Friday 30 March 2012

CAMBORNE STAR’S FANTASTIC SEASON


L/R: Jubilant - Amy Polglase (Cornwall) and Ellen Jennings, from Hertfordshire, pictured after being awarded Bronze Medals for becoming semi-finalists in the Girls’ Under-13 Doubles at the England National Badminton Championships, held at the University of Nottingham on March 17/18.

Young Camborne Badminton star, Amy Polglase, aged 13, ranked England number eight and with a personal coach in Mr. Clif Morcom, Redruth, has experienced a truly memorable season, which concludes soon, writes John Tresidder.

Her first School was Kehelland County Primary, near Camborne and she then graduated to Camborne Science College, known as Camborne Science & International Academy, today.

At the Science College, early on, she attended a Badminton Taster session course, organised by Mr. Tony Wong, coach and her love of the sport spiralled after that, with her proceeding to play representative badminton for the Academy.

Amy is a member of the First Edition Junior Club, based in the Sports Hall at Cornwall College, Pool, near Redruth, who meet on Saturday mornings and are sponsored by The Redruth Charity Trust.

The 2011/2012 campaign has seen her harvesting numerous titles, including the Cornwall Under-13 girls’ singles, level doubles and mixed doubles, securing a superb hat-trick, in the process, as well as the Under-15 girls’ doubles and mixed doubles titles. Amy has also played in the County Under-17 championships and has beaten some of the squad members, in tournaments.

Amy Strikes England GOLD:

And, after her exploits and good tournament results, at SILVER level, IN and OUT of the Duchy, in the 2011-2012 season, she graduated to become a BADMINTON England GOLD standard player, the first youngster to be bestowed with this honour, in Cornish Badminton history.

Amy also turns out for The CYB Under-15 team, sponsored by Dairy Crest Davidstow, where, in the Girls’ Doubles, she has partnered Kellen Moore, another Camborne Badminton star, in the number one slot.

And, with the affable young ladies’ phenomenal progress on court, the general consensus is, that both Amy and Kellen, will be challenging for a county senior second team berth and then the Cornwall 1st Team - the “Chiefs” - in the not too distant future.

England Under-13 semi-finalist:

Miss Polglase recently experienced a most exciting and fruitful weekend, at the University of Nottingham, on March 17/18.

Amy, partnering Ellen Jennings, from Hertfordshire, proceeded to reach the semi-finals of the National Under-13 Girls’ Doubles Event, where the duo were presented with prestigious Bronze Medals for their truly sterling efforts.

Amy, well done, indeed, from the Cornwall Youth Badminton Organisation and Dairy Crest Davidstow. What a wonderful early Easter Present and best wishes for next season.

Finally, Amy was formerly a member of the Swallows of Helston Gym Club, for five years and her trademark - sublime poise and balance, allied to springy, on-the-toes footwork, on her beloved badminton court, owes a great deal to these formative years of gymnastic training.

Monday 19 March 2012

CORNWALL U17s v WILTSHIRE U17s

TREGORRICK PARK ST AUSTELL - SUNDAY 18TH MARCH



Cornwall U17s Badminton Team completed a busy schedule of badminton over the weekend with a resounding 25-11 victory over Wiltshire in the South West Counties Badminton League on Sunday at Tregorrick Park St Austell.

This second victory in 4 weeks moves the team further up the league table with high hopes of a top 3 finish with Gloucester travelling to the Duchy on Sunday the 25th to complete the teams league fixtures.

The match started with a confident victory for Jake Brazewell playing at no1 for the first time at this level winning comfortably in two ends. Simon Cox had a long battle at no2 going down in the third 21-15. Vinodh Arumugam just back from illness was tenacious in his match but felt the pace as he works to regain full fitness. Chris Cooper, Ben Johnson and Sam Payne all won well in their matches.

The girls with Hester Luke taking the no1 spot for the first time took all 6 matches. Abi Logg at no2 unfortunately sustained an injury in her second end, however Abi showed great courage in competing her singles match and recording a victory. Thereafter a visit to hospital was required to work on her injury a great captains performance. Hannah Robertson competing at no5 won a close first end 22-20 before taking the second 21-15. Again another resilient performance by our Vice Captain.

