash, for the first time.

Cornwall Youth Badminton, sponsored by Dairy Crest Davidstow, makers of the Cornwall Cathedral City Cheese, organised the proceedings, with over forty keen youngsters seen to contest the Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles Events, totalling five disciplines, on the Programme-of-events.
Play, throughout the day, was seen to be competitive, with camaraderie, to the fore, as usual.

Devon’s Lauren Theedom, whose general form has come on leaps and bounds over the past year, along with Joe Killoran, her county compatriot and Kyle Jones, from Yorkshire, all harvested a magnificent brace of victories, apiece and became proud recipients of England gold medals, for their sterling efforts
Meanwhile the Duchy’s Amy Polglase, Kellen Moore, Liam Sillifant (Brace), Ruth Barnicoat and William Bick were delighted to win England silver medals, in respect of finishing in the runner-up berth, in their events, respectively.
Sue Cooper, was the Referee, with Jenny Marchant, Chairman of Cornwall Youth Badminton (CYB), the Tournament Secretary.

Mrs Marchant expressed her grateful thanks to the following:
Alice Sporik, for signing everyone in and calling players to the bench; Sam Julian for shuttle control; Georgia Higgs and her friend from Wiltshire. Emma MacDonald, for filling in the results sheets and keeping the play moving; Chris Cooper for filling the results sheets in, in the Gymnasium.
Also, to Kerry Sillifant, her Husband and Mother, for organising refreshments and to Liz Laity and Cath Bick for running the raffle.
Finally, to Graham Drewey, the Site Manager at Saltash Community College, in respect of his co-operation and organisation on the excellent Day’s proceedings.

FULL RESULTS – FINALS:
Winners: Gold medals and Runners-up: Silver medals.
Girls’ Singles:
Lauren Theedom (Devon) bt. Amy Polglase (Cornwall), 21-15.
Bronze medal: Lia Willis, Hampshire.

Boys’ Singles:
Joe Killoran (Devon) bt. Mac Powell (Devon), 21-15.
Bronze medals: Kyle Jones (Yorkshire) William Fryer (Devon).

Girls’ Doubles:
Winners: Lauren Theedom and Victoria Prouse (both Devon);
Runners-up: Amy Polglase and Kellen Moore (both Cornwall).

Boys’ Doubles:
Joe Killoran (Devon) and Kyle Jones (Yorkshire), bt. Liam Sillifant and
William Bick (both Cornwall), 23-21.
Bronze medals: Tommy Bridger and David Higbee (both Dorset).

Mixed Doubles:
Kyle Jones and Amy Jones, brother/sister (both Yorkshire)
bt. Liam Sillifant and Ruth Barnicoat (both Cornwall), 21-16
Bronze medals: Alastair Prades and Isobel Hampton (both Devon),
Gary McDonald and Lia Willis (Wiltshire/Hampshire).

CORNWALL BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011

2011-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

OVER 60 players from all parts of Cornwall, including an excellent turn out from Cornwall Youth Badminton, sponsored by Dairy Crest Davidstow, took part in two days of top quality badminton, in the Cornwall Senior “Closed” Badminton Championships, 2011/2012, held at Polkyth Leisure Centre, St. Austell, on the Weekend of September 24/25 and appreciated by supporters from far and wide, writes Sue Biscoe, with John Tresidder.

Many exciting games produced some surprise results, especially in the Weekend’ opener, the Men’s Singles, won by new champion, Callington’s Shane Maton, aged 22, from the Liskeard Club, for the first time.

Shane, in the semi-finals, accounted for defending champion, Kelvin Edwards, the Duchy’s senior coach, while Ross Lashbrook, the runner-up, had narrowly beaten Josh Pearce, who had accounted for the 2nd seed, James Whetter, in a closely fought battle in the quarter finals.

The final proved to be another close 3-ender, with both players digging deep, until Shane’s speed and fitness won the day 21-14, 19-21, 21-16, over the plucky Ross.

Next up, the Ladies’ Singles, held fewer shocks, with defending champion Johanna Philp, winning the final against number two seed, Emily James and successfully defending her crown, 21-14, 21-13.

Meanwhile, a large entry in the Men’s Doubles, eventually resulted in a narrow victory in the semi-finals for the Plymouth Marjons’ Outfit, of Ross Lashbrook and Tom Lyle, over Shane Maton and Dave Harrington, to meet the defending champions, James Whetter and Guy Michell (St. Austell Bay), who were seen to retain their title, in an absorbing three games of attacking doubles. And, the Duchy number pairing’s excellent win, came on top of their registering the Men’s “Plate” at the Open.

Vicky’s 1st County Senior Title:

The corresponding Ladies’ Doubles event threw up another surprise, when the new pairing of Emily James and Vicky Thomas (Falmouth/St. Just) - the winners in the Duchy Open “Plate”, 2011 - met Jo Philp and Rachel Irish, the established pair, defending their title of the last few years.
This final really had the crowd going, with the match see-sawing one way and another, before Emily and Vicky just triumphed in the third end, 22-20.
Indeed, for Vicky, based in St. Just, a Science Teacher at the Bolitho School, Penzance and a former Cornwall Schools’ player, this trophy win was the culmination of seven pleasing days of badminton.
The last event, on the first day, the Mixed Doubles, saw Guy Michell and Rachel Irish accounting for the number two seeds, Kelvin Edwards and Emily James, and reaching the final, to play the number one pair of James Whetter and Jo Philp, and despite some spectacular badminton, just failed to take the match from the champions, who won in two close ends.

Jo’s remarkable opening to the new campaign:

Finally, the popular Jo Philp, aged 18 and a Truro College Midwifery Student, from Port Isaac, experienced a remarkable start to the new season: Over eight days, including in the 29th Duchy “Open”, held at Carn Brea Leisure Centre, the week before (September 17/18), she reached one semi-final and four finals, winning two of them. Well done, Jo and best wishes for the Cornish Chiefs’ new Inter-County Season, which gets underway, inOctober – away to Avon 3, followed by an away fixture against Guernsey, The Channel Island, on Saturday November 5.

Results

Mens Singles
Semi finals:
S.Maton beat K.Edwards 21-17, 21-17.
R.Lashbrook beat J.Pearce 15-21, 23-21, 21-19.
Final – Maton beat Lashbrook 21-14, 19-21, 21-16.

Ladies Singles
Semi finals: J.Philp beat R.Collard 21-16, 21-9.
E.James beat Abi Logg 15-21, 21-13, 21-15.
Final – Philp beat James 21-14, 21-13.

Mens Doubles
Semi finals:
J.Whetter/G.Michell beat J.Cooper/S.Rider 21-13, 21-13.
T.Lyle/R.Lashbrook beat S.Maton/D.Harrington 21-12, 18-21, 21-18.
Final - Whetter/Michell beat Lyle/Lashbrook 21-15, 19-21, 21-14.

Ladies Doubles
Semi finals:
J.Philp/R.Irish beat A.Logg/L.Riggs 21-15, 21-10.
E.James/V.Irish beat B.Rich/R.Wotton 21-12, 21-14.
Final – James/Thomas beat Philp/Irish 16-21, 21-18, 22-20.

Mixed Doubles
Semi finals:
J.Whetter/J.Philp beat D.Harrington/T.Woodroffe 19-21, 21-12, 21-17.
G.Michell/R.Irish beat J.Cooper/H.Robertson 21-18, 21-16.
Final – Whetter/Philp beat Michell/Irish 25-23, 21-19.

Plate winners –

Mens singles : Kynan Clarke
Ladies singles: Beth Rich
Mens doubles: Sam Spencer/Jon Wotton
Ladies doubles: Hannah Robertson/Rachel Collard
Mixed: Shane Maton/Jan Santillo

Cornwall Senior “Closed” Badminton Championships

2011-09-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEKEND (Saturday and Sunday, September 24/25), the Cornwall Senior “Closed” Badminton Championships’ are being contested at Polkyth Leisure Centre, St. Austell, starting at 10.00 am, each day.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the Men’s and Ladies’ Singles and Mixed doubles are being staged, followed, on Sunday, by the Men’s and Ladies’ Level Doubles’ competitions.

County number ones, Kelvin Edwards and Johanna Philp, the defending champions, start out as the favourites, in the two blue ribband singles events.

29TH DUCHY OPEN REVIEW

2011-09-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

SEES VIKKI SECURING A BRACE OF INAUGURAL TITLES, WITH CHRIS RETAINING AND KELVIN - A NEW STAR - SHINING BRIGHT.

THERE was a very high standard of play, with camaraderie to the fore, once again, in the Duchy of Cornwall 29th Open Badminton Championships, which was contested at its Home Base, Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Pool, Near Redruth, over the Weekend of September 17/18, writes John Tresidder.

The prestigious Event, A Tournament in the BADMINTON England Senior Silver Circuit, with a prize fund totalling £1,260, also held two distinguished presentations on the second day.

Indeed, the famous Tournament, promoted by The Cornwall County Badminton Association, is known, affectionately, as one of the most enjoyable and best organised on the English Badminton Circuit.

Another bumper overall entry of around 100 players - with fifty and nineteen in the men’s and ladies’ singles, respectively - competed in the Championships, with competitors drawn from a good spread of English and Welsh Counties.

Blue ribband events:
DAY ONE saw Vikki Jones, the Ladies’ Singles number one seed, from Mid-Glamorgan winning her first Duchy, when she out-pointed Kelly Holdway, who hails from Hampshire, seeded two, 21/11, 21/16.

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire’s Chris Hotchen, the favourite, retained the Men’s Singles title, when he defeated, Will Hiton-Jackson, (Sussex, No. 2 seed), 21/17, 21/15. in the corresponding blue ribband discipline.

Miss Jones, in tandem with Nicolas Strange (South Glamorgan), went on to harvest the Mixed Doubles, in the early evening, to make it a glorious brace of titles on the first day, when overcoming the challenge of John Hepworth and Kelly Holdway, Hampshire’s top seeds, 21/16, 18/21, 21/12.

DAY TWO witnessed another feast of badminton in the Hall.
Kelly Holdway, Hampshire’s County First Team player, whilst partnering Elena Johnson, recorded a third Duchy trophy, defeating Jo Philp and Nicole Jacobs, the Cornish/Middlesex outfit, 21/8, 21/8. However, Jo and Nicole, a scratch duo, were seen to gell very efficiently and may well team up for another English “Open”, in the near future.

Men’s Doubles proves a fitting finale to an exhilarating weekend:
The proceedings were seen to go to the wire, with past champions, Devon’s Corby Brothers, Dan and Matt Corby, putting up a spirited performance, before going down, narrowly, to the Will. Hilton-Jackson and Daniel Charteres Susses/Hampshire combination, 20/22, 22/20, 28/26.

Many agreed, that the power play and exhausting rallies, would not have looked out of place on an International court, at times and had the spectators on the edge of their seats, throughout – therefore, congratulations, all four gentlemen.

Popular Jo’s wonderful Tournament:
The weekend also proved very successful, for Johanna Philp, aged 18, Cornwall’s number one lady, based at the Camelford, North Cornwall Club:

On the Saturday, she turned out with her usual “Open” partner, Dave Edgar, Cheshire, as one of two 3/4 seeds, to reach the Mixed Semi-finals, before winning through to the Ladies' Final, with Nicole Jacobs, on Day 2.

As a reward, for her efforts, she became the recipient of the 2011 Best Cornish Player, trophy, for the second year in a row.

Jo is a Midwifery student at Truro College and next Autumn, the bubbly and popular Port Isaac lady has ambitions to go up to the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, to read Midwifery, as well as to obtain a place at the University of Bath’s National Badminton Academy, which is renowned.

Young Hampshire badminton star catches the eye:
There was a most polished performance from 15-year old Kelvin Latimer, unseeded, from Portsmouth, an England Under-16 squad member, who reached the Men’s Singles semi-finals, going down, in style, to Will Hill-Jackson, the eventual runner-up, 21/15, 18/21, 18/21.

However, the talented young man, such a gentleman - on and off court - was awarded the 2011 Sporting Spirit Trophy. He is coached by Jack Webb, a past singles winner, and proved he has the potential to become a Duchy champion in the not too distant future – in 2013, possibly.

In addition, the writer is pretty confident Kelvin will progress to the England Badminton senior ranks, one day - watch this space.

Welcome callers to Hall:
Amongst the welcome callers, were Emma Austin, the BADMINTON England Development Officer, for Cornwall & West Devon and Mr. Paul Smith, the Headmaster of Truro School, in whose whose Sports Hall the Kerrier Junior Open and the England Bronze Tournaments are held.

Main Sponsors:
GRAPHIC SOLUTIONS - www.graphicsols.com - the Computer Company, from Farnborough, Hampshire, together with TAG SPORTS - www.tagsports.co.uk, in conjunction with YONEX UK LTD, joined forces, once more, as the Tournament’s joint main sponsors.

The Countryman Inns Free Houses Group, from Piece, Carnkie, Near Redruth, together Dales Renault, based at Scorrier and Summercourt, were amongst the other generous backers, of the Championships.

Cornwall County and CYB well represented:
There was another good turn out, from Cornwall, the host, of over twenty players, including a healthy contingent of youngsters from the successful Cornwall Youth Badminton (CYB) Organisation, which has Jenny Marchant at the helm, as Chairman and a Main Sponsor in Dairy Crest Davidstow, of the Cornish Cathedral City Cheese Company.

Indeed, in the Duchy’s Men’s and Ladies’ Doubles “Plate” Finals, there were All-Cornish Affairs: First up, St. Austell Bay’s James Whetter/Guy Michell duo, the county number one pairing, defeated first team compatriots, Tom Lyle and Ross Lashbrook (Launceston), 21/19. This was followed by Emily James and Vicky Thomas (Falmouth/St. Just), accounting (21/14), for the young CYB-partnership of Hester Luke and Abigail Logg, from Penzance, who displayed promise to reach the Final, 21/14. Well done, young ladies!

David on the referee’s console:
David Burgess, an experienced International Referee, based in Barnstaple, North Devon, was the official in change. David has been in position, on his referee’s console, from 1985 – 2011 and has decided to retire this year.

When David he joined the Tournament, Pat Hollands, a co-founder, was the Tournament Secretary, who passed away in August, 2010.

Bill Andrew, Vice President, BADMINTON England, Alan Williams, EBA Recipient, Brenda Andrew, Tony Poole, Kellen Moore,
CYB Under-15 squad member and a student at Camborne Science College.

Distinguished presentations to David and Alan:
On the Sunday Morning, there were two distinguished presentations in the Carn Brea Hall:

Firstly, Mrs. Linda Collins, the Tournament Chairman and Secretary, on behalf of her Committee, proceeded to give thanks and presented Mr. David Burgess, an International official, from Barnstaple, North Devon, the retiring Duchy Open Referee, of 26 years, with a delightful cut-glass wine decanter, inscribed, supplied by Trophyman, Camborne.

Following on, Mr. Bill Andrew, BADMINTON England’s Vice President, accompanied by Mr. Tony Poole, the Cornwall Chairman, gave a citation and presented Mr. Alan Williams, from Camborne, with The English Badminton Award (EBA), “In recognition of long-standing exceptional service to Badminton In England”.

Camborne Science College student, Kellen Moore, aged 13, from the Cornwall Youth Badminton Under-15 squad, presented Mrs. Brenda Andrew (EBA), with a bouquet of flowers, arranged by Mills, the Florists, of Camborne.

Alan, Mr. Cornwall Badminton, a player, coach/administrator, a Co-founder of the Duchy Open and a Plymouth Argyle Football trialist, in his Youth, is the current President of Cornwall Youth Badminton, as well as being the Chairman/Coach of the First Edition Junior Badminton Club, based in Pool, near Redruth, sponsored by the Redruth Charity Trust.

It is the second time that Cornwall has been bestowed with this supreme England, “Lifetime Service” honour, with the Late Mrs. Pat Hollands, MBE, Reawla, near Hayle, being in receipt of hers, in 1998 and Mr. Burgess granted his EBA in 2007.

* Duchy Committee of Management, 2011:
Mrs. Linda Collins: Chairman & Hon. Tournament Secretary;
Mr. David Burgess: Hon. Tournament Referee;
Mr. Paul Martin: Hon. Treasurer;
Mr. Paul Collins: Hon. Tournament Co-ordinator;
Mr. John Tresidder: Hon. Press/Promotions Officer.

Anne and Colin Ransley, together with Lester Lashbrook and Dave Philp, did a sterling job as helpers, including with the poular “wine and nibbles” event.

Mrs. Collins wishes to give thanks to the following:
Mr and Mrs. Andrew, Cheshire, the Duchy’s Guests-of-Honour, David Burgess, the Referee, the sponsors, players, supporters, spectators and helpers, alike, as well as the Carn Brea Leisure Centre Management & Staff and the ZestCafe, who served up the delightful and well received lunches, over two days.

29TH DUCHY BADMINTON OPEN – FULL RESULTS:

MAIN DRAW EVENTS:
1). Ladies’ Singles:

Semi-finals:

Vikki Jones (Mid-Glam bt. Amy Reddaway (Somerset) - 21/18, 21/6;

Kelly Holdway (Hants) bt. Alice King (Essex) - 21/11, 21/11.

Final:

Miss Jones bt. Miss Holdway - 21/11, 21/16.

2). Men’s Singles:

Semi-finals:

Chris Hotchen (Glos) bt Raj Popat (Gwent) - 21/17, 19/21, 24/22;

Will Hilton-Jackson (Sussex) bt. Kelvin Latimer (Hants),
15/21, 21/18, 21/18.

Final:

Hotchen bt. Hilton-Jackson, 21/17, 21/15 (trophy retained).

3). Ladies’ Doubles:

Semi-finals:

Elena Johnson/Kelly Holdway (MIddlesex/Hants) bt.
Alice King and Sarah Gray (Essex/Sussex) - 21/8, 21/7;

Jo Philp/Nicole Jacobs (Cornwall/Middlesex) bt. Hannah and Sophie Laidler (both Devon) – 21/8, 21/18.

Final:

Miss Johnson/Miss Holdway bt. Miss Philp/Miss Jacobs - 21/8, 21/8.

4.) Men’s Doubles:

Semi-finals:

Will Hilton-Jackson/Daniel Chartres (Susses/Hants) bt.
S. Jacobs/Ackerman – 21/17, 23/21.

Dan Corby and Matt Corby (both Devon) bt. Keith Cuncarr/David Edgar (Lancs/ Cheshire) – 21/19, 20/22, 21/16.

Final:

Hiton-Jackson/Chartres bt. D. Corby/M. Corby -
20/22, 22/20, 28/26.

5). Mixed Doubles:

Semi-finals:

John Hepworth/Kelly Holdway (both Hants) bt. David Edgar (Cheshire/Cornwall) – 21/19, 16/21, 21/19;

Nicolas Strange/Vikki Jones (South Glam/Mid Glam), bt Jamie Roberton
Suzanne Owens (both Devon) - 21/14, 21/14.

Final:

Nicolas. Strange/Miss Jones bt. Hepworth/Miss Holdway -
21/16, 18/21, 21/12

KNOCK-OUT “PLATE” COMPETITIONS, FOR
MAIN DRAW 1ST ROUND LOSERS: FINALS:

1). Ladies’ Singles:

Sarah Gray, (Sussex) bt. Nicole Jacobs (Middlesex) - 21/15.

2). Men’s Singles:

Johnathan Evans (Dorset) bt. Rhys Thomas (Dorset) - 21/15.

3). Ladies’ Doubles:

Emily James/Vicky Thomas (both Cornwall bt.
Hester Luke/Abigail Logg (both Cornwall) – 21/14.

4). Men’s Doubles:

James Whetter/Guy Michell (both Cornwall) bt
Tom Lyle/Ross Lashbrook (both Cornwall) – 21/19.

“Sporting Spirit”: Kelvin Latimer, aged 15, Hants.

“Best Cornish Player”: Jo Philp, Port Iaaac-based, from the
Camelford Club - re-awarded.

29TH DUCHY OPEN PREVIEW

2011-09-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

EXCITEMENT MOUNTS AS CORNISH LADY, JO PHILP, FROM PORT ISAAC, IS SEEDED IN THE MIXED DOUBLES EVENT.

ANOTHER bumper overall entry of around 100 players - with fifty in the men’s singles – will be competing in the Duchy of Cornwall 29th “Open” Badminton Championships, with competitors drawn from a good spread of English Counties, together with West Glamorgan, from the Welsh Principality.

The prestigious Event, A Tournament in the BADMINTON England Senior Silver Circuit, with its prize-fund totalling £1,260, is scheduled for Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Pool, Near Redruth, its usual Base, next Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 17/18, writes John Tresidder.

The famous Tournament, promoted by The Cornwall County Badminton Association, is known, universally, as one of the most enjoyable and best organised on the English Badminton Circuit.

Main Sponsors:

GRAPHIC SOLUTIONS - www.graphicsols.com - the Computer Company, from Farnborough, Hampshire, together with TAG SPORTS - www.tagsports.co.uk, in conjunction with YONEX UK LTD, have joined forces, once more, as the Tournament’s joint main sponsors.

The Countryman Inns Free Houses Group, from Piece, Carnkie, Near Redruth, together Dales Renault, based at Scorrier and Summercourt, are amongst the other generous backers, of the Championships.

Programme-of-Events (10.00am start each day):

Saturday:

Men’s and Ladies’ Singles, followed by Mixed Doubles, extending to the semi-finals stage on the Saturday evening.

Sunday:

* Mixed Doubles Semi-finals and the Final, plus Men’s and Ladies’ Level Doubles.

