IT'S not easy getting up early on a cold frosty morning but that's what nine Bude Juniors did on Saturday December 6, writes David Fairclough.

They were off to compete in one of Cornwall's Junior Grand Prix Tournaments where competitors from around the county play in leagues of equal abilities for winners medals and the chance of promotion. The venue this time was Falmouth Sports Club and 35 juniors had signed up to play over 80 matches in one day.

Sophie Thornton, who was playing in only her 2nd GP was in league 6. Sophie showed much improvement in her game and with a combination of good serves and good drives took maximum points to win this league.

In league 5, Danny Evans won all his games, the most important of these matches was against a county player. Danny held his nerve at 14-all to win the match point and the winner's spot. Danny obviously enjoyed this tournament as he played with a smile on his face and was happy with his games he even allowed his parents to watch one or two

Charlie Gliddon was elevated to league 4 after comfortably winning League 6 last time. This meant he was against more experienced opponents. This did not phase Charlie as he took his first match 15-7 and in his second he closely lost 15-14. The next 2 games saw Charlie lose to the eventual 1st and 2nd placed player but he dug in to win his last match against a much fancied player 15-7 and secure 4th place in the league.

Showing great improvement in her movement and shot selection Nicola Hardwick impressed the watching crowd in league 3. She was determined and fought hard for all her points. Nicola sets herself a high standard and she should not be disappointed in these results, especially beating one of her fellow County U-13/15 team-mates.

In this tournament leagues 1 and 2 were the strongest the county have had for a while and it was against County U-15 players that Sam Fanson (12) and Aron Auty (13) found themselves against in league 2. Both players found the higher level hard going and only managed to pick up a few points in some of their matches finishing the league 5th and 6th. Aron and Sam should not be disheartened by this result because with a bit of extra work and effort will soon be challenging these players for their County positions.

Bude boasted three players in league 1 and Tony Pepperell continued his dominance in these fixtures winning all his game to take maximum points.

Credit must be paid to Ben Fairclough who played the first match of the tournament against Tony, losing heavily 15-0. Ben showed strength of character and found his 'squash brain' to come back and beat the rest of his opponents fairly easily and retain his runner-up position.

Also in league 1, Mark Page played some good rallies and managed to take the scalp of a fellow County player but sadly too many errors meant he could only manage 5th.

This tournament allowed some of the Bude players to experience style of squash that they should now be aspiring to play and with hard work and effort they will achieve this. In all a good experience and Well done Bude!