22nd February, 2007
CORNWALL UNDER-17’s, 2006/2007 – THE STORY SO FAR
CORNWALL Youth Badminton’s Under 17’s have gone from strength-to-strength since the start of the 2006/2007 campaign, with strong gutsy performances by all squad members, writes John Tresidder, with Andy Lyle.
The season got underway on October 10th, with an away match, against Gloucestershire, a very strong county, traditionally, with the result being 24 rubbers to 12 in the Duchy’s favour.
This great opener was not a true reflection of the passion displayed by those representing Cornwall, with a number of matches going to a third deciding game.
Truro School was the match venue, on November 5th, when Avon County visited, with probably the strongest squad in the South West of England section.
Cornwall turned out an under strength team, owing to illness and other commitments. However, the Duchy’s players involved, once again gave their all, but were seen to be up against a very strong Avon outfit, indeed, and, being a player short, went down, comprehensively, by 28 rubbers to 8.
Dorset made their way to Truro School on December 10th, which turned out to be an encounter to behold - with numerous rubbers going to three ends.
Cornwall found the touches and shots to push Dorset to dig deep and pull off what was a tremendous victory for the visitors, by 20 rubbers to 16.
Tom Lyle, U17 team captain
The match started with some marvellous singles matches; this setting the scene for the rest of the day, with the whole squad pulling off some memorable games and Cornwall getting home, by a 20 rubbers to 16 margin.
This was a truly memorable day for team managers and supporters, as they could not recall the last time Cornwall had seen off Devon at this level of play.
Subsequent to another training session - this time by James Elkin, who hails from Somerset - the Duchy hosted Somerset, at Fowey Leisure Centre and won, handsomely, 26-10.
It was a shame that the visitors were a boy short, but two of Cornwall’s Under 15’s stepped in to make up the numbers, with their rubbers being null and void, of course.
Even with this advantage, the home team performed with sheer determination, cheered on by parents, all of whom witnessed some outstanding badminton, which culminated with the breathtaking mixed doubles discipline.
Andy Lyle, the Joint Team Manager, commented: “Well, with only one match left to play - against Wiltshire, away, on March 18th - and, with the season finishing with the Nationals, in Nottingham, it has been a season to remember with a squad proud to be wearing the Cornish Flag.
“My Co-manager, Alan Williams (Camborne), together with the squad of youngsters, would like to thank all those that have supported us through the season – because, without them, it would have been oh, so quiet in the halls.
“We could never have awarded a ‘man of the match’, for the Somerset match, as the team performed as a unit and deserved recognition for their achievements, as a whole.
“Thanks, once more, for making three “Old Men”, namely, Alan Williams, Andy Lyle and Jon Wotton, very happy indeed.”
John Tresidder
Cornwall County, CYB & Duchy “Open” Badminton Press/PR Officer.
* Squad: