The Avon Road to Wimbledon County Finals took place over the weekend of 5th/6th July, with clubs and schools from across the county represented by players aged 14 & Under who had won their local event. Kings LTC in Bristol, hosted the event, allowing it’s courts and other facilities to be used for the weekend and providing a welcoming atmosphere for players and their supporters alike. Winners of both the Boys and Girls events in the County Finals are invited to play in the National Finals, held at the All England Club, Wimbledon, 11th – 18th August.
The first round of the boys event saw some close matches and unexpected results, although all but one of the seeded players made it through to the 2nd round, with Anthony Hayward (Bishop Sutton TC) making a good run into the Quarterfinals. Two more seeds fell in the Quarterfinals thanks to strong performances from Louis Reynolds (Colstons School) and Niall Bowen (Bath LTC). A continued strong performance from Lois Reynolds saw him into the final to play his school friend and No 1 seed Sam Godden (Sodbury TC). The boys battled through some long rallies and close games but it was Sam Godden who eventually came through to win the event 6-3 6-4.
It was good to see a full draw in the Girl’s event for the first time in several years and some close matches made the event enjoyable for players and spectators alike. Sadly 2nd seed Freya Hollowood (Backwell) had to retire early in her first match due to an ankle injury and with Abigail Rees-Jones beating the Number 1 seed in the quarterfinal it was two unseeded players that contested the final. Connie Brophy played a strong match in the semifinal but it was Abigail Rees-Jones who proved the stronger player on the day and she eventually won the final 6-2 6-1.
In the Boys Consolation Draw the winner was William O’Malley (Backwell) and the runner-up William Cockram (Chew Valley School).
Avon LTA President Tony Barker presented the trophies and prizes at the end of the tournament.
Results:
Boys Main Draw Final: Samuel Godden (1) bt. Louis Reynolds, , 6-3 6-4 .
Boys 3/4 Place Playoff: Niall Bowen bt Sam Morris 6-4 2-6 1-0(8).
Girls Main Draw Final: Abigail Rees-Jones bt Connie Brophy, , 6-2 6-1 .
Girls 3/4 Place Playoff: Chelsea Payne (1) bt. Eloise Mathews, , 6-1 6-2 .
Boys Consolation Final: William O’Malley bt. William Cockram 6-3 6-0.