BADMINTON: KERRIER 6TH JUNIOR EVENT, STAGED AT TRURO SCHOOL IS VOTED ANOTHER SUCCESS The ever popular Kerrier Junior Badminton Tournament, organised by the Camborne–based First Edition Club - which is held twice yearly – November, as well as March/April - was staged at Truro School, Trennick Lane, Truro, on seven courts, over last weekend (April 16th / 17th). The sixth event, in the process, attracted an entry of 59 youngsters, including a heartening contingent of twelve from neighbouring Devon, writes John Tresidder. The prestigious Tournament, run under the umbrella of Cornwall Youth Badminton (CYB), was provided with financial assistance, together with the venue, by kind permission of Mr. Paul Smith, Headmaster, Truro School and The School Governors. The number of competitors was down considerably, owing primarily to quite a few regular players, from several Cornish and Devon Schools – including Truro School and Launceston College – competing in the National Finals of a Schools’ Badminton Event, held at Luton, Bedfordshire, over the same weekend. However, the organisers were somewhat disappointed that no girls entered the Under-17 Events. Devon supreme on Day One: Devon were seen to be supreme and dominant on Day One, lifting, six out of seven of the disciplines contested. Cornwall, the host, replied with one title, through Hollie Abbott, in the Girls’ Under-15 singles. Crediton’s Owen Diment and Deborah Higgs (Torbay), left the Duchy with a brace of Under-13 singles and doubles titles, apiece, whilst their County compatriot, Jonathan Schofield, Seaton, East Devon, registered likewise in the under-15 Events. Guy shows an abundance of finesse on court: Day Two saw Guy Michell, aged 16 and a prolific Kerrier champion, from St. Austell’s Penrice Community School, again in fine form - winning the Under-17 Boys’ Singles, by defeating Sidmouth’s David Lindop and then teaming up with Shane Maton (Callington Community School), to record the doubles, over David Lindop and Richard Townsend, by 150 points to 131. Guy, who has taken the scalps of several players in the top fifty, at the England Under-16 level, now intends to make his inaugural appearance at the Duchy of Cornwall 23rd “Open” Badminton Championships, scheduled for Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Pool, Nr. Redruth, this September (17th / 18th). And, on his weekend’s showing he will not look out of place in this senior Tournament, most certainly. Mr. Alan Williams, the Event’s Chairman and Tournament Secretary, reported: “Camaraderie and sportsmanship, was once again seen to be to the fore and it is pleasing to report that a number of the Devon parents were very complimentary, concerning the friendliness at Truro School, together with the Tournament’s general organisation. And, we now look forward to welcoming competitors – approaching our normal entry of 100 overall - in November, 2005.” * Kerrier’s Committee of Management: Alan Williams, Chairman and Tournament Secretary; Alison Philp, Ass’t Tournament Secretary; Paul Martin; Clif Morcom. Tony Poole, the Badminton Development Officer for Cornwall and Nicloe Phillips, both kindly assisted with the proceedings * DIARY: The Kerrier 7th Junior Tournament will take place at Truro School, over a weekend in Early November, 2005 - either November 5th /6th, or 12th /13th - watch this space for confirmation. If you feel your name is not included on the entry form database, contact Alan Williams, tel: (01209) - 712626, as soon as possible. Finally, congratulations are afforded to Guy Michell and Shane Maton, who were joinly awarded the County’s Larry Landrey Junior Progress Trophy, which was duly presented by Mrs. Jenny Marchant, the County Badminton Chairman, at the Cornwall Dinner/Dance, held at The Hotel Riviera, Newquay, on April 8th. FULL RESULTS: UNDER 13: Boys’ singles final: Owen Diment (Devon), bt. Nathan Scase (Devon), 15-5, 15-2. Boys’ doubles: Winners: Owen Diment and Nathan Scase (both Devon) 90 points; Runners-up: Josh Masson and Craig Skinner (both Devon) 68 points. Girls’ singles final: Deborah Higgs (Torquay, Devon) bt. Bronwen Wotton (Camborne, Cornwall) 11-10, 11-5. Girls’ doubles: W: Deborah Higgs and Rachel Theedom (both Devon) 120 points; R-UP: Bronwen Wotton and Maddi Easterbrook (both Cornwall) 95 points. UNDER 15: Boys’ singles final: Jonathan Schofield (Devon) bt. Jamie Roberton (Devon), 15-5, 15-6. Boys’ doubles final: Jamie Roberton and Jonathan Schofield 9both Devon) bt: Peter Regan and Henry Sherwood (both Cornwall), 15-6, 15-7. Girls’ singles: W: Hollie Abbott (St.Austell, Cornwall) 44 points; R-UP: Ellie Stackpoole (Falmouth, Cornwall) 28 points. Girls’ doubles: Event not played. UNDER 17: Boys’ singles final: Guy Michell (St. Austell, Cornwall) bt. David Lindop (Sidmouth, Devon), 15-5, 15-9. Boys’ doubles: W: Guy Michell and Shane Maton (both Cornwall, 150 points; R-UP: David Lindop and Richard Townsend (both Devon) 131 points. Girls’ singles and doubles: Events not contested. John Tresidder, Cornwall County Badminton & Duchy “Open” Press Officer