Following a promising first match dispatching a talented Avon team, the
Cornish team were keen to capitalise on a good start to the season against
Dorset 3 away. For reasons unknown, Cornwall arrived at the venue ready
for a 12.30pm start, only to be informed that the match was scheduled for a
12pm kick off. Traveling separately was
Kahoo, arriving a whole hour late (a new record), believing the match to start
at 1pm. Fortunately the opposition showed commendable sporting spirit, not penalising
Cornwall for the late start and the match started without any further delay.
As tradition dictates, the match started off with singles. On form
youngster Liam Sillifant swiftly dispatched his opposition in two ends, with Sam
Spencer losing marginally in two close games. Ladies followed suit, with Beth Wotton
winning in two and Hester Luke losing to Dorset’s number one singles in a tight
decider.
The Cornish ladies saw Beth team up with Linda Beer and club mates Vicki
Thomas playing with Hester Luke. The first pairing notched another rubber,
Vicki & Hester beating the Dorset second pairing. An unfortunate turn of
events saw Linda pick up an injury during the first doubles and despite the
injury made an amicable effort in both rubbers but unfortunately losing both.
Our strength in men's doubles saw both Rich Townsend & Dave Harrington and
Kahoo and Sam Spencer winning all four men's comfortably. With a 7-5 lead
heading into the mixed, Cornwall were determined to win all rubbers and bag
maximum points.
A late substitution for injured Linda saw Hester team up with Rich -
with Rich’s variation of shots and Hester’s power play they beat the Dorset
first pair in two ends. Established pairing Kahoo and Vicki were next up. In
contrast to Vicki’s warning that she wasn't playing particularly well during
the match, Kahoo spent the majority of the first game as a spectator whilst
Vicki dominated the opposition with great vision and accurate shots. The duo
swiftly swept aside Dorset in two ends, keeping our hopes of achieving a three
point victory. The scratch pairing of Liam and Beth couldn't quite keep up with
the opposition and despite the advantage of youth behind them a lack of
experience forced the pair to accept defeat under pressure.
With another win in the bag, the Cornwall 2nds left Dorset pleased with
the win, but also acknowledging that improvements will need to be made in order
to obtain the elusive promotion spot this season.
Thanks to the team and Sue Cooper for organising the county match.
