CORNWALL under 17s badminton team travelled to Bournemouth to compete in their second match on the South West Counties League circuit for what was always going to be a very tight match and a marker to gauge the Duchy's improvement over the previous seasons campaign, writes John Tresidder.

The match was strongly contested throughout with Dorset taking an early home advantage, winning the singles rubbers 8-4.

There was another fine performance from Ross Lashbrook again winning at number two this time against a national ranked silver player. Dorset had their big guns out with an England U17 international playing at no1 in the boys section.

Both Claire Whitmore at number one and Bronwen Wotton number three returning to fitness had good wins in the girls section.

The girls led the line in the doubles with the top two pairs winning six out of six matches,Lorna Garbett and Claire winning a tight third end to keep pace with Bronwen and Jo Philp at number one.

The boys fought hard but only registered two wins from nine rubbers. However, Ross again excelled and took Josh Thomas (England) and his partner Stephen Hunt to a very close score in both ends with Connor Moore.

The match was still "live" as the Duchy entered the six mixed rubbers.

Bronwen and Wil Pepworth had a great win at number two and this was matched by Jo and Ross at number three. Lorna Garbett and Daniel Johnson at number four had a magnificent fightback after losing their first end and ran out winners in the third end, showing tremendous tenacity.

Dan Brewer, winning his first County Cap partnering Gemma Cliffe, won the final match in three ends.

The final result was a 20-16 victory to the home team.

However a great Team spirit was evident throughout the day by the Duchy and this narrow defeat still places them in a good position in the League Table. The next match is a local derby against Devon at Truro on Sunday, November 11.

Team: Wil Pepworth, Bude; Ross Lashbrook, Launceston; Chris Glasson, Camborne; Daniel Johnson, Liskeard; Connor Mooore, Redruth; Daniel Brewer, Redruth; Phil Lyle, Launceston.

Claire Whitmore, Truro; Bronwen Wotton, Hayle (captain); Jo Philp, Port Issac; Lorna Garbett, Callington; Emily Waller, Truro; Gemma Cliffe, Liskeard.