Firstly, the shocking news broke on Sunday 8th July at 4.45 pm that Declan Moran had broken his ankle. We were a ‘man down’ for the weekend. Themis Bower was waiting in the wings to join the travelling team. We had a very long drive up to Bolton (5.5 hours) in dreadful weather but we made it in time for practice courts booked for 5pm. One hours good practice then straight to the hotel and a quick dip in the pool before dinner.
We had an early start on Saturday morning, pre-match practice at the indoor area from 8.30am and ready to play at 10am. We had a very tough draw first round against South Wales and all the boys were somewhat overwhelmed by the occasion. After the post match debriefing they were ready to play Essex next. All the boys performed very very well and fought so hard throughout the tie. The opposition were extremely strong. It was a very long day and we left the tennis centre at 8.30pm! After all that work on the Saturday we were still without our first win of the weekend, but we were still in good spirits and wanted to rest before the massive challenge of Surrey on the Sunday morning.
Sunday proved to be a massive wake up call for team – Surrey were very strong. Joe Leather played Jack Draper and although he played the name in the first set fought so hard in the second, going up a break of serve to be 2-1 up and 40-15 on his serve. Was the first win coming for the boys this weekend? Sadly Jack then played some amazing tennis, but Joe gave it his all. Joe Partridge was next. He played his heart out but was totally outgunned by the opposition. He chased everything down running a marathon through the match!!!! Still searching for that first win of the weekend. Tom Batchelor next on! Again great fight in the first set but went down 0-4. Quiet chat with Tom at the end of the first set!!!!!! Second set Tom played some magical tennis and even the Surrey Captain saying OMG!! Championship tie-break next, Tom had a blistering start going 8-3 up but then ran out of steam in the end going down 9-11. An outstanding performance though. Doubles now and everyone was supporting the boys. Themis Bower and Joe Leather fighting again but playing a very talented doubles partnership.
I would like to say a big thank you to Joe L, Joe P, Tom, and Themis for supporting each other throughout the weekend and becoming a real team. Also thanks to Elly for looking after the boys ‘off court’ throughout the weekend with their match preparations.
Report by Team Captain: Scott Dobson