CORNWALL U17'S - THE STORY SO FAR

Cornwall under 17’s have gone from strength to strength since the start of the 2006 / 7 campaign, with strong gutsy performances by all squad members.

The season started with an away match against Gloucester, a very strong county, the result was 12 rubbers to Cornwall and 24 to Gloucester. This was not a true reflection of the passion shown by those representing Cornwall with matches going to three ends. Then came Avon, probably the strongest squad in the section, Cornwall turned out an under strength team due to illness and other commitments for players, those who played once again gave their all but against a very strong Avon team and being a player short went down 8 rubbers to 28. December saw Dorset make their way to the Duchy, it was a game to behold with many 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 20 rubbers to Cornwall’s 16.

Then came the New Year after some intensive training sessions by Kelvin Edwards from Somerset, supported by other coaches from Cornwall the local Darby was once again contested with Cornwall visiting neighbours Devon. It started with some marvellous singles matches; this set the scene for the rest of the day with the whole squad pulling off some memorable games with Cornwall eventually winning 20 rubbers to sixteen. A memorable day for Team Managers and Supporters as they could not remember the last time Cornwall had beaten Devon.

After another training session, this time by James Elkin again from Somerset, we played hosted to Somerset at Fowey, it was a shame as they were a boy short but two of Cornwall’s under 15’s stepped in to make up the numbers. Even with this advantage the team performed with sheer determination, cheered on by parents and all who watched, they played outstanding badminton culminating in some breathtaking mixed doubles.

Well with only one match left to play against Wiltshire away and the season finishing with the Nationals in Nottingham, it has been a season to remember with a squad proud to wear the Cornish Flag, we would like to thank all those that have supported us through the season as with out them it would have been o so quiet.

We could never have a ‘man of the match’ as the team performed as a unit and deserve recognition for their achievements.

Squad: