The weekend of 1st and 2nd June saw our 10&U boys play at Sunderland Tennis Centre.
Anne Clayton, team captain, has written this report:
"We went from being very wet and cold on Saturday morning to putting sun cream on in the afternoon; typical English weather.
"They started off their campaign all positive and raring to go against South of Scotland, singles No 3 Harry Cookson, and No 2 Joel Woodward, got us off to a good start both winning. Joel had a close match winning 10-6 in the match tiebreak and Cameron, our No1, then had a tough match and only just lost 10-8 in the 3rd set match tiebreak, which made the score 2-1 and all to play for in the doubles.
"Cameron and Jamie, all pumped up, gave us a good win 4-2, 4-2 to secure the match 3-1.
"Up next was North of Scotland and with the same team we won all 3 singles, Cameron having a tough singles at No1 and winning in 3 sets. Even though we had won the match the boys from both teams went on and produced a very entertaining doubles match, we lost in 3 sets.
"To celebrate a good day we all went out on the way home for a bite to eat, a bit of team building and socialising which was an excellent night.
"Having won our group on Saturday this put us into the semi finals against West of Scotland. Keeping the same team the No 1 and 2’s went on first but the top 2 for West of Scotland were too strong and both our players lost in 2 sets. Harry was next on hoping to keep our match alive and he won the 1st set 4-1 but lost the 2nd set 2-4. However, he then composed himself and went onto play a brilliant tiebreak winning 10-1, keeping us in the match with the doubles to come. Cameron and Jamie put up a good fight but lost 5-3, 4-0.
"We then played for 3rd / 4th place coming up again against North of Scotland again.
"I changed the team round with Cameron, Harry and Jamie playing the singles.
"Cameron put in a good performance learning from his match the day before having only won in 3, and this time had an easy win over the same opponent.. Harry and Jamie both also won. The doubles again was a good match but North of Scotland won that one, but we had won the match 3-1.
"All in all a good weekend the team finishing a very good 3rd.
Quotes from the boys:
Jamie's quote:
"It has been a great experience playing for the Durham & Cleveland County Cup team and I was very pleased to have been chosen to play. We had some tough teams to compete against but feel we played well as a team. I especially enjoyed playing in the doubles matches. It has been a fun weekend with a great atmosphere. I can only learn from the experience and appreciate the opportunity."
Cameron's quote:|
"It was an honour to play for the Durham & Cleveland team this weekend as their No.1 seed. I enjoyed every minute. The carvery wasn't bad either!"
Harry’s quote:
"It was an amazing experience, playing with a lovely team, competing in a county tournament and having an excellent coach without whom I wouldn’t have won my match with West Scotland!"