BADMINTON: TRURO SCHOOL’S MEMORABLE WEEKEND AT NATIONAL SCHOOLS’ FINALS Truro School were delighted to register their highest ever positions in the National Schools’ Badminton Championships, held at The Regional Sports’ Centre, Luton, Bedfordshire, over the weekend of the April 16th /17th, writes John Tresidder, with David Hunt. After being crowned as South West of England Champions, following their superb victories in the South West Championships at the University of Exeter, at the end of last term, three of the School’s teams travelled to the Finals to represent the South West Region. On Day One (Saturday), the Girls’ Under-14 Team of Emily James (Captain), Claire Whitmore, Claire Powers, Izzy Bland and Gaby Cecil, finished 9th overall , with three victories and only two defeats - against the champions of other regions, with one reverse by the very close margin of 3 rubbers to 2. The Boys’ Under-14 Team, comprising: Chris Glasson (Captain), Peter Sinclair, Will Cecil, James Honeybone and Rob Newlands played well all day, but were most unfortunate to finish only 18th after three 3-2 defeats. Meanwhile, on Day Two (Sunday), the Boys’ Under-16 Team of Dan Mock (Captain), Phillip Bennett, Chris Glasson (again!), Jamie Bell and Sam Fack played well above themselves and came a very pleasing eleventh, narrowly failed to get into the top eight places losing 3-2 to the eventual sixth placed team. Fine performances from the team captains - Emily, Chris and Dan: Although these results were based on a very fine overall team performance it would be wrong not to mention the outstanding exploits of all three captains who performed at a high level throughout the tournament (in the case of Chris Glasson maintaining a high level throughout both days’ play). Claire Whitmore also deserves a special mention for achieving outstanding results and playing at the top of her game for most of the day. David Hunt, The Team Manager and a Truro School Master, commented: “My troops served Truro School and the Duchy marvellously. And it is most pleasing to report that One & All experienced a truly memorable weekend, on and off the courts.” STOP PRESS: Launceston College also performed exceptionally well at the Badminton Finals and an article, reference their exploits, at Luton, will appear next week. John Tresidder, Cornwall County Badminton & Duchy “Open” Press Officer