THE East Cornwall Junior Badminton League end of season tournaments for the Under-8s, 10s and 12s were held at Launceston College last Friday. 32 competitors from Camelford, Liskeard and Launceston played more than 100 games in a competitive and friendly spirit.

There were four competitors in the Under-8 group Liza Hockridge, Leah Leverton and Luke Sillifant from Lawhitton and Ellie Reed from Liskeard. This was a keenly contested group with little between the players – Luke became champion with Ellie runner-up by 1 point over Liza. In the doubles Luke and Leah defeated Liza and Ellie. Ellie deserves a special mention as being the youngest player in the Under-12 league this season – she competed bravely against opponents four years her senior

Six girls contested the Under-10 event. Laura Galley and Jasmine Hewitt of Camelford were runners-up in Division Two of the Under-12 league and were seeded to do well in the tournament. They both won their groups and in the semi-finals Laura defeated Lowenna Arnold of Liskeard but in the second semi Sophie Williams of Lawhitton defeated Jasmine. In the final Laura proved too strong and became champion. She is a name to look out for in the future. The consolation winner was Chloe Leverton of Lawhitton. In the doubles Laura and Jasmine were the winners with Sophie and Chloe runners-up.

There were eight boys in the Under-10 event. Dan Warne and Tyler Sillifant have both played well in the Under-12 league and were seeded 1 and 2. They duly made it to the final but had good games with their Camelford opponents Luke Baird and Henry Morris. The consolation winner was Andrew Connolly of Camelford. In the doubles Tyler and Dan paired up to become champions with Henry and Luke runners-up.

Six girls competed in the Under-12 event – the Launceston College girls Amy Lyle and Leah Davey were favourites and duly made it to the final, Amy defeating Sophie and Leah defeating Laura. On this occasion it was Leah who came out on top. They also paired up to win the doubles defeating Sophie and Misha Sillifant. A special word of thanks must be expressed to Amy and Leah who, not only played their matches, but also ran the Under-8 tournament and the girls tournaments unaided. Well done girls.

The biggest entry of the evening was the Under-12 boys with 16 competitors. There were some keenly fought battles and very good badminton in the group stages.

The quarter finals saw all Launceston players compete - Liam Sillifant defeat Adam Warne, Dan Warne defeat Luke Phillips, Mark Gribble defeat Tom Sandercock and Oliver Sluggett defeat Luke Bailey. The final was between Liam and Oliver, with Liam's experience at county level overcoming Oliver. These are definitely more names to look out for in the future. The consolation winner was Dean Parkin. In the doubles Liam and Alex Horsington defeated Dan and Adam Warne.

Well done and thanks to all competitors for being prompt to go on court and enable the tournament to run smoothly. Thanks also to parents and coaches.