%20resized%20_0_175x-.jpeg)
It was always going to be a tough group, but in the end we were only one rubber on each of two days short of winning the whole event!
Monday against Surrey was extremely disappointing as at 4-4 in rubbers, Essex led in the final rubber 5-3 and 30-0 with serve. Good performance with two rubbers for Tom and Marsh.
Tuesday was a real rollercoaster with being 2-1 down at lunch to Kent. Rob Carter was substituted with sunstroke and Henry Patten came in to play superbly and back up the best player of the week Rich Wire. We drew level by tea at 3-3 and then an excellent performance by all three pairs to win the last round and run out 6-3 victors.
On Wednesday we faced the mighty Herts who had won on Monday and Tuesday and typically one of their best players George Copeland turned up to strengthen their team against Essex. It was a hard fought match but Herts ran out eventual 5-4 winners.
Thursday was a very close game against Derbyshire with three good wins from Richard and Rob, two from Ryan and Henry and an excellent performance by Simon Harston in pulling through with Marsh in the 3rd round to secure a 6-3 victory.
Friday we tackled South Wales who were still trying very hard despite already being relegated. The match stopped at 5-1 to Essex as the existing mathematics at the time meant we could not catch Herts and Kent, but were significantly ahead of Surrey, Derbyshire and South Wales.
I had much help throughout the week from Peter French and the support that Essex had was wonderful.
Having achieved a credible 3rd, I genuinely believe it is possible to do even better next year.
The team spirit was superb and I have been very touched by all of the team members asking me to stay on as Captain.
Eddie Kirtland gave 3 days support in addition to his sponsorship and his value to the team generally should not be underestimated.
Jamie Willson/Mens Captain