BRONWEN AND JOHANNA - TWO RISING STARS FROM THE DUCHY - COMPETE IN WARWICKSHIRE Cornwall Youth Badminton (CYB), took another significant step in its progress towards top flight success last weekend, writes John Tresidder, with John & Kath Wotton. Bronwen Wotton (Hayle Community School) and Johanna Philp (Truro School) - two Cornish youngsters - made a round trip, approaching 600-miles, to compete in the “Rising Stars”, Warwickshire Under-14 Badminton Association Tournament. There was a strong field of competitors from across the Country, including National players from the England squad. The doubles competition saw the Duchy girls forging an exciting new partnership, which bodes well for the future – and achieving their first success, in this, their inaugural tournament as a doubles pairing - winning one of their three games in a fiercely-competitive group. For Johanna, who hails from the village of Port Isaac, this was her first event at the higher Under-13 level and, in the singles, she was successful in winning her section, before going down in a closely fought quarter- final, 15-13, to a girl, some 18-months her senior. Bronwen went a stage further - winning four games in a strong group with a notable win over a Bedfordshire opponent. Bronwen then reached the semi-final, before losing to her opponent, 15-10 in a tight match. However, the young lady was seen to take home a BADMINTON England Bronze medal, which was well-deserved. Both girls are coached at the First Edition Junior Badminton Club, locally-based, which meets every Saturday at Camborne School & Science College, Treswithian. (Beginners: 9.30am - 11.00am. Advanced: 11.00am -12.30pm). Alan Williams, the First Edition Junior Club Chairman commented: "I am delighted for both girls, and their achievement and commitment to compete at this level shows that Cornwall Youth Badminton has a bright future. “Their success is further evidence that First Edition Junior Club and Cornwall Youth Badminton is developing a squad of talented youngsters.” Finally, John Tresidder, the Cornwall Badminton Press Officer, takes up the story: “Both Bronwen and Johanna,are amiable youngsters, who, this past season, have been seen to be great ambassadors for Kernow and, in the process, have proved an immense credit to their families and schools. “Keep up the excellent work in the summer and close season in preparation for the 2006/2007 campaign, Bronwen and Johanna.” John Tresidder, Cornwal County, Cornwall Youth Badmin(CYB) & Duchy “Open” Press/PR Officer.