“Bleacher” tiered seating will be set out for players, supporters and spectators, as in past years, with the entry to the hall and the Centre, itself, being free.

* NB: If there is a window of opportunity, then the Mixed Doubles semis and final may be contested on the Saturday evening.

Chris and Vikki installed as the favourites in the singles’ blue ribband Events, as Cornish Lady, Jo. receives a seeding in the Mixed Doubles:

Moving on to the play, on Day One, in the Men’s and Ladies’ Singles, the blue ribband events, Gloucestershire’s Chris Hotchen, the defending champion and Vikki Jones, the Mid-Glamorgan No. 1, have been installed by the seeding committee, as the favourites to lift the trophies,

Meanwhile, Jo. Philp, the Cornwall senior number one lady - a Midwifery student at Truro College - together with her partner David Edgar, from Cheshire, are seeded to reach the semi-finals of the mixed doubles, the four groupings of which get underway on the afternoon of the first day.

Furthermore, Miss Philp, aged 18, of the bubbly personality, who hails from Port Isaac, also has the talent to perform well in the singles competition, which precedes the mixed.

On Day Two, Edgar and his partner, Keith Cuncarr, his county compatriot, seeded two in the Men’s Event, behind Robert Cooper and John Hepworth, the number one combination, from Staffordshire/Hampshire, have the ability to win the contest outright, to record a second Duchy Men’s Doubles for the popular Cheshire duo.

CYB well represented:

There is another good turn out, from Cornwall, the host, of over twenty players, including a healthy contingent of youngsters from the successful Cornwall Youth Badminton (CYB) Organisation, with Jenny Marchant at the helm, as Chairman and with its Main Sponsor in Dairy Crest Davidstow, of the Cornish Cathedral City Cheese Company.

David on the referee’s console:

David Burgess, an experienced International Referee, based in Barnstaple, North Devon, is the official in charge of the play in the hall over the weekend.

* Duchy Committee of Management, 2011:

Mrs. Linda Collins: Chairman & Hon. Tournament Secretary;
Mr. David Burgess: Hon. Tournament Referee;
Mr. Paul Martin: Hon. Treasurer;
Mr. Paul Collins: Tournament Co-ordinator/Hall Manager;
Mr. John Tresidder: Press/Promotions Officer.

Chairman Linda looking forward to another exhilarating weekend:

Linda Collins, the diligent and enthusiastic Chairman and Tournament Secretary of Event, who has been in post since 1988, comments: “We look forward to One & All calling into the Carn Brea Hall, over the weekend, of September 17/18, where one will be made most welcome, as usual, to witness, some more very exciting badminton, indeed.”

Finally, the comprehensive review/results, will be published in the Cornish & Devon Press (WB: 26th September), as well as being posted on the Cornwall Badminton Website: www.cornwallbadminton.co.uk

29TH DUCHY OPEN: SEEDS:

Top Two listed in the five main events:

Men’s Singles:

No. 1: Chris Hotchen (Glos) – defending champion;

No. 2: Will Hilton-Jackson (Sussex).

Ladies Singles:

No. 1: Vikki Jones (Mid-Gam);

No. 2: Kelly Holdway (Hants).

Men’s Doubles:

No. 1: Robert Cooper/John Hepworth, (Staffs/Hants);

No. 2: Keith Cuncarr/David Edgar (both Cheshire) - former champions.

Ladies’ Doubles:

No. 1: Elena Johnson/Kelly Holdway (Middlesex/Hants);

No. 2: Jenny SargentKath Gittens (both Dorset).

Mixed Doubles:

No: 1: John Hepworth/Kelly Holdway (both Hants);

No 2: Robert Cooper /Alice King (Staffs/Sussex);

No. 3/4: David Edgar/Jo. Philp (Cheshire/Cornwall);
Nick Strange/Vikki Jones (both Mid-Glam)

Cornwall Restricted Championships.

2011-08-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

Entry forms were released today for the CCBA Cornwall Restricted Championships.

The tournament will be held on Saturday 24th, and Sunday 25th September, at Polkyth Leisure Centre

The closing date for entries is Sunday September 18th and entry forms can be downloaded by clicking HERE , or from the download section on the right of the Cornwall Badminton website.

Community Badminton Bonanza Event

2011-08-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

October the 15th 2011 sees the return of the Cornwall County Badminton Association’s Badminton Bonanza tournament at the 6 court sports hall in Penryn Sports college from 10am – 5pm.

This fun tournament will include, singles, level doubles and mixed doubles events, all split into two categories of social and league standard ensuring that players are only drawn against those of a similar ability.

In 2010 the event attracted over 50 entrants from all over Cornwall and parts of Devon, raising significant funds that are to be ploughed back into grass roots community badminton projects within the county.

Forms can be downloaded by clicking HERE , or from the download section on the right of the Cornwall Badminton website, or contact Trevelyan Searle - Tel: 01736 798606.

BADMINTON: 29TH DUCHY OPEN

2011-08-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

PLANNING WELL ADVANCED WITH £1,260 IN THE PRIZE FUND, FOR THIS SEPTEMBER’S EVENT.

ANOTHER bumper entry of over 100 players is anticipated for the Duchy of Cornwall 29th “Open” Badminton Championships, with competitors expected to be drawn from a good spread of English and Welsh Counties, once more,writes John Tresidder.

The prestigious Event - known as one of the most enjoyable and best organised in England - A Tournament in the BADMINTON England Senior Silver Circuit, and with the prize-fund at: £1,260, is scheduled for Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Pool, Near Redruth, on the Weekend of Saturday and Sunday, September 17/18.

Entry fees – no change:

Entry fees have been pegged at the 2010 prices, with the entry forms scheduled to be posted - around 31st July.

Alternatively, if one is not on the Database, one can download a form from the following Badminton Websites, shortly:

1). Cornwall County Badminton Association (CCBA):

See Download Section to right of this page -->

2). BADMINTON England:

www.badmintonengland.co.uk

Main Sponsors:

Graphic Solutions - www.graphicsols.com - the Computer Company, from Farnborough, Hampshire, together with TAG SPORTS - www.tagsports.co.uk, in conjunction with YONEX UK LTD, have once more joined forces as the Tournament’s joint main sponsors.

The Countryman Inns Free Houses Group, from Piece, Carnkie, Near Redruth, together Dales Renault, based at Scorrier and Summercourt, are amongst the other generous backers, of the Championships, which are known as one of the best organised and most popular on the English Badminton Circuit.

Programme-of-Events (10.00am start each day):

Saturday:
Men’s and Ladies’ Singles, followed by Mixed Doubles, extending to the Semi-finals stage on the Saturday evening.

Sunday:
Mixed Doubles Semi-finals and Final, pus Men’s and Ladies’ Level Doubles.

“Bleacher” tiered seating will be set out for players, supporters and spectators, as in past years, with the entry to the hall and the Centre, itself, being free.

CYB expected to be well represented:

There is expected to be a good turn out from Cornwall, the host, of over twenty players, including a healthy contingent of youngsters from the successful Cornwall Youth Badminton Organisation, which is supported by Dairy Crest Davidstow, of the Cornish Cathedral City Cheese.

David on the referee’s console:

David Burgess, an experienced International Referee, is the official in charge of the play in the hall over the weekend.

* Duchy Committee of Management, 2011:

Mrs. Linda Collins: Chairman & Hon. Tournament Secretary;
Mr. David Burgess: Hon. Tournament Referee;
Mr. Paul Martin: Hon. Treasurer;
Mr. Paul Collins: Tournament Co-ordinator/Hall Manager;
Mr. John Tresidder: Press/PR Officer.

Linda looking forward to another exhilarating weekend:

Linda Collins, the diligent and enthusiastic Chairman and Tournament Secretary of Event, who has been in post since 1988, comments: “We look forward to One & All calling into the Carn Brea Hall, over the weekend, of September 17/18, where one will be made most welcome, as usual, to witness, undoubtedly, some more very exciting badminton, indeed.”

Finally, the comprehensive review/results, will be published in the Cornish & Devon Press, as well as being posted on the Cornwall Badminton Website: www.cornwallbadminton.co.uk

John Tresidder
Cornwall County Badminton Press & Promotions Consultant,
Camborne.

ENGLAND SCHOOLS' BADMINTON FINALS: TRURO SCHOOL’S VINTAGE SPORTING YEAR CONTINUES - AT CENTER PARCS, SHERWOOD FOREST, NEAR NOTTINGHAM

2011-05-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

THE ENGLAND SCHOOLS’ Badminton Championships Finals, 2011, sponsored by Center Parcs GB, were staged at the Company’s magnificent Center Parcs, Sherwood Forest, Nr. Nottingham, on the Weekend of April 3/4.

Truro School, who won the South West of England Final, at the University of Exeter, Devon, on March 3, were thus representing the South West of England Region, in this most prestigious of Events, contested at the magnificent venue, managed by the Company, CENTER PARCS UK LTD, BADMINTON England’s main sponsor.

The Cornish School, who travelled up on the Friday, with an abundance of rackets, kit bags, snacks, fruit juices and the like, had no need to pack their bows and arrows, on this occasion, for their famous visit to Robin Hood Territory, world- renowned,

As anticipated, the National play, overall, was seen to be of an exceptionally high standard, with some of the Country’s most talented badminton youngsters, including Junior Internationals, competing in the famous Sherwood Forest Hall.

On Saturday, the first day, Truro School’s Key Stage 3 KS3. Years, 7, 8 and 9 (Under-14) Team, who are relatively inexperienced at junior county play, played valiantly, but finished ninth out of nine regional schools. However ninth best School in the Country, remains a superb result.

The Duchy’s well known School, competing in a group of three regions, won around 50% of the singles games contested, going down in two matches by a single point and five rubbers, by the same margin.

Isaac and Kieran duo unbeaten for season:

Moving on to the play, Truro’s Isaac Barrow and Kieran Westlake Outfit, won all their respective doubles rubbers; thus, having remained undefeated at county, regional and national level, all season – quite some achievement Boys.

Meanwhile, Vinodh Arumugam, took the scalp of Michael Taylor, a higher-ranked “Silver” player, from Lincolnshire, before Lancashire’s Mattew Kitteringham and proved to be an inspirational skipper all day, for Truro School.

Mr. Eric Brown, BADMINTON England’s Chair of the Youth and Sport Board,
earlier in the day, welcomed all the competitors in the age categories to the Finals, before acting as the Organiser and the Referee.

Mr. Brown reported that the standard of play was increasing from Year-to-Year, with some 1,600 English Schools and 23,000 players starting out for this year’s 2010/2011 Tournament.

Team England presence:

Team England International, Jenny Wallwork, part of the Nathan Robertson, Mixed Doubles combination, who are hoping to be selected for the London 2012 Olympic Games, was present to give support to the proceedings.

David Hunt, Truro School’s Team Manager and Head of 2nd Year, was full of praise for his young Team and reported:

“We gave it our best shot, most certainly and enjoyed the Day, and the ambience at the Sherwoof Forest Parcs, immensely.

“I visited Center Parcs, Nottingham, in the Spring of 2009, with a Truro Girls’ Team, who finished 6/9 and Center Parcs, this time around, once more, provided excellent hospitality and facilities, including the sports hall and the catering hall.

“Our gratitude is extended to the Company’s management and staff, including Mr. Colin Whaley, Sales and Marketing Director, along with Mr. Brown and BADMINTON England, as well.

“Congratulations to Stantonbury Campus School, Bucks, who became National champions in our KS3 Boys’ Under-14 .Tournament, including to Members, Jed and Harry Arksey, the England International Brothers, who have associations with Alan Williams’ popular Kerrier Open Tournaments, contested at my School

“A special word for the Penryn College Badminton Club, our fellow competitors, and friends in Kernow, who have also experienced a memorable season, under the direction of chief coach, Jon Wotton.

“Penryn College became the Regional runner’s up in the KS3 Girls’ Doubles Tournament, behind Bournemouth High School for Girls, the eventual National Champions, thus becoming the Joint 10th Best team in England – some achievement Jon and Ros. Bastian, Head of Sport and PE.”

Truro School’s Head Badminton coach, Mr. Clif Morcom, from Redruth, commented:

“All day, my charges gave 100%, in an inspirational performance, in the National finals and I am so very proud of them all.

“We couldn’t overcome the final hurdle, but to finish 9th Best School, in England, is a fantastic achievement. This has been an invaluable experience for the Boys and it will inspire them, undoubtedly, for their years ahead in Badminton.

TEAM TRURO SCHOOL, 2011:

Vinodh Arumugam, Year 9 (Captain);

Christopher Lin, Year 9;

Kieran Westlake, Year 9

Isaac Barrow, Year 8.

Team Manager: Mr. David Hunt, Head of 2nd Year;

School Coach: Mr. Clif Morcom, Redruth.

The WILSON Company sponsored the feather shuttlecocks.

Finally, Truro School, the Methodist Conference Co-educational Establishment, with a proud tradition in sport and having experienced a vintage sporting year, 2010/2011, reaching the finals of four prestigious England Schools’ sporting events:

Tennis, Netball, Badminton and the RFU’s Daily Mail England School’s Under-15 Rugby final, against The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, Bucks. Well done, indeed.

John Tresidder. Reporter for
Truro School’s Badminton Team.

CORNWALL JUNIOR BADMINTON - BRIGHT SPORTING FUTURES ARE PREDICTED FOR YOUNG BADMINTON STARS, KELLEN AND AMY.

2011-05-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

LONDON BUSES naturally spring to mind, when one thinks of two talented Camborne Science & Community College students, Kellen Moore and Amy Polglase, both aged 12.

The young stars, who are both good friends, are showing remarkable prowess and passion on their beloved badminton court.

Both youngsters, so personable and unassuming, have been playing badminton for 18 months only and, already, they have gained National recognition, via BADMINTON England rankings, in the Under-13 Girls’ Singles discipline.

Prior to Christmas, Amy was ranked No: 42, with Kellen on No. 31, but after the release of the February, 2011 figures, Amy had jumped to number.29, with Kellen, on number 17.

The Girls have been members of the successful Cornwall Youth Badminton (CYB) Under-13 team, sponsored by Dairy Crest Davidstow (“Cathedral City” cheese), which, has lifted the South West Counties Junior Badminton League, for the first time in Kernow’s history. Indeed, Kellen has been the Team’s joint captain, along with Sam Laity and Alex Julian.

Alan and Clif to the fore, with coaching, as Jo. helps out with games on court:

Alan Williams and Clif Morcom, from the popular First Edition Junior Badminton Club, based in Pool, Redruth and sponsored by The Redruth Charity Trust, with Chris Hailey, as its chairman, have both been instrumental in the Girls' phenomenal development and success.

In addition, the Moore and Polglase families are indebted to Jo. Philp, the Cornwall number one badminton lady, in respect of her advice and the games, played at Carn Brea Leisure Centre, over the past year.

Furthermore, Badminton, on the Camborne Science College campus, under the direction of Kath Wotton, nee Giles, together with the Sports Department staff, is seen to be thriving, with membership in excess of forty, with Kellen and Amy being among the representative players. for the inter-college matches.

Kellen competes at the BADMINTON England “Nationals”, in Bristol:

Saturday March 19, saw Kellen taking up an invitation to compete in the prestigious “Nationals”, for the Girls’ Singles under-13 age group. held at the University of The West of England (UWE), Bristol.

Whilst flying the flag, proudly, for the Duchy, she gave a very good account of herself, in defeating an England “Gold” Girl, Katriona Clegg, from Yorkshire, 23/25, 21/12, 21/15, before putting up a gritty performance against an England International, going down, valiantly, 21/12, 21/15.

Four Cornwall “Closed” Under-13 / Under-15 Titles, in one season:

MIss Moore, has also had representative outings for the CYB Under-15 squad and, this season she has also lifted the Cornwall singles and doubles events, at both under-13 and under-15 level, the level doubles whilst teaming up with Amy Polglase, on each occasion.

Next season, Kellen steps up the “Ladder” to the under 15’s - familiar territory, to the young lady - and the status-quo - with even more success, with the plaudits rolling in - very much on the cards. Well done Kellen, on a most memorable season.

Meanwhile, Miss Polgase, who spent five years training with the Swallows of Helton Gym Club, Nationally renowned – which shows through in her sublime natural movement, poise and balance on the court – with the exodus of the older Girls to the Under-15 group, will start off in September, 2011, as the 7th best under-13 Girl, in England – some achievement, keep up the good work and training, Amy.

STOP-PRESS:

On the Weekend of April 9/10 and May 7/8, the young ladies were on their travels, once more, accompanied by proud Mums, Lesley Moore and Carole, Polglase, when they competed in the South West of England “Open” and “Closed” Badminton Under-13 and Under-15 singles and doubles, at Torbay, South Devon, with yet more silverware harvested for the home journey.

Senior County No. 1 challenge, within three years, seems a certainty:

Finally, the writer, John Tresidder, is certain, that by the 2014/2015 campaign, both Kellen and Amy will be challenging to reach the Cornwall Ladies’ singles number one berth, currently held by 18-year-old, Jo Philp (Port Isaac) and, allied to their development, they will also be bidding for places in the Cornwall First Team’s squad, as well.

* In respect of the 2011/2012 season, Kellen and Amy are looking for sponsorship and any Cornish company interested, is asked to contact in the first instance:

Mr. Clif Morcom, Badminton Coach, tel: (01209) - 213 851.
Alan Williams, Badminton Administrator/Coach, tel: 01209 - 712 626..

John Tresidder

Cornwall County
Badminton Publicity
Consultant, Camborne.

2011 U17 NOTTINGHAM ICT

2011-04-25T23:37:00.000-07:00

Cornwall U17 Badminton Team travelled to Nottingham University on Sunday 17th April to compete in the Annual National Inter Counties Tournament (ICT). This was the culmination of 12 months training and competing by the players who were aiming to move Cornwall up the National Inter County rankings.

TEAM
Sam Spencer - Truro College (Capt),Kris Jasper - Launceston College, Tony Marshall - Budehaven School, Chris Grout - Launceston College, Kynan Clarke - Truro College.
Beth Wotton - Hayle School (Capt),Abigail Logg - St Catherines RC Launceston, Beth Rich - Mounts Bay School, Hannah Robertson - Callington School, Hester Luke - Mounts Bay School.

At 12 midday on the Monday the Team commenced 4 days of intensive matches against a top 10 seeded team from Hampshire. Overall result 9-1 to Hampshire but every player competed, and notched up a very respectable overall points tally. Next followed Staffordshire, another highly ranked team. A score of 7-3 against Cornwall did not reflect some great individual performances and a 5-5 draw was on the cards at the midway point of the match. The final match on day one was another hard encounter taking on Nottinghamshire. Another scoreline of 7-3,but again great performances and an outstanding mixed doubles win for Chris and Hannah in 3 ends of nail biting rallies. Our boys pairings of Sam and Tony and Kris Jasper and Kynan both winning exceptional matches.

Day two started early with a match v Middlesex. The standard of play was high on both sides of the court, Tony having a magnificent 3 ends of singles losing narrowly in the third. Final result 9-1 Middlesex, but again the team were always running their higher fancied opponents close in each match. Oxfordshire followed and a 10-0 score reflected the exceptional talent of some of the Oxfordshire boys, our girls going so close, Abi missing out on a fantastic effort in her singles. Both our boys were matched against Gold standard singles players and Sam at no1 and Kris at no2 were exceptional, working tirelessly to increase our teams points tally. Both players producing some incredible rallies of speed, agility and technical ability.

Day Three took the team to a different venue within the City. What a start is was, a must win game to move up the rankings, paved the way for some outstanding performances, notably Kynan in his singles. However a true “team” performance resulted in a 7-3 victory for Cornwall. This was immediately followed by a nail biting match v Isle Of Man. Cornwall losing out 6-4,but a determined performance by Tony and Sam coming back from one end down in the doubles showed that there was still more to come from our team.

The team regrouped and arguably gave their best team performance of the competition, defeating Norfolk on a 5-5 count back, the opposition not expecting such an outcome. Every player gave 100 % Beth Rich winning a monumental singles.
The last day saw a “local” derby v Wiltshire and the team were determined to reverse last seasons ICT result against the same opposition. The girls stepped up to the mark ,with our Bethanys winning their doubles and Hannah and Hester likewise. Beth Rich again delivered in her singles. Kynan won a hard fought singles in 3 and both our mixed pairings of Chris and Beth W and Hannah and Tony won.
A scoreline of 6-4 in Cornwalls favour.

The teams final position of 34 moved the county off bottom place up six places and into a higher grouping. A fantastic achievement winning 3 matches ,competing against the very best players from across the Country and some outstanding badminton by our youngsters.

The team returned to the University to watch the early stages of the final, Warwickshire v Cheshire, watching the England no1 boys singles champion in awe inspiring form.

A long trip home resulted in our last few players returning at 2am to Penzance after the 320 miles !!

Very many thanks to our main sponsors “Dairy Crest Davidstow”, the players wearing their shirts and hoodies with immense pride throughout the 4 days.

Thanks also to all local outlets, supermarkets across the county who supplied sports drinks and energy bars for our players.

2012 promises to be another challenging year at the ICT but the bar has been raised and it is intended to rise to the challenge !!

Team managers ;
Jon Wotton-Sue Cooper.

