Yehlex Veterans Inter-county Champs – Over 40’s

This years’ Yehlex Veterans Inter-county Championships took place on 8-9 January 2011 at Swindon, and saw ‘young’ Rachel Irish boost the ranks of our team, which consisted of Lynda Beer, Jan Santillo, Lorna Riggs (captain) Bob Bell, Adam Widdison, Pete Bazin and Al Riggs.

Due to the flu virus taking its toll, we only had the bare minimum number of players to do battle against Surrey, Sussex, Devon, and Oxford.

There were 4 matches on each of the 2 days, - playing each of the 4 teams twice. This ensured plenty of games for all and it was decided to give all 8 Kernow players the opportunity to play alternate disciplines (mixed and level doubles) in each match. Our early start on Saturday morning enabled most of us to get some well earned retail therapy in at the nearby out-let centre before the afternoon games!

Expectations regarding our chances of winning were……….realistic, and over the two days there were some gutsy performances and several very close encounters where honours were shared with the opposition. The overall tally was:
Played 8 Drawn 5 Lost 3



Team picture (minus Pete who took too long in the shower!)

Fantastic Duchy Away Win

Cornwall’s badminton senior first team notched up their fourth win of the season with an excellent away win against Somerset at the weekend. This now puts them joint top with West Glamorgan and looks set to provide a show down with the Welsh side in late March.

Unbeaten at the weekend James Whetter from St Austell remarked “If we win our next matches against Avon and Dorset the last game of the season against West Glamorgan would be a title clash!”

“The Duchy side have not been in Division 2 for over 30 years” commented Brian Hannibal, one of the county selectors. “Our second team are also top of their Division as well” Hannibal continued. “It is exciting times for Cornwall badminton at present.”

The Somerset match started well for the Duchy with Kelvin Edwards, James Whetter and Jo Philip all winning their singles contests. Jo in particular played an outstanding game against a highly rated Amy Reddaway and won through 21-13, 21-19.

In the ladies doubles, Jo was not to be denied again and playing with Rachel Irish stormed through both their games. Bron Wotton and Lynda Beer a new pairing played some excellent attacking badminton but were just piped at the post in both contests. The men’s doubles saw Kelvin and James team up for the first time this season. They won both their games, as did Tom Lyle and Ross Lashbrook. Tom and Ross showed much the same form as their recent success in the Devon Open, the duo from Launceston reached the semi final of this national event showing the talent that is shining through all levels of Cornish Badminton at the moment.

The mixed doubles brought further success with Kelvin and partner Bron and James with Jo winning through. Another new pairing of Ross and Rachel did brilliantly and nearly took a very experienced Somerset pair of Barry Harris and Fiona Dennis to three ends; they lost the second 21-23.

The match finished 11- 4 this giving the Cornish a much valued 3 points. Next match, Sunday 20th Feb, at 1pm, Polkyth Leisure Centre, St Austell. One and All.

New LUNCHTIME Badminton Club for St Austell

St Austell Bay Badminton Club (Club Website) are to extend their weekly club activities to include a new exciting lunchtime session which will take place every Wednesday from 11.30 to 1.30 pm at Polkyth Leisure Centre, starting on the 2nd of February .

Lyndon Allen, Chairman of St Austell Bay Badminton Club said
“This is a great opportunity for people in St Austell and the surrounding area to come and have a go at playing Badminton in a social and friendly environment where all standards are welcome. There is no obligation to come for the whole two hours people who only want to play for a hour or could not make the session until after it is started are more than welcome.”

He went on to say
“With the help of BADMINTON England through the St Austell Community Badminton Network we are also able to provide every session in February free of charge. So if you fancy a fun way to get fit we hope to see you in February.”

St Austell Bay Badminton coaches will also be on hand throughout the lunchtime club offering advice and tips. The club can also provide all equipment that you will need, just turn up ready to play badminton.

Tim Jones Cornwall’s Regional Badminton Development Officer said
“The St Austell Community Badminton Network has been established to provide the local community with a range of opportunities to participate in regular badminton. The new lunchtime session at Polkyth Leisure Centre is such an opportunity for more people to play and receive some quality-based coaching, particularly at a time that may be more convenient to them.”

If you are interested in attending the Wednesday lunch time club or the evening club on Tuesdays please contact Lyndon Allen on 01726 63245 or e-mail lyndoncallen2@btinternet.com

St Austell Bay Badminton club is supported by the Cornwall Community Foundation and the St Austell Community Badminton Network.

CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH DEVON

The 60’s had a close encounter with Devon at St. Austell on Sunday 23rd January. During the pre-match team talk, captain Brian Hannibal could not emphasise enough the importance of winning if they were to remain level on points with Avon 1 at the top of the league.

Playing first men’s Brian and Phil Oland just lost to the Devon first pair in a close three ender, but by then were warmed up to take the Devon second pairing. Similarly Tony Roberts playing alongside Mike Nancekivell won only against the Devon seconds.

The ladies matches were also shared two each with Chris Marr and Vera Nancekivell winning against both of the Devon pairings. Celia Hillman and Pat Edwards were unlucky not to win against the Devon No. two’s in a three ender.

Spoils shared four all after the doubles with the mixed to play. Chris and Phil won their game likewise did Vera and Mike, so Cornwall required another game to win the match.

Brian, then played a true captains role with Celia winning at third mixed, capturing the all important game to ensure a win for Cornwall. It was hoped that Pat and Tony would do likewise, but the Devon pairing were just a little too strong and they lost in three ends.
It is hoped that the team will remain at full strength for their next match against the Isle of Wight at St. Austell on 30th January.

SIXTIES AT HATFIELD

The county over sixties team found going tough at the Yehlex Inter County Tournament at Hatfield during the weekend of 8th and 9th January.
During previous seasons they have played in league division I but because of their success last year at Swindon were promoted to the premiership.
With four matches on the Saturday and two on Sunday their limited achievements came via winning games from Pat Edwards partnering Celia Hillman and Mike Nancekivell accompanied by Brian Hannibal. Mike also won an end playing alongside Pauline Avery who was deputising for Chris Marr.



Team Captain Brian (pictured above!) always knew it would be difficult and that play would be at a standard not previously experienced. He is now looking forward to a full side being available for their next league match against Devon at home on 23rd January.

Duchy Vets Closed Tournament

The Duchy Veterans Closed Tournament was played on Sunday 2nd January. The tournament at Polkyth Leisure Centre is played with handicaps based on the players' ages, and the results were as follows:

Mixed Doubles

Winners: Bob Bell & Linda Beer
R/up: Phil Oland & Celia Hillman

Mens Doubles

Winners: Bob Bell & Treve Evans
R/up: Brian Hannibal & Phil Oland

Ladies Doubles

Winners: Linda Beer & Janet Santillo
R/up: Sue Biscoe & Helen Wright