IT was tough on Sam Hingston, being the only U14 boy from either Bere Alston or Horrabridge Junior Badminton Clubs in the annual Plymouth and District Junior Badminton Tournament. Sam played his heart out in the singles to win his group and a tough semi-final to come up against a county ranked player in the final. In a hard fought final Sam was certainly not discredited, only losing by a few points. In the girls U14's the four players from Bere Alston/Horrabridge found themselves playing against their own doubles partners in the group stages of the singles competition. Rebecca Eldridge beat her partner Claire Frazer for the first time ever and Emma Northey overcame her doubles partner Olivia Hodge. Though none of the four girls made it through to the knockout stages, Rebecca showed her promise by coming runner up in her group. In the girls U14 doubles only four pairs entered and again it was pressure on the two Bere Alston/Horrabridge pairings when they had to face each other on court in an American tournament. In the end it was Rebecca and Claire who claimed the victory and the runners up trophies. The mixed doubles event is the only event which is purely U18 so young players can find themselves up against seasoned mixed doubles players. Claire Frazer partnered Sam Hingston for the first time in a mixed doubles event and Claire found out in the first three points how difficult it was going to be. Their game skill improved after that and Claire learned quickly. David Wright partnered Megan Farmer and they played well in the round robin section but came up against an experienced pairing. James David partnered Katie McNaughton and, being a scratch pairing, they found the games tough but gave a good account. Abi Maunder partnered Peter Egan and won their group comfortably to took their place deservedly in the final against an experienced Cornish pairing. Although Abi and Peter took the final to a third end they just lost out.