On a blazingly hot day, teams from Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Cornwall and the Channel Islands came together to compete in the South West 9 & Under Aegon County Cup Competition.
Devon's team of Dan Mountford, Sammy Broomhead, Tommy Poli, Matthew Rutter, Jessica Hill, Isobel Rutter and Hazel Vernon were captained by Steve Ashton, head coach at Exwick Tennis Club, Exeter.
Debbie Hale, LTA Talent & Performance Co-ordinator for Devon & Cornwall, was there to cheer the teams on.
Devon were up against Cornwall in the first round narrowly missing out by going down 4-5 to the competition favourites. From there on in Devon saw off tough competition from Dorset, the Channel Islands and won a tense match against close rivals Somerset. The victory over Somerset secured them the runner up position behind winners Cornwall.
After a day of fantastic tennis, team captain Steve Ashton said, “It was an absolute pleasure to captain the 9 & Under County Cup Team this season, the competition was tough and the support from parents and players was outstanding. The players have done Devon proud."
Debbie Hale, LTA Talent Performance co-ordinator for Devon & Cornwall, said, " With a strong performance by all to take the match against Somerset 5-4, narrowly missing out 4-5 in the first rubber to Cornwall was the difference between 1st and 2nd place for Devon in the end.
It was a great honour to be part of the teams' success today. Previously Devon have finished much lower in the regional group so to finish 2nd today is a result of the support we have been able to give to players, coaches and parents and the hard work put in by all concerned. Thanks also to Steve for his enthusiastic and motivational captaincy."