Jo and Rachel in action
Cornwall 1st team travelled to Berkshire on Sunday 31st January. Despite heavy snow on Bodmin moor, the team arrived in good time to face the promotion hopefuls. After a 10-5 defeat at Polkyth, it was anticipated that Berkshire would be strong at home, and this proved to be the case.
The venue was excellent, and Berkshire provided umpires for each game. These were closely monitored by Jane Hancock, top England umpire. Jane has officiated at all the top tournaments, including finals at the world championships.
Cornwall got off to a promising start, with Guy and Jo both taking their singles games, Guy having to fight through a tough 3 sets. After this, Berkshire proved the value of their training programme, with James and Guy the only pair to win a doubles, oddly beating their 1st mens pair, but losing to their second pair.
This left Cornwall needing all 3 mixed to bring home a point, but to no avail. Third pair Tom and Jo lost a tight game in straight sets. Then Guy and Rachel had a big three end game, showing strength of character to win 22-20 in the final set. James and Bronwen, in their first match together, fought well through another three setter, but were unable to capitalise on a match point against experienced opposition and went down 22-24.
Final score Berkshire 11, Cornwall 3
Team: James Whetter, Guy Michell, Tom Lyle, Phil Lyle, Rachel Irish, Jo Philp, Bronwen Wotton, CLaire Whitmore.
