BADMINTON: TRURO SCHOOL AND LAUNCESTON COLLEGE BOTH FLY THE FLAG PROUDLY FOR THE DUCHY Truro School and Launceston College both proudly flew the flag for Cornwall and the South West of England, in four disciplines of play - at the National Top Schools’ Event Finals, held at Luton, Bedforshire, on March 18th, writes John Tresidder, with David Hunt & Richard Brewster. Firstly, Truro School’s Girls’ Under-14 Team followed up their success in retaining the South-West title by reaching 6th position in the England Finals. This was Truro’s highest ever finish and the team - only two points away from a top four finish - captained by Claire Whitmore, comprised: Johanna Philp, Aimée Hutchinson, Emily Waller and Gaby Cecil. Claire, Johanna and Aimée made the step up to the Under-16 Team on the following day - joining Alice Jefferson and Emily James to thus form one of the youngest teams in the finals. After getting to within a rubber of accessing the top eight, in the morning’s play, the team performed magnificently all afternoon - winning all three matches - to gain a remarkable 9th place in what was a very high standard competition. The Boys’ Under-16 team did their very best in their National event and recorded a good win in their opening match but found the standard of play very physically demanding, and, despite some close matches, eventually slipped back to 16th place overall. There were, however, some outstanding individual performances and three of the squad will be young enough to compete in this event next season. Owing to illness, Phillip Bennett, unfortunately, had to withdraw leaving a squad of Chris Glasson, Jamie Bell, Robert Newlands and James Honeybone. Launceston College proudly retains its 11th position: Meanwhile, of the sixteen teams competing from across the Nation, Launceston College’s Ross Lashbrook, Patrick Davis, Phil Lyle and Andrew Brewster achieved a successful 11th position, for a marvellous second year in succession. After the first round of 15 matches, they just missed the cut to fight through to the top eight. In the second round, they won 3-2, but went down, disappointingly, 3-2, in the third round. A ironic point as they lost to Exmouth, whom they beat at the Regional Finals, held at the University of in Exeter. However, this did not stop the College aiming for as high a finish as possible. Following almost seven hours of play, the Launceston Team still put all their effort into getting the best position available to them. The difference between a 11th and 12th berth, at the end of a long day may not seem particularly worthy to some people, but the team’s determined and concerted effort resulted in them winning all five matches and achieving the higher position. It is also worth mentioning that throughout the day, Ross won all but one of his games. Richard Brewster, on a personal note, reported: “Despite the team being lively and active 14-year-olds - away from normal daily restrictions and disciplines - they displayed an attitude, thoughtfulness and ability that let me off with a relaxing time, including all the driving. “I would like to add my thanks to all those who provided support, time, training and effort to make this weekend possible.” David Hunt responded: “Truro School and Launceston College can both feel immensely proud of themselves. Well done! “A Happy Easter to One & All and roll on the 2006/2007 badminton season!” Team Managers: Truro School Team: Mr. David Hunt. Launceston College: Mr. Richard Brewster. John Tresidder, Cornwall County, Cornwall Youth Badminton(CYB) & Duchy “Open” Press/PR Officer.