On Saturday 7th November Cornwall’s second team headed for Wellington in Somerset for the first matches of the season. With a mixture of new and experienced players in the team the first match was against a strong Devon 3 side.
The singles were up first. Sam Spencer, Lee Chapple, Emily James and, making their debuts for Cornwall, Sean Havis and Amy Cox, all fought hard but were beaten by strong opposition in straight ends. On to the doubles with Sam and Tony Clark playing to their strengths and defending well but just losing out 21-18 in the third end. New pairing Tom Lyle and Curnow Bascombe gelled well with Tom’s experience and Curnows dominance at the net they got Cornwall on the board with a straight ends win. The new ladies pairings of Emily & Kay Bossenger and Beth Rich & Tamzin Knuckey took to the court but found it tough against experienced opposition. Despite Emily’s power, Kays skilful net play and Beth and Tamzin’s determination they both lost in straight ends. Finally the mixed doubles with new pairs Tom & Kay and Lee & Amy both losing out. Final result Devon 10 Cornwall 1
The next match was against Somerset 2 and after a slight team reshuffle the singles were underway. Both Sam & Lee having grown in confidence pushed their opponents hard before losing in straight ends. Tony took on the third singles and after a slow start began to move his opponent around the court and won in 3 ends. Emily just lost out in three close ends and Tamzin battled hard against her skilful opponent before losing in 2. Having lost against Devon Sam & Tony showed great determination and attacking play to win in 3. Tom & Curnow also winning in 3. The ladies Emily & Kay, Amy & Beth found it hard against tough opposition and both pairs lost in straight ends. The last games of the day were Tom & Kay and Sean & Amy in the mixed both, pairs failing to find a way past the Somerset players. Final result Cornwall 3 Somerset 8.
The next matches are taking place on the 12th December at Exeter University against Dorset 3 and Isle of Wight 2o
Cornwall team : Emily James, Amy Cox*, Kay Bossenger*, Beth Rich*, Tamzin Knuckey*, Tom Lyle, Sam Spencer, Tony Clark, Lee Chapple, Curnow Bascombe* and Sean Havis*
*denotes first appearance for Cornwall seconds
