CORNWALL Badminton first team began their Victor Sports' 2008/2009 Inter-County Championship campaign in fine style at Polkyth Leisure Centre in St Austell, writes John Tresidder, with Sue Biscoe.

The Duchy, sponsored by Rubber Flooring Online, of St Austell and Grampound, were tied with Guernsey, going into the last game of the afternoon, when Andy Toy (Tecans) and Liskeard's Jan Santillo held their nerve to win their mixed encounter, in three nail-biting ends (21-19, 19-21, 21-6) for an 8-7 victory. 

Cornwall's girls set up the victory, with debutant and new County champion, 16-year-old Bronwen Wotton (First Edition), winning her first singles game comfortably, followed by another easy result for Truro School's 15-year-old Johanna Philp, a Camelford Club member.

The Ladies' Doubles partnerships of Rachel Irish (Paignton) and Philp, along with the experienced Lynda Beer and Santillo, won both their games, giving Cornwall a 7-5 edge going into the mixed category.

The home men were up against a strong Guernsey Island outfit, which included ex-international Ian Sullivan, but County Champion James Whetter (St Austell Bay), with his regular doubles partner Guy Michell, gained one game from the second men's pairing.

Another young player making a credible county first-team debut, was Tom Lyle, a Launceston College upper sixth form student, who was paired with Toy.

This was an excellent result for Cornwall Badminton, with the mix of youth and experience boding very well for the future.

Spectators and supporters are welcome to attend the team's next home match, against Wiltshire, at Polkyth Leisure Centre on Sunday (1.00 pm).

Duchy team: James Whetter, Guy Michell, Andy Toy, Tom Lyle, Bronwen Wotton, Johanna Philp, Rachel Irish, Jan Santillo, and Lynda Beer; manager: Sue Biscoe.