Laura and Megan bring County superb win in badminton challenge (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Laura and Megan bring County superb win in badminton challenge

LAURA Stratford, from Bourton-on-the-Water, and Tetbury's Megan Stancombe brought Gloucestershire a tremendous victory in the first regional U11s County doubles badminton challenge held at Thornbury Leisure Centre, Bristol, on Sunday.

In a show of total dominance they came first, dropping only nine points in six games.

The number two pair of Sophie Carr and April Rolphe finished second and the whole Gloucestershire team missed out on the first team place by only one point.

Both girls have played regularly for the County in the U13s age group this season, coming up against players up to two years older.

Although this has been a hard experience, it has certainly benefited their game as, prior to this tournament, they were 18th in the national U11s rankings.

Bourton-on-the-Water and Corinium junior badminton clubs played a friendly match at the Cotswold School on Saturday.

Corinium's greater competitive experience from playing in the Gloucestershire Junior Leagues showed through as they finished as victors by 46 points.

It was a very enjoyable afternoon for all and also a good introduction to competitive badminton for the Bourton and Corinium players who, hopefully, will have a chance to play in the team next season.

The Corinium U14s played their penultimate match in the Intermediate League last week against Cheltenham club Falcons although, due to rescheduling problems, the outstanding match will have to be conceded.

Chris Hartland won his singles convincingly 15-5, Kate Stratford battled well but lost her game by two points and Joshua Morrison, who is legendary for the duration of his games, narrowly lost 15-10.

Falcons, the probable league winners this year, dominated the doubles and won the match 168-93.

Team manager Andrew Moy has been pleased with the Corinium squad's performances this year as this is the first taste of league action for most players.

The Mini team (U12s) will finish mid-table and team manager Steve White is hoping to build on this success for next year.

Team: Chris Hartland, Kate Stratford, Chris Moy, Alex Vickery, Daniel Fletcher, Joshua Morrison.