Cornwall’s two badminton veteran teams travelled to Bournemouth and Southampton at the weekend to take part in Badminton England’s County Challenge this year. This is a single weekend of competition with over 125 county teams and 1200 players competing in age groups from over 40 to over 70 years.
Cornwall over 50s
The “younger” Cornish team, with ages ranging from 52 to 70, were competing against Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Avon over 2 days in their age group, and it was tough going for a team missing some regulars. With a fine battling draw on day one against Oxfordshire, Liskeard’s Janet Santillo and regular partner Lynda Beer from Callington had a good weekend, winning 3 of their games against tough opposition.
Lynda and Jan win again
Richard Jones made a welcome return to the team, travelling from North Devon for the occasion, winning two of his mixed games with Truro’s Sue Biscoe, and team Captain Lorna Riggs of Newquay had a well-deserved women’s doubles victory with Sue in the last match of the final day, while debutant Tony Wong from St Ives, tasted victory in a men’s doubles game.
Tony makes his debut
Bob and Richard
Despite the overall results and league position, a good time was had by all, on the badminton court and on the dance floor on Saturday evening, before the long trip home.
Captain Lorna and Pete
Before the dancing began
The over 65 team, had an excellent weekend in their competition played in Eastleigh near Southampton, finishing a very creditable 2nd place in their league, led by Captain Brian Hannibal from Penzance.
Over 50s team – Bob Bell (Callington), Richard Jones (Minehead), Pete Bazin (St Austell), Tony Wong (St Ives), Lynda Beer (Callington), Jan Santillo (Liskeard), Lorna Riggs (Captain, Newquay), Sue Biscoe (Truro).