In the doubles the girls pairings of Hester and Georgia Higgs took all 3 games, who after a slow start against the no1 pairing , gelled and were very impressive as the afternoon went on. Rachael Collard and Alice Sporik took 2 games from 3 again improving as the games progressed.

The boys doubles saw an outstanding performance by a new pairing of Ben and Sam playing at no3 they won 3 games all in 2 straight ends. Some very attacking badminton, was simply too much for their opponents in each game. Both players demonstrated an exemplary high work rate, working tirelessly for each other as they dominated with persistent attacking play. Chris and Simon and Vinodh and Jake took two games each.
In the mixed Simon and Rachael took the no1 spot and lost the first end 22-20,before going down 21-15 in the second. Chris and Hannah and Jake and Georgia were comfortable winners at nos 3 and 4.

Sam and Hester won well at no5 but due to Abis injury and a need to alter the pairings this win did not count to the teams overall total. However it maintains both Sam and Hesters 100% record in mixed doubles over the season.
County Colours were awarded to Ben Johnson on completing his third County match of the season.

The Team was without their no1 player and Captain Kris Jasper who was competing in the U17 National finals over the weekend. The Players against Wiltshire all demonstrated the developing strength in depth that the County is creating and achieved success in what was anticipated to be a close run match.
The match was played in a great spirit with all games extremely competitive but played hard but fair. Great sportsmanship was shown by both sides throughout the afternoon.

Overall result Cornwall 25 Wiltshire 11

TEAM
Simon COX (Wadebridge) Team Capt .Jake Brazewell (Newquay) Vinodh Arumugam (Truro) Chris Cooper(Penryn) Sam Payne(Callington)Ben Johnson(Liskeard)
Abi Logg(Launceston) Team Capt.Hannah Robertson(Callington)Hester Luke(Mounts Bay)Rachael Collard(Callington)Georgia Higgs(Helston) Alice Sporik(Truro)

Team Managers: Sue Cooper Jon Wotton

CUP FINAL NIGHT!



The West Briton Cup was retained for the third year by Camelford who won the final 5 – 4. Camelford won the 3 ladies winning the 3rd pairing 21 / 19 in the 3rd end. St. Austell won all 3 men’s so it came down to the mixed. Penny and James lost to Jo Philp and Rob Cook 14/21; 22/20; 21/18. The second pairing saw Lucinda Dennes and Guy Michell beat Helen Beer and Adrian Parsons – 15/21; 21/12; 21/6. So it all came down to the 3rd mixed to decide the outcome Rachel Stacey and Rob Heckburt beating Jane Barber and Jeremy Roberts in a thrilling game 22/24; 21/15; 21/11 to clinch the trophy.

Carlton Cup was won by CYB B team on handicap before adjusting the handicap’s Liskeard scored 329 – 326 but after adjusting for the handicap this turned into a 37 point win for CYB B 426 – 389 - full report to follow.

Some exciting badminton was played and it was good to see both competitions being played on the same night, the first time for a long time. Nice to see so many spectators including the President and his wife, Pauline and Mike Avery and their granddaughter who plays for the CYB U11’s.

CORNWALL U17S SENIOR COUNTY CUP SUCCESS



On Friday 16th March Cornwall Youth Badmintons U17 “B” Team competed in the final of the Senior County Carlton Cup Competition. This competition is a handicapped event and a great development opportunity for the young players.The players had worked hard over the season to reach the final defeating both Camelford and St Austell on route to the final against Liskeard.

The team took a 40 point advantage into the match and led by Captain Hester Luke performed to expectations. Some great mens doubles matches meant the team kept on track through the evening, the girls making sure their points tally in their doubles was always ahead of their opponents. The mixed doubles was even but overall the players performances warranted their success.

Final score CYB 426 points Liskeard 389 points.

Cornwall Youth Badminton have been competing in this competition for 3 years, reaching the final last year and now taking the cup on their third attempt.

Players ;
Hester Luke (Capt) Georgia Higgs Alice Sporik
Jake Brazewell Ben Johnson Vinodh Arumugam

Thanks must go to the players parents for taking time to support the team with transport around the County and adding their vocal support at matches.

Team Managers ; Sue Cooper Jon Wotton