After a long bus journey we finally arrived at our hotel in Cambridge. We had a brief team talk before heading off for an early night to prepare for the battling ahead!!
On Friday morning we woke up fresh and ready for the day with high spirits and excitement! There was some great tactical play and skill throughout the day along with the constant support from the side line. Unfortunately we narrowly lost to Essex 6-3 losing 2 of the doubles in adrenalin pumping tiebreaks! Later we regrouped and went out for a meal at Frankie and Benny’s.
After breakfast on Saturday we had a team talk from Captains, Elly and Sarah leaving us feeling enthusiastic whilst our high spirits had not been defeated from the previous day. It was a tough day ahead vs Cambridge with many 3 set matches where Avon showed their true determination and stamina grinding through with a 5-4 win. Later that evening we were off to Bella Italia where we came across the catapult ride which some members of the team seemed to be mesmerized by, trying to build up the courage to have a go! Fortunately health and safety got in the way!!!
It was our final day and we knew it was going to be a make or break day! Up against Devon there were some very close battles, but the Avon team triumphed in the end with an 8-1 win due to our incredible support from the sideline encouraging the players through their matches and intense mental plan. Within the team there was a strong sense of pride and teamwork.
Team: Laura Sainsbury, Maria Budin, Claudia Hallsworth, Lizzie Burton, Brodie Walker, Hayley James, Stephanie Allen & Brigit Folland
Team Captains: Elly Shearman & Sarah Thomas
Report by Laura Sainsbury