After a dramatic promotion last year the Bucks under 18 county cup team were playing in division 2 in Redbridge this year. The squad selected for the 3 days was Owen Richards, Tom Miller, Akash Kansagra, James Gammell, Jamie McKinnon, Khushal Kansagra, Jack Mordey and Gavin McKinley. Nick Rennie and James Blane were the non travelling reserves.
The first day saw Bucks taking on the home side Essex. The singles were very tightly fought and left the score tied at 3-3 after wins for Tom Miller and the Kansagra brothers. Unfortunately Essex just edged the doubles to take the match 5-4.
On the Second day the team faced Lancashire. Not only was the Lancashire team twice the size of the Bucks team but amongst their ranks they boasted 6 full time players. The boys battled hard all day long but were soundly beaten 8-1. Tom Miller provided our one win with an excellent win against a higher ranked player.
The final day came and a 7-2 was required to prevent relegation. The team were pumped up and fuelled by the unusual snack of raw carrots gave it their best shot. However, the Sussex team were jut too strong for the Bucks boys. The only win we collected was from James Gammell and Gavin Mckinlay who played a great doubles match.
So, we may look back on the first day loss to Essex which proved decisive. But it will be division 3 for the team next year, who will be without Owen Richards, Tom Miller and Jamie Mckinnon who will be too old for the junior competition.
Roll on 2012!