CORNWALL U-13 Girls played Gloucestershire 1st and 2nd teams at Exeter on February 22.

The Cornwall team of Nicola Hardwick (Bude), Katy Brickell (Falmouth), Emily Fanson (Bude) and Sophie Thornton (Bude) warmed up well and facing the stronger Gloucestershire 1st team in the first match, all made a promising start. However the Gloucester girls gradually got into their stride and generally played better pace and length to win all their matches.

Nicola (1) lost 12/14, 4/11, 2/11; Katy (2) won her first game 11/7 but then lost 7/11, 5/11, 8/11; Emily (3) lost 3/11, 2/11, 2/11; Sophie lost 9/11, 6/11, 3/11. Cornwall lost the match 4-12.

Cornwall had previously lost to Gloucestershire 2nds 2-1, so this time needed to make every game count.

Emily (3) was always in with a chance, often serving well and playing the ball to the back, but lacked consistent length. She did well to take the second game 11/3, but lost overall 1-3.

Katy (2) had no trouble playing the ball away from her opponent and serving at pace. She won 11/2, 11/4, 11/9.

Nicola (1) made a very tentative start playing a lot of short shots, not really putting her opponent under pressure and lost the first two games 5/11 and 7/11. In the third game Nicola suddenly found she could cover the court well and improved her serves to take the game 11/2. Although her opponent played the ball to good length and retrieved well, Nicola continued to run for everything and forced longer rallies, which enabled her to take the fourth game 11/6. She continued to work hard in the fifth and despite a late challenge from her opponent, Nicola won 11/9 to take the match.

Sophie (4) playing for experience was able to improve on her previous match and this time win the third game with better length and service, but lost 1-3.

Cornwall beat Gloucestershire 2 10-8. The Cornwall girls are improving and making progress with every match. Eve Methven.