BADMINTON: JOHANNA’S SUPERB HAT-TRICK IN HER DEBUT COUNTY JUNIOR BADMINTON CHAMPS. The winter weather did little to dent the enthusiasm of the entrants into the Under-13 section of the Cornwall County Junior Championships, 2005/2006, organised by Cornwall Youth Badminton and staged at Fowey Community Leisure Centre, on Sunday, November 27th, writes John Tresidder, with Tony Poole. There were strong fields in all disciplines and some surprising and some not-so-surprising results, with Port Isaac’s Johanna Philp, aged twelve, recording a marvellous hat-trick of titles, in her debut County Junior Championships The Boys' Singles was a fiercely contested and largely even affair, with the final pitching two hitherto little known Falmothian contestants together, with James Grant finally overcoming Henry Conchie to take the title. The Girls' section went according to seedings, the final being won by Johanna Philip, who was seen to overpower her County team mate, Maddi Easterbrook (Fraddan, Nr. Hayle), to register her first county title. These two talented youngsters then teamed up in the doubles, where they were clear winners, securing all their games in the round-robin, whilst conceding just a few points, with Rebecca Ewart and Imogen Cuthell, the Famouth & Truro Combination, being the runners up. Second title for James: The Boys' Doubles was also won on the round-robin format, with James Grant and Truro’s Kiran Bhardwaj, pushing Chris Cordell and Ben Johnson (Redruth & Liskeard) into second position, in the event, with Truro School’s Grant also registering a marvellous second title in the process. The Mixed Doubles nearly didn't take place, owing to lack of entries; however, the enthusiasm of the entrants resulted in five pairs eventually coming forward, resulting in a hat-trick third title for Johanna Philp, in partnership with Tony Marshall (Bude). The gallant duo’s game against Maddi Easterbrook and Ben Johnson was virtually a final and provided the match of the section, with Maddi and Ben conceding eventually, to the power of their rivals, to take a creditable second place overall. Prizes were presented by Tony Poole, the Chairman of CYB who also officiated, with assistance from Dave Philp and Shelley Marshall on the day. Great spirit shown in the play: Mr. Poole commented: “This was a tournament conducted in a great spirit of fierce but friendly rivalry and, in addition to the high standard of play exhibited on court, it was very pleasing to see so many new faces who all acquitted themselves well against some seasoned opposition. “I now look forward greatly to the Under-15s and Under-17s producing similarly exciting play in their sections." Sixty six players overall, entered the Junior Championships, with the Under-15s and Under-17s taking place at the same Fowey venue on: Saturday & Sunday, January 7th / 8th 2006 and commencing at 10.00am. John Tresidder, Cornwall County, Cornwall Youth Badminton (CYB) & Duchy “Open” Press Officer.