Cornwall Youth encouraging despite defeat by Devon

CORNWALL are still looking for their first victory of the season in the Southern Counties Youth League, after they were defeated by Devon, but there were some encouraging performances to suggest that success is not that far away.

In the first encounter of the Under 18s contest, Cornwall’s Ryan Hollow won the first point of the match when he defeated Pacey Large, despite the Devon marksman coming from behind on two occasions, which included an outshot of 101, to level at 2-2, only to lose the fifth and deciding leg.

Cornwall doubled their advantage when Lucas Hutchings (17.49) emerged a 3-1 winner before Owen Bates (21.15) reduced the deficit when winning 3-1, aided by a 21-dart leg which he finished with a kill of 118.

Luis Green (20.31) brought the two sides level when he won the fourth set in three straight legs, only for Cornwall to edge in front once more when Jaden Whitting (17.88) emerged a winner, after being taken the full five legs.

But two 3-0 wins for both Jordan Grimshaw (18.33) and Kyle Grant (13.66) enabled Devon to go into the lead for the first time at 4-3.

Courtney Hancock (18.09) gave a good account of herself at the start of the ladies’ match and emerged a 3-1 winner after taking the fourth and decisive leg in 19.

But two victories from Rhea Winsor (15.24) and Emma Leverett (14.36) that both went the full distance, enabled Devon to inflict on Cornwall ladies, their first defeat of the campaign.

Curtis Green and Kieran Peak both won 3-0 with identical averages of 21.17 at the start of the Under 21 match to ensure Devon of an overall victory but Cornwall still battled on.

Owen Dunstan (pictured above) pulled one back with Cornwall’s top average of 20.60, his best leg being taken in 18, aided by back to back scores of 140, while Zack Griffiths (14.38) also won 3-1 before Sam Palmer (18.31) claimed the last point of the match which gave Devon a 9-6 winning scoreline.