Cumbria's 10U boys County Cup team travelled to Sheffield the first weekend in June to battle it out with Northumberland, Isle of Man, Yorkshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire.
The team consisted of James Griffin, Billy Blaydes, Alex Dalton and Liam Short, with Jon Griffin captaining. Jon's report of the event is below:
"I would like to start this report by commenting on all 6 of the players who have taken part in the U10 County Training Programme this year. The boy`s attendance at the 6 training sessions was a staggering 97% with all players working hard and been attentive during session`s. The work rate in these sessions and the fact the same boys trained together for the Under 9 event the previous year meant that the boys had a tremendous team spirit and were a real credit to the County both on and off court.
"Going into the event I thought Cumbria had a good chance of winning Group H but equally Yorkshire & Cheshire would feel the same.
DAY ONE
"Cumbria were placed in a sub group with Northumberland and the Isle of Man with the top two teams due to go through to the semi finals on day two.
Cumbria v Northumberland 8 – 0 Victory
"A comfortable victory for Cumbria with all matches won for the loss of 10 games. James won 4-1, 4-2, Billy won 4-1, 5-3, Alex won 4-2, 4-1 then James and Billy won the doubles losing hardly any points never mind games!
Cumbria v Isle of Man 8 – 0 Victory
"Another comfortable win for Cumbria Boys meaning day one had been a great success. James won 4-0, 4-0, Billy won 4-2, 4-2, Alex won 4-1, 4-2 and then we gave Alex & Liam a run out in the doubles and they won 5-4, 4-2. The only downside of the day was Cheshire beating Yorkshire on a Tie-break shoot out meaning we would play Yorkshire in the semi final who we felt would be the tougher match.
DAY TWO
"We felt if we could beat Yorkshire then we would also win the final. Yorkshire had a very good number one but then 3 other solid players but we felt if we could get one rubber from the singles (two would have been a bonus) then James/Billy could take the doubles.
"James lost a high quality match 2-4, 2-4 but Billy showed great fighting spirit to win 0-4, 4-1, 10-3 whilst Alex lost 4-0, 4-0 to a more experienced tournament player. James/Billy then played a tactically perfect doubles match winning 4-2, 4-1 making the match a tie so we had a tie-break doubles shoot out for a place in the final. Unfortunately despite having 6 match points it was not to be and we lost 13-11 and went into a 3rd/4th place play off. So close and yet so far!
PLAY OFF v Northumberland 6 – 0 Victory
"The players did a professional job and dispatched Northumberland again with consummate ease. James won 4-1, 4-0, Billy won 4-1, 4-2 and Liam won 4-1, 5-3. There was no need to play the doubles.
Conclusion
"As Team Captain I have to say I have been delighted by the professionalism of the Cumbrian Boys and attitude to training all year round which culminated in a very enjoyable weekend for all. A special mention to the parents to say thank you for your help, support and kind comments.
"We ended up disappointed at not reaching the National Finals but the grouping was tough. All three matches where Cumbria/Yorkshire/Cheshire played against each other ended with a tie-break shoot out.
"All in all the boys were a credit to the County both on and off court and should be proud of their achievements."
Jon Griffin
U10 Team Captain