CORNWALL U17s v WILTSHIRE U17s

2011-04-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

MATCH REPORT - Amesbury Sunday 3rd April 2011
Cornwall U17s finish their South West Counties League campaign in fine style

Cornwall U17s Badminton Team travelled to Amesbury, Wiltshire in a confident mood after a comprehensive win over near neighbours Somerset the previous weekend. The Duchy were looking to consolidate 4th place in the South West Counties League and also push for 3rd place when all final match results for the season are consolidated. An early start for some of our players, 6am from Penzance did not dampen the teams spirits. On arrival the team warmed up and soon got to grips with the challenges of the afternoon.

TEAM.
Boys; Sam Spencer (Capt) - Truro College ,Kris Jasper - Launceston College, Chris Grout - Launceston College, Tony Marshall - Bude Haven School, Kynan Clarke - Truro College, Christian Jasper - Launceston College.
Girls; Beth Wotton (Capt) - Hayle School, Beth Rich - Mounts Bay School, Abi Logg - St Catherines Launceston, Hannah Robertson - Callington sixth Form, Rachael Collard - Callington sixth Form, Hester Luke - Mounts Bay School.

Seven of the Counties players were competing for the last time as Junior U17 County Players and were keen to finish in style. The girls simply blew away the opposition with 6 wins from 6 in the singles. Each player reaping the benefits of a season long fitness programme. The boys worked hard in all their games but failed to take the top 3 matches. Sam at no2 playing a tenacious match but ultimately just being narrowly beaten in two ends. Tony as always played a long patient game and finally took the third end 21-13. A great season of County singles for Tony. Kynan was simply too strong for his opponent at no5 and Christian took his last singles match for the County at No6 in 3 ends.

Into the doubles with a healthy 9-3 advantage. Again our girls proved too strong winning 7 out of the 9 matches. Our no1 pairing in their final County match Beth Wotton and Beth Rich continuing their recent good form with 3 straight wins in two ends. The boys kept pace and a relatively new pairing of Kris Jasper and Kynan Clarke took all 3 matches with some great attacking play. Sam and Christian took 2 matches but the match of the day was to be played between the Wiltshire no1s against Tony and Chris Grout. End to end attack, long rallies left it one end all. Into the final end and what a game it was! The final score going to sudden death at 29-29, a nail biting final rally saw the Wiltshire pair take it 30-29 !!! An incredible match warmly applauded by all spectators and all players stopping their own matches to watch the closing points from 20-20. Spectacular badminton !!!

The score read 23-7 in the Cornwalls favour going into the mixed. Beth Wotton and Kris Jasper winning in 3, taking the 3rd end in fine style 21-13 at no1 Hannah and Chris Grout going to 3 ends at no2 but unable to take the last end losing 21-15. Beth Rich and Tony at 3 won in style in two ends. Abi and Sam were comfortable winning in two at no 4. Hester and Kynan after a slow start won well, winning the 3rd end 21-9. It was left to Rachael and Christian to finish the match at no6 with vocal support from both sets of players and spectators adding to the atmosphere. A comfortable win in two ends saw a final scoreline; CORNWALL 28 WILTSHIRE 8.

County badges were awarded to Hester Luke, Rachael Collard and Kynan Clarke on representing their County for the 3rd time this season.

A final thank you to all parents who have unstintingly supported our players and the team over a long season, taking players to numerous tournaments, a significant number out of Cornwall, in order to gain invaluable experience.

The overall performance of the Team has surpassed expectations and completely transformed the counties South West position. We wish the following players good luck in their future badminton careers as they move into the County 17-21 age group and Senior County from September; Sam Spencer, Tony Marshall, Chris Grout, Kynan Clarke, Christian Jasper , Beth Wotton and Beth Rich. Tony, Chris and Beth Wotton having represented Cornwall at 3 age groups, Under 13-15 and 17.

Training now continues for two final weeks for all of these players as they prepare for our final event of the season. Ten players will be competing in the National Harrod Inter Counties Tournament over 5 days at Nottingham University between 17-21st April. Here they will compete against the Countries very best players of both National and International standard.

Team Managers Sue Cooper-Jon Wotton

New Premier Club!

2011-03-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

St Austell Bay Senior and Junior Badminton Clubs have achieved Badminton England Premier status and Sport England Clubmark Accreditation.

Tim Jones, Badminton England’s Regional Officer for Cornwall, presented the certificates to Club Chairman Lyndon Allen at the Junior Club night and said “It is fantastic to see such an energetic badminton club be rewarded for their continuous hard work and support. The Clubmark Accreditation recognises those clubs who are proactively encouraging players of all ages and abilities to become more physically active through badminton, while developing their club environment to cater for such opportunities. St Austell Bay Badminton Club are one of many key partners supporting the delivery of the St Austell Community Badminton Network, enhancing the opportunities for badminton provision in the local area and offering a quality experience for all involved.”

(St Austell Bay Club Website)

CORNWALL U17s v WILTSHIRE

2011-03-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday 27th March, Tregorrick Park, St Austell

Cornwall U17s Badminton took a great victory on Sunday by comprehensively defeating close neighbours Somerset 23-13 in their penultimate South West Counties League fixture at their “home” venue at Tregorrick Park St Austell.

TEAM
Sam Spencer - Truro College (Capt). Chris Grout - Launceston College. Tony Marshall - Budehaven School. Kynan Clarke - Truro College. Christian Jasper - Launceston College.Chris Cooper - Penryn College. James Gallagher - Wadebridge School.
Beth Wotton - Hayle School (Capt). Beth Rich - Mounts Bay School. Abigail Logg - St Marys School Launceston. Hannah Roberston - Callington Sixth Form. Hester Luke - Mounts Bay School. Rachael Collard - Callington Sixth Form.

In the singles the boys took 5 out of the 6 matches with a classy performance by Chris Grout at no2 . James making his county debut at no6 won well in two hard fought ends 21-18.21-18. Just rewards for a consistent approach at training over two years. His determination under pressure being the deciding factor.

In the girls singles great wins for Hester playing at 3 in two straight ends ,Beth Wotton in two ends and Hannah winning a gruelling 3 ender at no6. This left the team with an 8-4 advantage going into the doubles.

The boys continued their great season at this discipline taking 6 out of 9 games. Christian and Chris Cooper further cementing their partnership at no3 by taking two games with a great win against the Somerset no2 pair.

The girls took all 3 against the Somerset 3rd pair. Beth and Beth making a critical contribution to keep the team on track with a fine win in two ends against the Somerset second pair, being more focussed and retaining the attack on a consistent basis. Our 3rd pairing of Rachael and Hester had a magnificent performance in taking the Somerset No1s to 3 close ends. Great tactical awareness by our girls.

A scoreline of 18-12 in the Duchys favour going into the mixed. This is where the strength in depth of the team lies. New pairings throughout the mixed returned 5 wins from 6. The most nerve racking performance goes to Beth Rich and Kynan at no3,who in 3 ends 19-21.23-21 and 28-26 showed all those present just how much pride there is within the team. A wonderful game to finish a great match for Cornwall.

This victory moves the team into a position to travel to Wiltshire next Sunday in good heart, with the aim of a 3rd place in the League still very much achievable.
A big thank you to all the Grandparents,Parents and Brothers and Sisters of our players who supported the match. Kynan having the full complement of 3 generations of his family in attendance to give support.

Thank you on behalf of Cornwall Youth Badminton to all the staff at Tregorrick Park for their welcome and support over a long season, this being the counties last competitive match at the venue for this season. Always a warm welcome and great facilities.

Team Managers-Sue Cooper-Jon Wotton.

CORNWALL WIN BATTLE OF THE CELTS!

2011-03-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Cornwall Badminton’s 1st team 8, West Glamorgan 7

In the final match of the season on Sunday, Cornwall won a tense, exciting home match, at St Austell’s Polkyth leisure centre, against their strong West Glamorgan rivals 8-7, with the large crowd on the edge of their seats all afternoon. The result keeps Cornwall on top of the league, and facing an anxious wait for the result of the Welsh team’s last match next week, to see who wins promotion.

Cornwall’s mens singles players, Kelvin Edwards and James Whetter, got the match off to a fine start with 2 victories, balanced by Jo Philp and Emily James both losing to their skilful counterparts. Once again, Tom Lyle and Ross Lashbrook impressed with their dominant mens doubles play, easily winning both games, as did the other Cornish pair of James and Guy Michell, who did well to win their games in 3-enders.

The girls pairings were up against it all afternoon, only Jo and Rachel Irish narrowly winning one game, and Emily and Bronwen Wotton coming agonisingly close but just losing in the final end.

So with the score on 7-5 going into the mixed, Cornwall only needed one game for victory, and all 3 for maximum points, tensions were running high in the hall. James and Jo stormed to a stunning win to set the scene and win the match. With both other games going to the wire, each pair of Kelvin and Bronwen, Guy and Rachel were very unlucky to lose despite a magnificent effort.

This team can be hugely proud of an excellent season, seven impressive wins and just one loss, on top of the league, and flying the flag for Cornish Badminton.

Cornwall Chiefs keep pressure up

2011-03-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

Tom and Jan fight for the crucial last game

Cornwall 1st team travelled away to Avon on Sunday to play their penultimate fixture of the season. Currently top of the table, but with West Glamorgan close behind and with games in hand, Cornwall needed a minimum of a 10-5 victory to take the title chase to the last match. James Whetter set the team rolling with a quick and clinical 21-7, 21-10 defeat of the Avon no.1, whilst Ross Lashbrook was unlucky to lose 21-18 in the third end of a closely fought battle. Jo Philp and Emily James took both the ladies singles to give us a 3-1 lead after the singles rubbers.

With solid, attacking badminton, Emily and Jo comfortably disposed of both Avon pairs. Bronwen Wotton and Janet Santillo displayed an impressive performance to defeat their equivalent pairing in three hard fought ends, and were unfortunate to miss out against the first pair in the third end. The Avon men’s first pair proved to strong for both James and Guy Michell, and Tom Lyle and Ross. However, both Cornish pairs had comfortable wins over the second pairs which meant we were still in the running for our much needed 10-5 win.

Tensions were running high as we went into the mixed doubles, needing to take at least 2 of the 3 rubbers to keep the title dream alive. James and Jo lost out in a tense three-ender to Avon’s first pair, and the pressure was on the remaining Cornish pairs to prevail.

Guy and Bron played controlled yet dynamic mixed doubles, dominating the increasingly frustrated Avon pairing in the third end and claiming victory. With a 9-4 lead it was paramount that Tom and Jan won the last match. All eyes were on the show court as yet again the match was taken to the wire in a tantalising third end. A combination of tactical prowess from Tom, sharp net play from Jan and extraordinary support from the on looking crowd gave Cornwall the edge and we took the final end 21/19. Captain Kelvin Edwards, who was unfortunately unable to play due to illness, was delighted with the 10-5 win; “This reflects some stunning individual results and a gutsy team performance- what a brilliant result”

Cornwall 1st team will need to put in the performance of the season this Sunday 27th to beat West Glamorgan at Polkyth Leisure Centre, and gain a chance of promotion. Home support is very much needed! Match starts at 12 noon.

Cornwall Under 21 Badminton

2011-03-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

Cornwall’s under 21 badminton stars were out in force at the weekend in a triangle match against Avon and Devon. The fixture held at St Peters School, Exeter is the third year the event has taken place and is good preparation for the Inter Counties Competition (ICC) held in April at Hatfield. The ICC is the pinnacle of colt badminton with over 30 counties competing. When the Duchy had arrived Devon had already beaten Avon 6-4 so it was now the Cornish’s turn to face the squad from Bristol.

The singles started well with the Duchy winning 3 out of the 4 singles contests, Emily James, Bron Wotton and Josh Pearce all winning through. Ross Lashbrook was unlucky in his tie taking the Avon number one to three sets and just missing out 14-21 in the third end to a very fit and tricky opponent Horace Tse.

Ross got his revenge in the men’s doubles, teaming up with Tom Lyle. The “on form” pair from Launceston won an interesting three set tussle with the Avon number one pair and extended the Duchy lead further to 4-1. The Cornish second pair of Chris Glasson and Josh Pearce went down in two sets to a hard hitting Avon second pair. “We lifted too much" commented Josh

In the Ladies doubles Emily James and Jo Philip just got run out in the third end 18 -21, while Bron Wotton and Daphne Luke changed tactics and took their absorbing match in three ends. So with a 5-3 score line going into the mixed, it was very much in the Duchy’s favour.

Chris Glasson and Jo Philip devastated their opponents in two ends showing a quality team performance. Daphne Luke and Tom Lyle in the second mixed did not let the side down with a fantastic three ended victory. It went right to the wire but the Cornish duo took the last end 23-21 leaving a fantastic Cornwall overall victory of 7-3. This must have put Devon at unease having only got a 6-4 win against Avon.

“We definitely had the physiological edge” suggested Team manager Kelvin Edwards.
“The matches are out of 10 games, so I placed our strengths in the Devon match in just making sure we got 6 wins to take the tie” continued Kelvin.

Sadly, and beyond the run of play Cornwall lost to Devon 3-7.

“We need to be more consistent, more of the time” commented Kelvin “If we played like we did against Avon there would be no question we could have reversed this score line, Devon did not win this fixture, we lost it!” Harsh words from the Cornwall manager, Kelvin continued,
“There were some outstanding performances today and at times every member of the team really played like they wanted to win, but we just need to see it through, think a little and finish the job”
“Player of the day, Tom Lyle, tactically superb”

60’s MAINTAIN 2nd PLACE

2011-03-09T10:19:00.001-08:00

Cornwall 60’s successfully maintained 2nd position within their league with a convincing 11-1 win over Avon 2 at Clevedon on Sunday 27th Feb.

Again without Mike Nancekivell, captain Brian Hannibal brought Bill Edgar into the side. This proved an excellent choice, with Bill securing victory in all his games partnering Tony Roberts in the mens and Celia Hillman in the mixed.

Other successes came from Vera Nancekivell playing alongside Chris Marr and Brian with Phil Oland, while Pat Edwards who was partnered with Celia had one win and one loss.

The four mixed games were closely contested but pleasingly, all ended in Cornwall's favour.
The team are now looking forward to the final match of the season away to Wiltshire at Melksham on the 27th March.

CORNWALL U13 BADMINTON VS SOMERSET - SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2011

2011-03-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

The Cornwall u13 team played their last South West County league match; doing themselves proud by beating Somerset by a very convincing 33 - 3 games. Since Somerset were unable to field a full team of girls, Cornwall travelled up with a full side of boys, but just 3 girls and started the fixture with 11 games in hand. Despite knowing this, the Cornish team went onto court expecting to have to work hard to win games, but soon proved they were the superior players in all but a couple of games. It would be unfair to single out any player, as all gave of their best from beginning to end. The match was a short but enjoyable event, during which Cornwall proved the overwhelmingly better team; both in spirit and strength. The team, accompanied by supportive parents and coach, Cathryn Bick, deserve every congratulations for completing the season in true style! The team: Boys - Alex Julian (Captain), Sam Laity, Isaac Barrow, Nick Peters, Tyler Sillifant and Milo Semonin; Girls - Kellen Moore (Captain), Amy Polglase, Billie Wood (and Cara Thompson, Rosa Higgs and Laura Galley, who were selected for the match, but who disappointingly, had no opposition to face.)

Having remained unbeaten through the season, the Cornwall U13 team is now awaiting confirmation that they are the South West County League Champions - an honour brought home for the first time in the history of the league!

Report by: Michelle Thompson, Team manager

Epic Win – One step closer for Cornwall Badminton

2011-02-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

It must have been a very long subdued journey back for the away side on Sunday as Cornwall’s badminton stars totally dominated, out classed and thrashed Dorset 13-2. You would have to go back a long way to find records of a Cornish win of that degree. Even more astounding, the team Dorset brought down, with one exception, was the same as Cornwall’s 8-7 victory in Bournemouth.

Sue Biscoe and Brian Hannibal, selectors for the Duchy, said at the press conference after the fixture.
“We were a league above them” commented Sue.
“That’s where we are headed if we can maintain this form in our last two matches” remarked Brian Hannibal.

Indeed the Cornish are hitting good form at the right time, and an away win against Avon in a couple of week’s time would give them the opportunity to beat West Glamorgan in the final fixture and gain promotion.

The Cornish singles players set the bench mark high right from the start with Kelvin Edwards, James Whetter, Jo Philip and Bron Wotton all winning. Credit to James, who held on against a very fast and deceptive left hander and in the final end showed good determination winning through 21-11.

Although injury troubles thwarted the Duchy side in the Ladies doubles, it evidenced the strength Cornwall badminton has developed in depth. Vicky Thomas (Mounts bay) and Lorna Riggs (Fraddon) were called into the team at late notice. Vicky partnering regular Jo brought off two fantastic results winning both their ties. Lorna partnering Bron won one and lost one.
“It was like they had been playing together for years, they were so unlucky not to win both” commented Brian.

“It was marvellous to watch them floating round the court replied Sue.

Like an army of heavy artillery the Cornwall men’s doubles pairings of Tom Lyle and Ross Lashbrook, James and Guy Michell nothing short of destroyed the Dorset pairings on all counts. Kelvin, who coaches the squad remarked “If this was boxing the referee would have stopped it in under 30 seconds” he continued “Any club player wishing to improve their game need to come to these matches and watch these guys play, it’s truly brilliant. As a pair they hunt down the shuttle and like a sniper finding its target, they find spaces on the court exploit it and destroy the weak return. The Dorset men could do nothing but run for cover.”

The mixed doubles inevitably went to the Cornish, only Bron and Kelvin lost out narrowly in the third end of their tie. Final match score 13 – 2 and a message to the rest of league, be ready when you travel to Cornwall. One and all.

Sunday's Team

U17 Medal Winners

2011-02-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

Cornwall U17 Girls have been hard at work travelling with many members of the County Squad across the length and breadth of the South West over the last 5 months, collecting a batch of medals on the Badminton England Tournament circuit.

Pictured in their Dairy Crest Davidstow County shirts are: Abi Logg Badminton England Doubles SILVER at the Devon Bronze held in Exeter in December with Beth Wotton and BRONZE again with Beth at the Somerset Bronze held in Taunton in January. Beth Wotton taking a further Doubles BRONZE at the recent Cornwall Bronze held in Truro two weeks ago with Beth Rich. Beth Rich adding a singles SILVER at the Kerrier Tournament held at Truro back in November.

So watch it boys ,the girls are aiming to get a GOLD before the end of the season !!

60’s LOSE TO TOP OF TABLE AVON, 8-4

2011-02-14T02:22:00.001-08:00

Following their tremendous 11-1 win over the Isle Of Wight in the last match, captain Brian Hannibal always knew that Cornwall’s encounter with top of the table Avon 1 would be much more competitive.

With Mike Nancekivell not available, Brian called upon super-sub Bill Edgar, who can always be relied upon when needed.

Both of the first two mens matches involving the regular pairing of Brian with Phil Oland and Tony Roberts teaming up with Bill went to three ends. Although the games could have easily gone either way, both were lost. Fortunately Brian and Phil won their remaining game against the Avon second pair, while Bill and Tony played exceptionally well to defeat the Avon first pair.

The ladies matches were also tough games. Despite some precision serving from Pat Edwards playing with Celia Hillman the only win came from Vera Nancekivell partnering Chris Marr.

It was hoped that the mixed games would produce some positive results, but the Avon pairings were very good and our only success came from Celia partnered by Bill.

This was the match which Cornwall needed to win in order to consolidate top spot in the league, however with two away matches remaining, one at Avon 2nd and the other at Wiltshire, it is hoped that second place will be maintained.

The team were honoured and pleased to have the County President, Mr Michael Avery and his wife Pauline in attendance and their support was appreciated.

CORNWALL U13's THE SEASON SO FAR......

2011-02-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

U13 CORNWALL VS DEVON COUNTY FIXTURE - 14 November 2010

Congratulations to the Cornwall U13 Badminton team, comprising of Sam Laity and Kellen Moore ( captains), Alex Julian, Amy Polgase, Isaac Barrow, Billie Wood, Nick Peters, Rosa Higgs, Tyler Sillifant, Cara Thompson, Milo Semonin and Laura Galley, who travelled to Exeter to play their first inter county match fixture Vs Devon. This team of enthusiastic, committed young players did themselves extremely proud as they claimed the win; 26 games to 10. This victory improved on last year's, as 6 more games were won across the board. Competition was stiff, with no less than 10 games being taken to 3 ends, but the 'depth' in our ability, together with our tenacity and sportsmanship won us the day. Results: Boys' singles - won 5:1; Girls' singles won 5:1; Boys' doubles - won 6:3; Girls doubles - won 5: 4 and Mixed doubles - won 5:1. Well done to Sam Laity, who has now earned his 'U13 cap. Rather than try and select a 'player of the match' amongst what was an utterly committed team, special mention must be made of the 2nd seed Boys doubles pair: Isaac and Nick, who fought to gain victory over the Devon Number one seeded pair: 21 -13; 24- 26; 21-14 and to the Girls doubles pair: Kellen and Amy, who not only won their respective singles games, but who made a clean sweep in their doubles and mixed doubles games too. Thanks to the parents for their support and encouragement and to the coaches, who are clearly making a difference!

Michelle Thompson
Team manager

CORNWALL U13 BADMINTON VS DORSET - SUNDAY 23 JANUARY 2011

The Cornwall u13 team can stand tall and proud amongst the badminton crowd, following today’s convincing win of 24 games to 12, against the usually formidable Dorset team. The match, played on ‘home turf’ at Tregorrick Park, St Austell, saw some tightly contested games, but the depth of strength in our team of cool, determined contestants, proved too overwhelming for the opposition; with only 6 games reaching 3 ends.

