BADMINTON: FIRST EDITION’S BRONWEN COMPETES ON NATIONAL STAGE

Over the weekend of March 3/4, Bronwen Wotton of the Camborne-based First Edition Badminton Club - the Cornwall Under-15 Singles and Doubles Champion - competed at the England National Under-15 Badminton Championships held at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, writes John Tresidder with Jon Wotton.

Bronwen, a student of Hayle Community School, partnered Avon’s Ellen Marsh in the doubles event and both girls were also accepted into the singles discipline, competing against the very best players, from across England.

The full England Team were present including the European No. 1 and No. 2 Girls’ singles players.

Bronwen’s entry was a culmination of six-months preparation -competing on the National Bronze/Silver circuit.

Throughout the season, the popular youngster has achieved success as the South West Bronze Singles winner (Gold) in September and a semi-final appearance in her first Silver Tournament at the University of Exeter, in the South West Silver Tournament in early February - defeating the National Silver number six on the way to losing a close match in the semi-final to the number one ranked player, 15-13,15-13.

A recent success by both girls winning a Silver medal at the East Midlands Bronze Doubles Tournament, held in Warwickshire as runners up was a good foundation for the Nationals.

In the doubles, against two top pairings, in the group stage, the girls performed well achieving - commendable scores.

Bronwen, in the singles, was competing against the England Team Player (No. 5) (Vicki Primmer), the National Under-13 champion and Steffi Clarke from Yorkshire, ranked 15.

She held Primmer to 14-12 in the first end and recorded a notable 12 and 17 in her second match.

Bronwen’s last match was the highlight of her competition - pushing Clarke all the way in the first set - losing a nail-biting close opening game, 21-19.

However, Clarke ran out the eventual winner in the second game, 21-8.

After her event, Mr Eric Brown, Chair of BADMINTON England’s Schools’ & Youth Board, exchanged some encouraging words with Bronwen.

Mr Brown commented on Bronwen’s commitment in undertaking a near 1000-mile round trip to compete and spoke of her attitude and determination, whilst competing against the country’s top players, which was of the highest standard.

Mr Brown commented: “It is fantastic to see Cornwall Youth Badminton, back competing on the National Stage - well done, indeed."

Both girls were treated to spectating at the finals of each discipline on the Sunday and witnessed top class Badminton with some of England’s probable Olympic players for the London 2012 Olympics on show.

And Bronwen commented: "I travelled up with Dad to Norwich and experienced a terrific weekend.

"I was involved in many exciting games, including with my doubles partner, Ellen Marsh - gaining invaluable experience at the same time.

"I am now looking forward very much, to the National Under-17 Championships at Nottingham, in April."


Kernow’s top-flighters Nottingham bound:

Staying on the same theme, next month, the Cornwall Under-17’s will be competing on the National Stage at the Inter-Counties Tournament, being held over four days at the University of Nottingham, from April 12-15.

The Duchy’s top five Boys and Girls have been selected to compete against the very best, in what is the largest and most prestigious Junior Badminton Tournament in Europe.

Team:

Tom Lyle, Launceston (Capt); Douglas Andrews, Liskeard; Henry Sherwood, Callington; Peter Regan, Callington; Luke Bristow, First Edition; Emily James, First Edition; Bronwen Wotton, First Edition; Claire Whitmore, First Edition; Johanna Philp, First Edition; Holly Abbott, St Austell Bay;

Team Managers - Andy Lyle/Alan Williams.

Tournament Co-ordinator - Jon Wotton. Management support - Mrs Domini Andrews.

This prestigious competition attracts National media coverage and the team’s preparations are well underway.

If there are any sponsors who wish to be part of the Team’s venture, any support forthcoming, will be most welcome.

Contact – Kath Wotton, Badminton Development Officer for Cornwall, tel: (07738) - 890043.


John Tresidder
Cornwall County, CYB & Duchy “Open” Badminton Press/PR Officer.