The Devon boys team consisting of Matthew Rutter, Jed Platts, Sebastian Stanbury-Flood and Sammy Broomhead and coach Simon Huddart had a very exciting weekend at the 10 & Under Aegon County Cup.
Day one saw the team finish in second place in Group B after defeating Somerset 8-0 but losing to Avon by the same score line. Devon dropped only three games against Somerset in a comfortable victory. This was followed by defeat to a strong Avon team, boasting James Vincent, who were able to defeat us without dropping a set. We headed back to the hotel for a "friendly" game of football before dinner, which ended up going to a penalty shootout (winners will not be mentioned as the coach was not on the winning team!). After dinner at Frankie and Benny's it was time for some rest and to regroup in the hope of getting past Group A winners Gloucestershire in the morning and earning another shot at Avon.
The morning of day two was a tense affair and two long matches both went the way of Devon with Matt Rutter showing great composure to regroup after losing the second set to come back and win the match tiebreak against the Gloucester number one. Sebastian Stanbury-Flood followed by toughing out a win in two tie break sets at number two. Sammy Broomhead couldn't gain the momentum in his match and lost in two sets to set up a decisive doubles rubber. Matt and Sammy then produced a fantastic performance to win in two sets and send Devon through to the final. The Bryan brothers chest bump celebration at the end of the doubles was enjoyed by all!
Devon met Avon again in the final and vastly improved on the previous days efforts. Matt put in a good display against James Vincent but couldn't capitalise on a 2-0 lead in the second set eventually going down 4-0 4-2. Sammy's opponent was also too strong for him losing 4-1 4-1. However Sebastian Stanbury-Flood was able to frustrate his opponent and put too many balls back in court to pick up a fantastic win against Avon No.2 Henry Thomas in three sets. Matt and Sammy teamed up again for the decisive doubles and the loss of three games on sudden death deuce in the first set proved crucial with Avon going on to clinch the win and a 6-2 victory.
Well done to all involved for a great team effort and supporting each other so well over the weekend. Next year let’s see if Devon can go one better!