Well done to Kellen Moore and Amy Polglase who lived up to expectation by making a clean sweep; taking their singles games and all 3 doubles. Special mention must be also be made of: the number 3 boys doubles pair, Tyler Sillifant and Milo Semonin, who fought tenaciously to gain 16 points in their final end against the Dorset number one pair - the highest points total achieved amongst our boys against this talented pairing of Tommy Bridger and David Higbee, and of our girls 3rd pair, Cara Thompson and Laura Galley, who, despite being 14 -21 down after the first end against the Dorset number 2 pairing, caused an exciting ‘upset‘ as they fought tirelessly to take the next two ends, 25-23 and 21-18! Cornwall took 5 games to 1 in the Mixed, proving the focus on ‘doubles’ work done by our very capable local coaches, Jon Wotton and Cathryn Bick, is certainly having a positive effect!

Credit to the coaches, who are largely responsible for the teams development and finally, a huge congratulations to the team: Boys - Alex Julian (Captain), Sam Laity, Isaac Barrow, Nick Peters, Tyler Sillifant and Milo Semonin; Girls - Kellen Moore (Captain), Amy Polglase, Billie Wood, Cara Thompson, Rosa Higgs and Laura Galley.

Report by: Michelle Thompson, Team manager

Cornwall u15’s Triumph in last two South West Counties League matches

2011-02-09T06:20:00.000-08:00

Having lost their last two matches away to Avon and Dorset, Cornwall travelled with any early start to Gloucestershire. After the boys and girls singles games the match was equal at 6/6 followed by the doubles games it was again equal at 15/15. All now was resting on the remaining 6 mixed games. At 18/17 in favour of Cornwall the last pairing of M Bick and K Moore needed to seal the win. With the two teams lining the side of the court for support Glous took the first end 23/21, Cornwall the second 21/16. All again now rested on this last end whether the final result would be a draw or a win. The young pair held their nerve and won in a thrilling but nail biting third end of 24/22 sealing the victory in this fantastic close fought match over Glous.
The final result was 19/17 to Cornwall.

The Team in seed order were:-
Boys: - Toby Bamforth (Saltash), Vinodh Arumugam (Truro), Liam Sillifant (Launceston), Ben Johnson (Liskeard), Wiliam Bick (Mounts Bay) Matthew Bick (Mounts Bay).
Girls: - Alice Sporik (Truro), Georgia Higgs (Helston), Ruth Barnicoat (Penryn), Emily Toy (Penryn), Tegan Thompson (Penryn), Kellen Moore (Camborne).

On 16th Jan, the day after their County Championships, Cornwall U15’ succeeded again with a win over Wiltshire in a home match at Penryn College. With a few changes in team selection since the last match they won with a resounding result of 32/4.

The Team were:-
Boys: - Toby Bamforth, Vinodh Arumugam, Jake Brazewell (Newquay), Liam Sillifant, William Bick, Ben Johnson, Sam Julian (Penryn).
Girls: - Ruth Barnicoat, Kellen Moore, Alice Sporik, Georgia Higgs, Emily Toy, Tegan Thompson, Alice Andrews (Wadebridge).

As in all our matches, players wore their Cornish Shirts with pride and our thanks go to our main sponsor Dairy Crest of Davidstow.

Cornwall u15’s now look forward to their next two matches versus Devon (home) and Somerset (away).

Cathryn Bick.

Cornwall Badminton 40's triumph on the Isle of Wight

2011-02-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

Cornwall’s team of 40's veterans made the long trip to the Isle of Wight at the weekend, and returned triumphant with an 8-4 win, their first of the season.

The Cornish men halved the doubles with their island counterparts, with Adam Widdison and Brian Gilbert playing particularly well to win a hard 3 ender.

The girls took 3 of the ladies doubles, Jan Santillo and Rachel Irish looking strong and remaining unbeaten.

Cornwall needed at least 2 of the mixed doubles to win the match, and Brian and Rachel duly obliged to win theirs, followed by Pete Bazin and Lorna Riggs with a fine win at number one mixed.

Al Riggs and Sue Biscoe completed the victory, and the team set off for the ferry, happy with a great result.

Cornwall U17s achieve a fine win in Gloucester

2011-02-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

Cornwall U17 Badminton Team travelled to Gloucester on Sunday 30th January, meaning a 5.45am start for some players . However, a fantastic team performance followed with a comprehensive 26 games to 10 win . This now moves the team up the South West Counties League and sets up some great matches in the next few weeks against Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire.

The Boys led by Sam Spencer at no1 made a clean sweep of the 6 boys singles. The girls took 2 of their 6 matches. In the Doubles our Boys again came up trumps taking all 9 matches and our girls excelled by taking 5 of the 9 matches. Some notable performances, primarily a new pairing of Georgia Higgs who is still County U15 and Hester Luke, taking 2 matches achieved added success. In the Boys making his County U17 debut partnering Christian Jasper, Chris Cooper made it 3 out of 3 wins.

In the mixed there were some fantastic matches, Kris Jasper and Beth Wotton going to the wire at no1 losing 21-19 26-24 a great match. However the teams strength in depth enabled a return of 4 wins to 2 in the mixed to finish on a 26-10 score line.

TEAM:SAM SPENCER- TRURO COLLEGE (CAPT), CHRIS GROUT-LAUNCESTON COLLEGE, KRIS JASPER-LAUNCESTON COLLEGE, TONY MARSHALL –BUDEHAVEN SCHOOL, CHRISTIAN JASPER-LAUNCESTON COLLEGE, SIMON COX-WADEBRIDE, CHRIS COOPER-PENRYN COLLEGE, BETH WOTTON-HAYLE SCHOOL (CAPT), BETH RICH-MOUNTS BAY SCHOOL, HANNAH ROBERTSON-CALLINGTON COLLEGE, HESTER LUKE-MOUNTS BAY SCHOOL, GEORGIA HIGGS-HELSTON SCHOOL, RACHEL COLLARD-CALLINGTON COLLEGE

County Debuts by Simon Cox and Chris Cooper resulted in both boys returning a 100% success rate. County badges for representing your County on 3 or more occasions were awarded to Kris and Christian Jasper and Hannah Robertson.

Team Managers Sue Cooper-Jon Wotton

Yehlex Veterans Inter-county Champs – Over 40’s

2011-01-31T14:47:00.000-08:00

This years’ Yehlex Veterans Inter-county Championships took place on 8-9 January 2011 at Swindon, and saw ‘young’ Rachel Irish boost the ranks of our team, which consisted of Lynda Beer, Jan Santillo, Lorna Riggs (captain) Bob Bell, Adam Widdison, Pete Bazin and Al Riggs.

Due to the flu virus taking its toll, we only had the bare minimum number of players to do battle against Surrey, Sussex, Devon, and Oxford.

There were 4 matches on each of the 2 days, - playing each of the 4 teams twice. This ensured plenty of games for all and it was decided to give all 8 Kernow players the opportunity to play alternate disciplines (mixed and level doubles) in each match. Our early start on Saturday morning enabled most of us to get some well earned retail therapy in at the nearby out-let centre before the afternoon games!

Expectations regarding our chances of winning were……….realistic, and over the two days there were some gutsy performances and several very close encounters where honours were shared with the opposition. The overall tally was:
Played 8 Drawn 5 Lost 3

Team picture (minus Pete who took too long in the shower!)

Fantastic Duchy Away Win

2011-01-31T00:27:00.000-08:00

Cornwall’s badminton senior first team notched up their fourth win of the season with an excellent away win against Somerset at the weekend. This now puts them joint top with West Glamorgan and looks set to provide a show down with the Welsh side in late March.

Unbeaten at the weekend James Whetter from St Austell remarked “If we win our next matches against Avon and Dorset the last game of the season against West Glamorgan would be a title clash!”

“The Duchy side have not been in Division 2 for over 30 years” commented Brian Hannibal, one of the county selectors. “Our second team are also top of their Division as well” Hannibal continued. “It is exciting times for Cornwall badminton at present.”

The Somerset match started well for the Duchy with Kelvin Edwards, James Whetter and Jo Philip all winning their singles contests. Jo in particular played an outstanding game against a highly rated Amy Reddaway and won through 21-13, 21-19.

In the ladies doubles, Jo was not to be denied again and playing with Rachel Irish stormed through both their games. Bron Wotton and Lynda Beer a new pairing played some excellent attacking badminton but were just piped at the post in both contests. The men’s doubles saw Kelvin and James team up for the first time this season. They won both their games, as did Tom Lyle and Ross Lashbrook. Tom and Ross showed much the same form as their recent success in the Devon Open, the duo from Launceston reached the semi final of this national event showing the talent that is shining through all levels of Cornish Badminton at the moment.

The mixed doubles brought further success with Kelvin and partner Bron and James with Jo winning through. Another new pairing of Ross and Rachel did brilliantly and nearly took a very experienced Somerset pair of Barry Harris and Fiona Dennis to three ends; they lost the second 21-23.

The match finished 11- 4 this giving the Cornish a much valued 3 points. Next match, Sunday 20th Feb, at 1pm, Polkyth Leisure Centre, St Austell. One and All.

New LUNCHTIME Badminton Club for St Austell

2011-01-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

St Austell Bay Badminton Club (Club Website) are to extend their weekly club activities to include a new exciting lunchtime session which will take place every Wednesday from 11.30 to 1.30 pm at Polkyth Leisure Centre, starting on the 2nd of February .

Lyndon Allen, Chairman of St Austell Bay Badminton Club said
“This is a great opportunity for people in St Austell and the surrounding area to come and have a go at playing Badminton in a social and friendly environment where all standards are welcome. There is no obligation to come for the whole two hours people who only want to play for a hour or could not make the session until after it is started are more than welcome.”

He went on to say
“With the help of BADMINTON England through the St Austell Community Badminton Network we are also able to provide every session in February free of charge. So if you fancy a fun way to get fit we hope to see you in February.”

St Austell Bay Badminton coaches will also be on hand throughout the lunchtime club offering advice and tips. The club can also provide all equipment that you will need, just turn up ready to play badminton.

Tim Jones Cornwall’s Regional Badminton Development Officer said
“The St Austell Community Badminton Network has been established to provide the local community with a range of opportunities to participate in regular badminton. The new lunchtime session at Polkyth Leisure Centre is such an opportunity for more people to play and receive some quality-based coaching, particularly at a time that may be more convenient to them.”

If you are interested in attending the Wednesday lunch time club or the evening club on Tuesdays please contact Lyndon Allen on 01726 63245 or e-mail lyndoncallen 2@btinternet .com

St Austell Bay Badminton club is supported by the Cornwall Community Foundation and the St Austell Community Badminton Network.

CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH DEVON

2011-01-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

The 60’s had a close encounter with Devon at St. Austell on Sunday 23rd January. During the pre-match team talk, captain Brian Hannibal could not emphasise enough the importance of winning if they were to remain level on points with Avon 1 at the top of the league.

Playing first men’s Brian and Phil Oland just lost to the Devon first pair in a close three ender, but by then were warmed up to take the Devon second pairing. Similarly Tony Roberts playing alongside Mike Nancekivell won only against the Devon seconds.

The ladies matches were also shared two each with Chris Marr and Vera Nancekivell winning against both of the Devon pairings. Celia Hillman and Pat Edwards were unlucky not to win against the Devon No. two’s in a three ender.

Spoils shared four all after the doubles with the mixed to play. Chris and Phil won their game likewise did Vera and Mike, so Cornwall required another game to win the match.

Brian, then played a true captains role with Celia winning at third mixed, capturing the all important game to ensure a win for Cornwall. It was hoped that Pat and Tony would do likewise, but the Devon pairing were just a little too strong and they lost in three ends.
It is hoped that the team will remain at full strength for their next match against the Isle of Wight at St. Austell on 30th January.

SIXTIES AT HATFIELD

2011-01-16T23:50:00.000-08:00

The county over sixties team found going tough at the Yehlex Inter County Tournament at Hatfield during the weekend of 8th and 9th January.
During previous seasons they have played in league division I but because of their success last year at Swindon were promoted to the premiership.
With four matches on the Saturday and two on Sunday their limited achievements came via winning games from Pat Edwards partnering Celia Hillman and Mike Nancekivell accompanied by Brian Hannibal. Mike also won an end playing alongside Pauline Avery who was deputising for Chris Marr.

Team Captain Brian (pictured above!) always knew it would be difficult and that play would be at a standard not previously experienced. He is now looking forward to a full side being available for their next league match against Devon at home on 23rd January.

Duchy Vets Closed Tournament

2011-01-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

The Duchy Veterans Closed Tournament was played on Sunday 2nd January. The tournament at Polkyth Leisure Centre is played with handicaps based on the players' ages, and the results were as follows:

Mixed Doubles

Winners: Bob Bell & Linda Beer
R/up: Phil Oland & Celia Hillman

Mens Doubles

Winners: Bob Bell & Treve Evans
R/up: Brian Hannibal & Phil Oland

Ladies Doubles

Winners: Linda Beer & Janet Santillo
R/up: Sue Biscoe & Helen Wright

SIXTIES TRAVEL TO HATFIELD

2010-12-28T06:49:00.000-08:00

Following their success at Swindon last season by winning Division 1 of the Yehlex inter-county tournament, the Cornwall over 60’s team have gained promotion to the Premiership.

Over the weekend of 8th and 9th January they will be competing at Hatfield in Hertfordshire against Lancashire, Kent, Avon and Hampshire on the Saturday and against Leicestershire followed by Yorkshire on the Sunday.

It is unfortunate that their No 1 lady, Chris Marr is unavailable to play due to a vacation in South Africa, but the team captain Brian Hannibal is delighted that Pauline Avery of Bodmin has stepped into the side.

Team:- Brian Hannibal, Tony Roberts, Mike Nancekivell, Phil Oland, Celia Hillman, Pat Edwards, Vera Nancekivell and Pauline Avery.

CORNWALL UNDER 13 BADMINTON ENGLAND BRONZE TOURNAMENT

2010-12-06T02:44:00.000-08:00

PENRYN COLLEGE - SATURDAY 4TH DECEMBER

Cornwall Youth Badminton hosted their first ever Badminton England National Tournament on Saturday 4th December at Penryn College.

The College provided their fantastic new 6 court hall and opened all their amenities for the day. Cornwall Youth Badminton's sponsors “Dairy Crest Davidstow” provided their continued support through prize donations and publicity at the event.
A total of 54 players travelled from across Cornwall, Devon ,Somerset and Yorkshire to compete for medals.

There was a great entry of 12 players from the local College Penryn Saracens Club, and Local Clubs at Mounts Bay and First Edition also ensured a good turn out of Cornish talent. A full entry from the County U13 squad and a good number of County U11 players pitted their skills against their out of County opponents. Particular great performances from Kellan Moore Cornwall U13s rising star who defeated a nationally higher ranked player from Yorkshire in the singles final and with her club team mate Amy Polglase took a second gold medal winning the girls doubles final.

There were a total of 18 National medals awarded in the disciplines of Boys and Girls singles and doubles. The County took 14 medals 5 of them Gold as winners in the Boys doubles, Girls singles and doubles.

Full list of results ;
Girls Singles
Winner-Kellan Moore First Edition BC (Camborne)
Runner Up-Amy Jones Yorkshire
Semi finalists
Billie Wood Truro School
Amy Polglase First Edition BC

Boys Singles
Winner –William Fryer Devon
Runner Up-Tom Reddaway Somerset
Semi finalist
Alex Julian Penryn Saracens BC
Tyler Sillifant Launceston

Girls Doubles
Winners- Kellan Moore Amy Polglase First Edition BC
Runner Ups-Jenna White Penryn Saracens BC Amy Jones Yorkshire

Boys Doubles
Winners-Alex Julian Penryn Saracens BC Sam Laity Mounts Bay BC
Runners Up-Jason Chan Mounts Bay BC Milo Semoilin Roseland School
Semifinalists Ollie Cavill Penryn Saracens BC Tyer Sillifant Launceston

Mrs Ros Bastian, Assitant Headteacher, and Director of Community Sport at Penryn opened the event and presented medals to players during the course of the tournament.

GIRLS DOUBLES GOLD MEDALISTS
KELLAN MOORE-AMY POLGLASE

BOYS DOUBLES GOLD MEDALISTS
ALEX JULIAN-SAM LAITY

It is intended to ensure this tournament now remains a permanent fixture within the Badminton England Calender.

Mount's Bay Club

2010-12-02T06:37:00.000-08:00

Badminton England's Club of the month for December is Mount's Bay. (Club Website)

You can read the article here...

Badminton England Club of the Month

Bronze medals at Warwick Bronze

2010-11-14T12:33:00.000-08:00

Ten Cornish U17 players made the long journey to Warwick to take part in the Warwick U17 Bronze tournament on the 13th November. There were 86 boys and 47 girls taking part throughout the day. The Cornish players were: Abi Logg, Beth Wotton, Chris Cooper, Chris Grout, Kris Jasper, Christian Jasper, Kynan Clarke, Tony Marshall, James Gallagher & Sam Spencer

In the boys doubles Kris & Christian Jasper were the only Cornish pair to come through their box. They won their next match 24-22 only to be knocked out in the semi-final by the eventual winners.

In the singles all 10 players won at least one game in the group stages. Kris Jasper and Sam Spencer both won their boxes comfortably. Kris lost in the last 16 to a player from Middlesex 21-17. Sam made it to the quarter finals where he came from 15-19 down to win 21-19 to beat a Staffordshire player. In the semis he went down to the Wiltshire number 1 in a fantastic game 21-19.

Then followed the long trip home.

Well done to Sam, Kris & Christian and all the players who took part.

Kris & Christian

Sam

Duchy Doubles Delight

2010-11-09T08:04:00.000-08:00

It was a superb display of Level doubles at its best that overwhelmed the Dorset badminton team on their home turf. The Cornish 1st team travellers took the match 8-7 and bagged an important 2 points to begin their 2010/11 campaign.

Captain and coach Kelvin Edwards gave the team an initial boost with a superb win over the Dorset singles number 1 in straight sets.
“I just kept it simple and hit the corners” remarked Kelvin.

The men’s doubles was a master class in attacking play; James Whetter and Guy Michell were never really troubled in both their contests and clearly showed their authority as a well established pair. Their counter hitting and ability to turn defence into attack was just too much for any of the Dorset pairs. Not to be out done the new pairing of Tom Lyle and Ross Lashbrook also proved to be too strong for the home side.

“I am sure these two pairs will have to play each other in the restricted tournament next year, and that is a contest worth booking your seat for now” commented Kelvin.

The ladies doubles were shared with Jo Philip and Rachel Irish winning in three sets against the Dorset first pair and, Bron Wotton and Jan Santillo winning in three sets against the seconds. Both pairs should great determination to win through.

Unusually, the mixed doubles faired against the Duchy side, with only James and Jo winning through. The other pairs did all lose in three sets which shows that the fitness training of late has paid off.

“The whole team did complain of feeling “flabby” before pre season training commenced” reported Guy “But we have all worked so incredibly hard in training and this result sends out warning signs to the other counties in the group.”

Cornwall’s next match is at home, Polkyth Leisure Centre, St Austell on Sunday 28th November against Somerset. Match starts at 1pm, admission is free so why not go and support the team for what looks like a successful season.

OVER 60's VETERANS

2010-11-08T01:38:00.000-08:00

Following their 7-5 success against Dorset away earlier in the season, Cornwall over 60's winning ways continued on Sunday 7th November with a convincing 10-2 win over Somerset at Yeovil.

Their 'I have a bad cold' captain Brian played well with Phil Oland to win both their mens, while the pairing of Tony Roberts and Mike Nancekivell lost to the Somerset No 1 pair.

However the ladies of Chris, Vera, Pat and Celia all played well to win all of their matches in convincing style.

Cornwall went on to take three of the four mixed with 'under the weather' Brian just loosing in a three ender with Celia.

Away to title contenders Wiltshire at Melksham in six weeks time are their next opponents, so it is hoped that their winning ways will continue.

Get Active Cornwall

2010-10-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

The Get Active Cornwall website is featuring badminton as it's activity of the month. Go here to see full details:

www.getactivecornwall.co.uk

A Bonanza of Badminton in Penryn

2010-10-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

An excellent day’s badminton for nearly 60 players from all over Cornwall and Plymouth took place in Penryn College’s impressive sports hall on Saturday 16th October.

The event, promoted and run by Cornwall County Badminton Association, was for social and league players to have a chance to play competitively in a tournament against new opponents, and it was a great success.

Tim Jones, Badminton England’s Regional Development Officer, was on hand to thank everyone, and to encourage local players to attend a meeting on 25th October at 7pm in Penryn, to discuss setting up a new league club to promote badminton in the Falmouth and Penryn area.

Winners and Runners up of the Bonanza –

Mens social singles winner – Dominic Thomas, runner up – Martin Penney
Mens league singles winner – Ryan Lambourne, runner up - Trevelyan Searle
Mens social doubles winners – Mike Ezra and Mark Griffiths, runners up – Andy Long and Bob Birch
Mens league doubles winners – Simtak Yau and Mike Finch, runners up Trev Searle and Alex Smith
Ladies social doubles winners – Zelda Bennett and Marnie Boston
Runners up – Alison Turpie and Dee Frost
Ladies league doubles winners – Celia Hillman and Pat Edwards
Runners up - Tracy Watkinson and Bev Grant
Mixed social doubles winners – Keith Wingett and Sarah Catterall
Runners up - Mike Ezra and Joan Bontoft
Mixed league doubles winners – Alex Smith and Wendy Smith
Runners up – Adrian Brown and Bev Grant

NEWQUAY CUP

2010-10-17T01:55:00.000-07:00

The Newquay Cup is an annual mixed doubles tournament. The tournament is handicapped, meaning it is suitable for players of all standards, from club to county level.

