RISING STARS SHINE AT COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Over 40 entries were received for the U15 and U17 County Championships which took place over the weekend of 28th-29th April at Treviglas Sports Hub, Newquay. U15 CHAMPIONSHIPS The boys singles final was won by Sam Phelps ( Falmouth ). Sam played a confident, well structured, tactical match winning comfortably in two ends. The girls singles was won by Cara Collins ( Liskeard ). Cara, fresh from competing at the U17 National championships the previous weekend, dominated the event finishing with a resounding victory in her final match. The boys doubles saw Jason Ayliffe and James Wright (both Truro) deservedly win the County title. The girls doubles was a fascinating event. Cara partnered her school friend Emily Geach who is a new comer to the sport. Both worked tirelessly in their matches and won the event showing great determination and willingness to support each other during long, tense rallies. The mixed doubles winners were Cara and Regan Hull (Falmouth). Trophies were presented by Mrs Jenny Netley-Reseigh (County U14 Team Manager). U17 CHAMPIONSHIPS Sunday saw the U17 players competing against some of their younger peers in the U15 and U13 squads. The boys singles final saw the top two seeds going head to head. Harry Dyer ( First Edition BC) had a close match with Luke Sillifant ( Launceston). Luke agonisingly losing the second end 22-20, and the match in 2 ends. Harry taking his first U17 County singles title. The girls singles final was repeat of 2017. Cara defeated her county team mate Mollie Bailey ( First Edition B) in two ends. The match was of a high standard. The boys doubles final saw Luke, partnering his school friend Joe Tucker ( Launceston), defeating Harry and his partner Potae Sheppard ( First Edition BC) in 3 close ends. Without doubt the match of the day was the girls doubles final between Cara and Beckie Bailey (First Edition BC) against Mollie her elder sister and Melissa Lin (First Edition BC). It is worth noting that both Melissa and Beckie had competed in the National Schools finals in Aylesbury the previous day, returning home at 1am Sunday morning. Cara and Beckie won in three incredible ends: 13-15, 15-14, 15-13. The final match of the day was the mixed doubles. Again, high class badminton was on show. Harry and Cara defeated Luke and Melissa in three very close ends. The trophies were presented by Mr Guy Lin (Under 18 Team Manager). The standard of badminton throughout the weekend, and especially on Sunday, was exceptionally high. A high percentage of Cornwall’s youngsters compete on the National Badminton England tournament circuit. The players have achieved National tournament success and high National rankings due to their dedication and commitment to the sport throughout a long season. U15 BOYS SINGLES WINNER SAM PHELP U15 GIRLS SINGLES WINNER CARA COLLINS U15 BOYS DOUBLES WINNERS JASON AYLIFFE/JAMES WRIGHT U15 GIRLS DOUBLES WINNERS CARA COLLINS/EMILY GEACH U15 MIXED DOUBLES WINNERS CARA COLLINS/REGAN HULL U17 BOYS SINGLES WINNER HARRY DYER U17 GIRLS SINGLES WINNER CARA COLLINS U17 BOYS DOUBLES WINNERS LUKE SILLIFANT/JOE TUCKER U17 GIRLS DOUBLES WINNERS CARA COLLINS/BECKIE BAILEY U17 MIXED DOUBLES WINNERS CARA COLLINS/HARRY DYER