The Essex Ladies Team back in Division 2 after promotion last year were back in Cromer for the Aegon Summer County Cup. The team were: Iva Saric, Aimee Gibson, Sian Green, Olivia Sofroniou, Erica Izatt, Eva Dench, Shannon Newnes, Carys Gilbert and Alex Jones.
On Monday we took on a strong Kent side. Although the team were looking very good, and had a few matches that really could have gone either way, we were beaten 6-3.
Day 2 saw us take on Hampshire and Isle of Wight, who, on paper, looked a weaker side. Essex didn't have much luck again, losing 3 matches that we lead in, and looked comfortable to win.
This trait seemed to continue for the week.
On Wednesday, after a ‘pep talk’ from Captain Darren Rogers and Mandy Wainwright’s support from the side of the court, still saw the Essex ladies fall from winning positions.
Unfortunately after heavy rain round 3 had to be completed on Thursday morning.
We then took on the team in the lead, Norfolk. Again, the Essex ladies performed well, but just couldn't finish the big points when it counted. We sadly lost Alex Jones in round 1, after a pulled hamstring meant she had to retire (after her and Shannon were on the come back) having lost the first set 2-6, winning the second in a tie break and were in the lead in the third.
Norfolk beating us meant they were certain to get promoted.
The forecast was bad for Friday, and we had little to play for as relegation was now certain.
Still, the ladies fought hard with the new combo of Erica Izatt (playing only her second match in senior county cup) and Sian Green won their match. Shannon took a tumble in her match after losing a close 7-5 first set. She was unable to continue having suffered a sprained ankle.
Overall, we were doomed with injuries. Mandy Wainwright (who helped with promotion last year) had broken her finger in the lead up to the event and was unable to play. Eden silva (also a big part of our promotion last year) is recovering from a serious knee injury.
Of the team that travelled 5 played through various injuries, and 2 went home on crutches.!
I can only hope that 2016 sees very little injuries.
I would like to thank the team for a very enjoyable week, although disappointing this time, I look forward to a successful week and promotion next year.
Melanie Hall/Essex Ladies Captain
Full Round Up of Winners and Results