The tournament has been traditionally open only to the Mid-Cornwall league players, but the event this year is now open to all who play in the West Cornwall league as well.

The Newquay Cup will be held at 1pm on Saturday 13th November, at Newquay Sports Centre.

Entry forms are available from the download panel to the right of this article, and the closing date is 11th November.

NEW SEASON BEGINS WITH A BANG!

2010-10-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

Cornwall Badminton – County Championships review, September 2010

The new season’s restricted championships, recently held at Polkyth Leisure Centre, St Austell, saw 56 players from all over Cornwall entertain the crowds with some exciting, nail-biting badminton.

Over half of the players came from Cornwall Youth Badminton, showing their skills and commitment to their older counterparts, and indicating how healthy the Cornish game is.

The mens singles draw was a close fought affair, with 2 seeds, Guy Michell and Lee Bottrill, losing to Ross Lashbrook and Shane Maton, in 2 thrilling, long games. Lashbrook went on to push the top seed, and defending champion, Kelvin Edwards close before losing in the semis. The final lived up to its promise, with James Whetter, Cornwall’s number 2, attempting to regain the crown he’d held for many years back from Edwards. There was little to choose between them, as they held a game each going into the final end, before Edward’s consistency paid off as he finally won 21-19, retaining his champion status.

In the ladies, Jo Philp dominated the singles, beating Emily James in a repeat of the previous year, with the same result of Jo remaining county champion.
Jo then went on to win the ladies doubles, with her partner Rachel Irish, as top seeds comfortably seeing off the challenge of Emily James and Bronwen Wotton in the final.

For the mens doubles, no-one could match the power of Whetter and Michell, as they cruised to victory over Edwards and Tom Lyle, winning back the title they had lost last year.

The mixed doubles saw an upset with seeds Lyle/James beaten by Julian Cooper and Eve Robertson in the quarter finals, but they were no match for Edwards and Wotton who went on to the final. They met Whetter/Philp who had narrowly beaten Lashbrook and Jan Santillo in an exciting semi final. The last final of the day gave another victory for Edwards, with Bron Wotton edging out Whetter/Philp.

Winners of the plate competitions were:

Mens singles – Kris Jasper
Ladies singles – Daphne Luke
Mens doubles – Mike Finch/Tom Armstrong
Ladies doubles – Jan Santillo/Lorna Garbett
Mixed doubles – Dave Harrington/Tamsin Woodroffe

Trophies were presented by Tony Poole, Cornwall Badminton Association’s Chairman.
More details and fixtures of county matches coming up, are available on www.cornwallbadminton.co.uk

28TH DUCHY OF CORNWALL OPEN REVIEW

2010-09-24T01:38:00.000-07:00

Johanna Philp receives the 'Best Cornish Player' award from Linda Collins, Chairman/Hon. Tournament Secretary (Photo:matesca)

Rachel and Chris take the Singles title’s at this year’s Cornwall Open.

Yet another memorable and successful weekend was experienced at the Duchy of Cornwall 28th “Open” Badminton Championships. There was a record entry of 132 representing 21 Counties, for the Tournament, which was staged at its usual venue, Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Pool, Redruth, over the Weekend of September 18/19.

The first day’s play saw England’s number three ranked lady Rachel Howard of Hertfordshire seeded No. 1 for this Championships lift her first Cornwall Title by overcoming Hampshire’s Jo Dix in two very closely contested games. Soon afterwards Chris Hotchen of Gloucestershire lifted the Men’s Singles Trophy by outplaying Ben Muir of Hampshire in two straight sets. This was particularly pleasing win for Chris as he was the runner up at last year’s Open.

The Event, was celebrating its first year as a BADMINTON England “Silver” Ranking Tournament, (previously recognised as the Satellite series) with the prize-fund set at £1,260.

Main Sponsors:

GRAPHIC SOLUTIONS - www.graphicsols.com - the Computer Company, from Farnborough, Hampshire, together with Exeter’s TAG SPORTS - www.tagsports.co.uk in conjunction with YONEX UK LTD, once again were the Tournament’s joint main sponsors.

Meanwhile, Nick Lake’s Countryman Free Inns Group, with its HQ’s at Piece, Carnkie, Near Redruth, together Dales Renault, based at Scorrier and Summercourt, were amongst the other generous sponsors, of the Championships, which are known as one of the most popular on the English Badminton Circuit.

The Championships had for the time an official photographer – Matt Allen of Matesca Photography who was extremely busy - capturing the winners and runner’s up being presented with their trophies and awards and also taking various action shots during the two day event.

Day One, the singles events:

In the Ladies’ Singles, Rachel Howard was successful with a straight sets win over Jo Dix, 21/9 21/18

Meanwhile, Chris Hotchen lifted the Men’s Singles Trophy by beating Ben Muir 21/9 21/14.

Day two saw James Lauder and Elena Johnson lift the Mixed Doubles trophy by beating Devon’s Mark Trebble and Betty Blair in a very tightly contested match.

In the Ladies Doubles event, the trophy was lifted by Tournament regulars Sarah Burgess and Kelly Holdway of Hampshire who beat Elena Johnson and Kate Lester of Middlesex in the final.

The final event of the Championships, the Mens Doubles Final was thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators which was extremely competitive and of a high national standard. The eventual winners were Michael Whitehouse of Berkshire and Will Hilton-Jackson of Sussex who beat Keith Cuncarr and David Edgar of Lancashire in three very tight games.

Special Awards:

In the Special Awards, David Edgar (Lancashire) was the popular recipient of the Sporting Spirit Trophy, with Johanna Philp (Port Isaac) voted the Best Cornish Player by the Committee.

David on the referee’s console:

David Burgess, an experienced Referee, from Devon, was the official in charge of the play in the hall over the weekend.

Duchy Committee of Management, 2010:

Mrs. Linda Collins: Chairman/Hon. Tournament Secretary;
Mr. David Burgess: Hon. Tournament Referee;
Mr. Paul Martin: Hon. Treasurer;
Mr. Paul Collins: Tournament Co-ordinator/Hall Manager;

Linda Collins expresses her thanks to the following for the most successful weekend:

The sponsors, officials and helpers; The competitors, supporters and spectators; Carn Brea’s Management & Staff.

The comprehensive review/results, will be published in the Cornish & Devon Press, as well as being posted on the Cornwall Badminton Website: www.cornwallbadminton.co.uk

28th DUCHY OPEN RESULTS

LADIES SINGLES:

SEMI FINALS:

Jo Dix (Hampshire) bt Betty Blair (Devon) 21/16 21/14

Rachel Howard (Hertfordshire) bt Vikki Jones (Mid Glamorgan) 21/11 21/10

FINAL:

R. Howard bt J Dix 21/9 21/18

MENS SINGLES

SEMI FINALS:

Chris Hotchen (Gloucestershire) bt Daryl Jacobs (Middlesex) 9/2 Retd.

Ben Muir (Hampshire) bt Ben Tier (Hampshire) 17/21 21/19 21/15

FINAL:

C. Hotchen (Gloucestershire) bt B. Muir (Hampshire) 21/6 21/14

LADIES DOUBLES:

SEMI FINALS:

Sarah Burgess & Kelly Holdway (Hants) bt Anna Showan (Hampshire) & Johanna Philp (Cornwall) 21/5 21/11

Elana Johnson (Middlesex) and Kate Lester (Middlesex) bt Kate Shuttleworth (Oxfordshire) and Rachel Irish (Cornwall) 21/19 21/9

FINAL

S Burgess and K. Holdway (Hampshire) bt E. Johnson and K. Lester (Middlesex) 24/22 21/15

MENS DOUBLES

SEMI FINALS:

Keith Cuncarr and David Edgar (Lancashire) bt Daryl and Steven Jacobs (Middlesex) 21/7 21/9

Michael Whitehouse (Berkshire) and Will Hilton-Jackson (Sussex) bt Andy Penn and John Hepworth (Hampshire) 21/16 21/16

FINAL:

M. Whitehouse (Berkshire) & W. Hilton-Jackson (Sussex) bt K. Cuncarr and D. Edgar (Lancashire)16/21 21/15 21/17

MIXED DOUBLES

SEMI FINAL:

James Lauder (Worcestershire)and Elena Johnson (Middlesex) bt Andy Penn and Kelly Holdway (Hampshire) 17/21 21/17 21/17

Mark Trebble and Betty Blair (Devon) bt John Hepworth and Sarah Burgess (Hampshire) 21/17 13/21 21/11

FINAL J. Lauder & E. Johnson bt M. Trebble & B. Blair 21/19 22/24 21/6

PLATE EVENTS:

LADIES SINGLES:

SEMI FINAL:

Helena Cable (Hampshire) bt Johanna Philp (Cornwall) 21/14

Amy Reddaway (Somerset) bt Abi Logg (Cornwall) 21/6

FINAL:

Amy Reddaway (Somerset) bt Helena Cable (Hampshire) 21/18

MENS SINGLES

SEMI FINAL:

James Whetter (Cornwall) bt Russell Walker (Devon) 21/14

Tom Rowley (Devon) bt Josh Pearce (Cornwall) 21/18

FINAL:

Tom Rowley (Devon) bt James Whetter (Cornwall) 21/12

LADIES DOUBLES:

SEMI-FINALS:

Rowan Despard and April Richards (Devon) bt Deborah and Karina Spencer-Smith (Hertfordshire) 21/17

Lorna Garbett and Bronwen Wotton (Cornwall) bt Sarah Nickels and Hannah Laidler (Devon) 21/14

FINAL:

Rowan Despard and April Richards (Devon) bt Lorna Garbett and Bronwen Wotton (Cornwall) 21/13

MENS DOUBLES:

SEMI FINALS:

Julian Cooper and Shane Maton (Cornwall) bt Paul Kirby and Darren Goss (Cheshire) 21/18

Tom Rowley and Ben Watkins (Devon) bt Chris Glasson and Dan Mock (Cornwall) 21/13

FINAL:

Julian Cooper and Shane Maton (Cornwall) bt Tom Rowley and Ben Watkins (Devon) 21/12.

SPORTING SPIRIT AWARD: David Edgar (Lancashire)

BEST CORNISH PLAYER AWARD: Johanna Philp

PAT HOLLANDS, MBE - OBITUARY

2010-09-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

A BADMINTON STALWART AND TRUE CHARACTER. WHO PASSED AWAY, 26 MONTHS FROM REALISING A REMARKABLE AMBITION

CORNWALL BADMINTON’S PAT HOLLANDS, MBE, from Reawla, Near Hayle, sadly passed away, in hospital, on August 26, 2010, aged 97 years.

Mrs. Hollands’ funeral service, was held at Penmount Crematorium, Nr. Truro, Cornwall, on September 3rd and attended by Family, Friends, including Cornwall Badminton officials, players and colleagues.

David Hunt, a friend and Master at Truro School, where she was a senior badminton coach in the past, read a moving eulogy, to “Mrs. Cornwall Badminton”.
Cornwall Badminton has lost a stalwart – one of the Country’s foremost county players, administrators and coaches, over a number of decades, who was devoted to her beloved game, as well as to a number of other sports, in past years.
Pat was also a true character – forthright and down-to-earth, and, at times controversial, but one of the most dedicated county administrators – and lovers of badminton – England has ever known.
Indeed, Cornish and English Badminton, will surely never witness the likes of her, including her unique energy, organizing ability and general pro-activeness again.

Pat’s “Goal” set in 2002:

Pat’s age of passing away – 97 years, is most significant, owing to it being only 26 months away from her ambition, to stand up and hit a few shuttlecocks on her beloved badminton court, when she reached her 100th landmark birthday.
She set this “Goal”, in 2002, when she reached 90 years, as a nonagenarian and played a game on court, at her Tecans Club, based at Pool School and Community College, Pool, Nr. Redruth.
What a great shame – nonetheless she can now challenge St. Peter to a game, in her Century Year.
Pat was also a top-flight performer, in a number of other Sports, including: Diving, Gymnastics and Netball and held the position of Cornwall County Netball Chairman, some time ago.
Indeed, she informed the writer that she dived from the upper-platform, at Plymouth Hoe.

She had been retired , for over thirty years, from Cornwall Technical College, on the Trevenson Campus, Pool, Near Redruth, where she was Head of Sport and PE for Girl Students, in a College with around: 8,000 on the “Books” – c. 3,000 full-timers and c. 5,000 part-timers, in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
On retiring, she Co-founded the Tecans Badminton Club (originated from: Cornwall Tech & Others), with Dutchy, her husband and was the Club Secretary, Coach and playing member, up until her death.

Love Affair with Dutchy, her husband and Badminton:

Pat lost her beloved Husband, Dutchy, in 2004 – another player/administrator, like herself. She missed his love and devotion, terribly, as well as his support and advice, in association, with her many sporting administrative and coaching duties.
Over the years, the couple were also enthusiastic, whilst tending their beautiful garden at their village home, which comprised; a lawned area, flower borders and a vegetable plot.
As well as being Truro School’s senior badminton coach, along with Ken McDonald, her assistant, she was the Honorary Secretary and Coach/Trainer, to the Cornwall Schools’ Badminton Association, ably assisted by Dutchy, Ken and other enthusiasts, for numerous years.
Pat had been a keen playing member for the Cornwall Badminton First Team (The “Chiefs”), and when the “All-England”, Open Badminton Championships were contested at London’s Wembley Arena (scheduled to be the 2012 Badminton Centre) and was known as the world’s premier event, she took part in the Ladies’ Singles qualifying competition, which was another honour.

Pat, the “Mother” of three prestigious Annual Badminton Tournaments within Cornwall:

· Mother and Co-founder of the Duchy of Cornwall “Open” Badminton Championships, based at Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Pool, Nr. Redruth, with the inaugural year being 1982.
· The Cornwall Schools’ Junior Invitation Badminton Tournament, where children travelled from all parts of England, including Darren Hall, from Essex, who secured several age-group titles, before going on to become number one in England and Europe.
· The West Cornwall Badminton League Championships, which started out in 1985 and developed into the Main Draw, as well as an Handicapped section, for Juniors, mainly.
Pat was the Duchy Open’s Tournament Secretary, from 1982 – 1987, the formative years and this year celebrates its 28th Tournament and is now a “Satellite” Ranking Tournament in its eleventh Year.
Furthermore, in the “Schools’ Open”, in Kernow, Mr. Eric Brown, from the England Schools Badminton Association – now incorporated with Badminton England – came down, to help out and provide support, from time-to-time, kindly.

“American” Tourneys prove to be “salad days” for many players:
Pat’s “Amercian”, Handicapped Badminton Tournaments were loved by One & All, in the West Cornwall Badminton League (WCBL), of which she was a tournament secretary, which boasted in excess of forty clubs in the 1970’s.
The writer, John, can vouch, fondly, for this exciting period, with admirable camaraderie, much in evidence – in the 1970’s and 1980’s, principally – which proved to be his and many others – “salad day” years.

Special Honors bestowed in 1998 and 2004:

In 1998, Pat was delighted to be bestowed with BADMINTON England’s Highest Honor, in respect of; Outstanding Services to Badminton in England, which was presented at the Annual County Dinner/Dance, at Newquay.
Six years on and this was followed by a prestigious MBE, Awarded for Services to Badminton in Cornwall, in the New Year’s Honors List in January 2004.
Mrs. Hollands was unable to travel to the Palace with the Queen, and Lady Mary Holborow, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, carried out the Investiture at Truro School, which was most appropriate.

Finally, Tony Poole and Lyndon Allen, the Chairman and Honorary Secretary for the Cornwall County Badminton Association, along with Badminton England, from their Milton Keynes Headquarters, together with the local badminton community, wish to convey their deepest sympathy and love to Pat’s Family, including her Sons, Martin and Peter Hollands and Daughter Anne.

John Tresidder
Cornwall County
Badminton Press &
Promotions Consultant,
Camborne.

2010-09-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

U13 Somerset Bronze

On Sunday 12th September 4 of Cornwalls U13 Squad travelled to Somerset to take part in the U13 Bronze. The players that went were Sam Laity, Tyler Sillifant, Kellen Moore and Amy Polglase.

In the singles Sam and Tyler were up against some tough opposition and didn’t manage to get through the group stage. However Amy came within a few points of progressing and Kellen won her box with a win against Sophie Laidler of Devon. In the semi finals she came up against the eventual winner Sophie Males (Dorset) and lost 12-21.

In the doubles again Sam & Tyler fought hard against strong opposition and lost two games and won one. Kellen and Amy played extremely well and were silver medallists, losing out to the Dorset pair of Sophie Males & Bernice Dore 19-21.

'No Strings' Badminton

2010-09-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

Cornwall Council leisure centres are getting ready to hold court with fun, friendly No Strings Badminton sessions - more info on the Cornwall Council website:

http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=25171

Mrs Pat Hollands, MBE

2010-08-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Sadly Tecans' club organiser, Mrs Pat Hollands, MBE, passed away this week. A funeral will be held at Penmount Crematorium on Friday 3rd September at 12.30pm.

Cornwall Restricted Championships

2010-08-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

Entry forms were released today for the CCBA Cornwall Restricted Championships.

The tournament will be held on Friday 24th, and Sunday 26th September.

The closing date for entries is Friday September 17th and entry forms are available from the Cornwall Badminton website: www.cornwallbadminton.co.uk (see download panel on right)

28th Duchy Open

2010-08-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

The 28th Duchy Open championships will be held, as usual, at Carn Brea Leisure Centre on 18th/19th September. This year the prestigious tournament is part of Badminton England's new Silver Senior Circuit. As well as English National Ranking Points, circuit points will also be accrued toward the circuit finals.

The closing date for entries is Saturday September 4th and entry forms are available from the Cornwall Badminton Website: www.cornwallbadminton.co.uk (see download panel on right), and also the BADMINTON England Website: www.badmintonengland.co.uk

2010 Penryn Badminton Bonanza Tournament

2010-08-10T00:38:00.000-07:00

The Penryn Bonanza, promoted by Cornwall County Badminton Association is designed to encourage social and league players to play against different people in a competitive tournament.
Separate Social and League categories ensure that players do not feel they may be outclassed if entering.

The event will be held on 16th October from 10am – 4pm, at Penryn College, Poltisko Road, Penryn, TR10 8PZ.

Forms can be downloaded by clicking HERE , or from the download section on the right of the Cornwall Badminton website.

Cornwall Youth Badminton AGM

2010-05-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Cornwall Youth Badminton are holding their AGM on Tuesday 25th May at 7:30pm.

It will be held at the Chapel Rooms in Roche. All are welcome to attend.

AGM

2010-05-10T03:17:00.000-07:00

Cornwall County Badminton Association will be holding it's AGM this Wednesday 12th May.

As usual, the venue is the Dragon Centre, Lostwithiel Road, Bodmin, PL31 1DE, and the start time is 7.30pm.

Obituary - Graham Drew

2010-05-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Sadly one of Cornwall's most well-known players, Graham Drew, passed away this season.

A keen sportsman with an interest in a variety of sports, Graham was a gifted badminton player raised in the Helston area, though he moved away from Cornwall as a young man to Surrey to commence a career in banking.

Eventually he moved into teaching, where he used his banking knowledge to introduce his pupils to the importance of taking care of personal finances, which many must have come to appreciate later in their own lives.

Teaching brought him back to Cornwall and he soon re-established himself into the local badminton scene and represented Helston club; the Drew brothers Peter, Tony and Graham became feared opponents on-court, helping to promote Helston club as a force to be reckoned with.

In time he was to move to the Newquay area and play with the club there, eventually marrying fellow club member Rosie Sylvestre and setting up home together in Newquay.

There are many young players in that area who came to value Grahams help as a coach in honing their court craft.

Perhaps his most valuable contribution to Cornish badminton was his service as County Chairman in the early years of this century, presiding over the bold initiative to appoint a Development Officer, a move which can now be seen as instrumental in reviving the fortunes of the sport by forging closer links with the established senior squads and the fast progressing junior side, with many young players now forming a crucial element of those senior teams.

A natural raconteur, Grahams witty and incisive addresses are the stuff of legend at annual county presentations; for this and his many other talents he will be missed.

CYB Open Trials (U13/15/17)

2010-04-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

CORNWALL YOUTH BADMINTON WILL BE STAGING AN OPEN TRIAL FOR THE COUNTY SQUADS 2010 - 11 SEASON IN AGE GROUPS:
UNDER 13, UNDER 15 AND UNDER 17.

YOU CAN EVEN TRY OUT FOR MORE THAN ONE AGE GROUP!
(Please check age restrictions below)

VENUE

TREGORRICK PARK, ST AUSTELL, PL26 7AG

SUNDAY MAY 9TH
TIMES:-
UNDER 13
10.00 – 12.00

UNDER 15
12.00 – 14.00

UNDER 17
14.00 – 16.00

COST - £2.00

FOR MORE DETAILS, CONTACT:-
CORNWALL YOUTH BADMINTON
Kath Wotton
TEL: 01736 850045
MOBILE: 07756 329150
EMAIL: kathwotton@tiscali.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE – Successful players from this Open Trial will be asked to take part in the CYB Invitation Trial on Sunday 16th May at Tregorrick Park

NOTE AGE RESTRICTIONS:-

UNDER 13 ON 1ST JANUARY 2011
UNDER 15 ON 1ST JANUARY 2011
UNDER 17 ON 1ST JANUARY 2011

Cornwall Under 21's Face Tournament Favourites in first Match!

