The Bucks 12u team captained by Nigel Willard travelled to West Worthing in Sussex for the 12u county cup.
Facing them were Dorset, Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and Surrey. Our team was Ben Smith (Great Missenden/Halton) 6.1, Jack Chapman (WIN tennis) 6.2, Dylan Smith (Milton Keynes) 7.1 & Matthew Blood (Halton) 7.1.
After a 5 hour journey around the M25 on Friday the team arrived in Worthing, had two hours on the practise courts, dinner and bed.
Up early Saturday and Dorset were the first opponents. Wins for Ben and Jack and a loss for Dylan at 3, meant Ben and Matthew needed to win the doubles in order that the team would play at least in the semi-finals on Sunday. The guys duly delivered in 3 sets. A great win against very dangerous opponents. Next up on Saturday was Kent. Much fancied as they had two players in the top 6 nationally and all 5.2’s. Ben, Jack and Dylan did all they could but were beaten by better players. Jack at 2, took Michael, ranked 50 places higher than him to 3 sets, just losing out 10-6 in the breaker. So to a dead doubles which Jack and Matthew played but were beaten. So a 0-4 loss. Kent was much bigger and physically stronger and that made the difference.
Saturday evening proved that even though our players had fantastic coordination and athleticism, they were collectively useless at ten pin bowling. Matthew bowled like it was a rugby ball and Dylan……well his bowling cannot be described.
On the Sunday the guys faced Surrey featuring British 12u number 1 Jack Draper. Ben played Jack Draper and lost 0 & 2, Jack Chapman took the Surry number 2, ranked 50 places higher than him to 3 sets, just losing out 10-6 in the breaker. Matthew, replacing Dylan for this one was outplayed at 3. So out of the event losing the doubles as well making a 0-4 reverse. Last match of the weekend was Hampshire. Ben was rested so Jack played at 1 losing to national #7 Ryan Hutchinson, Dylan lost 3 & 2 but Matthew prevailed in a third set breaker to take the tie to the doubles. Matthew and Dylan missed several opportunities in the doubles and just lost. A great game that didn’t finish until 7pm.
So the team finished 4th. What did we learn? It’s very tough against bigger, stronger, older players. We must take our opportunities and challenge our opponents more and not be frightened to fail. Also getting 11 year old boys to shower is a challenge.
A great team effort. Thanks to the players and parents for their support. We arrived back at 11pm, tired but proud.