IN the first round of the South West League, Cornwall U-15s travelled to Weymouth to take on two of the strongest counties, Gloucester and Avon.

Jamie Johnson from Newquay making his debut at 5, kicked off the fixture against Glos G. With no sign of nerves, he kept the ball tight and deep, this good basic game play put him in a commanding position. Never really troubled he deservedly took the match 3-0.

Mark Page from Bude having moved up a position from last season to 3 found it hard going, against an opponent who was extremely deft at the front of the court. He tried keeping the ball deep at the back but whatever shot his opponent made it came off, leaving Mark will a 3-0 loss.

Charlie Martin from Falmouth had also moved up a position, now playing at 4 he was obviously still suffering from the fatigue that had laid him low the previous day. Finding it uncomfortable with the speed of the game he succumbed eventually 3-0.

Jack Smith from Saltash was the new No 1 having moved up two places from last season and he was up against the UK No.14! He played with confidence and in a very fast paced game was able to match his opponent at times but didn't have the consistency to avoid losing 3-0.

At No 2 was another Newquay player making his debut, Harry Cobley didn't start well, giving his opponent far too much respect and finding the ball always out of reach. In the following games he succeeded in pushing his opponent around the court and dominating the tee but he couldn't overcome losing 3-0.

Cornwall v Avon

Jamie started the second fixture with a case of over confidence and very soon went behind by a game, after tightening up, he started to turn it around. Playing as he had done in the first he dominated to the finish, winning 3-1.

Mark was determined to do better but again found his opponent too strong, he did however give a good display of the defensive techniques that he'd been coached the day before. Mark persisted but was unable to overcome his opponent, losing 3-0.

Charlie started his second match seeing the ball much better but it didn't stop him dropping the first game. A few tips were given and to his credit he responded well, playing to his opponent's weaknesses he took control. Charlie with his confidence up, never gave up the advantage took the match 3-1.

With Cornwall ahead it was now up to Jack, he was still reeling from the first match defeat and easily lost the first game. Jack took notice of the advice given in the break and came out fighting, playing with focus he took the next game. This seemed to shock his opponent into a response, Jack was once again uncomfortable with the pace and couldn't retain his composure finally losing 3-1.

With the match finely balanced, it all rested on Harry's shoulders and he went into the match with his usual energy, chasing every shot. Unfortunately his enthusiasm couldn't overcome a very talented opponent as he lost 3-0.

The improvement from last year was clear to see, and had been commented on by the opposition's manager. The two new recruits did extremely well in their first county call-up and the whole team were a credit to Cornwall. Well done team, you played with spirit and enthusiasm, thanks to the parents for their support and I'll see you all at the next event. Rob Page.