2010-04-07T02:41:00.000-07:00

Wearing their County Shirts Sponsored by Ginster’s, Cornwall band of players took on the might of the Irish in their opening match of The Inter County Championships at Hatfield. Showing no nerves Ross Lashbrook of Launceston along with Claire Whitmore of Truro steeped out on court to face Leinsters best. It was gutsy performances by the Cornish Youngsters but the Singles were won by Leinster in two ends, the only reward for their efforts was with Tom Lyle (Cpt) Launceston and Chris Glasson Camborne taking an end off the doubles pairing.

The following group stage saw Cornwall play against Hampshire and Essex, with Claire Whitmore and Bronwin Wotton winning both their Doubles, Tom Lyle and Chris Glasson winning one Doubles and Chris and Bronwin a mixed. The other matches were close but did not go the way of Cornwall.
On the second day Cornwall’s first Match was against Suffolk, with Clare and Bronwin winning in three ends whilst Tom playing with his brother Phil took to playing Doubles losing in a close fought match in the third end. Chris and Bron once again were a strong pairing also losing 21.19 in the third end, it was so close but in the greater scheme of things far away!

The final match of the tournament brought Cornwall against old rivals Wiltshire, with Wiltshire taking both singles, then Tom and Phil were put against rivals of years gone by and after a gutsy hard fought performance they came back to win in the third end 22.20 in favour of Cornwall. After the first mixed Chris and Bronwin lost in two close ends, it was down to Tom and Lorna Garbett Callington to produce a memorable performance winning 21.14 in the third end.

All in all Cornwall finished higher than last year coming joint 17 with Somerset, coming ahead of other local rivals Avon!

It was a tournament to remember with a lot of good for the Cornwall Squad to take away, the team was Cornish Through and Trough proud to wear their shirts. It was full of hope for the seasons ahead, with a core of good County players proud to represent their County.
The team would like to thank Ginster’s, First Edition Badminton and The East Cornwall League for their support during the season.

Squad:
Chris Glasson (Camborne)

Gemma Cliffe (Liskeard)
Ross Lashbrook (Launceston)

Lorna Garbett (Callington)
Phil Lyle (Launceston)

Emily James (Falmouth)
Tom Lyle (Launceston) (Captain)

Bronwen Wotton (Hayle)
Dan Mock (Camborne)

Claire Whitmore (Truro)

Success for Swinging Sixties at Swindon

2010-03-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

The County over sixties team travelled to Swindon on the weekend of 20th/21st March to partake in the Yehlex Veterans Inter County Championship.

With Pat Edwards and Celia Hillman, two regular team ladies not available for this weekend it meant that for each match Cornwall would be commencing one game down.

Matches consisted of one ladies doubles, one men’s doubles and two mixed games played best of three ends. Counties from Isle of Wight, Avon, Sussex, Devon and Dorset were also competing.

Super Skip, Brian Hannibal decided to field similar men’s and mixed pairings to that which had a proven success in the league, so Mike Nancekivell partnered Tony Roberts while Chris Marr and Phil Oland teamed as No. 1 mixed with Brian Hannibal and Vera Nancekivell at No. 2.

Three matches were scheduled for Saturday followed by two on Sunday. The first on Saturday was against the Isle of Wight which Cornwall won 3-1. Despite winning their next match against Avon also 3-1, it was a much closer encounter with Vera and Brian only just winning their mixed in a close three ends. Sussex were the last opponents on Saturday, somewhat an unknown quantity as they do not play in the same league during the season. However Cornwall won both the mixed games, so all depended on the result of the mens. This turned out to be one of the closest and most crucial games of the weekend, where Mike and Tony came back strongly from loosing the first end to take the game in the third. Match won 3-1. Great days play by all, Captain happy!

The first opposition on Sunday were rivals Devon. After taking the mens, Chris and Phil had a tremendous three ends to clinch victory in their game of mixed. Unfortunately it was not a similar result for Vera and Brian who lost to a strong Devon pairing. This match was drawn 2 each. Cornwall then went into their last match against Dorset needing only 1 point to become overall winners. Brian then changed the pairings with Phil and himself playing mens with Chris Marr and Mike at first mixed and Vera with Tony playing No2. This change was most successful as a 3-1 victory was achieved.

Cornwall became the over 60’s South West champions by dropping only one point all weekend. Absolutely a great team effort, even more so without two ladies.

Cornwall II v IOW and Somerset III

2010-03-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

The last weekend of the County campaign saw a strong Kernow team win back to back victories against the IOW on Sat 20th Mar and Somerset III on Sun 21st.
On the Saturday, everyone was happy to have Emily James temporarily back in the fold, and the singles went well, with 3 'C's in the score sheet boxes, going into the level doubles. The girls played well, taking all 4 rubbers. Unfortunately, even though there were a couple of hard fought 3 enders, the Cornish guys only managed to win one. Cornwall had already won the match going into the mixed, but it was gratifying to get 2 out of the last 3 elements under our belt, securing all 3 points and an excellent 10-5 match win.

Sunday saw only one change to the team from the previous day, with Tamsin Woodroffe being replaced by Lorna Riggs.
The visitors came with a strong team, and honours were even after the singles. The Kernow 'kings' fought hard and secured 3 out of the 4 level doubles disciplines, with the girls managing 1 win a piece.
The mixed would decide the match result. First blood went to Somerset in a nail biting 3 ender, however, the 2nd and 3rd Cornish pairings secured victories with a 'rabbit out of the hat' job by Dave and Lorna in a tense 3 ender that saw them lose the first one to 7!
A satisfying end to the weekend/season with a 9 - 6 win.

Team - Dave Harrington, Ross Lashbrook, Bob Bell, Chris Glasson, Phil Lyle, Emily James, Tamsin Woodroffe, Jan Santillo, Lynda Beer, Lorna Riggs

Overall position in the Division - a very very close second to the IOW.

A big well done to everyone who has played in the team this season (additional names below) and a special thank-you to Jan Santillo who always stepped up to the plate (and usually won) to fulfil our singles elements.

Squad players:
Lorna Garbett, Sue Biscoe, Josh Pearce, Gemma Cliffe, Tom Lyle,

BADMINTON BONANZA!

2010-03-15T03:40:00.000-07:00

A total of 45 players from all over Cornwall, north Devon and Plymouth, had a successful, enjoyable afternoon’s badminton on Sunday, 14th March at Polkyth Leisure Centre in St Austell.

The event, promoted by Cornwall County Badminton Association and sponsored by Yehlex, was to encourage social and league players to play against different people in a competitive tournament.

Winners of the mens social doubles were Harry Attwater and Matt Hardy, with runners up Oliver Fernandes and Cameron Hawkes.

The combined ladies social and league winners were Dee Frost and Alison Turpie, and Zelda Bennett and Marnie Boston runners up (pictured top).

The mixed social doubles was won by Keith Wingett and Sarah Catterall, with runners up Stephen Saunders and Zelda Bennett.

Winners of the mens league doubles were Mike Finch and Matt Steele, and runners up Simon Leaworthy and Geoff Carter (pictured top).

Finally, the league mixed doubles was won by Simon Leaworthy and Gill Chave, narrow winners over Ryan Cambourne and Waine Parker.

Raffle prizes were kindly donated by Tony Pryce Sports.

Cornwall Restricted Badminton 17-21’s Tournament

2010-03-10T03:57:00.000-08:00

A marvelous 17-21’s tournament, sponsored by Ginster’s, was held at Launceston College, when players from all over Cornwall converged on this year’s venue.

The tournament this year was sponsored by Ginster’s who are also sponsoring the 17-21’s shirts for this years Inter County Championship held later this month in Hatfield.

The tournament was missing some of last years players who are now at University but welcomed players who last year played in the County under 17 team!

The Men’s singles was a well fought affair with Tom Lyle of Launceston eventually running out winner to Ross Lashbrook also of Launceston. The Men’s Doubles again saw Tom now playing with his brother Phil running out winners to Chris Glasson of Camborne and Will Pepworth of Bude. The Women’s singles was won by Claire Whitmore of Truro beating Bronwin Wotton of Hayle, the two of them then went on to beat Lorna Garbett of Callington and Gemma Cliffe of Liskeard.

The mixed doubles had to wait until Friday 5th due to time restrictions, when Ross joined forces with Bronwen who went on to win, with Phil and Claire being the runners up.

It was a tournament of some quality badminton being played by all and the trophies were presented by County Coach, Kelvin Edwards from Falmouth.

VETS BEAT DEVON

2010-03-10T03:34:00.000-08:00

The over 60's team completed their eight match league campaign on Sunday 7th March with a convincing 8-4 win over rivals Devon at Torquay. Again they were leaderless as Brian was desperately needed for the 40's side at the same venue.

However, to more than make up for this loss, super-sub Bill Edgar again stepped into the side winning all of his games partnered by Mike in the mens and Pat Cass in the mixed, who was good enough to step in for the absent Chris Marr.

In the mens, Phil and Tony lost heavily to Devon's second pairing, but got it together in their second game to defeat the Devon first pairing in three ends. With Chris Marr away, Vera linked up with Celia and took both of their games, while the two Pats of Pat Edwards and Pat Cass, won against Devon's second pairing but just lost to their first pair over three ends.

Cornwall were now 6-2 up going into the mixed, where the winners of this element were Phil and Celia together with Bill and Pat Cass who did really well winning two of her three games.

The team are now confidently looking forward to competing in the Yehlex Inter County Championships at Swindon over the weekend of March 20th, 21st.

40s v Devon

2010-03-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Cornwall Badminton Vets – 40s against Devon, 7.3.10

For the last match of the season, the team travelled to sunny Torquay to take on a strong Devon outfit.

The Cornish men were up against 4 younger, talented players, but Pete Bazin and “flying” Phil Clemo clinched a fantastic game, just winning 22-20 in the final end against the 2nd Devon pair. The other Cornish pair, made up of Truro’s Adam Widdison and Brian Hannibal, who was standing in for the day, found it hard work against the Devon men.

The girls, particularly Jan Santillo and Liane Irish, did very well, taking 3 out of the 4 ladies games, with Jan and Liane winning a nail-biting 3 ender, before comfortably seeing off the second pair, and Lorna Riggs and Sue Biscoe winning one and losing one.

The match was nicely poised going into the mixed, at 4 games each, but the Devon men again dominated, taking the first 2 games. Once again, Phil was his usual dynamic self on court, combining well with Liane to beat the 3rd pair, but Brian and Sue lost out to the 4th Devon pair, and Devon took the match, with a final score 7-5 in their favour.

This was a very creditable score for Cornwall against this Devon side, and gives the team renewed confidence for the new season to come.

Team – Pete Bazin, Phil Clemo, Adam Widdison, Brian Hannibal, Jan Santillo, Liane Irish, Lorna Riggs, Sue Biscoe.

CHIEFS SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST

2010-03-01T01:36:00.000-08:00

Cornwall 1st v Hampshire, 28.2.10

It was the last match of the season, and the team needed at least a point to be safe from relegation, with a full side for the very first time this season, they took on the travelling Hampshire players.

Fortified by Jo’s mum’s famous quiche, the Cornish men stormed to a 2 nil lead in the singles, although the girls lost out to 2 talented Hants under 16s, with Claire taking the 2nd girl to 3 ends.

The men continued their fine form in the doubles. Both pairs of James and Guy and Kelvin and Tom winning their games easily.

Jo and Rachel beat the 2nd girls pair, with Jo taking the lead following Rachel’s leg injury hampering her movement, and Claire and Bronwen just lost out to the same Hants girls in the 3rd end.

So, it was 7-5 to Cornwall going into the mixed, one more game needed for a win.

Guy and Rachel charged to 2 easy ends to set up the win, James and Jo came through in 3 ends – James in particularly impressive form, and finally, Captain Kelvin and Bronwen secured all 3 points and an excellent overall 10 – 5 win.

With this win, the season ends, the team stay in Division 3 and look forward to another successful season.

Team – Kelvin Edwards, James Whetter, Guy Michell, Tom Lyle, Jo Philp, Rachel Irish, Bronwen Wotton, Claire Whitmore.

60's IN A THRILLER

2010-02-19T02:15:00.000-08:00

With their Captain still sidelined, the 60's went to Clevedon on Sunday 14th to play Avon 1st who were lying equal second to Cornwall in the league.

This was a crucial match to win in order to maintain this position. Without Brian, Bill Edgar again stepped into the side which was brilliant. Cornwall took three of the mens doubles, while the ladies matches were halved two a piece.

This meant that Cornwall needed two of the mixed to win the match. Unfortunately Chris and Phil lost theirs to England's Mike Cox, Celia and Bill just lost out in a three ender, Vera and Mike won theirs, so it was up to Pat and Tony. They won their first end, lost the second and were 18-13 down in the third but miraculously came back to win 23-21.

So Cornwall eventually won 7-5. A great achievement. Sunday 21st sees them entertain Avon 2 at St. Austell, by when it is hoped that Brian will have returned to full fitness and back in the side.

40s v Dorset

2010-02-08T00:27:00.000-08:00

A great team effort and true fighting spirit was not quite enough to hold off the strong Dorset vets, as Cornwall 40s went down 4 – 8 at Polkyth on Sunday 7th February.

It was ladies day as the girls won 3, with Jan Santillo and Claire Peterson taking both games, and Lorna Riggs and Sue Biscoe one.

The men fought hard, 3 of the games going to the wire. Pete Bazin and “super-sub” Chik Tan were very unlucky to just lose out in both, despite superb defence, and Adam Widdison and Martin Burley came close against the 2nd Dorset pair.

The visitors duly took 3 of the mixed, and it was left to Chik and Sue to complete the match with a storming win in the last game if the day.

Next 40s match – away to Avon on February 21st.

Team – Pete Bazin, Adam Widdison, Martin Burley, Chik Tan, Jan Santillo, Claire Peterson, Lorna Riggs, Sue Biscoe,

Cornwall Chiefs Lose Out

2010-02-06T02:22:00.000-08:00

Jo and Rachel in action

Cornwall 1st team travelled to Berkshire on Sunday 31st January. Despite heavy snow on Bodmin moor, the team arrived in good time to face the promotion hopefuls. After a 10-5 defeat at Polkyth, it was anticipated that Berkshire would be strong at home, and this proved to be the case.

The venue was excellent, and Berkshire provided umpires for each game. These were closely monitored by Jane Hancock, top England umpire. Jane has officiated at all the top tournaments, including finals at the world championships.

Cornwall got off to a promising start, with Guy and Jo both taking their singles games, Guy having to fight through a tough 3 sets. After this, Berkshire proved the value of their training programme, with James and Guy the only pair to win a doubles, oddly beating their 1st mens pair, but losing to their second pair.

This left Cornwall needing all 3 mixed to bring home a point, but to no avail. Third pair Tom and Jo lost a tight game in straight sets. Then Guy and Rachel had a big three end game, showing strength of character to win 22-20 in the final set. James and Bronwen, in their first match together, fought well through another three setter, but were unable to capitalise on a match point against experienced opposition and went down 22-24.

Final score Berkshire 11, Cornwall 3

Team: James Whetter, Guy Michell, Tom Lyle, Phil Lyle, Rachel Irish, Jo Philp, Bronwen Wotton, CLaire Whitmore.

60's BACK ON WINNING WAYS.

2010-02-01T02:01:00.000-08:00

The 60's were without their illustrious captain Brian for their match against Wiltshire on Sunday 31st who was still sidelined following a leg injury obtained last weekend at Gloucester.

However the team were strengthened by the inclusion of stalwart Bill Edgar who rekindled his successful partnership with Mike Nancekivell to easily take both mens doubles. Phil Oland partnering Tony Roberts for the first time also won both their mens games.

The ladies were unlucky not to win all four games, as Celia and Pat just lost out in an exciting three ender against the opponents number one pairing.

In the mixed element all four of Cornwall's pairings were successful and a 11-1 result was obtained.

This win puts the team in second position in the league, equal on points to Avon 1 who are their opposition at Clevedon in two weeks.

UNDER 13’S COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS

2010-01-29T03:43:00.000-08:00

ALICE, GEORGIA, TOBY AND VINODH - ALL HARVEST A BRACE OF JUNIOR UNDER-13 TITLES APIECE, IN STYLISH SURROUNDINGS.

THE Dairy Crest Davidstow Cornwall Junior Under-13 Badminton Championships, 2008/2009, were held on January 18, at the superb new Penryn Sports College, with both the venue and the event itself proving to be most exciting, indeed, writes John Tresidder, with Alison Higgs.

Children from the Duchy’s Under-13 County Squad as well as beginners from clubs throughout the County joined together for a fabulous day, with four players registering a brace of wins.

The quality of badminton from the more experienced players, alongside the sheer determination and effort from those less-experienced, ensured an extremely successful event.

Firstly, the BOYS’ SINGLES had a very healthy entry of twenty. The quality of badminton within the four boxes was high, eventually resulting in Aadith Kumaravel (Truro) taking on Vinodh Arumugam (Truro) in the final.

It was anticipated to be a close contest, between these two talented youngsters - and so it proved - with Vinodh finally claiming an impressive 21-11, 21-14 victory.

It was so encouraging to see fifteen competitors in the GIRLS’ SINGLES – possibly a record for the Under-13’s age group.

The final was contested by Alice Sporick (Truro) and Georgia Higgs (Leedstown).

Alice played a tight and strong first game, taking it 21-12. Georgia fought back, resiliently, in the second set, but Alice was seen to come through with 21-17 game, to claim the prestigious blue-ribband title.

The BOYS’ DOUBLES provided a fantastic final – a close three-ender, between Ben Johnson (Liskeard) and Aadith Kumaravel (Truro) and the Toby Bamforth (Saltash) and Vinodh Arumugam (Truro) partnership.

Ben and Aadith kept control during a closely-fought first game and
won it 21-17.

However, Toby and Vinodh came back extremely well to take the next two ends, 21-13, 21-13, to secure their eventual victory.

Pleasing to see laughter and determination go hand-in-hand:

Meanwhile, in the GIRLS’ DOUBLES, with just one box of seven entries, it was the pair with the most points who would succeed.

There were some excellent games played with a lot of fun and laughter, alongside a steely determination to win.

Particular mention should go to Ruth Barnicoat (Falmouth) and Emily Toy (Falmouth) who were runners-up in the box and who competed well - throughout the day.

Eventually, the title went to Alice Sporick and Georgia Higgs, whose consistency made them the stronger Outfit.

By the time of the final event of the day, the MIXED DOUBLES, the quality of badminton kept getting better and better.

It was a pleasure for the organisers and the supporters to watch these talented Under 13’s and credit goes to all four players who were in the final – the combinations of Georgia Higgs/Toby Bamforth and Alice Sporick/Ben Johnson.

It proved to be an extremely closely-fought affair, with each point being fiercely contested, with neither pair ever pulling very far ahead.

Georgia and Toby, in the final analysis, secured a close first end, 22-20 and proceeded to go on to claim an even closer second end, 27-25, to register the title, with both players recording a brace of victories.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in this, the final event of the Junior Championships, for this season.

Special thanks are afforded to Jenny Marchant, the County Badminton Chairman, who was the Referee for the Day and to Ros Bastian, Penryn College’s Director of Sport for the warm welcome, over two enthralling weekends.

Finally, thanks also to Paul Johnson and Alison Higgs, the County Under-13 Co-Managers, Chris and Kate Bamforth, Kath Bick and all the parents who stayed to support - helping to set up and pack away the equipment.

PICTURES: Alison Higgs.

60's Disappointed With Defeat

2010-01-25T01:59:00.000-08:00

The over 60's run of wins came to an end away to Gloucester on Sunday 24th. The match commenced reasonably well with Brian and Phil winning one of their mens likewise did Tony and Mike. However the team were distraught when captain Brian pulled a muscle in the leg during his second mens game and was forced to withdraw, hence taking no further part in the match.

Vera and Chris played really well to win both of their ladies games, but having to concede a mens and a mixed game meant that the overall scoreline was a 5-7 defeat which was really disappointing as a win was probably on the cards.

Their next match is scheduled for Sunday 31st at home to Wiltshire.

BONANZA!

2010-01-22T12:06:00.000-08:00

Cornwall County Badminton Association is promoting a Badminton Bonanza, sponsored by Yehlex, to be held at Polkyth Leisure Centre, St Austell.

The event will take place on Sunday 14th March, and is aimed at social players who play for fun, and low to medium level league players, giving a chance to play competitively against different people.

The entry form is available from the download section to the right of this page, and entrants have the choice of entering mens or ladies and mixed doubles, and to either play with social or league players.

The closing date for entries is 26th February.

OVER 60's HONOURED WITH PRESENCE OF COUNTY PRESIDENT

2010-01-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

The over 60's were delighted to have the support of County President Mr Mike Avery at their match against Somerset at St. Austell on Sunday. The team continued their early season success with a convincing 11-1 win to maintain 3rd position in the league.

Next Sunday will be a crunch match away to top of the table Gloucester. Captain Brian Hannibal, who leads by example, and plays an inspirational part in the team’s success, says he is confident of a positive result.

Both of the veterans teams were disappointed last weekend that the Yehlex inter-county tournaments being held at Bournemouth and Swindon were postponed due to the inclement weather, but fortunately these have now been rescheduled, to be played during March.

Over 17 - Under 21 Tournament

2010-01-08T02:40:00.000-08:00

Regretfully, due to current conditions and weather forecast, the tournament this weekend Sat 9th/Sun 10th will now be postponed.

