The Cornwall Youth Badminton Under-15 team, sponsored by Dairy Crest Davidstow, got their 2008-09 campaign under way with a trip to Bristol's St Ursulas School.
With ten debutante caps in the squad against a strong Avon outfit, it was always going to be a tough encounter.
However, there were many fantastic performances, with displays of outstanding badminton from the inexperienced visitors.
In the singles, Lee Chapple moved in to the No.1 berth, and in no way looked out of place with a superb three-ender against a formidable opponent, which eventually went Avon's way.
Kris Jasper secured a comfortable victory in his first-ever county match, and also claimed his mixed doubles contest, partnering Flora Cecil, to complete a very successful day.
Rachel Collard and Flora Cecil also won their singles matches in impressive style.
The boys' doubles went Avon's way 7-2, while the girls faired slightly better, just losing out 5-4.
Kynan Clarke and Chris Grout gelled well to pick up a game, as did Lee Chappel and Tony Marshall, with Ben Cooper and Jack Kendall just missing out in a nail-biting decider.
Beth Wotton and Charlotte Somerville bagged two results, with Charlotte returning after injury.
Flora Cecil and Stacey Pascoe, along with Emma Higson and Abi Logg also recorded a match apiece.
Meanwhile, in the mixed doubles competition, Cornwall went down 5-1.
The final score was 26-10 to Avon, but the match was played with spirit and sportsmanship and there were many good performances from the Duchy players, which bodes well for the future.
The Player of the Match accolade was awarded jointly to Jasper (two wins out of two matches) and Cecil (three out of five).
Chappel and Imogen Powell were named as joint captains – and Imogen, who is currently injured, was there supporting her team all the way.
Cornwall Under-15s (at Avon) – boys: Lee Chapple (Gulval) captain, Tony Marshall (Bude), Ben Cooper (Ponsanooth), Kynan Clarke (St Austell), Jack Kendall (Ponsanooth), Kris Jasper (Launceston), and Chris Grout (Launceston); girls: Bethany Wotton (Leedstown), Stacey Pascoe (St Day), Emma Higson (Padstow), Rachel Collard (Callington), Hannah Robertson (Callington), Flora Cecil (Flushing), Charlotte Somerville (Mevagissey), Abigail Logg (Launceston), and Imogen Powell (Lowertown) captain.