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.