The tournament will still run, and a new date will follow in due course.

Berkshire overpower Chiefs!

2009-12-14T00:16:00.000-08:00

Cornwall 1st v Berkshire 2nd - 13.12.09, Polkyth Leisure Centre, St Austell.

It was Ladies Day at the home match against the travelling Berkshire team, with Cornwall’s girls putting in a fine performance to take 5 games, and the men missing out, as the match finished 10 – 5 in Berkshire’s favour.

The girls got off to a storming start, as both Jo Philp and Bronwen Wotton comfortably won their singles. Captain Kelvin Edwards was unlucky to lose his number 1 singles having taken his fast, young and powerful opponent to 3 ends.

Cornwall’s men, missing some key players, struggled against the Berkshire boys all afternoon – even the introduction of half-time pasties failed to slow them down!
But the girls continued in great style, Jo in particular having a fine afternoon, teaming up with Rachel Irish to win both doubles, and Bronwen and Claire Whitmore winning one and just losing an exciting 3 ender.

By the time the mixed doubles began, Berkshire needed just one game to take the match – 3 mixed games later and they’d won all of them, Kelvin and Bronwen going to 3 ends, but running out of steam in the third.

So the team finish this year on one win to date and some very narrow, point scoring losses, and they look forward to the second half of the season and a successful new year.

Team – Kelvin Edwards, Tom Lyle, Lee Bottrill, Bob Bell.
Jo Philp, Bronwen Wotton, Rachel Irish, Claire Whitmore.

Veterans continue winning ways

2009-12-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

Following their 12-0 win at the Isle of Wight, the over 60 veterans team continued their success with a 11-1 win against Dorset at St. Austell on 6th December. Team captain Brian Hannibal decided to field an identical team as previous.

The mens pairings of Brian and Phil had an exciting three ender against the Dorset first pair, where the dynamic Brian showed that he hasn't lost any speed and agility to secure victory. Mike, partnered with Tony also won both their doubles, with one match going to three ends.

The ladies also encountered close games, but unfortunately Pat and Celia just lost to the Dorset first pair. Vera playing alongside Chris Marr comfortably won both of their matches.

Fortunately Cornwall took all four of the mixed, which means that they are now 3rd in the league with games in hand.

The team now take a rest over the Christmas until January 3rd, when the annual County Veterans Tournament will be held at St. Austell. Entry forms are available to download from the download section to the right on this page, or from Pat Edwards on 01726 65015. This handicapped tournament is always great fun and open to players over 40.

Cornwall Over 60's Demolish Opposition!

2009-11-23T09:38:00.000-08:00

Cornwall over 60's team achieved a magnificent 12-0 win over the Isle of Wight at Freshwater on November 22nd.

The first match of the season meant a long journey to the Isle during stormy conditions, which was broken by an overnight stay at Bournemouth.

Team captain, the youthful Brian Hannibal partnered Phil Oland, while new comer to the veterans set up Tony Roberts partnered Mike Nancekivell. In the ladies Pat Edwards partnered Celia Hillman with Chris Marr partnering Vera Nancekivell .

Brian and Phil fought through to clinch a three ender, likewise did Pat and Celia.

Overall a good start to the season and on 6th December the team hope for a repeat performance when they entertain Dorset at St. Austell.

CORNWALL 1st TEAM LOSE A THRILLER!

2009-11-23T00:18:00.000-08:00

Playing their first home match of the season at St Austell on Sunday 22nd November, the singles players gave Cornwall a storming start, going up 4-1 against a strong Oxfordshire outfit.
Cornwall’s men continued the theme, winning the doubles 3-1. Guy Michell and Tom Lyle looked particularly unbeatable.
The ladies had a harder task against their Oxfordshire counterparts, losing all their doubles. Bronwen Wotton and Claire Whitmore pushed one couple very close, narrowly losing the third end.
With the score at 6-6 going into the mixed doubles, the crowd were on the edge of their seats. Chiefs Captain, Kelvin Edwards and Bronwen Wotton could not repeat their earlier wins, but Guy Michell and Rachel Irish captured their game in fine styl, giving Guy another 100% performance for the afternoon.
Seven-all with Tom Lyle and Jo Philp providing Cornwall’s last hope. The game went to the wire and they were unlucky to lose 27-25 in the third end.
Cornwall Captain, Kelvin Edwards said:
“We are very disappointed to lose this match. I’m very proud of the team who fought all the way. It’s up to us to bounce back against Berkshire in our last home match before Christmas – on December 13th – lucky for some!”

Cornwall 1st Team: Kelvin Edwards, Guy Michell, Tom Lyle, Dave Harrington, Jo Philp, Rachel Irish, Bronwen Wotton, Claire Whitmore.

17 - 21 Tournament

2009-11-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

Entry forms were released today for the 09/10 season Cornwall over 17/under 21 Restricted tournament. The tournament will be played on 10th January 2010, at Polkyth Leisure Centre, and to qualify for entry, players must have been born between the following dates: 01/01/1989 - 01/01/1993.

Entry forms are available to download from the 'Download Section' to the right of this page.

Talented New Resident Makes Clean Sweep at Cornwall 'Blue Riband Event'

2009-10-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

The last weekend of September saw the Cornwall County Badminton Association host its 'Restricted' championships at Polkyth leisure centre in St Austell.

The 2 day competition brought together the best badminton players in Cornwall, with a large contingent drawn from the Cornwall Youth badminton and 17-21 age group. Over 60 competitors took part. The first day comprised Mens and Ladies Singles and Level Doubles, whilst the Mixed-doubles title was played for on Sunday.

The Ladies Singles event saw last year's winner - Bronwen Wotton being narrowly beaten in the semi-finals by the eventual winner, - Jo Philp, who went on to beat finalist Emily James in a very close 3 ender.

In the Mens Singles, the 'new boy in town'- Kelvin Edwards won his first honours of the weekend against last year's winner, (and previous 6 times title holder)- James Whetter.

The Ladies Doubles pairing of Rachel Irish and Jo Philp retained their title in a comfortable victory against Emily James and Bronwen Wotton.

The last discipline on Saturday had an exciting and close-run Mens Doubles final which saw eventual winners, Kelvin Edwards and Nick Phelps beating James Whetter and Guy Michell in a thrilling 3 ender.

Unfortunately, due to injury, the partnership of James Whetter and Jo Philp could not defend their title on the Sunday in the Mixed Doubles event. This left the way clear for the talented combination of Kelvin Edwards and his young partner Bronwen Wotton to lift the title against Nick Phelps and Jan Santillo, but not before battling it out in a nail-biting semi-final against Guy Michell and Rachel Irish.

RESULTS

Ladies Singles
Winner - Jo Philp (Camelford) R/Up - Emily James (First Edition) 19/21 21/7 21/12

Mens Singles
Winner - Kelvin Edwards (First Edition) R/Up - James Whetter (St Austell) 21/19 21/8

Mens Doubles
Winners - Kelvin Edwards/Nick Phelps (First Edition/Tecans) R/Up - James Whetter/Guy Michell (St Austell) 16/21 21/17 21/14

Ladies Doubles
Winners - Rachel Irish/Jo Philp (Truro/Camelford) R/Up - Emily James/Bronwen Wotton (First Edition) 21/14 21/12

Mixed Doubles
Winners - Kelvin Edwards/Bronwen Wotton (First Edition) R/Up - Nick Phelps/Jan Santillo (Tecans/Liskeard) 21/18 /21/15

Ladies Singles Plate
Winner - Abigail Logg

Mens Singles Plate
Winner - Pete Bazin

Ladies Doubles Plate
Winners - Lorna Riggs/Tamsin Woodroffe

Mens Doubles Plate
Winners - Nigel Stephens/ Rob Cook

Mixed Doubles Plate
Winners - Trev Searle/Claire Peterson

Chiefs v Oxfordshire

2009-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

The 0630 start (The 0 stands for “0 my god it’s early”) to Cornwall’s badminton first team took its toll at the weekend with Duchy crashing out 12 – 3 to Oxfordshire.

Playing before a large crowd things seemed to be going ok for the Cornish after the singles with the round tied at 2 – 2. The unbeaten singles run from the Cornish number one Kelvin Edwards continued with straight sets win over his Oxford opponent. Claire Whitmore also chalked up the other win for Cornwall with an impressive display of attacking badminton to clinch the number two tie.

In the doubles the only Cornish pair to win a game was Guy Michell and Tom Lyle against the Oxford number twos. Guy remarked “My singles was a nightmare, the journey up was exceptionally long and as much as I warmed up before the game I just could not get going” he continued “It was a sweet revenge to clinch my second doubles match”

Kelvin Edwards and Ross Lashbrook ran the second pair close but just missed out in the third 20 – 22. Jo Philip was back with her county restricted champion partner Rachel Irish, Rachel who has just returned from a Barbados training camp commented “We were really unlucky against their number ones, I feel fitter after my training camp, but the journey back and then the long trip up here inevitably took it out of me”

So with score line at 9 – 3 going into the mixed the Cornish were looking to take all three to salvage a point. It was not the Duchy’s day losing all three ties, the closest mixed game belonged to Kelvin Edwards and Bron Wotton taking the Oxford first pair all the way but just losing out 21 – 19 in the third. “It has been a difficult day” remarked Bron “Without making excuses, we lost the match, Oxford didn’t win it, the journey up was tough and the shuttles we had to use were very poor, in our mixed we used an extortionate amount of shuttles, they kept breaking”

Next match: 8th November - Hampshire away.

Cornwall off to a flying start

2009-10-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Cornwall’s badminton first team got off to a fantastic start at the weekend with a convincing win over Somerset in the national badminton league. The team travelled up to Crewkerne, Somerset and before a large crowd produced a sensational 9 – 6 win.

After the two men’s and ladies singles the Duchy found themselves 3 – 1 up with a notable performance from Jo Philp who beat the Somerset restricted champion Amy Redaway in straight sets.

Convincing performances from the Cornish men’s doubles pairs of Kelvin Edwards and Nick Phelps, Guy Michell and Tom Lyle escalated the score line even further to 7 – 1. This was much needed as the Somerset ladies played extremely well to take all the ladies doubles games, despite strong resistance from Cornwall’s Claire Whitmore and Jan Santillo who took the Somerset first pair right to the wire before losing in the third end. Claire Whitmore remarked “Having losing the first end we changed tactics and snatched the second, but the Somerset pair just had the last say.” It was a brave effort but the score line read 7 - 5 going into the mixed.

Cornwall’s recent mixed training held them in good stead with the Duchy taking two out of the three mixed. Playing at the number one slot with partner Kelvin Edwards, Bron Wotton the Cornwall mixed champion was very satisfied with her performance. “We never let them into the game; we kept on attacking and broke down their defences”.

Cornwall’s next match is another away fixture against Oxford on Sunday 18th October.

DUCHY OPEN REVIEW

2009-09-24T00:36:00.000-07:00

27TH DUCHY “OPEN”: ELANA AND DARYL HARVEST THE BLUE RIBBAND SINGLES TITLES AND GO ON TO RECORD A BRACE OF WINS, APIECE

YET another memorable and successful weekend was experienced at the Duchy of Cornwall 27th “Open” Badminton Championships, writes John Tresidder.

There was a bumper entry of 124, for the Tournament, which was staged at its usual base, Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Pool, Near Redruth, over the weekend of September 19/20.

A Middlesex lady carried home inaugural singles and doubles titles, whilst her compatriot, replied, likewise, in his second Duchy/Satellite title.

The Event, was celebrating its tenth year as a BADMINTON England “Satellite” Ranking Tournament, with the prize-fund set at £1,260.

Main Sponsors:

GRAPHIC SOLUTIONS - www.graphicsols.com - the Computer Company, from Farnborough, Hampshire, together with Exeter’s TAG SPORTS - www.tagsports.co.uk in conjunction with YONEX UK LTD, once again joined forces as the Tournament’s joint main sponsors.

Meanwhile, Nick Lake’s Countryman Free Inns Group, with its HQ’s at Piece, Carnkie, Near Redruth, together Dales Renault, based at Scorrier and Summercourt, were amongst the other generous backers, of the Championships, which are known as one of the most popular on the English Badminton Circuit.

Moving on to the play:

Firstly, Day One, the blue ribband singles events:

In the Ladies’ Singles, Elana Johnson was successful, with a narrow win over Alison Marr, Avon., 13/21, 21/13, 21/16.

However, there was some consolation for Miss Marr, who accounted for Exton’s Betty Blair, seeded one (striving for a ninth crown) - in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Daryl Jacobs was seen to retain his tile, when he out-pointed Gloucestershire’s Chris Hotchen, 21/18, /21/14.

Elana and Daryl then proceeded to complete a brace of wins, apiece, on day two - lifting the Ladies' and Men’s Doubles, in partnership with Kate Lester Herts) and Steve Jacobs (brother – keeping it in the family), respectively.

Finally, the Mixed Doubles saw Hotchen going one better – registering the Mixed Doubles, in tandem with Alison Marr, to defeat John Hepworth and Hana Littlecott, the defending champions, 21/17, 21/20.

Host’s rewarding weekend:

Cornwall, the host, experienced a most rewarding weekend:

Day One witnessed Kelvin Edwards, Cornwall's Player/Coach, reaching the main draw's third round, along with the "Best Cornish Player", Ross Lashbrook (Launceston). Claire Whitmore, a Truro School Upper Sixth Student, won a battle-royale, to get through to the second round in the Ladies’ event.

On the Sunday, Claire partnered Emily James (Singles Plate finalist on the Saturday) to the doubles semi-finals, with the Rachel Irish and Johanna Philp Team securing a semi berth as well, before going down in three games to the eventual champions.

Special Awards:

In the Special Awards, Emily James, Falmouth-based, who becomes a Cambridge University Fresher, in October, was the popular recipient of the Sporting Spirit Trophy, with Ross Lashbrook (Launceston), installed as The Best Cornish Player.

* David on the referee’s console:

David Burgess, an experienced International Referee, from Devon, was the official in charge of the play in the hall over the weekend.

* Duchy Committee of Management, 2009:

Mrs. Linda Collins: Chairman/Hon. Tournament Secretary;
Mr. David Burgess: Hon. Tournament Referee;
Mr. Paul Martin: Hon. Treasurer;
Mr. Paul Collins: Tournament Co-ordinator/Hall Manager;
Mr. John Tresidder: Press/PR Officer.

Linda pays tribute:

Linda Collins conveys her thanks to the following for the enjoyable weekend:

The sponsors, officials and helpers; The competitors, supporters and spectators; Carn Brea’s Management & Staff.

Finally, the comprehensive review/results, will be published in the Cornish & Devon Press, as well as being posted on the Cornwall Badminton Website: www.cornwallbadminton.co.uk

DIARY: The 28th Duchy is on: September 18/19, 2010

John Tresidder, Cornwall & Duchy “Open” Press Officer.

27th DUCHY OPEN RESULTS

2009-09-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Pic: Sunday's play

LADIES SINGLES:

SEMI FINALS:

Alison Marr (Avon) bt Betty Blair (Devon) 13/21 21/13 21/16

Elana Johnson (Middlesex) bt Hana Littlecott (Hants) 23/21 17/21 21/16

FINAL:

E. Johnson bt A. Marr 22/20 21/16

MENS SINGLES

SEMI FINALS:

Daryl Jacobs (Middlesex) bt Andrew Penn (Hants) 21/17 21/12

Chris Hotchen (Gloucestershire) bt Sameera Hewawellalage (Staffs) 21/5 21/12

FINAL:

D. Jacobs (Middlesex) bt C. Hotchen (Gloucestershire) 21/18 21/14

LADIES DOUBLES:

SEMI FINALS:

Sarah Burgess & Kelly Holdway (Hants) bt Emily James & Claire Whitmore (Cornwall) 21/6 21/10

Elana Johnson (Middlesex) and Kate Lester (Herts) bt Rachel Irish & Johanna Philp (Cornwall) 21/12 21/16

FINAL

E. Johnson (Middlesex) & K. Lester (Herts) bt S. Burgess and K. Holdway (Hants) 16/21 25/23 22/20

MENS DOUBLES

SEMI FINALS:

Dominic Brown and Michael Whitehouse (both Berks) bt Keith Cuncarr and David Edgar (both Lancs.) 21/17 21/15

Daryl and Steve Jacobs (Both Middlesex) bt Dan Brett and Mark James (Both Dorset) 21/19 10/21 21/19

FINAL:

D & S Jacobs (Middlesex) bt D Brown and M. Whitehouse 16/21 21/18 21/18

MIXED DOUBLES

SEMI FINAL:

John Hepworth & Hana Littlecott (Both Hants) received a walk over to the final

Chris Hotchen (Gloucestershire & Alison Marr (Avon) bt Matt Corby (Devon and Sarah Burgess (Hants) 21/17 21/16

FINAL

C. Hotchen & A. Marr bt J. Hepworth & H. Littlecott 21/17 22/20

PLATE EVENTS:

LADIES SINGLES:

SEMI FINAL

Emily James (Cornwall) bt Rachel Irish (Cornwall) 21/19

Lauren Cooper (Oxon) bt Bronwen Wotton (Cornwall) 21/15

FINAL:

Lauren Cooper (Oxon) bt Emily James (Cornwall) 21/11

MENS SINGLES

SEMI FINAL:

Michael Spencer-Smith (Middlesex) bt Philip Browning (Oxon) 21.15

Steve Jacobs (Middlesex) bt David Harrington (Cornwall) 21/20

FINAL:

Michael Spencer-Smith bt Steve Jacobs (Middlesex) 21/19

LADIES DOUBLES:

SEMI-FINALS:

Anne White (Devon) & Liane Irish (Middlesex) bt Nakita Smethurst and Lauren Cooper (both Oxon) 21/13

Hannah Preece and Rachel Perkins (both Devon) bt Rowan Despard and April Richards (both Devon) 21/10

FINAL:

Hannah Preece and Rachel Perkins (both Devon) bt Anne White (Devon) and Liane Irish (Middlesex) 21/15

MENS DOUBLES:

SEMI FINALS:

Raymond Yip (Somerset) and Andre Jooste (Avon) bt Louis and Raymond Tse (both Cornwall) 21/10

Robert Freer and David Harrington (Both Cornwall) bt Bob Bell and Nick Phelps (both Cornwall) 21/16

FINAL:

Robert Freer and David Harrington (both Cornwall) bt Raymond Yip (Somerset) and Andre Jooste (Avon) 21/12.

SPORTING SPIRIT AWARD: Emily James (Cornwall)

BEST CORNISH PLAYER AWARD: Ross Lashbrook

Lee Jae Bok training session

2009-08-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

The badminton training session by former Korean National champion Lee Jae Bok accompanied by former Korean ladies singles and doubles champion Lee Young Sook took place last Saturday at St Austell Rugby Club. The event was well attended and all participants were treated to a masterclass that covered many areas of badminton including mental attitude, footwork,shot execution, doubles tactics and deception. The day was a great success and it was agreed that it had been an enjoyable and extremely worthwhile experience. The training session was organised by Pete Bazin of Truro Badminton Club, who is hoping to organise further training with Lee Jae Bok and Lee Young Sook in the future.

Lee Young Sook & Lee Jae Bok with Pete Bazin, organiser.

CORNWALL BADMINTON - NEWSLETTER

2009-08-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 2009/10 Cornwall Badminton Season. We hope you’ve had a good break and are raring to go! Please note -

Key dates:
Sun 30th August Polkyth 1-5 Open Practice
Sun 6th September Polkyth 1-5 Veterans Trials
Sun 13th September Polkyth 1-5 1st & 2nd Trials
Sat/Sun 19/20th September Carn Brea Cornwall Open
Sat/Sun 26/27th September Polkyth Restricted Champs

We hope and expect that ALL of last season’s 1st & 2nd team players will attend County Club and Coaching and enter the Cornwall Open and Restricted, and will attend the relevant Trials to be considered for selection. We will have 5 teams this year – 1st and 2nd, 17-21's and two Vets teams – 40s and 60s.

County Club and Coaching/Squad Training:

Polkyth, Fridays 7-10pm – 3 courts starting on Friday 4th Sept and then:

September 18th
October 2nd & 16th
November 6th & 20th
December 4th
January 15th
February 5th & 19th
March 5th

ALL expected to attend

Format will be: 7 to 8pm – games, 8 to 9pm – coaching, and 9 to 10pm – games.
Selectors will organise games/pairings and there will be a chance for 1st/2nd team practice.
County Club Coaching will be led by Kelvin Edwards, and will include serving and return of serve, doubles and mixed tactics and positioning.
Payment will be £8 per session, for all players this year, to be paid at the beginning of each evening – no pay no play!

More information about fixtures etc will be available at the first County Club. Please contact one of the Selectors if you need any information in advance.
Team selections will be made after the Restricted Championship.

