Sidmouth Junior Badminton team got off to an excellent start to the league season, winning two out of three matches at their first tournament, finishing in a highly creditable second place.

Sidmouth Junior Badminton team got off to an excellent start to the league season, winning two out of three matches at their first tournament, finishing in a highly creditable second place.The tournament, first of four in the East Devon Junior Badminton League 2008-9, was held last Saturday at Colyton Sports Centre. The four-hour event contested by four local teams of under-13s and under-17-year-old boys and girls: Sidmouth, Isca (Exeter), Colyton/Honiton and Ottery St Mary. Sidmouth benefited from a good order of play, facing Ottery, their toughest opponents, second - which gave them time to warm up first against the more closely-matched Colyton/Honiton, and then finishing on a high note against Isca (Exeter), who they beat with the biggest margin. This was a great all-round team effort from Sidmouth, in only their second season in a highly competitive league. Everyone played some fantastic, closely fought games, and it would be unfair to pick out individuals (although it would be wrong not to acknowledge star player Harry Williams, 14, who won all his under-17s games). Special mention should also be made of Grace Williams who attended all afternoon despite it being her 17th birthday. We think the chocolate may have helped.The coach, Huw Hennessy, picked a Player of the Match and it was shared between 12-year-olds Hannah Domhof and Sarah Hunt, who not only played and won most of their under-13 games, but also stepped into the breach to help out Grace Williams, the only girl in the under-17s. Both Hannah and Sarah rose to the challenge and very nearly beat several of their older and more experienced opponents. The whole event was played in fantastic sporting spirit and everyone seemed to enjoy it.Congratulations to the whole team: under 13s: Ben Powell, Dan Bisson, Hannah Domhof and Sarah Hunt; under-17s: Rob Walkden, Harry Williams and Grace Williams.Thanks to coach, Huw Hennessy, who gave the children his full support and plenty of encouragement.Team scores: Sidmouth v Colyton: won 220-190pts; Sidmouth v Ottery: lost 152-201pts; Sidmouth v Isca: won 234-149pts. The next tournament is on Saturday, January 17, at Exeter (venue to be confirmed).Sidmouth Juniors from left, back row: Rob Walkden, Harry Williams, Hannah Domhof, Sarah Hunt; front row: Grace Williams, Ben Powell, Dan Bisson.