CORNWALL Youth Badminton's Under 17's have gone from strength-to-strength since the start of the 2006/2007 campaign, with strong gutsy performances by all squad members, writes John Tresidder.

The season got underway with an away match, against Gloucestershire, a very strong county, traditionally, with the result being 24 rubbers to 12 in Gloucestershire's favour.

Truro School was the venue when Avon County visited with probably the strongest squad in the South West of England section.

Cornwall turned out an under strength team, owing to illness and other commitments and went down 28 rubbers to 8.

Dorset made their way to Truro School and pulled off what was a tremendous victory for the visitors by 20 rubbers to 16.

In the New Year the "local derby" was once again contested when Cornwall visited the University of Exeter campus to take on neighbours, Devon and pulled off a memorable win by a 20 rubbers to 16 margin.

The Duchy then hosted Somerset at Fowey Leisure Centre and won, handsomely, 26-10.

Squad - Boys: Tom Lyle, Launceston (captain); Douglas Andrews, Liskeard; Henry Sherwood (Callington); Peter Regan (Callington); Luke Bristow (Truro); Chris Glasson (Camborne); Alex Glover (Callington); Dan Johnson (Liskeard).

Girls: Emily James (Falmouth); Bronwen Wotton (Hayle); Claire Whitmore (Truro); Jo Philp (Port Isaac); Anna Pascoe (Callington); Eli Stacpole (Falmouth); Hollie Abbott (St Austell).