Just like Forrest Gump s box of chocolates, with team selections sometimes you never know what you re going to get.

Just like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, with team selections sometimes you never know what you're going to get. As it was for Sidmouth Junior badminton team who, only a few days before their latest tournament on February 16 - only six of the selected squad of 10 were fit and available for the East Devon League tournament at St Peter's School, Exeter. But on the day 11 players showed up, including "super-sub" Harry Williams and his fencing-star sister Grace, both of whom regularly play in training sessions but are usually elsewhere engaged in other competitions on match days.So, when Sidmouth faced what are becoming familiar rivals, from Isca, Exeter (A and B teams), and the combined Colyton-Honiton team, they gave them more than their usual challenge. Much more. The juniors played out of their skins. There were many closely fought games, both singles and doubles, where the youngsters showed great defiance against older and much more experienced opponents. At the end of the 5-hour marathon, Sidmouth had beaten two out of the three opposing teams, ending up second on the day and third in the league overall. Special mention to Sarah Hunt who, as the only girl in our under-13s section, seemed to be on court virtually from start to finish, and won most of her games (take note, Hannah Domhof, who did the same at the last match in January!)Well done to everyone: James Adams, Ilena Davie, Dan Hennessy, Sarah Hunt, Hugo McGurran, Ben Powell, Rosie Sinclair, Tom Sinclair, Rob Walkden, Grace Williams, and Harry Williams. And thanks as always to the families for their support, and to junior coaches Harry and Mark.Now, with the fourth and final tournament coming up in a couple of weeks' time, there is only an 80-point gap between Sidmouth and 2nd-placed Isca B. With over 1000 points each clocked up so far, this is a small margin and one that is well within the club's grasp. As the football pundits would have it, there is everything still to play for.For more information about Sidmouth Junior Badminton Club, please call Sidmouth Sports Centre (01395) 577679, or coaches Harry Humphreys (01395) 514006, and Huw Hennessy (01395) 577630. The club are looking for sponsorship for team shirts. Huw said: "We're still quite new to competitive badminton, so don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but it's noticeable that most of our match opponents turn up in smart looking strips, so it would be good for Sidmouth juniors to look the part too." Anyone who can help should call Huw on the number above.