U12 Girls County Qualifying at North Oxford report written by Caroline Care
Saturday 27th June
Match 1 – Buckinghamshire v Oxfordshire 0-4
Match 2 – Buckinghamshire v Hertfordshire 0-4
Cannot believe the weather for the Saturday, the sun is shining.
Had a really tough first day unfortunately not winning a match, although Amelia worked really hard in her first match and in the 1st set struggled to find her rhythm, hitting too many balls out, this did improve in the 2nd set but just could not convert. Sofia also found it tough in her 1st match rushing her serve and not moving forwards on her ground strokes, but this did improve in the 2nd set and hit some great winners, but again was not consistent enough. Ellie fought really hard in her match, did attack better in the 2nd set and created more opportunities to win the point. All the girls in their 2nd match against Herts did fight for every point but unfortunately we were overpowered on the serve, return and rallies, could not fault their effort and in both doubles they also were out played.
Sunday 28th June
Match 1 – Buckinghamshire v Middlesex 0-4
Match 2 – Buckinghamshire v Berkshire 3-1
The weather did it again rain!!!!! Had a rain delay until 11.30 am. The girls entertained themselves with Sam Starts Selfie stick (Sam all the gear and no idea)!!!! Girls had to show us how to work it. Also played UNO, which did keep us entertained and TRUTH OR DARE!!!
Amelia had chances in both sets to get much closer, but hit too many balls short. Bethan worked really hard in her 1st match and ran for everything, but was out hit and could not find that final ball. Ellie in her match played really well in the 1st set and did create a set point, but could not convert and did not reach the same level of tennis she produced in the 2nd set. In the doubles Ellie and Amelia played a great 1st set winning this 4-1, but could not sustain their level in the second set going down 1-4 and then losing the tie break 10-2, could not fault their effort.
We definitely left the best until last with Amelia having a tough match and some great long rallies a worked really hard on every point, but just could not convert the game points, eventually losing 3-5. 2-4. Both Bethan and Sofia played two great matches. Bethan rattled through the 1st set, then started to lose her way in the 2nd, but pulled herself together after being 2-1 down to win the set 4-2. Sofia played really well to win her match, serving really well and opening up the court and converting her opportunities. We were now 2-1 up after the singles, so needing the doubles for a hard fought win. Bethan and Sofia played a really good positive 1st set taking this 4-2. The 2nd set was a much closer, but managed to take the tie break (7-5). Well done.
Thank you to all the Bucks U12 Girls Team Amelia, Bethan, Sofia and Ellie and for their commitment and support over the 2 days. Also a big thank you to all the parents for their support and for Sam Start for her very very vocal support over the 2 days.
Caroline Care