Thanks to Tarka Tennis Centre and the AEGON GB Pro Series, the County had the pleasure of being able to hold a 16 & Under Girls Winter County Tour on the AEGON GB Pro Series finals day in Barnstaple, thus giving young girls the opportunity to play alongside some of the top international players and to watch the finals.
Devon's Beth Matthews, the winner of the Winter County Tour, said, "It was a privilege to be able to play on the court next to the final of the AEGON GB Pro Series in Barnstaple. I was able to see the finalists practise and prepare for their matches. It made me realise how fit you have to be to play tennis at a professional level.
The doubles final was first, which was a very fast, exciting match to watch. The most noticeable part of the match was the partner's communication. They talked between each point and were very supportive of each other.
In the singles the quality of the tennis was amazing. The rallies lasted for ever and Eleni Daniilidou and Annika Beck moved really fast around the court. During my final, I was in a set tie-break and at one point the score was the same as Eleni and Annika's set tie-break!
I really enjoyed the excitement of the day with the loud music and buzz of the atmosphere. I was proud to be included in the presentation ceremony to receive my winners medal from the LTA in front of hundreds of tennis fans. I then had photos taken with the finalists who were really friendly and apparently saw a bit of my match!"
The other girls who took part the Winter County Tour were Rutendo and Tina Gwaze from Winchester, Cornwall's Agatha Evans and Bethany Cole, Tarka players Amber Lowe and Bethany Nash and twins Amber and Aisling Massey from Tavistock.
See the results here