Selectors:
Brian Hannibal
Lorna Riggs
Andy Lyle
Kelvin Edwards
Sue Biscoe

BADMINTON - DUCHY OPEN PREVIEW

2009-08-24T02:36:00.000-07:00

BADMINTON: 27^TH DUCHY “OPEN” IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT AROUND 100 COMPETITORS
ENTRIES have started to roll in, well and truly for the Duchy of Cornwall 27^th “Open” Badminton Championships, scheduled for four weeks time, from this weekend, writes John Tresidder.
The prestigious Event, in its tenth year as a BADMINTON England “Satellite” Ranking Tournament, and with the prize-fund set at: £1,260, is scheduled for Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Pool, Near Redruth - on the weekend of - Saturday and Sunday, September 19/20.
Main Sponsors:
GRAPHIC SOLUTIONS - www.graphicsols.com - the Computer Company, from Farnborough, Hampshire, together with Exeter’s TAG SPORTS - www.tagsports.co.uk, in conjunction with YONEX UK LTD, have once more joined forces as the Tournament’s joint main sponsors.
Meanwhile, Nick Lake’s Countryman Inns Free Inns Group, with its HQ’s at Piece, Carnkie, Near Redruth, together Dales Renault, based at Scorrier and Summercourt, are amongst the other generous backers, of the Championships, which are known as one of the most popular on the English Badminton Circuit.
Programme-of-Events (10.00am start each day):
Saturday:
Men’s and Ladies’ Singles, followed by Mixed Doubles, extending to the Semi-finals stage on the Saturday evening.
Sunday:
Mixed Doubles Semi-finals and Final, pus Men’s and Ladies’ Level Doubles.
“Bleacher”, tiered seating will be set out for players, supporters and spectators, as in past years, with the entry to the hall being free.
The closing date for entries is: Saturday September 5 and one can download an entry from the BADMINTON England Website:
www.badmintonengland.co.uk and the Cornwall Badminton Website:www.cornwallbadminton.co.uk (see download panel to right)

CYB – a large squad is expected to turn out:
Jon Wotton, the Coach and CYB co-ordinator, reports - it is anticpated that there is to be another great entry from Kernow’s Youth, once more – with
probably over twenty youngsters from Cornwall Youth Badminton’s Under-17 squad, sponsored by Dairy Crest Davidstow.

Johanna and James excited, locally:
Meanwhile, Cornwall’s County number one players – James Whetter (St. Austell Bay), whose Company Rubber Flooring Online, are one of the advertisers, together with Truro College student, Johanna Philp (Port Isaac-based), aged 16, are planning to enter three disciplines of play, apiece, over the weekend.
JOHANNA PHILP, THE LADIES'' SINGLES "PLATE" RUNNER-UP, PICTURED WITH MIKE AVERY, THE COUNTY PRESIDENT, AT CARN BREA, LAST SEPTEMBER.
JAMES WHETTER, THE MEN'S SINGLES PLATE RUNNER-UP, PICTURED AT CARN BREA, LAST SEPTEMBER, WITH PAULINE AVERY, A FORMER COUNTY SECRETARY.
PHOTOS: PAUL COLLINS, CAMBORNE..
* David on the referee’s console: David Burgess, an experienced International Referee and Devon County’s Chairman, is the official in charge of the play in the hall over the weekend, once more.
* Duchy Committee of Management, 2009:
Mrs. Linda Collins: Chairman/Hon. Tournament Secretary;
Mr. David Burgess: Hon. Tournament Referee;
Mr. Paul Martin: Hon. Treasurer;
Mr. Paul Collins: Tournament Co-ordinator/Hall Manager;
Mr. John Tresidder: Press/PR Officer.
* Linda, the Chief, looking forward to another exhilarating weekend:
Linda Collins, the diligent and enthusiastic Chairman and Tournament Secretary of Event, who has been in post since 1988, comments: “We look forward to One & All calling into the Carn Brea Hall, over the weekend, where one will be made most welcome, as usual, to witness, some very exciting badminton, indeed, undoubtedly.”

Finally, the comprehensive review/results, will be published in the Cornish & Devon Press, as well as being posted on the Cornwall Badminton Website: www.cornwallbadminton.co.uk - in the week following the Tournament.

09/10 season

2009-06-29T01:22:00.000-07:00

The 09/10 season is approaching rapidly.

Keep checking back for updates.

Under 21 Triangular Tournament

2009-03-22T03:28:00.000-07:00

Cornwall hosted the first triangular under 21 Badminton Tournament between Avon, Devon and the host County last Sunday 15th March. It was a marvellous event where 30 young men and women fought 3 hard and competitive games.

The first match between Devon and Cornwall saw some very tight play with several rubbers going to three ends. Both the Cornish Girls Emily James and Clare Whitmore pulled out all the stops, showing why they are up and coming strong senior County Players winning both their rubbers Devon eventually pulled away winning the close fought battle 8 rubbers to 2. Then Cornwall had a well earned rest, whilst Devon took on the might of Avon, with again Devon eventually grinding out a well deserved tournament win again 8 rubbers to 2. This left Avon and Cornwall to play for pride but eventual Avon over powered Cornwall 7 rubbers to 3.

Players came back to represent their Counties from as far afield as Oxford and Bristol. It was a day of top quality badminton hosted at Launceston College and was excellent preparation for the National Finals being played in mid April, where once again these counties will battle against each other, proving the South West has some of the best up and coming badminton players around.

Andy Lyle & Steve Glasson

Under 21's Managers

Cornwall U15’s vs Wiltshire U15’s

2009-02-01T03:37:00.000-08:00

25th January 09 - Tregorrick Park, St Austell

The team was:
Ben Cooper (Ponsanooth)

Imogen Powell (Helston)
Lee Chapple (Penzance)

Bethany Wotton (Leedstown)
Tony Marshall (Bude)

Charlotte Somerville (Gorran)
Kris Jasper (Launceston)

Emma Higson (Padstow)
Chris Grout (Launceston)

Abigail Logg (Launceston)
Jack Kendall (Ponsanooth)

Bethany Rich* (Penzance)
Kynan Clarke (St Austell)

Hannah Robertson (Callington)
Sam Spencer (Ponsanooth)

*denotes a first cap

This was the first home match of the season and we welcomed Wiltshire’s U15 team to Tregorrick Park, St Austell. The Cornish team were very upbeat after some excellent performances at the County Championships two weeks previously. This positive mood showed as the boys won the singles 5 – 1, with an excellent debut singles for Chris Grout winning in three close ends. The girls also played well winning 4 – 2. Bethany Rich recovered well after a nervous start to win in two ends on her first time in the team.

Cornwall 9 – Wiltshire 3

In the doubles Cornwall again were dominant. The boys number 1 pair, Lee and Tony, took all 3 games. The Cornish second pair (Ben & Sam) and the third pair (Chris Grout & Kynan) took two games apiece, losing only to the Wiltshire first pair in very close games. The girls, however, exceeded all expectations and won all 9 games. Our third pair Abigail and Hannah, a scratch partnership, beat the Wiltshire first pair in two ends. Charlotte & Emma had to come through two difficult 3 end games.

Cornwall 25 – Wiltshire 5

By the mixed Cornwall had already won the match and they were all able to relax and play with great confidence. Cornwall were dominant again and won 5 – 1. Lee & Beth Wotton playing at number one played exceptionally well and took their 2 ends very comfortably. To finish the match off was a great 3 end game. Wiltshire took the first end 20-22, then Cornwall (Sam & Emma) fought back in style and showing that new found confidence and belief to take the next 2 ends 21-8, 21-8.

The whole team played with great spirit and, as the match developed, with belief. They are reaping the rewards of all their hard work and training over the last few months with James Elkin. Team managers Kath Wotton and Sue Cooper are very proud of all the players and we are looking forward to the next match against Devon on 8th February at Penryn College.

Many thanks to all the parents for their help and support on the day.

Under 11 Inaugural Match

2009-01-26T03:56:00.000-08:00

"CORNWALL UNDER 11s start the long road to success on the 25th January 2009"

Marks this date down in your badminton diaries....................

Cornwall Youth Badminton with the continued support of Dairy Crest Davidstow finally achieved their long awaited ambition of fielding an Under 11 County Team against South West opposition on Sunday 25th Janaury 2009 at Brixham.
The Duchy youngsters took on the seasoned players of Devon who have developed their own squad over the past 5 years.
To put this match in perspective 4 cornish players have only been playing since Sept 2008,the majority for 12 months and one player 2 years.

TEAM

Sam Laity. Alverton Primary School Pz/ Mounts Bay JBC
Jason Chan. St Hilary Primary School/ Mounts Bay JBC
Danny Warne. St Catherines Cof E Primary School/Launceston JBC
Alex Julian. Kennal Vale Primary School Penryn/Saracens JBC
Tyler Sillifant. St Catherines Cof E Primary School/Launceston JBC
Mawgan Petersen. Newlyn Primary School/Mounts Bay JBC
Ollie Cavill. Mabe Primary School/Penryn Saracens JBC

Anna Mitchell. Penryn Junior School/Penryn Saracens JBC
Rosa Higgs. Leedstown Primary School/Mounts Bay JBC
Jessica Gabriel.Mabe Primary School/Penryn Saracens JBC
Cara Thompson. Mabe Primary School/Penryn Saracens JBC
Shauna Payne. Pensans Primary School/Mounts Bay JBC
Ellie Holstart. Pensans Primary School/Mounts Bay JBC
Kerri Sims.Pensans Primary School/Mounts Bay JBC
Megan Whitbread-Jordan. Stithians Primary School/Penryn Saracens JBC

The match consisted of singles doubles and mixed with each player playing a minimum of 5 matches over the 5 hour period. All games were to 21,with extended play and 3 ends where required.

Sam lead the line at number one and played a fantastic match losing 21-18 21-15 to an established U13 player.
Anna took the pressure for the girls and although losing played with great spirit and determination. All singles games were hard fought. Notable results by Cara who lost narrowly 21-15 21-15 at number 4 and Danny who was pipped 21-19 in the second end at number 3.
The Duchy recorded two fines victories with Mawgan dominating his opponent at 6 winning 21-12 21-12 and Jessica a revelation at number 3 winning 21-9 and with great concentration 23-21 a brilliant win by both players.

In the doubles all the boys pairings achieved respectable scores with Sam and Jason going close in their second game 21-17 21-17 playing at number one.
The girls excelled with magnificent 3 enders by Anna and Cara playing at number one against the Devon number two and three pairings. The girls working well as a pair with great determination and tenacity took their opponents right to the wire in each of these two matches.Both three ends with great rallies and tactical play.
Rosa and Shauna playing at number two narrowly missed out against the Devon number 3s losing the second end 22-20.
All girls were strong on determination and support for each other.

The mixed finished with one end to 15 points. Sam and Cara were so close going down at number one 15-14-what game... Danny and Anna , Alex and Rosa and Mawgan and Ellie all finished on double figures in their mixed matches.

All players performed magnificently and wore their county shirts with pride supporting their team mates continually throughout the match.
Final result 48-2 to Devon but more importantly our players were a great credit to themselves and played with a high degree of sportsmanship and never gave less than 100 % effort.
It is planned that CYB will now enter the South West Counties Under 11 league in 2009/10 season when a formalised under 11 squad has been agreed.

Team Managers Liz Laity.Kerry Sillifant.Jon Wotton.
Match Coach Phil Lyle ( U17 Team Capt )

Special Thanks to Umpires: Andrew Thompson,Keith Julian,Claire Petersen,Alison Higgs,Mark Whitbread-Jordan.
This was a "team effort" by all players/parents/helpers on the day.

A Final Thanks to Mr Martin Higgs Headteacher at Pensans Primary school,Mr Ben Isley Headteacher and Andrew Thompson at Mabe Primary,Tom and Phil Lyle who coach at Launceston College, and Ros Bastain Assistant Headteacher at Penryn College.
Without these peoples support and commitment over the last 12 months where close links have been made with primary schools and colleges,none of our children would not have had the coaching and mentoring required to represent the County.
A strong base has now been achieved from which it is intended that 25/1/9 is only the beginning of a bright future for all players at this age group from across the county.

Jon W.

MATCH REPORT CORNWALL U17s v GLOUCS

2009-01-18T01:53:00.000-08:00

Cornwall U17s travelled to Gloucester on Sunday 18th through snow and wind to arrive for a 12 midday South West Counties U17 match against Gloucs.
The Team were looking to gain their first win of the season and on the back of a strong performance against Dorset just before Christmas were ready for the challenge.
The team welcomed two debutants in Imogen Powell returning to the county scene after a 3 month injury layoff and David Collard who after two inspired performances in the recent Kerrier Junior Tournament and last weekends county championships gained his first ever start for the Duchy.

Team ;

Ross Lashbrook Launceston College
Patrick Davis Launceston College
Phil Lyle (Capt) Launceston College
Huw Vicary Truro College
James Payne Callington School
David Collard Callington College

Bronwen Wotton (Capt) Truro College
Lorna Garbett Callington College
Sofia Ziajka Callington College
Imogen Powell Truro School
Bethany Wotton Hayle School
Daphne Luke Mounts Bay School
Eve Robertson Callington School

The match started with 5 games of singles Ross taking on Jake Wyatt at number one. Jake a top flight player being ranked no 4 in the country at the end of the 2007/8 season.Ross fought well but was overpowered by fantastic forehand and backhand smashes and alround racket skills. Score 21-15 21-12 to Jake.

In the boys Huw had a brillaint win at number 4 coming from behind to win in 3 ends.David was inspirational in his singles at number 6 wearing his opponent down and taking his first county match in two ends.

The girls were a revelation all 6 players winning with notable wins by Lorna at number 2,Imogen winning at 3 on her return to the fold,Bethany winning her first singles match of the season at 4 and Daphne making it two wins from her last two singles matches.Eve continued her great performance against Dorset with a strong win in two ends at 6.

Score singles Cornwall 8-Gloucs 4.

In the doubles the girls led the line with three wins for Bronwen and Lorna and two a piece for Beth and Imogen and Sofia and Daphne.
The boys took 5 games with a great 3 ender at number one with Ross and Patrick running Wyatt and partner very close.James partnering his school friend David won well at number 3 and took the number two Gloucs pair to three close end. Phil and Huw saved two match points in their match against the number two pair and ran out winners in the third end,winning two of their three matches.

Score doubles Cornwall 12 Glous 6.

With victory assured the Duchy turned on the style in the mixed.
The boys taking the attack to the opposition with wins by Lorna and James at two,Beth and Patrick at 3, Eve and Huw at 5 and Daphne and David at 6 all in two ends. Sofia and Phil narrowly missed out at 4 going down 21-19 21-19.
The final match was a facinating high quality battle between Ross and Bron against Wyatt and Mills. Wyatt turned on the pressure bringing out the best in all players. Gloucs took the first end 27-25. In the second end the county champions took the attack to the opposition with tight net play and patient rallies.The pressure mounted but took the second end 22-20.
The match was entralling for all spectators as both sets of players sat and watched the match unfold. In the final end the Duchy changed 11-10 up and at 14-14 took a lead which they held after some nerve racking rallies.
The final end going their way 21-14.
A great game to finish off a well fought match.
The game was high on sportsmanship on both sides.

This win puts the Duchy back on track to move up the South West Counties Table in their remaining fixtures.Their next match is against Wiltshire in 4 weeks time.
Final Score 25-11.

T/Managers. Lester Lashbrook/ Jon Wotton.

U15 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-01-15T01:58:00.000-08:00

The U15 County Championships were held at the fantastic new badminton venue, Penryn College on Saturday 10th January. There were 39 entrants with a good number of girls, 17 in all. This all made for an excellent days badminton with outstanding performances from many of the players from across the county.

Boys Singles
The experienced Ben Cooper (Penryn College) took on new boy Kris Jasper (Launceston). In an exciting final where Ben threw everything he had at the talented and composed Kris it was the experience and determination that came through with Ben winning 21-17, 21-16.

Girls Singles
The much improved Bethany Wotton (Leedstown) competed with Imogen Powell (Helston), recently returned from injury. It was a close contest with Imogen coming from behind to win 21-17, 21-19.

Boys doubles
After coming through some tough matches in their boxes the finalists were Ben Cooper & Sam Spencer (Penryn College) and Lee Chapple (Mounts Bay) & Tony Marshall (Bude). In one of the best matches of the day, which went to three ends, there was some excellent doubles play. Ben & Sam won the first end 21-18, then Lee & Tony came back strongly to take the second 21-6. The third end changed lead several times then after saving match point Lee & Tony went on to win 23-21.

Girls Doubles
Another exciting three end match between Charlotte Somerville (Gorran) & Corinna Garbett (Liskeard) and Emma Higson ( Padstow) & Stacey Pascoe (St Day). Despite the strength and experience of Charlotte & Corinna it was the younger pairing of Stacey & Emma who showed great fighting spirit to win the match 21-18, 17-21, 21-18.

Mixed Doubles
The final event of the day also went to three ends. Lee Chapple & Bethany Wotton took on Ben Cooper & Imogen Powell in the final. In a close first end Lee & Bethany took it 23-21, Ben & Imogen fought bach and won the second 21-18. In the third the experience of the counties top U15 mixed pair, Lee & Beth, came through and won the third 21-10.

The strength and depth across the U15 age group is evident in the eleven different finalists and seven different winners. Well done to all the players who entered and thanks must go to Tony Poole who was referee for the day. Also to all those who helped in the running of the tournament, Phil & Maria Chapple, Kath & Jon Wotton, Sue Cooper, Tracey Grout and all the parents who came to support.

ROSS TAKES 3 TITLES AS CORNWALL U17S SHINE IN STYLISH SURROUNDINGS

2009-01-12T02:33:00.000-08:00

Cornwall U17s travelled from across the county to the fantastic new sports hall at Penryn College on Sunday 11th January to compete in the 2009 Dairy Crest County Championships.
There was a strong field from across both U17 and U15 age groups,with the U15 players putting considerable pressure on their elder peers throughout the day.
A field of some 40 players reflected the growing strength of numbers and quality which is now widespread across Cornwall.

Results ;

Boys Singles Ross Lashbrook v Patrick Davis both Launceston College.
Winner Ross 24-22 21-10.
A fantastic final with Patrick dominating the opening stages taking an early 9-3 lead.Ross held on and a nail biting ending with great rallies resulted in Ross taking the first end. Patrick was unable to dominate in the second and Ross powered to victory.The match was played in a great spirit with both players close friends and long term doubles partners.

Girls Singles Bronwen Wotton Truro College v Jo Philp Truro School
Winner Jo 21-12 21-8.
Jo defeated Bronwen in two ends with powerful play.

Boys Doubles Ross-Patrick v James Payne Callington School and Trevelyan Greenhall Helston College.
Winners Ross-Patrick 21-10 21-8.
Ross and Patrick took the game to their opponents and were ruthless in their attack taking every opportunity to put James and TJ under pressure. Quality serving and a sheer determination to dictate the rallies resulted in a strong performance.James is the shinning light of the new group of players who entered the U17s this season and will no doubt be back in the finals next year.TJ should take pride fronm achieving a finals place having worked tirelessly since his arrival on the county scene 12 months ago.

Girls Doubles.
Round Robin.
Winners Bethany Wotton Hayle School,Imogen Powell Truro School 63 points
Runners Up Bronwen Wotton and Lorna Garbett Callington College 61 points.
A major upset with possibly a changing of the guard as Beth and Imogen continue to progress.In the deciding game the youngsters (both U15s) clawed their way back into contention and with great attacking play and defence defeated the favourites.

Mixed Doubles.
Ross and Bronwen v Tony Marshall ( Bude) and Jo Philp
Winners Ros and Bronwen 21-10 21-9.
A ruthless display of clinical mixed doubles tactics by the seasoned number one pair in the U17s.Ross targetting the younger player and Jo who were both unable to match the oppositions experience and expertise in this discipline.

Referee Tony Poole.

Trophies were presented throughout the day by Tony Poole CYB founding member and Cornwall County Badminton Association vice chair.

Sincere thanks to Ros Bastian Director of Sport at Penryn College for a fantastic venue and making all players and spectators welcome.

At the conculsion of the Championships Dairy Crest Davidstow announced on monday their continued sponsorship of Cornwall Youth Badminton with a futher generous donation of £250 to support the U17 Harrod Inter Counties Tournament Team ,as they compete against the very best players from across the country at Nottingham University in early April. All players for the third year will wear sponsored shirts proudly promoting both Dairy Crest Davidstow and Cornwall Youth Badminton on the National Stage.

jon.w.

U21 Restricted Tournament

2009-01-12T01:58:00.000-08:00

Cornwall Badminton goes from strength to strength……

After a 5 year break, Cornwall County Badminton Association held an under 21’s closed tournament at Polkyth Leisure Centre, St Austell. The tournament attracted entries from all parts of Cornwall, with Dan Mott from Camborne returning from University to participate and picking up the singles title, beating Dan Johnson in a thrilling final.

Dan then partnered up with Rob Newlands reaching the final once more, only to take on Tom Lyle (from Launceston) and Chris Glasson (from Camborne), a partnership that has been together from the Cornwall Youth Badminton. Chris and Tom went on to win the final.

An old rivalry between Claire Whitmore (Truro) and Emily James (Falmouth) continued as both players reached the final, with Emily eventually winning a hard fought final. Emily and Claire then partnered up and won an exciting box with Kathryn Collard and Anna Pascoe (both from Callington) coming a close second losing by 1 point.

The mixed doubles saw Tom partnering up with Emily to take on Chris who partnered Claire and once again it was a game of high standard with Tom and Emily eventually winning. Jenny Marchant Chair of Cornwall Badminton was tournament referee and presented the winners with their trophies.

The tournament was the last opportunity for the under 21’s Team Managers Steve Glasson and Andy Lyle to see players before selecting the team to represent Cornwall at The National Under 21’s Tournament in April. This will be the first time for many years the County will be represented at this high profile tournament.

Steve Glasson commented ‘it was wonderful to see such high level badminton being played and I am looking forward to taking a strong team to The National Finals’.

Note: The team is without sponsors for the event and anyone who might be interested in sponsoring the team should contact Andy Lyle 01566779123.